Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (2024 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.
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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
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
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
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
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) offers a wide range of services including transport for ATVs, motorcycles, boats, and even classic cars. They guarantee damage-free shipping and provide fully insured and expedited delivery options, making them a reliable choice for transporting diverse types of vehicles. Additionally, they cater to cars that don’t run and offer both open and enclosed transport options.
While they have achieved an A+ rating with the BBB, their Yelp rating stands at 2.8, and the company has yet to establish ratings on Google. A potential downside is the lack of military or senior discounts, which may be a consideration for some customers. However, their comprehensive service offerings and attention to detail make them a distinguished player in the car shipping industry.
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 that provides a range of services including international shipping, transport for electric vehicles, and multi-car transport. Additionally, they offer shipment tracking and guaranteed delivery to ensure peace of mind for their customers. Auto Driveaway prides itself on being fully insured and providing detailed inspection reports for each shipment.
This company boasts a BBB rating of A+, although their Yelp and Google ratings are relatively modest, at 2.3 and 3.0 respectively. While they offer many beneficial services, a notable downside for some customers may be the lack of enclosed transport options and inoperable car transport.
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 comprehensive range of car shipping services tailored to various vehicle types. They provide specialized options for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and classic cars, ensuring secure and tailored transport solutions. Additionally, the company offers both enclosed and open transport options, catering to different customer needs and preferences.
The company is fully insured and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, highlighting their commitment to quality service. However, they do not offer certain conveniences such as expedited delivery or shipment tracking, which might be a drawback for some customers. A A All States Auto Transport has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, indicating a potential area for gaining customer feedback and trust.
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 known for its multi-car transport services and the ability to facilitate interstate moves. Unfortunately, they do not provide options for shipping inoperable cars, which might be a consideration for some customers.
Additionally, Rush Transport Service currently does not have any ratings on platforms like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. That said, they boast a perfect 5.0 rating on Google, underscoring positive feedback from users on that platform.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) specializes in motorcycle shipping and offers interstate transportation services. Although they maintain an excellent reputation with a Google rating of 4.9, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
One potential downside for some customers is that they do not provide enclosed transport or specialized transport services for cars that don’t run. Overall, IMT Transport RGN Yard remains a reliable choice for motorcycle shipping, backed by their high customer satisfaction on Google.
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
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.
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. Your exact price 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 | $1,289 – $1,780 |
| Iowa to Georgia | $830 – $1,367 |
| Iowa to Texas | $804 – $1,221 |
| Iowa to Illinois | $425 – $628 |
| Iowa to North Carolina | $838 – $1,288 |
| Arizona to Iowa | $964 – $1,533 |
| Florida to Iowa | $964 – $1,518 |
| Ohio to Iowa | $758 – $1,025 |
| New York to Iowa | $781 – $1,367 |
| Michigan to Iowa | $727 – $1,016 |
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: Seasonal snow and summer heat in Des Moines, Iowa, could lead to higher car shipping costs due to increased demand for transport and potential delays from weather-related conditions.
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 offer real-life insights into the reliability and quality of local car shipping services. Including this feedback in your decision-making process helps you avoid scams and pick a company with high customer satisfaction.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, make sure the Des Moines company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. Verify 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 reports.
- 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
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
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Des Moines?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Des Moines, Iowa, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Des Moines, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Des Moines?
Interstate 80 runs east-west. Interstate 35 runs north-south. Interstate 235 connects the city center.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Des Moines car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s FMCSA website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Des Moines?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Des Moines. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Iowa, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take Iowa regulations as an example. In Iowa, car owners don’t have to do emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
More Iowa car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Iowa, these resources should help:
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