Iowa to Tennessee Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 705 miles from Iowa to Tennessee usually costs between $815 and $1,073. Transit time is about one–six days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Tennessee 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 Tennessee car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Iowa to Tennessee:
- 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
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Iowa can deliver your vehicle to Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Iowa to Tennessee, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
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 705 extra miles on your car to travel from Iowa to Tennessee. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Iowa to Tennessee. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Iowa to Tennessee auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Iowa and Tennessee. The trip typically spans 705 miles and takes about one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Tennessee
| From Iowa to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA to Nashville, TN | $790 – $1,092 | 655 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Memphis, TN | $731 – $1,007 | 617 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Clarksville, TN | $738 – $1,079 | 603 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Knoxville, TN | $846 – $1,180 | 830 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Des Moines, IA to Chattanooga, TN | $818 – $1,145 | 776 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Tennessee
| From Iowa to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Nashville, TN | $679 – $1,049 | 591 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Memphis, TN | $662 – $998 | 551 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Clarksville, TN | $692 – $957 | 546 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Knoxville, TN | $794 – $1,175 | 744 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Cedar Rapids, IA to Chattanooga, TN | $776 – $1,152 | 720 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Tennessee
| From Iowa to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA to Nashville, TN | $712 – $928 | 541 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Memphis, TN | $645 – $975 | 547 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Clarksville, TN | $643 – $892 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Davenport, IA to Knoxville, TN | $745 – $1,113 | 664 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Davenport, IA to Chattanooga, TN | $798 – $1,081 | 671 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Tennessee
| From Iowa to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA to Nashville, TN | $846 – $1,291 | 831 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Memphis, TN | $754 – $1,186 | 728 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Clarksville, TN | $810 – $1,241 | 787 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Knoxville, TN | $782 – $1,304 | 1,008 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Sioux City, IA to Chattanooga, TN | $821 – $1,272 | 961 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Tennessee
| From Iowa to Tennessee | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IA to Nashville, TN | $732 – $979 | 566 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Memphis, TN | $651 – $957 | 528 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Clarksville, TN | $691 – $942 | 523 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Knoxville, TN | $784 – $1,107 | 719 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Iowa City, IA to Chattanooga, TN | $796 – $1,095 | 696 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Tennessee
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 Tennessee, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,019–$1,341.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Tennessee
If you’re shipping a car from the Hawkeye State to the Volunteer State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- 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 and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Iowa to Tennessee.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Iowa to Tennessee involves roughly 705 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Iowa around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Iowa and Tennessee and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is one–six days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Tennessee vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Tennessee, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- Car insurance requirements: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
- Vehicle inspection: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
- Driver’s license: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
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 Tennessee
About 7.1 million people are living in the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Tennessee?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Tennessee, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Tennessee, 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.
Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Tennessee?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Tennessee is about 705 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Iowa to Tennessee.
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.
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Tennessee?
To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Tennessee after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Tennessee after purchasing it.
When moving to Tennessee, you will be required to pay state income tax and property tax. The state income tax rate in Tennessee is a flat rate of 3%. Property taxes in Tennessee are determined by the county in which the property is located, and can vary widely depending on the area. Additionally, sales tax in Tennessee is 7%, but varies depending on the local area. Some cities and counties in Tennessee also have additional local sales taxes.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Tennessee to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Tennessee?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Shipping a car from Iowa to Tennessee costs $815 to $1,073.
