($790) Cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Des Moines, IA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,012 miles from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Des Moines, Iowa, ranges from $790 to $1,291. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Winston-Salem car shipping guide.

Our track record

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Winston-Salem to Des Moines car shipping companies

Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines:

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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Winston-Salem

If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Winston-Salem, NC:

  1. Charlotte Auto Shipping Group: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Charlotte Auto Shipping Group

15720 Brixham Hill Ave # 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 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.

Get a Quote (704) 412-3669

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

Speedy Car Shipping

3600 N Duke St #1, Durham, NC 27704 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 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.

Get a Quote (919) 367-1879

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Senior

Additional Information

Andrew Auto Transport

3910 Conway Ave J, Charlotte, NC 28209 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Overall, customers appreciate the excellent product quality and effective communication, but some express concerns about shipping delays and customer service responsiveness.

Get a Quote (888) 579-5913

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2241947

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.

Car shipping alternatives from NC to IA

If you’re planning a move from Winston-Salem to Des Moines, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.

Coordinate with your movers

When relocating from Winston-Salem to Des Moines, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.

Drive your car

There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,012-mile drive from Winston-Salem to Des Moines into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.

Use a driving service

Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from North Carolina to Iowa is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.

Ship your car via train

If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Des Moines is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.

Factors affecting Winston-Salem to Des Moines car shipping costs

If you’re moving your car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines, the cost will depend on several key factors:

Transport method

If you’re moving a car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.

Open carriers from Winston-Salem tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Des Moines, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Winston-Salem depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Des Moines will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply, the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as added costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 1,012 miles from Winston-Salem to Des Moines will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within North Carolina.

Where you’re shipping your car matters, too. Rates are usually lower for routes along major highways and higher for more remote areas.

The time of the year

Both seasonal trends and local weather in Winston-Salem and Des Moines can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.

Climate in Winston-Salem is unlikely to affect your move but a freezing day in the winter could affect the conditions of the roads.

September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,012-mile trip from Winston-Salem to Des Moines, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines typically takes between two and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Winston-Salem and Des Moines vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Winston-Salem: Although Winston-Salem doesn't require parking permits for your move, you may still get in touch with the city to ensure that you won't encounter any issues in the particular area of your new home. You should also check with building, HOA, or neighborhood codes that will ensure a smooth move day.
  • Des Moines: special parking permits are issued by the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Engineering Department and are intended to provide for services or needs of an infrequent or unique nature. Examples include utility work, constructions, special events, etc.

Car insurance requirements

  • Winston-Salem: 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.
  • Des Moines: 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 inspections

  • Winston-Salem: 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.
  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

Driver’s license

  • Winston-Salem: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Des Moines: 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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines?

The cost to ship a car from Winston-Salem, NC to Des Moines, IA varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Winston-Salem to Des Moines will range from $790 to $1,291.

How long will it take to ship my car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines?

It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,012 miles from Winston-Salem to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Winston-Salem to Des Moines?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Winston-Salem to Des Moines than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,012-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Winston-Salem resources