Cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Corpus Christi

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,122 miles from Des Moines to Corpus Christi ranges from $973 to $1,571. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Corpus Christi, TX 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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Des Moines to Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi 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 Sparkling City by the Sea — approximately 1,122 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 Corpus Christi 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.

As a part of the gulf region of Texas, Corpus Christi is susceptible to hurricanes with the highest probability in September. Tropical storms in this time of year may affect your move.

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 Corpus Christi 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 1,122-mile distance between Des Moines and Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi:

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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 Corpus Christi 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.
  • Corpus Christi: You won't need a city parking permit from Corpus Christi but be sure to check any neighborhood or HOA rules about moving trucks and right of way rules.

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.
  • Corpus Christi: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.

Vehicle inspections

  • Des Moines: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
  • Corpus Christi: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

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.
  • Corpus Christi: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Corpus Christi, TX 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 Corpus Christi will range from $973 to $1,571.

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

It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,122 miles from Des Moines to Corpus Christi. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Des Moines resources