($1,285) Cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,285 to $1,922 to ship your car 1,361 miles from Boise, Idaho, to Des Moines, Iowa. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Boise 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 Boise to Des Moines car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Boise to Des Moines:
- 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 Boise
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Boise, ID:
- Boise Auto Shipping Group: 3.62 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Bullseye Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Boise Auto Shipping Group
800 W Main St #1460, Boise, ID 83702 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-idaho/auto-shipping-boise
3.62 / 5.0
Auto Shipping Group is generally regarded for their exceptional customer service and communication, though some customers experienced issues with reliability and communication regarding delivery schedules. Overall, most reviews highlight satisfaction with the process, despite some negative experiences with follow-up interactions and delays in service.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- AAA
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Global Auto Transportation
303 N Kimball Pl, Boise, ID 83704 US
globalautotransportation.com/boise-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the thorough assistance of the Logistics Coordinator and the professionalism and honesty of the drivers. However, experiences were marred by unexpected fees and unprofessional handling of customer inquiries, particularly regarding vehicle conditions and charges.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Bullseye Auto Transport
PO Box 1351, Nampa, ID 83653 US
bullseyeautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise Carla for her excellent communication, professionalism, and responsiveness throughout the vehicle transport process. She is highly regarded for her ability to meet tight deadlines and provide reliable service. However, some customers mentioned occasional issues found from other companies before encountering Carla, emphasizing the industry's inherent challenges but acknowledging that Carla and Bullseye manage these well.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
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 ID to IA
Relocating from Boise to Des Moines 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
When relocating from Boise to Des Moines, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,361 miles from Boise to Des Moines might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Idaho to Iowa, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Boise to Des Moines safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds 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 Des Moines, 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 Boise to Des Moines car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Boise to Des Moines, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Boise to Des Moines, 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 Des Moines, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Boise 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 Des Moines 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 1,361 miles from Boise to Des Moines will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Idaho.
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
The time of year and weather conditions in Boise and Des Moines play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
Boise experiences hot and dry summers and winters are moderately cold.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Boise to Des Moines in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,361-mile journey from Boise to Des Moines makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Boise to Des Moines is three to eight days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Boise and Des Moines vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Boise: Unless otherwise posted, parking regulations are enforced at all times. This includes time-restricted parking (like loading zones and 1 or 2-hour parking) Prepay on Friday evenings after enforcement hours for the following morning, or on Saturday mornings before enforcement hours begin. You can use a credit card, coins or the Parkmobile app.
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- Boise: Idaho's minimum insurance mandates include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Boise: In Idaho, all vehicles in Ada and Canyon Counties are required to pass an emissions test every two years. Additionally, out-of-state vehicle registrations must go through a one-time Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection.
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license
- Boise: If you're moving to Idaho with an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it to an Idaho license within 90 days. If you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), the transfer must be completed within 30 days.
- 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Boise to Des Moines?
The cost to ship a car from Boise, ID to Des Moines, IA 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 Boise to Des Moines will range from $1,285 to $1,922.
How long will it take to ship my car from Boise to Des Moines?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,361 miles from Boise to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Boise to Des Moines?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Boise to Des Moines. 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 Boise to Des Moines?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Boise to Des Moines 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 1,361-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.
