Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Huntsville
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 771 miles from Des Moines to Huntsville ranges from $899 to $1,353. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Huntsville, AL in 2–7 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Huntsville to Des Moines car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Des Moines to Huntsville car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Huntsville, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Huntsville, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Des Moines, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Huntsville, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Des Moines. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Huntsville will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Hartford of the West to the Rocket City — approximately 771 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Des Moines and Huntsville can impact car shipping prices.
September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Des Moines to Huntsville during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 771-mile distance between Des Moines and Huntsville and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Des Moines to Huntsville typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Des Moines to Huntsville car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Des Moines to Huntsville:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Des Moines and Huntsville vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Huntsville: $0.50 per hour All parking meters are enforced Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Meters are not enforced on City of Huntsville’s recognized holidays.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Huntsville: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Huntsville: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Huntsville: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Huntsville?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Huntsville will range from $899 to $1,353.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Huntsville?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 771 miles from Des Moines to Huntsville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Huntsville?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Huntsville. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
