($903) Cost to ship a car from Lubbock, TX to Des Moines, IA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 890 miles from Lubbock, Texas, to Des Moines, Iowa, ranges from $903 to $1,347. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
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  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.4 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Lubbock car shipping guide.

The best Lubbock to Des Moines car shipping companies

We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Lubbock to Des Moines:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full Nexus Auto Transport review
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full Sherpa Auto Transport review
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full SGT Auto Transport review
Best Insurance Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
At A Glance
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
  • No deposit
  • Rental car assistance
  • Inoperable car shipping
read our full Ship A Car Direct review

Top local car shippers in Lubbock

If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Lubbock, TX:

  1. RAPID AUTO SHIPPING: 3.5 out of 5 stars

RAPID AUTO SHIPPING

906 Main St, Silverton, TX 79257 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise the company's professionalism, reliability, and the seamless nature of their vehicle transport services. They also highlight the competitive pricing and timely delivery as standout features. However, no significant negative feedback was reported, indicating high customer satisfaction overall.

Get a Quote (833) 233-4447

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
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military
  • Student

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Rapid A Shipping LLC

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 TX to IA

If you’re planning a move from Lubbock 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 are relocating from Lubbock to Des Moines, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.

Drive your car

There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 890-mile journey from Lubbock to Des Moines could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.

Use a driving service

If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Texas to Iowa. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Lubbock to Des Moines carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.

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 Lubbock to Des Moines car shipping costs

When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Lubbock to Des Moines, keep these cost factors in mind:

Transport method

When shipping your car from Lubbock to Des Moines, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.

Open carriers from Lubbock are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Des Moines? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping price from Lubbock depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Des Moines will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.

Distance and route

Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 890 miles from Lubbock to Des Moines will cost more than a shorter move within Texas.

Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.

The time of the year

Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Lubbock and Des Moines.

Although in many parts of Texas hurricanes and extreme heat may affect your move, this is less of a concern in Lubbock. Local climate shouldn't play a big role in your move to Lubbock.

September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.

During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Lubbock to Des Moines during these times can be more expensive.

Fuel prices

Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 890 miles between Lubbock and Des Moines, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.

Delivery expectations

If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Lubbock to Des Moines takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.

Comparing Lubbock and Des Moines vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • Lubbock: For information on whether you need a permit to move to Lubbock call the city at 8067753000
  • 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

  • Lubbock: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
  • 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

  • Lubbock: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

Driver’s license

  • Lubbock: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
  • 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 Lubbock to Des Moines?

The cost to ship a car from Lubbock, TX 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 Lubbock to Des Moines will range from $903 to $1,347.

How long will it take to ship my car from Lubbock to Des Moines?

It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 890 miles from Lubbock to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Lubbock to Des Moines?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Lubbock 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 Lubbock to Des Moines?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Lubbock 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 890-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.

Helpful Lubbock resources