Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Des Moines, IA, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Iowa car shipping page.
Our track record
Top car shipping companies in Des Moines, IA
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Iowa, these are the best auto transport companies available in Des Moines:
Sherpa Auto Transport
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
AmeriFreight
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
Montway Auto Transport
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
SGT Auto Transport
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
Easy Auto Ship
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
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) is a reputable car shipping company that offers a broad range of services to meet diverse customer needs. They are highly rated with an A+ by the BBB but have a modest experience on Yelp with a rating of 2.8. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
They provide critical services such as damage-free guarantee, interstate and international shipping, and fully insured transport. Customers can also benefit from specific offerings like classic car shipping, inoperable car transport, and expedited delivery. A potential downside for some could be the company’s non-acceptance of cryptocurrency and the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) is a car shipping company known for providing a range of transport services with a focus on reliability and safety. They boast a BBB rating of A+, a Google rating of 3.0, and a Yelp rating of 2.3, reflecting mixed reviews from past customers.
Key services offered by Auto Driveaway include interstate shipping, open transport options, and international shipping. They also provide storage solutions and detailed inspection reports, ensuring peace of mind for their clients. Additionally, they accept payments by credit card and offer services such as shipment tracking and guaranteed delivery.
However, potential customers should be aware that Auto Driveaway does not offer boat shipping or transport for motorcycles, RVs, or inoperable cars, which may be a downside for some. Furthermore, the company does not provide a senior discount or a discount for AAA members.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Detailed Inspection Reports
A A All States Auto Transport
A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) offers a variety of services including classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, electric vehicle shipping, international shipping, and the option to transport cars via open or enclosed transport. The company is fully insured and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Customers may find it disappointing that A A All States Auto Transport does not offer services such as shipping for inoperable cars or expedited delivery. They also do not provide various discounts like those for seniors, teachers, students, or military personnel.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is an active car shipping company that offers reliable interstate transport and multi-car transport services. The company is highly rated, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating on both Yelp and Google.
While Rush Transport Service focuses on core transport services, they do not offer additional options such as enclosed transport or inoperable car transport, which may be a downside for some customers. Despite this, their strong ratings reflect a high level of customer satisfaction with the services they do provide.
Currently, they do not accept cryptocurrency or offer services like boat or motorcycle shipping, and they have yet to establish a damage-free guarantee or provide storage solutions.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) provides reliable car shipping services and is well-regarded in the industry with an impressive Google rating of 4.9. The company specializes in interstate car transportation and offers motorcycle shipping, catering to both everyday vehicles and special transport needs.
While IMT Transport RGN Yard does not provide a damage-free guarantee or inoperable car transport, they remain a solid choice for customers seeking dependable service across state lines. Additionally, the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
How we chose the best car shipping companies
Average cost to ship a car out of Des Moines
The cost to ship a car out of Iowa from Des Moines typically starts around $1,200. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Des Moines will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Des Moines, Iowa, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Iowa to California | $1,418 – $2,188 |
| Iowa to Florida | $1,150 – $1,843 |
| Iowa to Ohio | $802 – $1,150 |
| Iowa to Arizona | $1,104 – $1,685 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $538 – $677 |
| Texas to Iowa | $920 – $1,398 |
| Michigan to Iowa | $808 – $1,130 |
| New York to Iowa | $978 – $1,504 |
| North Carolina to Iowa | $950 – $1,430 |
| Georgia to Iowa | $978 – $1,415 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Des Moines
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Des Moines or to another city in Iowa can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Des Moines to a more suburban area.
- The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Des Moines might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Des Moines: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Des Moines’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Des Moines comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Weather in Des Moines includes hot summers and snowfall in winter, potentially causing delays and higher costs in car shipping due to harsh conditions and increased demand.
Tips for choosing the right Des Moines car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Des Moines with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Iowa.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Des Moines companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. Reading reviews from Des Moines customers is important because they share real-life experiences about the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Including this feedback in your decision-making process helps you avoid scams and choose a reputable company.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, you should ensure that a Des Moines company is legitimate and well-regarded to avoid scams or poor service. You can do this by checking the car shipper’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) company snapshot, which shows USDOT licensing details, current operating status, and safety records.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Des Moines. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Des Moines car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Des Moines companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Des Moines who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
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FAQ
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