Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Mobile
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 969 miles from Des Moines to Mobile ranges from $894 to $1,374. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Mobile, 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 Mobile to Des Moines car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Des Moines to Mobile car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Mobile, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Mobile, 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 Mobile, 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 Mobile 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 Port City — approximately 969 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 Mobile 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.
October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
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 Mobile 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 969-mile distance between Des Moines and Mobile 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 Mobile 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 Mobile 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 Mobile:
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Des Moines and Mobile 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.
- Mobile: Make sure to check with the City of Mobile for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to the city.
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.
- Mobile: 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.
- Mobile: 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.
- Mobile: 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 Mobile?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Mobile, 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 Mobile will range from $894 to $1,374.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Mobile?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 969 miles from Des Moines to Mobile. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Mobile?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Mobile. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
