Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines, IA (September 2026)
Nexus Auto Transport takes the top spot in Des Moines because they deliver a level of reliability that makes the experience feel straightforward and predictable. Pricing tends to stay consistent, and most deliveries arrive within expected windows. Most car shipments in the region fall around $812-$1,184.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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The Best Car Shipping Companies in Des Moines
Companies with a national footprint typically deliver more flexible services, faster scheduling, and lower costs. Here’s our roundup of the most trusted names in car shipping for Des Moines.
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
Other Auto Transport Options in Des Moines
While these Des Moines auto transport companies meet our standards, they may not provide the same breadth of services or availability as the top choices featured earlier.
Mr. Car Shipper
Mr. Car Shipper (DOT: 2310535) provides interstate and international car shipping with open and enclosed transport options, plus support for classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, trailers, and vehicles that don’t run. The company also offers guaranteed and expedited delivery, shipment tracking, detailed inspection reports, storage solutions, full insurance, and a damage-free guarantee. Mr. Car Shipper has a 2.6 rating on Yelp, a 4.6 rating on Google, and an A+ rating with the BBB. A potential downside is that it does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, RV shipping, heavy equipment transport, electric vehicle shipping, or common discounts such as military, senior, student, or teacher discounts.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Auto Driveaway
Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) offers interstate and international car shipping with fully insured transport, shipment tracking, detailed inspection reports, and a damage-free guarantee. The company also provides open transport, guaranteed delivery, storage solutions, electric vehicle shipping, and multi-car transport. Auto Driveaway has a 2.0 rating on Yelp, a 3.0 rating on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB. A potential downside is that it does not offer enclosed transport or shipping for inoperable cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, or heavy equipment.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Detailed Inspection Reports
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
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
See the top car shippers serving Iowa.
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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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Des Moines Car Shipping Costs
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of Iowa:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From Des Moines in Iowa to New York | 1221 | 1587 |
| From Des Moines in Iowa to Texas | 1147 | 1491 |
| From Des Moines in Iowa to Ohio | 973 | 1265 |
| From Des Moines in Iowa to Georgia | 1218 | 1583 |
| From Des Moines in Iowa to Florida | 1485 | 1931 |
| From Des Moines in Michigan to Iowa | 947 | 1231 |
| From Des Moines in California to Iowa | 1735 | 2256 |
| From Des Moines in Arizona to Iowa | 1470 | 1911 |
| From Des Moines in North Carolina to Iowa | 1181 | 1535 |
| From Des Moines in Illinois to Iowa | 606 | 788 |
Cost Factors
A few different things can shape the cost of shipping a car from Des Moines — like how far it’s going, the type of vehicle, the transport style you choose, the time of year, and any extras you add on.
Before you decide, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from car shipping companies in Des Moines to compare your options.
Distance & Location
Distance is one of the biggest factors in shipping costs from Des Moines, and so is access. If the driver has to navigate tight streets or remote areas, expect the price to reflect that.
Vehicle Type & Condition
If your car is on the larger side or can’t be driven, expect the price to reflect that. Both factors add extra work for carriers picking up in Des Moines.
Transport Type
If you’re sending a car from Des Moines, Iowa, you’ll likely decide whether open transport or enclosed transport fits your needs better.
- Open transport is the most common method of shipping your car out of Des Moines. In this case, your vehicle is loaded onto a multi-car carrier along with other cars. This method is typically less expensive because costs are shared among multiple Des Moines customers, and it’s efficient for the transporter as well. However, the cars are exposed to Iowa’s outdoor elements, such as weather conditions and potential road debris.
- Enclosed transport offers added protection by placing your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from Iowa’s weather, road debris, and unwanted attention. Your car stays protected from the moment it leaves Des Moines until it arrives. This method is ideal for luxury, vintage, or collectible vehicles. Due to the limited capacity and extra care involved, enclosed shipping usually comes at a higher price.
Seasonality
Des Moines has snowy winters, spring storms, humid summers, and milder May, June, and September weather, so carriers may charge more when delays, demand spikes, or tougher driving raise risk. Flexible dates can help keep quotes lower.
Additional Services
Door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping raise Des Moines car shipping prices because carriers spend extra driver time, handle tighter deadlines, and adjust routes.
How We Chose the Best Des Moines Auto Transport Companies
Our evaluation of the best car shipping providers in Des Moines is based on a comprehensive review of five essential criteria: licensing, customer feedback, service offerings, pricing, and digital reputation.
- Licensing ensures full compliance with regulatory standards across Des Moines, Iowa, and federal jurisdictions, instilling trust and accountability.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through aggregated reviews and ratings from those who have used these services in Des Moines.
- A wide service range — including open and enclosed transport options — supports diverse shipping requirements, from standard autos to specialized vehicles.
- Pricing is reviewed for competitiveness, clarity, and alignment with market expectations in Des Moines.
- A strong online reputation, as reflected on trusted platforms like BBB and social media, signals credibility and a history of quality service.
FAQ
How do I confirm that a car shipping company in Iowa is trustworthy?
Every legitimate auto transporter is registered with the FMCSA, so their USDOT or MC number should appear in the SAFER database. You can review their insurance, licensing, and service history in one place, which makes it easier to spot red flags. If a company hesitates to provide its registration number, consider that a warning sign.
How do carriers keep you updated during a shipment in Iowa?
Tracking varies, since some companies offer a live link and others rely on scheduled updates. Either way, you should receive alerts before pickup, during the trip, and as delivery approaches. Staying informed helps you coordinate your availability on delivery day.
What happens when your car is picked up in Iowa?
The carrier will inspect your vehicle, document its condition on the bill of lading, and load it securely for transport. If your street is not suitable for a large truck, pickup may happen at a nearby parking lot. Once everything is signed, the carrier gets on the road quickly.
Des Moines, IA Relocation Resources
