Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Greenville

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 997 miles from Des Moines to Greenville ranges from $963 to $1,435. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Greenville, SC 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 Greenville to Des Moines car shipping guide.

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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 Greenville car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Greenville, 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 Greenville, 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 Greenville 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 Greenville — approximately 997 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 Greenville 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.

If you're moving to Greenville, SC, May, September and October are the best months to move to the city. Heat are tolerable and even desirable on some months. Winters are short and generally cool.

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 Greenville 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 997-mile distance between Des Moines and Greenville 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 Greenville 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 Greenville 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 Greenville:

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Des Moines and Greenville 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.
  • Greenville: Check with the City of Greenville for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Greenville.

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.
  • Greenville: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.

Vehicle inspections

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Greenville: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.

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.
  • Greenville: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Greenville, SC 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 Greenville will range from $963 to $1,435.

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

It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 997 miles from Des Moines to Greenville. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Des Moines resources