($875) Cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA to Des Moines, IA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,018 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to Des Moines, Iowa, generally falls between $875 and $1,346. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
rating
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Des Moines to Arlington 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 Arlington to Des Moines car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Arlington 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
- 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 Arlington
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Arlington, VA:
- Baltimore Auto Shipping Group: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Capital Exports Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- All State to State Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Montage Transport & Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Washington DC Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Baltimore Auto Shipping Group
210 E Lexington St #100, Baltimore, MD 21202 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-maryland/baltimore
3.64 / 5.0
Customers appreciate Auto Shipping Group for their excellent reliability and customer service, highlighting clear communication and professionalism. However, some feedback indicates issues with the demeanor of a customer representative.
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
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2239008
Capital Exports Inc
20559 Meadow Island Pl, Sterling, VA 20165 US
capitalexports.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2482713
All State to State Auto Transport
4 Dwelling House Ct, Catonsville, MD 21228 US
allstatetostateautotransport.com/contact-us
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
Alternative Business Names
- Bismillah Transport, LLC
Montage Transport & Logistics
1530 Wilson Blvd # 650, Arlington, VA 22209 US
montralog.com
3.5 / 5.0
Montage Transport has received positive feedback for its excellent customer service, transparency in pricing, and efficient vehicle delivery. However, there are strong negative remarks regarding the reliability of pricing as some customers experienced unexpected increases.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3959435
Washington DC Auto Transport
7300 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, MD 20012 US
washingtondcautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Heavy equipment
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3001374
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 VA to IA
When you’re moving from Arlington to Des Moines, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from Arlington to Des Moines, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,018 miles from Arlington to Des Moines might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Virginia to Iowa is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Arlington to Des Moines. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Des Moines, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Arlington to Des Moines car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Arlington to Des Moines, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Arlington 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 Arlington 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
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Arlington. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Des Moines will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,018 miles from Arlington to Des Moines is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Virginia.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Arlington and Des Moines often affect the cost of auto transport.
Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Arlington to Des Moines in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 1,018-mile journey from Arlington to Des Moines makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Arlington to Des Moines takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Arlington and Des Moines vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Arlington: Arlington county’s rate at long-term Meters is $1.25 per hour, and rate at Short-Term Meters: $1.50 per hour.
- 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
- Arlington: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- 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
- Arlington: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Driver’s license
- Arlington: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- 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 Arlington to Des Moines?
The cost to ship a car from Arlington, VA 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 Arlington to Des Moines will range from $875 to $1,346.
How long will it take to ship my car from Arlington to Des Moines?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,018 miles from Arlington to Des Moines. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Arlington to Des Moines?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Arlington 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 Arlington to Des Moines?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Arlington 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 1,018-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.
