($1,084) Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,216 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, to Burlington, Vermont, generally falls between $1,084 and $1,626. 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 Burlington 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 Burlington car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Des Moines to Burlington:
- 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 prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers 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 VT
When you’re moving from Des Moines to Burlington, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Des Moines to Burlington, 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 1,216-mile trip from Des Moines to Burlington 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
Having a driver transport your car from Iowa to Vermont 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 Burlington. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Burlington, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Des Moines to Burlington car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Des Moines to Burlington, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Des Moines to Burlington, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Des Moines tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Burlington, see our detailed 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 Burlington 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 1,216 miles from Des Moines to Burlington 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 patterns in Des Moines and Burlington often affect the cost of auto transport.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Burlington, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Burlington in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,216-mile trip from Des Moines to Burlington, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
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 Burlington usually takes two–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Des Moines and Burlington 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.
- Burlington: Residents may petition to have their streets designated for resident parking only. Only residents and their guests will then be allowed to park on the street. Residents will be issued bumper stickers and guest passes for identification. Resident parking is enforced by issuing parking tickets. Please secure a parking permit where possible before moving.
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.
- Burlington: Drivers in Vermont must possess liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for individual injuries or fatalities, $50,000 for injuries or fatalities involving two or more persons, and $10,000 for property damage in a single accident. Adhering to these essential insurance requirements ensures legal compliance and optimal protection on the road.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Burlington: Vehicle safety and emission inspections are required annually in Vermont, as well as a one-time VIN inspection for any out-of-state vehicle being registered for the first time.
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.
- Burlington: New Vermont residents who possess a valid out-of-state license or an out-of-state license that has been expired for less than three (3) years, must take an eye examination to obtain a new state driver’s license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Burlington?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Burlington, VT 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 Burlington will range from $1,084 to $1,626.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Burlington?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,216 miles from Des Moines to Burlington. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Burlington?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Burlington. 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 Burlington?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Des Moines to Burlington 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 1,216-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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