Maryland to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,014 miles from Maryland to Iowa usually costs between $776 and $1,242. 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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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Maryland 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 Maryland to Iowa car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Maryland to Iowa:
- 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 Maryland
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Maryland that can transport your vehicle to Iowa:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Jdf International Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Right Way Auto Transport Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- S J Trucking & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Baltimore Auto Shipping Group
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-maryland/baltimore
3.64 / 5.0
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.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Jdf International Transport
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.
Services Offered
- International shipping
- Trailers
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3156504
Right Way Auto Transport Inc
1911 East Old Philadelphia Road, Elkton, MD 21921 US
rightwayautotransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
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.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 355181
S J Trucking & Logistics
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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: Y0084838637
All State to State Auto Transport
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
allstatetostateautotransport.com/contact-us
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Bismillah Transport, 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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Maryland to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If your move takes you from Maryland to Iowa, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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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 1,014 extra miles on your car to travel from Maryland to Iowa. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Maryland to Iowa for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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.
Maryland to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Maryland and Iowa. The average journey covers about 1,014 miles and takes roughly two to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Washington DC, MD to Iowa
| From Maryland to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC, MD to Des Moines, IA | $784 – $1,292 | 1,016 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Washington DC, MD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $783 – $1,275 | 926 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Washington DC, MD to Davenport, IA | $806 – $1,136 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Washington DC, MD to Sioux City, IA | $896 – $1,337 | 1,190 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Washington DC, MD to Iowa City, IA | $806 – $1,153 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Baltimore, MD to Iowa
| From Maryland to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD to Des Moines, IA | $808 – $1,279 | 1,019 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Baltimore, MD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $775 – $1,189 | 932 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Baltimore, MD to Davenport, IA | $826 – $1,246 | 852 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Baltimore, MD to Sioux City, IA | $845 – $1,323 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Baltimore, MD to Iowa City, IA | $822 – $1,226 | 908 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, MD to Iowa
| From Maryland to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MD to Des Moines, IA | $815 – $1,267 | 1,011 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Columbia, MD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $822 – $1,164 | 925 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, MD to Davenport, IA | $822 – $1,112 | 844 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, MD to Sioux City, IA | $837 – $1,350 | 1,188 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Columbia, MD to Iowa City, IA | $774 – $1,274 | 900 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Germantown, MD to Iowa
| From Maryland to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown, MD to Des Moines, IA | $779 – $1,209 | 989 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Germantown, MD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $798 – $1,274 | 902 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Germantown, MD to Davenport, IA | $762 – $1,166 | 822 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Germantown, MD to Sioux City, IA | $811 – $1,323 | 1,166 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Germantown, MD to Iowa City, IA | $797 – $1,140 | 878 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Silver Spring, MD to Iowa
| From Maryland to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring, MD to Des Moines, IA | $784 – $1,317 | 1,007 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to Cedar Rapids, IA | $751 – $1,214 | 920 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to Davenport, IA | $767 – $1,206 | 840 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to Sioux City, IA | $888 – $1,390 | 1,184 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Silver Spring, MD to Iowa City, IA | $805 – $1,176 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maryland to Iowa
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 $970 and $1,553.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maryland to Iowa
When arranging car transport from the Old Line State to the Hawkeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from Maryland to Iowa covers roughly 1,014 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Maryland in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Maryland and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- 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.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Maryland
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 $776 to $1,242.
