Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Kansas City
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 193 miles from Des Moines to Kansas City ranges from $447 to $598. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Kansas City, MO in 1–4 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 Kansas City to Des Moines car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Des Moines to Kansas City car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Des Moines to Kansas City, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, 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 Kansas City 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 KC — approximately 193 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 Kansas City 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.
Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
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 Kansas City 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 193-mile distance between Des Moines and Kansas City 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 Kansas City typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Des Moines to Kansas City 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 Kansas City:
- 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
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Comparing Des Moines and Kansas City 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.
- Kansas City: Although there's no specific permit required to move in Kansas City, you may still need to apply for a loading permit or something similar if your move requires you to block public lanes, curbs, sidewalks, etc.
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.
- Kansas City: In Missouri, drivers must have minimum liability coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 per accident for property damage. Adherence to these requirements is crucial for financial responsibility and contributes to a safer driving environment.
Vehicle inspections
- Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Kansas City: Missouri's DMV requires that passenger vehicles undergo a biennial safety inspection to evaluate the condition of its suspension, seatbelts, headlights, and related components. Additionally, residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area are required to have vehicle emission inspections.
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.
- Kansas City: As a new resident of Missouri with an out-of-state driver's license or non-driver ID, either valid or expired for no longer than 184 days, you must provide acceptable documents to demonstrate Proof of Identity, Proof of Legal Status, Proof of Social Security Number, and Proof of Missouri residency.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Kansas City?
The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Kansas City, MO 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 Kansas City will range from $447 to $598.
How long will it take to ship my car from Des Moines to Kansas City?
It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 193 miles from Des Moines to Kansas City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Des Moines to Kansas City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Des Moines to Kansas City. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
