New Jersey to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,110 miles from New Jersey to Iowa ranges from $847 to $1,340 and takes two–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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
- 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 New Jersey
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in New Jersey can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- Troy Car Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Blue Streak Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dom Polski Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- United Force Auto Transport LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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 New Jersey to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from New Jersey 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.
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,110 miles on your car to travel between New Jersey and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from New Jersey 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 by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
New Jersey to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in New Jersey and Iowa. Average distances are close to 1,110 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Trenton, NJ to Iowa
| From New Jersey to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton, NJ to Des Moines, IA | $833 – $1,257 | 1,096 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $826 – $1,257 | 1,009 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Davenport, IA | $800 – $1,291 | 929 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Sioux City, IA | $934 – $1,472 | 1,273 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Iowa City, IA | $813 – $1,236 | 985 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, NJ to Iowa
| From New Jersey to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ to Des Moines, IA | $818 – $1,219 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Newark, NJ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $786 – $1,257 | 1,011 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Newark, NJ to Davenport, IA | $768 – $1,179 | 930 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Sioux City, IA | $952 – $1,386 | 1,274 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Newark, NJ to Iowa City, IA | $781 – $1,224 | 986 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jersey City, NJ to Iowa
| From New Jersey to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City, NJ to Des Moines, IA | $890 – $1,353 | 1,105 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $810 – $1,283 | 1,018 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Davenport, IA | $760 – $1,303 | 938 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Sioux City, IA | $962 – $1,500 | 1,282 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Iowa City, IA | $757 – $1,249 | 994 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Paterson, NJ to Iowa
| From New Jersey to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson, NJ to Des Moines, IA | $786 – $1,334 | 1,094 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $818 – $1,283 | 1,008 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Davenport, IA | $816 – $1,229 | 927 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Sioux City, IA | $906 – $1,400 | 1,271 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Iowa City, IA | $813 – $1,198 | 983 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Elizabeth, NJ to Iowa
| From New Jersey to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth, NJ to Des Moines, IA | $873 – $1,421 | 1,106 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Cedar Rapids, IA | $762 – $1,257 | 1,020 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Davenport, IA | $840 – $1,204 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Sioux City, IA | $980 – $1,486 | 1,283 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Iowa City, IA | $813 – $1,274 | 995 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Iowa, expect costs to range from $1,059 to $1,675.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from New Jersey to Iowa
When moving your vehicle from the Garden State to the Hawkeye State, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The trip from New Jersey to Iowa covers roughly 1,110 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of New Jersey in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between New Jersey and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from New Jersey to Iowa should take between two and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
To drive legally after your move to Iowa, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.
- 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 New Jersey
More than 9.3 million people call New Jersey home. Nicknamed the Garden State. New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New Jersey to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
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 New Jersey to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from New Jersey to Iowa is about 1,110 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from New Jersey to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Iowa?
Shipping a car from New Jersey to Iowa costs $847 to $1,340.
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