($807) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Durham, NC
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,089 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Durham, North Carolina, generally falls between $807 and $1,291. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham to Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Durham car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Des Moines to Durham:
- 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 Des Moines
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Des Moines, IA:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 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
Mr. Car Shipper
1620 Wilshire Dr Suite 300, Bellevue, NE 68005 US mrcarshipper.com3.56 / 5.0
Mr. Car Shipper offers efficient and reliable car transport services, with many customers praising their timely delivery and professional drivers. However, several reviews highlight concerns regarding poor communication and delays in scheduling, resulting in frustration and logistical issues for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2310535
Auto Driveaway
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
autodriveaway.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
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.
Car shipping alternatives from IA to NC
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Durham, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Des Moines to Durham, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,089-mile drive from Des Moines to Durham into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Iowa to North Carolina is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Des Moines to Durham. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Durham, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Des Moines to Durham car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Des Moines to Durham, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Des Moines to Durham, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Durham, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Des Moines. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Durham will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,089 miles from Des Moines to Durham is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Iowa.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Des Moines and Durham.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Des Moines to Durham during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,089-mile distance between Des Moines and Durham and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Des Moines to Durham takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Des Moines and Durham vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Des Moines: special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.
- Durham: You do not need a parking permit for a moving truck in Durham. However, you may double check by calling the city. You should also be sure to check if your neighborhood, HOA, or building have any rules that you should know about for moving day.
Car insurance requirements
- Des Moines: 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.
- Durham: 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 inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Durham: 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
- Des Moines: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Durham: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Durham?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Durham, NC varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Durham will range from $807 to $1,291.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Durham?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,089 miles from Des Moines to Durham. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Durham?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Durham. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Des Moines to Durham?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Durham than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,089-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
