South Carolina to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,086 miles from South Carolina to Iowa typically falls between $760 and $1,279. The process usually takes two–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Iowa car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in South Carolina can deliver your vehicle to Iowa:
- Columbia Auto Shipping Group: 3.7 out of 5 stars
- Hmh Logistics Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Columbia Auto Shipping Group
136-4 Forum Dr SUITE O, Columbia, SC 29229 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-south-carolina/columbia
3.7 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the excellent communication, professionalism, and seamless experiences provided by Auto Shipping Group. The team is described as helpful and reliable, with cars arriving undamaged and often ahead of schedule. However, there were no prominent negative aspects reported by customers.
Services Offered
- 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
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Hmh Logistics Llc
230 Comiskey Park Circle, Summerville, SC 29485 US
hmhlogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3186769
Andrew Auto Transport
4775 Apartment Blvd j2, North Charleston, SC 29418 US
andrewautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
The company is widely criticized for its lack of professionalism and inferior service delivery. Customers feel frustrated with the overall performance and question the company's reliability.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2241947
Xpress Auto Transport
1614 Taylor St #340, Columbia, SC 29201 US
xpressautoship.com/city/columbia-south-carolina
3.5 / 5.0
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
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
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 South Carolina to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from South Carolina to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,086 extra miles on your car to travel from South Carolina to Iowa. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from South Carolina to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
South Carolina to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in South Carolina and Iowa. Average distances are close to 1,086 miles, with delivery usually taking two–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Charleston, SC to Iowa
| From South Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC to Des Moines, IA | $913 – $1,425 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Charleston, SC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $896 – $1,350 | 1,113 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Charleston, SC to Davenport, IA | $800 – $1,267 | 1,033 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Charleston, SC to Sioux City, IA | $969 – $1,419 | 1,379 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Charleston, SC to Iowa City, IA | $768 – $1,267 | 1,089 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Columbia, SC to Iowa
| From South Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC to Des Moines, IA | $800 – $1,242 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Columbia, SC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $776 – $1,254 | 1,004 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Columbia, SC to Davenport, IA | $790 – $1,274 | 924 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Columbia, SC to Sioux City, IA | $931 – $1,439 | 1,270 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Columbia, SC to Iowa City, IA | $803 – $1,296 | 980 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from North Charleston, SC to Iowa
| From South Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC to Des Moines, IA | $854 – $1,297 | 1,191 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $820 – $1,404 | 1,105 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Davenport, IA | $753 – $1,267 | 1,025 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Sioux City, IA | $1,027 – $1,434 | 1,370 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| North Charleston, SC to Iowa City, IA | $792 – $1,254 | 1,080 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mount Pleasant, SC to Iowa
| From South Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Des Moines, IA | $894 – $1,454 | 1,202 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $820 – $1,297 | 1,116 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Davenport, IA | $745 – $1,279 | 1,036 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Sioux City, IA | $930 – $1,404 | 1,381 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mount Pleasant, SC to Iowa City, IA | $745 – $1,242 | 1,091 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Rock Hill, SC to Iowa
| From South Carolina to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC to Des Moines, IA | $768 – $1,217 | 1,062 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Cedar Rapids, IA | $803 – $1,234 | 976 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Davenport, IA | $805 – $1,213 | 896 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Sioux City, IA | $894 – $1,411 | 1,241 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Rock Hill, SC to Iowa City, IA | $782 – $1,273 | 951 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Iowa, expect costs to range from $950 to $1,599.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from South Carolina to Iowa
If you’re shipping a car from the Palmetto State to the Hawkeye State, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Iowa.
- Distance and route: The journey from South Carolina to Iowa spans about 1,086 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 South Carolina more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between South Carolina and Iowa and the varying gas prices across the country.
- 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 South Carolina 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
Once you arrive in Iowa, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- 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 South Carolina
More than 5.4 million people call South Carolina home. Nicknamed the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from South Carolina to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
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 South Carolina to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from South Carolina to Iowa is about 1,086 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from South Carolina to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from South Carolina 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 South Carolina to Iowa?
Shipping a car from South Carolina to Iowa costs $760 to $1,279.
