($1,086) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Las Vegas, NV
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,415 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Las Vegas, Nevada, will run you about $1,086 to $1,698. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Las Vegas to Des Moines car shipping guide.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
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The best Des Moines to Las Vegas car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Des Moines to Las Vegas:
- 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
- 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 Des Moines
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in 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
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 NV
If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas, 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 several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 1,415-mile journey from Des Moines to Las Vegas could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Iowa to Nevada 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 Las Vegas. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Las Vegas, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Des Moines to Las Vegas car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Las Vegas, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Des Moines to Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas, 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 Las Vegas will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 1,415 miles from Des Moines to Las Vegas will cost more than a shorter move within Iowa.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Des Moines and Las Vegas can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Las Vegas has extremely hot summers; warm transitional seasons; and short winters with mild days and cool nights. June through September are extremely hot, though moderated by extremely low humidity. Las Vegas winters are short and generally very mild, with chilly (but rarely cold) daytime temperatures. Be sure to check your weather app during July as it is the hottest month in Las Vegas.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Des Moines to Las Vegas during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,415 miles between Des Moines and Las Vegas, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Des Moines to Las Vegas usually takes three–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Des Moines and Las Vegas 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.
- Las Vegas: Out-of-state commercial vehicles are required to obtain a permit to operate in Nevada. Vehicles registered for Nevada under the International Registration Plan (IRP) do not need a permit. Commercial vehicles based in other states but doing business in Nevada must obtain a Nonresident Business Permit. A Nonresident Business Permit is required for each vehicle operated within the State of Nevada. The permit is not transferable and non-refundable. Businesses must obtain the permit(s) within 10 days of commencement of operations. The Nonresident Business Permit expires one year from the date of issuance. All applications must be completed in person.
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.
- Las Vegas: Nevada law mandates drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage, ensuring financial responsibility in case of accidents. Stay compliant for legal and financial protection.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Las Vegas: The State of Nevada requires yearly vehicle emissions and VIN tests.
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.
- Las Vegas: To obtain a driver's license in Nevada as a new resident, you must apply for it in-person at a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency in Nevada.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Las Vegas?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Las Vegas, NV 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 Las Vegas will range from $1,086 to $1,698.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Las Vegas?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,415 miles from Des Moines to Las Vegas. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Las Vegas?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Las Vegas. 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 Las Vegas?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Las Vegas 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 1,415-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.
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