North Carolina to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,076 miles from North Carolina to Iowa usually costs between $797 and $1,249. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Iowa car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in North Carolina can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- 48 States Auto Shipping: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Transport Solutions: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
48 States Auto Shipping
1154 Mimosa Ln, Greenville, NC 27834 US
48statesautoshipping.com
3.78 / 5.0
Customers report extremely poor service due to lack of communication and significant delays in vehicle pickup and delivery. The overall sentiment is frustration over unresponsive support and inconsistent scheduling.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2246104
Alternative Business Names
- Perfect Auto Transport Inc.
Ship A Car ASAP
4801 Glenwood Ave Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27612 US
shipacarasap.com
3.72 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise David’s exemplary service, highlighting his professionalism, excellent communication, and the efficiency of the car shipping process. However, some feedback indicates occasional delays in response times from representatives at the company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1628739
Alternative Business Names
- JE Carriers, LLC
Charlotte Auto Shipping Group
15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-north-carolina/charlotte
3.58 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the company's exceptional service and professionalism, highlighting their friendly demeanor and timely delivery. However, there were no significant negative aspects mentioned.
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
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Stewart Transport Solutions
341 Avery Rd, Erwin, NC 28339 US
stewarttrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 917297
Speedy Car Shipping
3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US
speedycarshipping.com/car-shipping-service/auto-transport-durham-nc
3.5 / 5.0
Customers praised the clear and user-friendly website and the exceptional customer service. They reported a strong trust in the company's process and recommendations. However, no significant negative feedback was indicated.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2297446
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 North Carolina to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from North Carolina to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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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 1,076 extra miles on your car to travel from North Carolina to Iowa. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from North Carolina to Iowa. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
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.
North Carolina 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 North Carolina and Iowa. The trip typically spans 1,076 miles and takes about two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Charlotte, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC to Des Moines, IA | $838 – $1,262 | 1,060 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $827 – $1,347 | 974 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Davenport, IA | $786 – $1,283 | 893 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Sioux City, IA | $937 – $1,391 | 1,238 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Charlotte, NC to Iowa City, IA | $787 – $1,284 | 948 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Raleigh, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC to Des Moines, IA | $930 – $1,401 | 1,110 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $822 – $1,288 | 1,024 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Davenport, IA | $796 – $1,208 | 944 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Sioux City, IA | $976 – $1,449 | 1,287 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Raleigh, NC to Iowa City, IA | $817 – $1,319 | 999 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Greensboro, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro, NC to Des Moines, IA | $846 – $1,275 | 1,036 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $779 – $1,233 | 949 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Davenport, IA | $808 – $1,206 | 869 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Sioux City, IA | $909 – $1,508 | 1,213 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Greensboro, NC to Iowa City, IA | $796 – $1,233 | 925 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Durham, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC to Des Moines, IA | $813 – $1,314 | 1,087 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Durham, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $846 – $1,314 | 1,001 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Durham, NC to Davenport, IA | $836 – $1,284 | 921 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Durham, NC to Sioux City, IA | $909 – $1,508 | 1,264 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Durham, NC to Iowa City, IA | $792 – $1,293 | 976 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Iowa
| From North Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC to Des Moines, IA | $838 – $1,340 | 1,012 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $812 – $1,246 | 925 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Davenport, IA | $804 – $1,190 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Sioux City, IA | $868 – $1,345 | 1,189 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Winston-Salem, NC to Iowa City, IA | $845 – $1,272 | 901 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from North Carolina to Iowa
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from North Carolina to Iowa, expect costs to range from $996 to $1,561.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from North Carolina to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Tar Heel State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Iowa than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from North Carolina to Iowa involves roughly 1,076 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 North Carolina more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from North Carolina to Iowa, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–eight days, but you can pay for expedited service.
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 North Carolina
More than 10.8 million people call North Carolina home. Nicknamed the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from North Carolina to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state 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.
How long does it take to ship a car from North Carolina to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from North Carolina to Iowa is about 1,076 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from North Carolina to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Iowa?
Shipping a car from North Carolina to Iowa costs $797 to $1,249.
