Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Tempe

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,390 miles from Des Moines to Tempe ranges from $1,068 to $1,536. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tempe, AZ in 3–8 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 Tempe to Des Moines car shipping guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

Factors affecting Des Moines to Tempe car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Tempe, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Tempe, 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 Tempe, 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 Tempe 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 Tempe — approximately 1,390 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 Tempe 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.

Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.

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 Tempe 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 1,390-mile distance between Des Moines and Tempe 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 Tempe typically takes between 3 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Des Moines to Tempe 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 Tempe:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Des Moines and Tempe 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.
  • Tempe: The oversize/overweight vehicle policy allows legal travel on City right-of-way for oversize/overweight (OS/OW) vehicle loads. Special permit requests must be received by the City at least two working days prior to the need for issuance of the permit. Application fee for excess size - $18.98

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.
  • Tempe: The mandated liability insurance minimums in Arizona are as follows: $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person per accident $30,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people per accident $10,000 for property damage liability per accident

Vehicle inspections

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Tempe: Emissions testing is mandatory in Phoenix and Tucson, but not in the rest of Arizona. If you reside in either Phoenix or Tucson, you are required to undergo an emissions test every two years while renewing your vehicle registration. On the other hand, car safety inspections are not mandatory in the state of Arizona.

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.
  • Tempe: If you are a former resident of another state and now reside in Arizona, you will need to visit an Arizona Motor Vehicle Services office in person to obtain an Arizona driver's license. You have a 10-day window after relocating within the state to update the address on your Arizona driver's license.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Tempe?

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe will range from $1,068 to $1,536.

How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Tempe?

It will take approximately 3–8 days to ship your car the 1,390 miles from Des Moines to Tempe. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Tempe?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Tempe. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Des Moines resources