($745) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Dallas, TX
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 696 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Dallas, Texas, generally falls between $745 and $1,045. 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 Dallas 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 Dallas car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Des Moines to Dallas:
- 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 Des Moines
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based 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
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 TX
Relocating from Des Moines to Dallas means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Des Moines to Dallas, 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
When deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, it’s important to weigh both sides. Driving the 696 miles from Des Moines to Dallas can save money and even turn into a memorable trip. On the flip side, the extra miles mean more vehicle wear and the chance of running into bad weather or hazards on the road.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Iowa to Texas 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 Dallas. 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 Dallas, 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 Dallas car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Des Moines to Dallas, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Des Moines to Dallas, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Dallas, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
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 Dallas will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 696 miles from Des Moines to Dallas will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Iowa.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Des Moines and Dallas can impact car shipping prices.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Dallas are most likely.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Dallas during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 696-mile journey from Des Moines to Dallas makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Des Moines to Dallas takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Des Moines and Dallas 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.
- Dallas: For exact details about what parking permits you need to acquire for your move, contact the parking permits and licenses department at the City of Dallas
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.
- Dallas: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Dallas: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
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.
- Dallas: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Dallas?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Dallas, TX 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 Dallas will range from $745 to $1,045.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Dallas?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 696 miles from Des Moines to Dallas. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Dallas?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Dallas. 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 Dallas?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Dallas 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 696-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.
