Maine to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,415 miles from Maine to Iowa usually costs between $1,136 and $1,610. Transit time is about three–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 Maine 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 Maine to Iowa car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Maine to Iowa:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- 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
Top local car shippers in Maine
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Maine who can get your vehicle to Iowa:
- Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- CraftsTransport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Sullivan's Automotive Service, Inc.
84 Airport Rd, Old Town, ME 04468
sullivansauto.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 541179
Xpress Auto Transport
23 Water, St #340, Bangor, ME 04401
xpressautoship.com/city/bangor-maine
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
CraftsTransport
138 High, St Suite 172, Ellsworth, ME 04605
craftstransport.com/index.html
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 Maine to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Maine to Iowa, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 1,415 miles to your car on the trip from Maine to Iowa. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Maine to Iowa. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Maine 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 Maine and Iowa. The average journey covers about 1,415 miles and takes roughly three to eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Portland, ME to Iowa
| From Maine to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME to Des Moines, IA | $985 – $1,564 | 1,398 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,035 – $1,472 | 1,311 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Davenport, IA | $928 – $1,449 | 1,231 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Portland, ME to Sioux City, IA | $1,082 – $1,627 | 1,575 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Portland, ME to Iowa City, IA | $985 – $1,449 | 1,287 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Lewiston, ME to Iowa
| From Maine to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewiston, ME to Des Moines, IA | $1,125 – $1,626 | 1,430 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,066 – $1,595 | 1,344 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Davenport, IA | $976 – $1,391 | 1,263 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Sioux City, IA | $1,244 – $1,790 | 1,608 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Lewiston, ME to Iowa City, IA | $975 – $1,487 | 1,319 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bangor, ME to Iowa
| From Maine to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME to Des Moines, IA | $1,127 – $1,545 | 1,527 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bangor, ME to Cedar Rapids, IA | $1,125 – $1,562 | 1,441 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Davenport, IA | $1,046 – $1,533 | 1,360 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Bangor, ME to Sioux City, IA | $1,287 – $1,726 | 1,704 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Bangor, ME to Iowa City, IA | $1,028 – $1,578 | 1,416 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from South Portland, ME to Iowa
| From Maine to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Portland, ME to Des Moines, IA | $1,071 – $1,594 | 1,400 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Cedar Rapids, IA | $985 – $1,579 | 1,313 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Davenport, IA | $947 – $1,479 | 1,233 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| South Portland, ME to Sioux City, IA | $1,184 – $1,708 | 1,577 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| South Portland, ME to Iowa City, IA | $966 – $1,479 | 1,289 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Auburn, ME to Iowa
| From Maine to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ME to Des Moines, IA | $1,028 – $1,626 | 1,428 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Cedar Rapids, IA | $985 – $1,564 | 1,341 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Davenport, IA | $976 – $1,435 | 1,261 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Auburn, ME to Sioux City, IA | $1,244 – $1,739 | 1,605 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Auburn, ME to Iowa City, IA | $1,046 – $1,487 | 1,317 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Maine to Iowa
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Maine to Iowa, the price usually falls between $1,420 and $2,013.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Maine to Iowa
When arranging car transport from the Pine Tree State to the Hawkeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- 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 journey from Maine to Iowa spans about 1,415 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Maine around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Maine and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Maine to Iowa should take between three and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
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 Maine
More than 1.4 million people call Maine home. Nicknamed the Pine Tree State. Maine has a humid continental climate. with warm and sometimes humid summers, and long, cold and very snowy winters. Winters are especially severe in the Northern and Western parts of Maine, while coastal areas are moderated slightly by the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in marginally milder winters and cooler summers than inland regions.
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 Maine 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 Maine and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Maine to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Maine 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 Maine.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
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 Maine to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Maine to Iowa is about 1,415 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Maine to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Maine, 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 Maine, 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 Maine 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 Maine and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Maine to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Maine 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 Maine to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Maine to Iowa costs $1,136 to $1,610.
