Pennsylvania to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 906 miles from Pennsylvania to Iowa usually costs between $792 and $1,229. Transit time is about two–seven 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to Iowa car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Pennsylvania 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
- 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 Pennsylvania
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in Pennsylvania that can transport your vehicle to Iowa:
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Royal Auto Ship: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Philadelphia Car Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
Virginia Transportation Corp
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA 19014 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
Safe Auto Trucking LLC
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
safeautotrucking.com
3.66 / 5.0
Safe Auto Trucking LLC has received numerous customer reviews highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Many customers praised their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional communication throughout the vehicle transport process. Specific team members, such as Terry, Peter, and Alvin, received high marks for being responsive and attentive to customers' needs. However, some customers reported significant issues with pricing, often citing "bait and switch" tactics where initial quotes were dramatically increased last minute. This inconsistency in pricing and communication has led to frustration and mistrust among certain customers, urging potential clients to be cautious before engaging their services.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3829832
Pittsburgh Auto Shipping Group
606 Liberty Ave 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-pennsylvania/pittsburgh
3.64 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised the exceptional customer service provided by representatives like Felicia, Heidi, and Kimberly, highlighting their professionalism, communication skills, and empathy during the vehicle transportation process. However, some reviews pointed out issues related to pricing practices and difficulties in finding carriers within promised time frames, leading to frustration for some customers.
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
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Teacher
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Royal Auto Ship
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
royalautoship.com
3.64 / 5.0
Royal Auto Ship is often praised for their outstanding customer service, responsiveness, and ability to ensure safe and timely vehicle transport. Numerous customers commend the professionalism and support received from representatives such as Tim, Scott, and Oscar Harris. However, some reviews highlight issues with certain drivers and unexpected costs during the shipping process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication. Overall, many customers highly recommend this service for reliable vehicle shipping.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 4094097
Philadelphia Car Transport
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131 US
philadelphiacartransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2542752
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 Pennsylvania to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Pennsylvania to Iowa, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 906 miles on your car to travel between Pennsylvania and Iowa. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Pennsylvania to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Pennsylvania to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Pennsylvania and Iowa. The average travel distance is about 906 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Philadelphia, PA to Iowa
| From Pennsylvania to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA to Des Moines, IA | $794 – $1,334 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $757 – $1,224 | 989 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Davenport, IA | $792 – $1,229 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Sioux City, IA | $952 – $1,400 | 1,253 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Iowa City, IA | $815 – $1,277 | 965 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pittsburgh, PA to Iowa
| From Pennsylvania to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA to Des Moines, IA | $797 – $1,093 | 779 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $730 – $1,120 | 692 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Davenport, IA | $740 – $991 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Sioux City, IA | $815 – $1,227 | 956 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Iowa City, IA | $703 – $1,042 | 668 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Erie, PA to Iowa
| From Pennsylvania to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie, PA to Des Moines, IA | $782 – $1,131 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Erie, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $715 – $1,013 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Davenport, IA | $703 – $1,011 | 596 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Sioux City, IA | $776 – $1,229 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Erie, PA to Iowa City, IA | $733 – $1,053 | 652 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Allentown, PA to Iowa
| From Pennsylvania to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown, PA to Des Moines, IA | $818 – $1,232 | 1,048 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Allentown, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $815 – $1,302 | 961 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Allentown, PA to Davenport, IA | $759 – $1,179 | 881 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Allentown, PA to Sioux City, IA | $896 – $1,472 | 1,225 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Allentown, PA to Iowa City, IA | $800 – $1,204 | 937 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Reading, PA to Iowa
| From Pennsylvania to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading, PA to Des Moines, IA | $770 – $1,207 | 1,033 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Reading, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $800 – $1,253 | 947 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Reading, PA to Davenport, IA | $820 – $1,237 | 866 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Reading, PA to Sioux City, IA | $915 – $1,457 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Reading, PA to Iowa City, IA | $832 – $1,241 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Pennsylvania to Iowa
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Pennsylvania to Iowa, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $990–$1,536.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to Iowa
Transporting your vehicle from the Keystone State to the Hawkeye State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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 journey from Pennsylvania to Iowa spans about 906 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Pennsylvania more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Pennsylvania to Iowa, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within two–seven days, but expedited options cost more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Iowa means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- 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 Pennsylvania
More than 13.0 million people call Pennsylvania home. Nicknamed the Keystone State. Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Pennsylvania to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. When relocating to Pennsylvania, ensure compliance with state regulations by obtaining car insurance with minimum liability coverage: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. Consider enhancing your coverage with options like collision and comprehensive coverage. It's crucial to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times.
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 Pennsylvania to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Pennsylvania to Iowa is about 906 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Pennsylvania to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
If you are moving to Pennsylvania and bringing a vehicle with you, you will need to have it inspected within 10 days of establishing residency. This includes safety and emission test. You can find a list of inspection stations on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website or by searching for "vehicle inspection near me". It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in advance and bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Pennsylvania to Iowa costs $792 to $1,229.
