Pennsylvania to Iowa Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 906 miles from Pennsylvania to Iowa ranges from $797 to $1,236 and takes two–seven 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 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
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Pennsylvania who can get 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 your move takes you from Pennsylvania to Iowa, you might want to look for a moving company that can coordinate car shipping. Many interstate moving companies already partner with established auto transport services.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 906 miles to your vehicle on the route from Pennsylvania to Iowa. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Pennsylvania 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
This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.
Pennsylvania to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Pennsylvania and Iowa. Average distances are close to 906 miles, with delivery usually taking two–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 | $823 – $1,251 | 1,076 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $794 – $1,334 | 989 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Davenport, IA | $871 – $1,274 | 909 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Sioux City, IA | $929 – $1,452 | 1,253 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Philadelphia, PA to Iowa City, IA | $846 – $1,259 | 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 | $802 – $1,169 | 779 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $796 – $1,084 | 692 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Davenport, IA | $709 – $1,038 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Sioux City, IA | $837 – $1,350 | 956 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pittsburgh, PA to Iowa City, IA | $760 – $1,027 | 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 | $843 – $1,197 | 762 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Erie, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $757 – $1,139 | 676 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Davenport, IA | $708 – $969 | 596 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Erie, PA to Sioux City, IA | $805 – $1,338 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Erie, PA to Iowa City, IA | $752 – $1,070 | 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 | $864 – $1,278 | 1,048 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Allentown, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $788 – $1,363 | 961 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Allentown, PA to Davenport, IA | $837 – $1,324 | 881 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Allentown, PA to Sioux City, IA | $949 – $1,497 | 1,225 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Allentown, PA to Iowa City, IA | $838 – $1,223 | 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 | $823 – $1,383 | 1,033 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Reading, PA to Cedar Rapids, IA | $863 – $1,235 | 947 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Reading, PA to Davenport, IA | $826 – $1,270 | 866 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Reading, PA to Sioux City, IA | $997 – $1,408 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Reading, PA to Iowa City, IA | $830 – $1,325 | 922 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Pennsylvania to Iowa
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Pennsylvania to Iowa you should expect to pay between $996 and $1,545.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Pennsylvania to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Keystone State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- 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: The trip from Pennsylvania to Iowa covers roughly 906 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Pennsylvania in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Pennsylvania and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs 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 $797 to $1,236.
