($907) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY

Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,134 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Albany, New York, typically costs between $907 and $1,349. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albany to Des Moines car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Albany car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Des Moines to Albany:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
Best Insurance Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Get a quote (866) 563-0804
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full review
Get a quote (866) 563-0804

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:

  1. A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars

A A All States Auto Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

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

starstarstarstarstar3.56 / 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.

Get a Quote (877) 421-1284

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

Auto Driveaway

3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 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.

Get a Quote (800) 346-2277

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

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 NY

If you’re planning a move from Des Moines to Albany, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

If you’re moving from Des Moines to Albany, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.

Drive your car

There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,134-mile trip from Des Moines to Albany could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.

Use a driving service

You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Iowa to New York, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Des Moines to Albany safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.

Ship your car via train

Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Albany, 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 Albany car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Albany, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are a few ways to ship your car from Des Moines to Albany, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.

Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Albany, our comparison guide can help.

Vehicle size and type

One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Des Moines is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Albany will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.

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 1,134 miles from Des Moines to Albany 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

The time of year and weather conditions in Des Moines and Albany play a major role in determining car shipping rates.

September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

August, June and July are the best months to consider moving into Albany as weather during these months are very favorable. During October to January, Albany experiences a cold weather where it can get snow and rain and could be colder than the rest of the New York States.

For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Albany in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,134-mile trip from Des Moines to Albany, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Des Moines to Albany is two to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.

Comparing Des Moines and Albany 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.
  • Albany: Check with the City of Albany for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Albany.

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.
  • Albany: To register your vehicle in New York, you must have state-issued auto liability insurance meeting minimum requirements $10,000 property damage, $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury/death for one person, $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. Failure to comply may lead to the suspension of both your car registration and New York driver's license. Stay compliant and protected on the road with the required coverage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Albany: If your vehicle was registered in another state that issues an inspection sticker, you have one year from the registration date or until the sticker expires to get a New York State vehicle inspection. If the previous inspection was performed in a jurisdiction that does not issue an inspection sticker, you must get a New York State inspection immediately.

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.
  • Albany: New York residents must obtain a state driver license within 30 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Albany?

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Albany, NY 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 Albany will range from $907 to $1,349.

How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Albany?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,134 miles from Des Moines to Albany. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Albany?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Albany. 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 Albany?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Albany 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 1,134-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.

Helpful Des Moines resources