Michigan to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 580 miles from Michigan to Iowa ranges from $689 to $973 and takes one–six days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Michigan can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.
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
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 5.0
Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 5.0
Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
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 Michigan to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Michigan 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.
|
|
 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
|
|
Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 580 miles to your car on the trip from Michigan to Iowa. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Michigan 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
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Michigan 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 Michigan and Iowa. The average journey covers about 580 miles and takes roughly one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Iowa
| From Michigan to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Des Moines, IA | $670 – $961 | 600 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $648 – $899 | 512 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Davenport, IA | $607 – $823 | 431 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Detroit, MI to Sioux City, IA | $781 – $1,173 | 775 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Detroit, MI to Iowa City, IA | $607 – $817 | 487 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Iowa
| From Michigan to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Des Moines, IA | $651 – $834 | 494 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $555 – $800 | 408 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Davenport, IA | $516 – $676 | 327 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Sioux City, IA | $703 – $1,021 | 671 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Iowa City, IA | $583 – $751 | 383 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Iowa
| From Michigan to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Des Moines, IA | $684 – $1,020 | 607 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $641 – $917 | 521 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Davenport, IA | $631 – $823 | 440 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Warren, MI to Sioux City, IA | $813 – $1,139 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warren, MI to Iowa City, IA | $632 – $885 | 496 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Iowa
| From Michigan to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Des Moines, IA | $691 – $991 | 611 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $648 – $899 | 524 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Davenport, IA | $613 – $840 | 444 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Sioux City, IA | $813 – $1,104 | 788 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Iowa City, IA | $660 – $908 | 500 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Iowa
| From Michigan to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Des Moines, IA | $693 – $944 | 557 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $633 – $809 | 470 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Davenport, IA | $583 – $743 | 390 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Sioux City, IA | $727 – $1,133 | 734 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Iowa City, IA | $607 – $790 | 446 miles | 1 – 4 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan 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 Michigan to Iowa you should expect to pay between $861 and $1,216.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Wolverine State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Michigan to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to Iowa spans about 580 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Michigan in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Michigan and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within one–six days, but expedited options cost more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Iowa, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- 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 Michigan
More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
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 Michigan 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 Michigan and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan 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 Michigan.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an accident.
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 Michigan to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Iowa is about 580 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Michigan to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan 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 Michigan to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Iowa costs $689 to $973.
