Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Augusta

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,046 miles from Des Moines to Augusta ranges from $912 to $1,475. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Augusta, GA in 2–8 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 Augusta to Des Moines car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Des Moines to Augusta car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Augusta, 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 Augusta, 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 Augusta 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 Garden City of the South — approximately 1,046 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 Augusta 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.

Augusta had short, mild winters, very hot, humid summers

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 Augusta 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 1,046-mile distance between Des Moines and Augusta 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 Augusta typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Des Moines to Augusta 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 Augusta:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Des Moines and Augusta 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.
  • Augusta: Motorists would be allowed to park up to two hours at $1.50 per hour on Broad and up to four hours on the side streets.

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.
  • Augusta: Georgia mandates drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is also obligatory, with a minimum of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, including deductible options.

Vehicle inspections

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Augusta: New residents in Georgia must register their vehicles with the County Tag Office where they reside. To do so, they must first have a valid Georgia driver's license or ID, which can be obtained from the Georgia Department of Driver Services. New residents may need to appear in person at the County Tag Office, although rules vary.

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.
  • Augusta: New Georgia residents must obtain a Georgia Driver's License within 30 days and can do so by visiting a Customer Service Center and transferring their out-of-state license.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Augusta, GA 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 Augusta will range from $912 to $1,475.

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

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,046 miles from Des Moines to Augusta. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Des Moines resources