($347) Cost to ship a car from Omaha, NE to Des Moines, IA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 134 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, to Des Moines, Iowa, will run you about $347 to $511. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Omaha 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 Omaha to Des Moines car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Omaha to Des Moines:
- 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 Omaha
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Omaha, NE:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Car Shipper: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
A A All States Auto Transport
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
autotransport.company
3.58 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
Mr. Car Shipper
1620 Wilshire Dr Suite 300, Bellevue, NE 68005 US mrcarshipper.com3.56 / 5.0
Mr. Car Shipper offers efficient and reliable car transport services, with many customers praising their timely delivery and professional drivers. However, several reviews highlight concerns regarding poor communication and delays in scheduling, resulting in frustration and logistical issues for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2310535
Auto Driveaway
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
autodriveaway.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers report significant safety concerns with the company's delivery drivers, as well as damage to vehicles during transport. Appeals for support have reportedly been dismissed, leading to dissatisfaction.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1335807
Alternative Business Names
- Auto Driveaway Systems, LLC
- AD Acquisition, LLC
- Auto Driveaway Franchise Systems, LLC
Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
6400 Cornhusker Hwy #150, Lincoln, NE 68507 US
nwat.com
3.5 / 5.0
While many testimonials praised superb service and seamless transactions, dissatisfaction emerged in a notable negative encounter over communication missteps and delays.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 897465
Ceva Logistics
10704 S 149th St # A, Omaha, NE 68138 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
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 NE to IA
If you’re planning a move from Omaha 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 Omaha 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 134 miles from Omaha to Des Moines might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Nebraska to Iowa. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Omaha. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Des Moines.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Des Moines—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Omaha to Des Moines car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Omaha to Des Moines can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Omaha to Des Moines, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Des Moines, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Omaha has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Des Moines will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 134 miles from Omaha to Des Moines is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Nebraska.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Omaha and Des Moines can impact car shipping prices.
Omaha has hot summers and cold winters. Most rain fall occurs during the warmer months.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Omaha to Des Moines during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 134-mile journey from Omaha to Des Moines makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Omaha to Des Moines usually takes one–four days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Omaha and Des Moines vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Omaha: Notwithstanding the above, for short term or single event valets, a parking meter hood shall be used to designate a temporary parking space to facilitate parking via valet elsewhere. Such hoods shall be charged on a per day rate. For two-, three- and four-hour meters that rate shall be $15.00 per meter. For a ten-hour meter, that rate shall be $8.00 per 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
- Omaha: Nebraska's car insurance mandates include bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage at $25,000, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, ensuring drivers meet the state's minimum requirements for financial protection in the event of accidents.
- 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
- Omaha: Emission tests are not required in Nebraska. However, the state requires VIN inspection.
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license
- Omaha: If you are a new resident in Nebraska, you must visit a DMV office within 30 days of establishing residency to obtain a driver’s license.
- 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 Omaha to Des Moines?
The cost to ship a car from Omaha, NE 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 Omaha to Des Moines will range from $347 to $511.
How long will it take to ship my car from Omaha to Des Moines?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 134 miles from Omaha to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Omaha to Des Moines?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Omaha 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 Omaha to Des Moines?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Omaha 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 134-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.
