Iowa to Pennsylvania Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 909 miles from Iowa to Pennsylvania falls between $790 and $1,214. Delivery typically takes two–seven days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Iowa that can relocate your vehicle to Pennsylvania:
- 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 Pennsylvania
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Pennsylvania, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 909 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Pennsylvania. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Iowa to Pennsylvania, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Iowa to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. The average journey covers about 909 miles and takes roughly two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Pennsylvania
| From Iowa to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Philadelphia, PA | $815 – $1,317 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA | $795 – $1,170 | 778 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Erie, PA | $780 – $1,128 | 763 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Allentown, PA | $768 – $1,305 | 1,047 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Reading, PA | $768 – $1,267 | 1,033 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Pennsylvania
| From Iowa to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Philadelphia, PA | $819 – $1,296 | 989 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Pittsburgh, PA | $721 – $1,106 | 692 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Erie, PA | $758 – $1,022 | 677 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Allentown, PA | $797 – $1,249 | 961 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Reading, PA | $775 – $1,213 | 947 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Pennsylvania
| From Iowa to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Philadelphia, PA | $774 – $1,274 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Pittsburgh, PA | $696 – $939 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Erie, PA | $688 – $989 | 597 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Allentown, PA | $805 – $1,261 | 881 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Davenport, IA to Reading, PA | $771 – $1,246 | 867 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Pennsylvania
| From Iowa to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Philadelphia, PA | $885 – $1,411 | 1,253 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Pittsburgh, PA | $797 – $1,175 | 955 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Erie, PA | $798 – $1,164 | 940 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Allentown, PA | $913 – $1,397 | 1,224 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Reading, PA | $940 – $1,383 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Pennsylvania
| From Iowa to Pennsylvania | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Philadelphia, PA | $821 – $1,261 | 965 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Pittsburgh, PA | $724 – $1,071 | 667 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Erie, PA | $753 – $1,019 | 652 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Allentown, PA | $806 – $1,213 | 936 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Reading, PA | $751 – $1,274 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Pennsylvania
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Iowa to Pennsylvania, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $988–$1,518.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Pennsylvania
Transporting your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Keystone State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Pennsylvania than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Pennsylvania spans approximately 909 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- 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: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Iowa and Pennsylvania and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.
Pennsylvania vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Pennsylvania, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- Driver’s license: When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
- Additional taxes: New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
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 Pennsylvania
About 13.0 million people are living in the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Pennsylvania?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Pennsylvania, 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.
When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Pennsylvania?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Pennsylvania is about 909 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Iowa to Pennsylvania.
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.
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Pennsylvania?
When moving to Pennsylvania, you will need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and pass a written test, a vision test and a road test. You may also be required to surrender your out-of-state license.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Pennsylvania after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Pennsylvania after purchasing it.
New residents must apply for PA title and registration of their vehicle within 20 days of moving to PA, and must surrender the out-of-state title to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when doing so.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Pennsylvania to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Pennsylvania costs $790 to $1,214.
