Iowa to Michigan Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 579 miles from Iowa to Michigan ranges from $696 to $963. Expect the trip to take around one–six days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Michigan to Iowa car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Iowa to Michigan car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Iowa to Michigan:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Iowa
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Michigan:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Aaall States Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.5 / 5.0
While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2230973
Nimble Inc
910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US
nimbleinc.net
3.5 / 5.0
Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2245757
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to Michigan
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Michigan, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 579 miles on your car going from Iowa to Michigan. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Michigan is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Iowa to Michigan auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Iowa and Michigan. The trip typically spans 579 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Michigan
| From Iowa to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Detroit, MI | $703 – $963 | 599 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Grand Rapids, MI | $645 – $834 | 494 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Warren, MI | $670 – $961 | 607 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Sterling Heights, MI | $712 – $1,020 | 611 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Ann Arbor, MI | $693 – $962 | 557 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Michigan
| From Iowa to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Detroit, MI | $667 – $882 | 512 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Grand Rapids, MI | $584 – $760 | 408 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Warren, MI | $622 – $847 | 520 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Sterling Heights, MI | $610 – $838 | 524 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Ann Arbor, MI | $584 – $877 | 470 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Michigan
| From Iowa to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Detroit, MI | $619 – $840 | 432 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Grand Rapids, MI | $511 – $748 | 328 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Warren, MI | $631 – $798 | 444 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Sterling Heights, MI | $619 – $864 | 448 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Ann Arbor, MI | $566 – $735 | 394 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Michigan
| From Iowa to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Detroit, MI | $797 – $1,116 | 776 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Grand Rapids, MI | $718 – $1,063 | 671 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Warren, MI | $797 – $1,104 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Sterling Heights, MI | $781 – $1,162 | 788 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Ann Arbor, MI | $765 – $1,055 | 734 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Michigan
| From Iowa to Michigan | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Detroit, MI | $657 – $851 | 488 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Grand Rapids, MI | $549 – $805 | 383 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Warren, MI | $607 – $860 | 496 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Sterling Heights, MI | $610 – $847 | 500 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Ann Arbor, MI | $607 – $831 | 446 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Michigan
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Iowa to Michigan, the price usually falls between $870 and $1,204.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Michigan
When arranging car transport from the Hawkeye State to the Wolverine State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Michigan than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Iowa to Michigan involves roughly 579 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Iowa more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Iowa and Michigan.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes one–six days, while expedited service costs more.
Michigan vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Michigan, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Driver’s license: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
- Additional taxes: In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Iowa
More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Transporting your vehicle to Michigan
About 10.0 million people are living in the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Michigan?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Michigan.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Michigan?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Michigan, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Michigan, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Michigan?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Michigan is about 579 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Iowa to Michigan.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Michigan?
Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Michigan after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Michigan after purchasing it.
In Michigan, a 6% sales tax is imposed on all vehicle purchases.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Michigan to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Michigan?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Michigan is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to Michigan?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Michigan costs $696 to $963.
