($499) Cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD to Des Moines, IA
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $499 to $635 to ship your car 283 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Des Moines, Iowa. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Sioux Falls car shipping guide.
The best Sioux Falls to Des Moines car shipping companies
Our team has reviewed thousands of companies and narrowed down the top car shipping companies to safely move your vehicle from Sioux Falls 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
- 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 Sioux Falls
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Sioux Falls, SD:
- A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Auto Driveaway: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Yada Enterprises Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Sun Chaser Elite: 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.
Car shipping alternatives from SD to IA
If you’re planning a move from Sioux Falls 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
If you’re planning a move from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 283-mile drive from Sioux Falls to Des Moines into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from South Dakota to Iowa is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Des Moines is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Sioux Falls to Des Moines car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Sioux Falls to Des Moines, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Sioux Falls tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Des Moines, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Sioux Falls 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
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 283 miles from Sioux Falls to Des Moines will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in South Dakota.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Sioux Falls and Des Moines play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
August, June and September are the most pleasant months in Sioux Falls, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Sioux Falls to Des Moines in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 283-mile distance between Sioux Falls and Des Moines and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Sioux Falls to Des Moines is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Sioux Falls and Des Moines vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Sioux Falls:
- 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
- Sioux Falls: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- 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
- Sioux Falls: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license
- Sioux Falls: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- 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 Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
The cost to ship a car from Sioux Falls, SD 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 Sioux Falls to Des Moines will range from $499 to $635.
How long will it take to ship my car from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 283 miles from Sioux Falls to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls to Des Moines?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Sioux Falls 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 283-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.
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
3506 Keystone Dr # 150, Omaha, NE 68134 US
611 N Main St, Redfield, SD 57469 US
214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US
1415 580th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 US