Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa (September 2026)
Nexus Auto Transport stands out as the best car shipping company in Iowa, thanks to their strong track record for fair pricing, broad service coverage, and consistent availability across routes. On average, shipping a car from Iowa costs $795–$1063.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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We rate over 2,400 companies nationwide based on the things that matter — price, service quality, availability, and customer satisfaction being key among them. We also read through hundreds of customer reviews to uncover patterns and highlight what actual users are saying.
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The Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa
Car shipping companies with national coverage tend to deliver better service, more flexible options, and competitive rates. Explore our top-rated picks trusted by customers in Iowa.
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, personalized support, and multiple discounts are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in Iowa
Although these local auto transport providers in Iowa have been assessed and rated, their service scope or availability may be more limited than the top-rated companies above.
A A All States Auto Transport
A A All States Auto Transport (DOT: 2230973) is a fully insured car shipping company offering open and enclosed transport, classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, electric vehicle transport, and international shipping.
The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB, while it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
A potential downside for some customers is that it does not offer transport for inoperable cars, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or common discounts such as military, student, or senior discounts.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Aaall States Transport
Aaall States Transport (DOT: 2230973) offers interstate, fully insured vehicle shipping with options for open and enclosed transport.
The company can also handle classic cars, motorcycles, and trailers, and it accepts credit card payments for customer convenience.
A potential downside is that it does not offer inoperable car transport, expedited delivery, or terminal-to-terminal delivery.
Aaall States Transport has an A+ rating with the BBB, while the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Nimble Inc
Nimble Inc (DOT: 2245757) provides interstate car shipping with fully insured transport options. The company offers open transport, classic car shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and heavy equipment shipping, with credit card payments accepted. Nimble Inc has a 2.0 Google rating and has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB. A potential downside is that it does not offer enclosed transport, expedited delivery, or shipping for cars that do not run.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Rush Transport Service
Rush Transport Service (DOT: 3555031) is an active car shipping company offering interstate transport and multi-car shipping options.
It has a 5.0 Yelp rating and a 4.9 Google rating, though it has yet to establish a BBB rating.
A potential downside for some customers is that Rush Transport Service does not offer enclosed transport, expedited delivery, or shipping for motorcycles, boats, RVs, or inoperable cars.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) offers interstate transport services and can ship motorcycles. The company has a strong 4.9-star rating on Google, while it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp or BBB. A potential downside for some customers is that it does not offer enclosed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or transport for cars that don’t run.
Services Offered
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
Local Car Shippers In Iowa
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You
Popular Car Shipping Routes from Iowa
- Iowa to Alabama
- Iowa to Arkansas
- Iowa to Arizona
- Iowa to California
- Iowa to Colorado
- Iowa to Connecticut
- Iowa to Delaware
- Iowa to Florida
- Iowa to Georgia
- Iowa to Idaho
- Iowa to Illinois
- Iowa to Indiana
- Iowa to Kansas
- Iowa to Kentucky
- Iowa to Louisiana
- Iowa to Massachusetts
- Iowa to Maryland
- Iowa to Maine
- Iowa to Michigan
- Iowa to Minnesota
- Iowa to Missouri
- Iowa to Mississippi
- Iowa to Montana
- Iowa to North Carolina
- Iowa to North Dakota
- Iowa to Nebraska
- Iowa to New Hampshire
- Iowa to New Jersey
- Iowa to New Mexico
- Iowa to Nevada
- Iowa to New York
- Iowa to Ohio
- Iowa to Oklahoma
- Iowa to Oregon
- Iowa to Pennsylvania
- Iowa to Rhode Island
- Iowa to South Carolina
- Iowa to South Dakota
- Iowa to Tennessee
- Iowa to Texas
- Iowa to Utah
- Iowa to Virginia
- Iowa to Vermont
- Iowa to Washington
- Iowa to Wisconsin
- Iowa to West Virginia
- Iowa to Wyoming
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in Iowa
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of Iowa:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From Iowa to Illinois | 626 | 814 |
| From Iowa to Georgia | 1218 | 1583 |
| From Iowa to Ohio | 973 | 1265 |
| From Iowa to California | 1796 | 2335 |
| From Iowa to North Carolina | 1256 | 1633 |
| From Arizona to Iowa | 1470 | 1911 |
| From Texas to Iowa | 1144 | 1487 |
| From Michigan to Iowa | 947 | 1231 |
| From New York to Iowa | 1180 | 1534 |
| From Florida to Iowa | 1464 | 1903 |
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are factors have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of Iowa:
- Distance and location: Longer mileage raises fuel, labor, tolls, and carrier time, so Iowa car shipping quotes rise. Rural pickups cost more because carriers make detours; Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, or interstate-lane pickups usually cost less.
