Mississippi to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 823 miles from Mississippi to Iowa ranges from $775 to $1,149. Expect the trip to take around two–seven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Mississippi car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Mississippi to Iowa car shipping companies

Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Mississippi to Iowa:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Mississippi

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Mississippi who can get your vehicle to Iowa:

  1. Ultimate Auto Transport: 3.84 out of 5 stars
  2. Waddle Trucking Llc: 3.52 out of 5 stars
  3. MCH Transportation Co.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate Auto Transport

W Kingston St, Laurel, MS 39440 US

starstarstarstarstar3.84 / 5.0

In total, 794 reviews were analyzed for Ultimate Auto Transport. Approximately 30% of the feedback was positive, while 70% was negative. Customers praised the company's quick vehicle transport and good communication during the process. However, they often faced issues such as broken promises on pick-up dates, poor customer service, and unexpected fees. Many consumers reported a frustrating experience when trying to cancel contracts, as the company frequently charged cancellation fees despite failing to deliver services as agreed. This indicates a lack of reliability compared to other transport companies in the market.

Get a Quote (888) 885-9123

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Waddle Trucking Llc

2448 McCullough Blvd., Belden, MS 38826 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0
Get a Quote (662) 680-9657

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

MCH Transportation Co.

3180 Utica Ave, Jackson, MS 39209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (601) 353-9382

Services Offered

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • M C H Transportation, LLC
  • MCH World Enterprises, LLC

Xpress Auto Transport

4450 Old Canton Rd #340, Jackson, MS 39211 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (601) 873-6308

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

Global Auto Transportation

155 E Porter St, Jackson, MS 39201 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

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.

Alternative ways to ship your car from Mississippi to Iowa

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Mississippi to Iowa, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
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  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 823 miles to your vehicle on the route from Mississippi to Iowa. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.

Hire a driver

You can also hire someone to drive the car from Mississippi 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 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.

Mississippi to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Mississippi and Iowa. The trip typically spans 823 miles and takes about two–seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Jackson, MS to Iowa

From Mississippi to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Jackson, MS to Des Moines, IA $828 – $1,227 825 miles 2 – 7 days
Jackson, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA $833 – $1,101 760 miles 2 – 7 days
Jackson, MS to Davenport, IA $809 – $1,194 755 miles 2 – 7 days
Jackson, MS to Sioux City, IA $804 – $1,335 935 miles 2 – 7 days
Jackson, MS to Iowa City, IA $753 – $1,150 736 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Gulfport, MS to Iowa

From Mississippi to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Gulfport, MS to Des Moines, IA $792 – $1,357 984 miles 2 – 7 days
Gulfport, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA $812 – $1,259 919 miles 2 – 7 days
Gulfport, MS to Davenport, IA $845 – $1,297 913 miles 2 – 7 days
Gulfport, MS to Sioux City, IA $846 – $1,314 1,094 miles 2 – 8 days
Gulfport, MS to Iowa City, IA $859 – $1,308 895 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Southaven, MS to Iowa

From Mississippi to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Southaven, MS to Des Moines, IA $715 – $1,032 629 miles 1 – 6 days
Southaven, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA $710 – $948 564 miles 1 – 6 days
Southaven, MS to Davenport, IA $661 – $957 558 miles 1 – 6 days
Southaven, MS to Sioux City, IA $776 – $1,161 739 miles 1 – 6 days
Southaven, MS to Iowa City, IA $677 – $890 540 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Biloxi, MS to Iowa

From Mississippi to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Biloxi, MS to Des Moines, IA $784 – $1,357 989 miles 2 – 7 days
Biloxi, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA $837 – $1,208 925 miles 2 – 7 days
Biloxi, MS to Davenport, IA $820 – $1,196 919 miles 2 – 7 days
Biloxi, MS to Sioux City, IA $846 – $1,314 1,099 miles 2 – 8 days
Biloxi, MS to Iowa City, IA $795 – $1,310 900 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Hattiesburg, MS to Iowa

From Mississippi to Iowa Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Hattiesburg, MS to Des Moines, IA $820 – $1,196 913 miles 2 – 7 days
Hattiesburg, MS to Cedar Rapids, IA $804 – $1,202 848 miles 2 – 7 days
Hattiesburg, MS to Davenport, IA $812 – $1,251 843 miles 2 – 7 days
Hattiesburg, MS to Sioux City, IA $797 – $1,288 1,023 miles 2 – 8 days
Hattiesburg, MS to Iowa City, IA $839 – $1,221 824 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Mississippi to Iowa

Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.

Shipping a larger vehicle from Mississippi to Iowa usually runs between $969 and $1,436.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Mississippi to Iowa

When arranging car transport from the Magnolia State to the Hawkeye State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • 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 Mississippi to Iowa.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Mississippi to Iowa spans approximately 823 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Mississippi around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Mississippi 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–seven days, while expedited service costs more.

Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know

Once you arrive in Iowa, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.

  • 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 Mississippi

More than 2.9 million people call Mississippi home. Nicknamed the Magnolia State. Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature varies little statewide in the summer; however, in winter, the region near Mississippi Sound is significantly warmer than the inland portion of the state. The late summer and fall is the seasonal period of risk for hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico, especially in the southern part of the state. As in the rest of the Deep South, thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state. On average, Mississippi has around 27 tornadoes annually; the northern part of the state has more tornadoes earlier in the year and the southern part has a higher frequency later in the year. If you are planning your move during the summertime be sure to check your local weather station.

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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi and when dropping it off in Iowa.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Mississippi to Iowa?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Mississippi 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 Mississippi.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Mississippi drivers must maintain a minimum car insurance liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, with an additional $25,000 for property damage. These requirements ensure financial responsibility in accidents, protecting both drivers and their assets. Compliance is crucial to avoid legal penalties and enhance road safety.

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 Mississippi to Iowa?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Mississippi to Iowa is about 823 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Mississippi to Iowa.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

Emissions testing and safety inspections are not required for most drivers in Mississippi. It is also good to know that if you have tinted windows, you have to undergo safety testing.

In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

If I have a driver’s license in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Mississippi to Iowa?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Mississippi 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 Mississippi to Iowa?

Shipping a car from Mississippi to Iowa costs $775 to $1,149.

Helpful Mississippi resources