Best Iowa Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Iowa, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of Iowa ranges from $667 to $1,374.
- 70.8% of Iowa auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 22% of car shipping companies in Iowa offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Sherpa Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Iowa
Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you need to ship a car out of Des Moines, or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Iowa:
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Bennett Motor Express
- A A All States Auto Transport
- Aaall States Transport
- Nimble Inc
- Rush Transport Service
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Bennett Motor Express
Bennett Motor Express (DOT: 92693) is a versatile car shipping company known for its broad range of transport services, including international shipping, RV shipping, motorcycle shipping, and trailer shipping. They also provide multi-car transport and offer customers the convenience of open transport options.
The company prides itself on being fully insured and offers shipment tracking for better peace of mind. However, they do not provide specialized services such as enclosed transport, which may be a downside for customers with high-value or classic cars. Additionally, they offer expedited delivery for those in need of fast shipping solutions.
One notable advantage is their Google rating of 4.6, indicating high customer satisfaction. However, Bennett Motor Express has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Detailed Inspection Reports
A A All States Auto Transport
A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) offers a variety of specialized car shipping services, including enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and motorcycle shipping. The company is fully insured and also caters to classic car enthusiasts with their classic car shipping service. However, they do not provide transportation for inoperable cars, which could be a limitation for some customers.
While A A All States Auto Transport boasts an impressive BBB rating of A+, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, making it difficult to assess their customer satisfaction through these platforms. Despite this, they remain an active player in the car shipping industry with a range of services to accommodate different customer needs.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Aaall States Transport
Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a car shipping company noted for its A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. However, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
They offer a variety of services including fully insured and enclosed transport options, classic car shipping, and motorcycle shipping. Customers can also pay by credit card, which adds convenience.
One downside is that they do not provide transport for inoperable cars, which could be a limitation for some customers. Aaall States Transport does not offer discounts for military personnel, students, or seniors, which may be a consideration for those seeking budget-friendly moves.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Nimble Inc
Nimble Inc (DOT: 2245757) is a car shipping company that provides a variety of shipping services for its customers. The company offers specialized services such as electric vehicle shipping, classic car shipping, and heavy equipment shipping, and also operates with fully insured coverage.
Despite these offerings, Nimble Inc does not provide services for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, or guaranteed delivery. One potential downside for some customers is the lack of shipment tracking options.
Currently, Nimble Inc has a Google rating of 2.0, and the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the BBB.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is an active car shipping company that specializes in multi-car transport and interstate shipments. The company boasts a stellar Google rating of 5.0, though it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
One of the standout features of Rush Transport Service is its ability to handle multiple vehicles in a single shipment, making it an excellent choice for families or dealerships. However, potential customers should note that they do not offer services for cars that don’t run, which might be a downside for some individuals with inoperable vehicles.
While they provide reliable interstate transport services, they do not offer various specialized shipping options such as enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, or motorcycle shipping. Additionally, customers looking for military or senior discounts will not find them here.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
Average cost of transporting a vehicle to or from Iowa
The average cost to ship a car out of Iowa is about $1,220 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $380 to $879
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $629 to $965
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $759 to $1,318
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Hawkeye State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa to Ohio | $750 | $1,033 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $498 | $627 |
| Iowa to Florida | $1,130 | $1,707 |
| Iowa to New York | $854 | $1,325 |
| Iowa to Texas | $826 | $1,375 |
| North Carolina to Iowa | $819 | $1,449 |
| Georgia to Iowa | $854 | $1,325 |
| California to Iowa | $1,300 | $1,967 |
| Michigan to Iowa | $771 | $994 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $1,066 | $1,626 |
When shipping your car out of Iowa, these factors can affect the price:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within Iowa or to nearby states is usually cheaper than cross-country trips.
- Location: Shipping from Des Moines to another Iowa town or out of state? Your location affects the cost. Urban areas may offer lower rates, while remote places in Iowa might increase the price.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars typically cost less to ship, but if you need to transport a classic car from central Iowa, expect a higher price because of the extra care it needs.
- Shipping options in the Hawkeye State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Iowa’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: With fuel prices changing, your total costs can vary. Iowa’s gas prices might impact your shipping expenses, particularly for longer trips.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll end up paying more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Discounts: Some Iowa auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all of the popular Iowa car shipping routes.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
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Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
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(833) 775-1461 |
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Get A Quote |
Montway Auto Transport
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(224) 206-5633 |
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Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
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(888) 259-6046 |
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Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
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(770) 501-9057 |
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Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
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(864) 492-1221 |
FAQs for shipping cars in Iowa
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Iowa?
Sherpa Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Iowa, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Sherpa Auto Transport a 4.5 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Iowa?
The cheapest copmany to ship your car in Iowa will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on
your specific needs is to use our car shipping
calculator.
Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also,
most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top
car shippers in Iowa, AmeriFreight has the
most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must get an Iowa license within 30 days of moving to the state. To get it, go to the DMV with your old state license, which you will have to give up for the new one.
Does Iowa require a vehicle inspection?
In Iowa, car owners do not have to complete emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
Does Iowa’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Iowa. Iowa has a humid continental climate. Snowfall is common. Spring brings severe weather. There are about 50 thunderstorm days per year and a tornado season. Summers are hot and humid. Check the weather before moving, especially in spring.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Iowa?
Delivery times for car shipping in Iowa depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days. Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Iowa, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Timeframe |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Iowa?
In Iowa, the minimum liability insurance must cover $20,000 for one person’s injury or death, $40,000 for injuries or deaths of multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
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.
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Other Iowa car shipping resources
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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