Iowa to North Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,075 miles from Iowa to North Carolina ranges from $789 to $1,314 and takes two–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina 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 North Carolina car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Iowa to North Carolina:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in Iowa
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Iowa ready to move your vehicle to North Carolina:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 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
Bennett Motor Express
906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436 US
bennettmotorexpressllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 92693
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 North Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Iowa to North Carolina, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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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 1,075 miles on your car going from Iowa to North Carolina. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Iowa to North Carolina. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Iowa to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Iowa and North Carolina. The average journey covers about 1,075 miles and takes roughly two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to North Carolina
| From Iowa to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Charlotte, NC | $797 – $1,314 | 1,060 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC | $877 – $1,415 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Greensboro, NC | $789 – $1,262 | 1,037 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Durham, NC | $781 – $1,288 | 1,089 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Winston-Salem, NC | $838 – $1,262 | 1,011 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to North Carolina
| From Iowa to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Charlotte, NC | $819 – $1,283 | 972 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Raleigh, NC | $854 – $1,314 | 1,024 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Greensboro, NC | $786 – $1,270 | 950 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Durham, NC | $773 – $1,249 | 1,002 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Winston-Salem, NC | $787 – $1,322 | 925 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to North Carolina
| From Iowa to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Charlotte, NC | $786 – $1,308 | 894 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Raleigh, NC | $787 – $1,322 | 944 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Greensboro, NC | $840 – $1,218 | 870 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Durham, NC | $836 – $1,234 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Winston-Salem, NC | $804 – $1,166 | 845 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to North Carolina
| From Iowa to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Charlotte, NC | $957 – $1,537 | 1,239 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Raleigh, NC | $976 – $1,523 | 1,288 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Greensboro, NC | $1,004 – $1,493 | 1,214 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Durham, NC | $937 – $1,508 | 1,266 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Winston-Salem, NC | $921 – $1,415 | 1,188 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to North Carolina
| From Iowa to North Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Charlotte, NC | $861 – $1,272 | 949 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Raleigh, NC | $781 – $1,262 | 1,000 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Greensboro, NC | $820 – $1,208 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Durham, NC | $817 – $1,319 | 977 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Winston-Salem, NC | $812 – $1,196 | 900 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to North Carolina
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Iowa to North Carolina usually runs between $986 and $1,643.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to North Carolina
When arranging car transport from the Hawkeye State to the Tar Heel State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to North Carolina.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to North Carolina spans approximately 1,075 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Iowa in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Iowa and North Carolina may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to North Carolina, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
- Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
- Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
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 North Carolina
About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to North Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to North Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Carolina, 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.
Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to North Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to North Carolina is about 1,075 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Iowa to North Carolina.
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.
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in North Carolina?
New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to North Carolina after purchasing it.
If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to North Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Shipping a car from Iowa to North Carolina costs $789 to $1,314.
