Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,014 miles from Maryland to Iowa usually costs between $823 and $1,357. Transit time is about two–eight 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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The best Maryland to Iowa 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 Maryland to Iowa:
Customers appreciate Auto Shipping Group for their excellent reliability and customer service, highlighting clear communication and professionalism. However, some feedback indicates issues with the demeanor of a customer representative.
1301 York Road Suite 800, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 US
jdftransports.com
3.58 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the affordable pricing of the products offered. While the reviews predominantly highlight this strength, more detailed feedback might provide a fuller picture of customer experiences.
Customers largely appreciate the professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly service provided by the team. They highlight specific individuals for their outstanding customer interaction, creating a positive buying experience. However, a serious concern was raised regarding one driver's unsafe behavior, which detracted from the company's reputation.
140 Western Maryland Pkwy Unit D, Hagerstown, MD 21740 US
sjtal.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful customer service, but express frustration with long shipping times, high prices, and difficulty in contacting the company or accessing its office.
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 Maryland to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Maryland for a move to Iowa, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,014 miles on your car to travel between Maryland and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Maryland to Iowa. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Maryland to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Maryland and Iowa. Average distances are close to 1,014 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Maryland to Iowa you should expect to pay between $1,029 and $1,696.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maryland to Iowa
Transporting your vehicle from the Old Line State to the Hawkeye State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
Type of transport:
Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type:
Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Iowa.
Distance and route:
Traveling from Maryland to Iowa involves roughly 1,014 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
Time of the year:Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Maryland more expensive during these times.
Fuel prices:
Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Maryland and Iowa.
Delivery expectations:
Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Iowa, 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: 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 inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license: 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.
Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
More than 6.2 million people call Maryland home.
Nicknamed the Old Line State.
Maryland has a wide array of climates, due to local variances in elevation, proximity to water, and protection from colder weather due to downslope winds.
The eastern half of Maryland — which includes the cities of Ocean City, Salisbury, Annapolis, and the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore — lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, with flat topography and sandy or muddy soil. This region has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and a short, mild-to-cool winter
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in 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.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Maryland and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in
Maryland and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maryland to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maryland to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance.
Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa,
which you should verify before loading your car in Maryland.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements.
All vehicles in Maryland must maintain insurance coverage from a Maryland-licensed insurance company at all times, with mandatory minimum coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Maryland to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day.
The trip from Maryland to Iowa is about 1,014 miles,
and that’s as fast as about 3 days.
However, most car transport companies will take
two to eight days
to travel from Maryland to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you recently relocated to Maryland or bought a vehicle, you must get it inspected at an authorized inspection station before registering the vehicle. New residents are mandated to undergo a vehicle safety inspection before obtaining car registration.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Maryland, will I need one in Iowa?
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.
If I bought a car in Maryland, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications
if you’re having a car shipped from Maryland to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Maryland and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maryland to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maryland to Iowa 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 Maryland to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Maryland to Iowa costs $823 to $1,357.