- Vehicle type and condition: If you're shipping from Iowa and your vehicle is large, non-running, or needs special care (like a classic car) you’ll likely pay more. That’s because extra gear and handling are often needed.
- Transport type: Open car shipping costs less and moves your vehicle on an open trailer, leaving it exposed to Iowa weather and road conditions. Enclosed shipping is about 30% more expensive, but your car travels inside a covered trailer. This makes it a better option for luxury or classic cars. Because it is more affordable, around 90% of customers choose open transport.
- Seasonality: Iowa’s snowy winters, spring storms, tornado risk, and humid summers can slow carriers, tighten schedules, and raise car shipping rates. Peak summer moves usually bring stronger demand; colder months may cost less when roads stay clear.
- Additional services Expedited shipping usually raises the price since carriers must rush scheduling and may reshuffle routes. Door-to-door delivery also costs more since the truck comes closer, saving you a terminal trip.
Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of Iowa. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple Iowa auto transport companies to compare their services and understand their payment options, ensuring they align with your specific needs and budget constraints.
What To Know Before You Book
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in Iowa:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shippers guarantee their rates, so the price you’re quoted is the price you pay at delivery. But not every company does this. Unexpected issues or last-minute route changes can lead to a higher final bill.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies let you pay for a guaranteed delivery date, and they will do their best to deliver by that day. If you do not choose this option, the delivery window they provide is only an estimate. Keep in mind that bad weather, heavy traffic, and other unexpected issues can still cause delays, even with “guaranteed” delivery, because some factors are beyond the shipper’s control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. Before shipping your car, find out exactly what the company’s insurance covers if damage happens during transit—and what it does not cover. Then compare it with your own auto insurance policy, which may already protect your vehicle while it is being transported.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to review your bill of lading before you sign it at delivery. It may look like a simple receipt, but it is much more than that. This document lists the services you received and confirms the condition of your car when it arrived. Before signing, check that you received everything you paid for and that any damage is clearly noted. If damage is not listed, you may not be able to file a claim later.
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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How We Chose the Best Iowa Auto Transport Companies
We evaluate car shipping companies in Iowa using a thorough process that considers five essential criteria: licensing, customer satisfaction, service breadth, competitive pricing, and digital reputation.
- Licensing compliance at the state (Iowa) and federal level ensures companies operate legally and ethically.
- Customer satisfaction is evaluated via aggregated feedback, offering insight into service consistency and dependability.
- Diverse service offerings allow customers to match transport methods with specific vehicle types or conditions.
- We review pricing structures to ensure they are fair, transparent, and appropriate for Iowa-based transport needs.
- An established online presence and positive reputation across trusted review sites reflect a business’s accountability and customer care standards.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
FAQ
How can I tell if a car shipping company in Iowa is legit?
The safest way to confirm a company's legitimacy is to look up their USDOT or MC number in the FMCSA SAFER database. It shows licensing status, insurance, and complaint history so you know exactly who you’re dealing with.
Can I track a car shipment in Iowa?
Many carriers offer GPS tracking or regular text updates. Even if live tracking isn’t available, most companies provide status updates at pickup, mid-route, and before delivery.
What should I expect on pickup day in Iowa?
The driver will inspect your vehicle, note any existing marks, complete a bill of lading, and load the car. Clear access helps—tight streets may require meeting the truck in a nearby open area.
Is there a cheaper time of year to ship a car in Iowa?
Summer and fall are busy seasons, which pushes prices up. Winter and early spring often bring more availability and better rates.
Does auto transport include insurance in Iowa?
All licensed carriers must provide liability and cargo coverage. The limits vary, so always ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before booking.
Do car shippers in Iowa allow personal items inside your vehicle?
Currently, there are no car shippers in Iowa that allow personal items to be shipped inside your vehicle.
