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Minnesota to Iowa Car Shipping (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

Short routes like Minnesota to Iowa are ideal for quick turnarounds. Shipping often begins at $654 and may only take 1 day to arrive.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Multiple discounts

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

FreightWaves exists to help consumers navigate the car shipping process with trustworthy, unbiased information and comprehensive company reviews.

By applying our proprietary scoring methodology, we’ve assessed 2,400 auto transport providers nationwide, evaluating pricing transparency, service offerings, operational reach, and customer satisfaction. We also study online feedback to uncover authentic customer perspectives and recurring themes.

Our professional editorial team carefully reviews each update to ensure the information you read is accurate, current, and tailored to your research needs.

Cost of Shipping a Car From MN to IA

The average cost to ship a car between Minnesota and Iowa ranges from $654 to $843. Rates shift based on supply and demand for this route, transport method, and factors like your vehicle’s weight and condition.

Pro tip: Try to book 6-8 weeks before your move date. That timing typically helps you avoid rush premiums and limited availability. Check your estimate with our free cost calculator tool below.

Best Minnesota to Iowa Car Shippers

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Multiple discounts

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (224) 310-1412

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

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (883) 775-1461

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

4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (501) 248-0223

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

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (864) 492-1221

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

4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (855) 952-1031

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

Top Local MN-IA Car Shippers

Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group

80 S 8th St Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN, 55402
4.12 / 5.0

Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a wide range of transport options, including interstate and international shipping, open and enclosed transport, classic car shipping, and service for cars that don’t run. The company also handles motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, boats, trailers, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment, with expedited delivery and storage solutions available. It offers a military discount, though some customers may see the lack of senior, student, teacher, AAA, and law enforcement discounts as a downside. Minneapolis Auto Shipping Group has a BBB rating of A+, but it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.

Get a Quote (612) 268-2337

Services Offered

  • ATV Shipping
  • Fully Insured
  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Electric Vehicle Shipping
  • Military Discount
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Storage Solutions
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • RV Shipping
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery
  • Classic Car Shipping

Auto Driveaway

4570 West 77th Street, Suite 215, Edina, MN, 55435
3.94 / 5.0

Auto Driveaway (DOT: 1335807) offers interstate and international car shipping with open transport, guaranteed delivery, shipment tracking, and detailed inspection reports.

The company also provides fully insured service, a damage-free guarantee, storage solutions, multi-car transport, and electric vehicle shipping.

Auto Driveaway has a 2.7-star Google rating and an A+ rating from the BBB, though it has yet to establish a Yelp rating.

A potential downside for some customers is that it does not offer enclosed transport, motorcycle shipping, or inoperable car transport.

Get a Quote (612) 728-9200

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

Ceva Logistics

3169 Dodd Rd, St Paul, MN, 55121
3.62 / 5.0

Ceva Logistics (DOT: 187774) offers interstate and international car shipping with options like open and enclosed transport, terminal-to-terminal delivery, expedited delivery, and guaranteed delivery. The company also supports motorcycle, boat, trailer, and heavy equipment shipping, along with shipment tracking, storage solutions, and fully insured transport. Ceva Logistics has a 3.2 Google rating, a BBB rating of NR, and has yet to establish a Yelp rating. A potential downside is that it does not offer transport for cars that don’t run, classic car shipping, RV shipping, or common discounts such as military, student, senior, or teacher discounts.

Get a Quote (651) 675-4000

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • International Shipping
  • Open Transport
  • Guaranteed Delivery
  • Storage Solutions
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Interstate
  • Heavy Equipment Shipping
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping
  • Terminal to Terminal Delivery

Global Auto Transportation

1620 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
3.6 / 5.0

Global Auto Transportation (DOT: 2243114) offers interstate car shipping with open and enclosed transport options, plus expedited delivery and shipment tracking.

The company can also handle motorcycles, boats, trailers, and multi-car transport, and it is fully insured for added peace of mind.

A potential downside is that Global Auto Transportation does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, guaranteed delivery, or transport for inoperable cars.

The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp, Google, and BBB.

Get a Quote (888) 803-0501

Services Offered

  • Fully Insured
  • Enclosed Transport
  • Multi Car Transport
  • Open Transport
  • Deposit Required
  • Expedited Delivery
  • Shipment Tracking
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Trailer Shipping
  • Pay by Cash
  • Interstate
  • Boat Shipping
  • Motorcycle Shipping

Express Auto Transport Inc

22015 Canton Ct, Farmington, MN, 55024
3.5 / 5.0

Express Auto Transport Inc (DOT: 653539) offers interstate car shipping with open transport options and can move inoperable cars that do not run. The company accepts credit card payments and has a 3.7 rating on Google and a 1.0 rating on Yelp, while it does not currently list a BBB rating. A potential downside for some customers is that it does not offer enclosed transport, expedited delivery, shipment tracking, or motorcycle shipping.

Get a Quote (952) 403-9778

Services Offered

  • Inoperable Car Transport
  • Open Transport
  • Pay by Credit Card
  • Interstate

Compare the leading car shipping providers available to Minnesota residents, or find the top-rated services for car shipping from Minnesota to Iowa.

Car Shipping Methods

When you’re shipping a car from Minnesota to Iowa, you’ll usually decide between open and enclosed transport. Open transport is the most common and affordable option, while enclosed transport costs more but offers added protection that’s ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.

Open Transport

If you’re looking for a practical, affordable solution, open transport is usually the way to go. Delivery from Minnesota to Iowa generally takes around 1 day. Rates can vary depending on the time of year and whether you’re shipping a compact sedan or a larger SUV or truck.

Enclosed Transport

Enclosed carriers shield your vehicle from the elements and road debris, making them a smart choice for collector or high-end cars. Transit between Minnesota and Iowa usually runs about 4 days. Rates reflect the premium service and lower trailer capacity.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

A reliable car shipping provider can make your Minnesota to Iowa transport faster, safer, and less stressful. Be sure to weigh things like:

  • Prior route experience: Go with a company that regularly transports vehicles between Minnesota and Iowa.
  • Customer reviews and service: Reviews from previous customers can help you spot red flags and confirm whether the company stands behind its service.
  • Pricing and transparency: Compare quotes carefully and look for clear, itemized pricing. If a deal seems unusually cheap, it’s worth reviewing tips for avoiding car shipping scams before you book.
  • Licensing and insurance: Confirm the carrier has active DOT registration and sufficient insurance coverage by checking the FMCSA company snapshot tool.
  • Pickup and delivery flexibility: Confirm how precise delivery timelines are and whether adjustments are possible if plans change.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Multiple discounts

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

FAQ

How long does it take to ship a car from Minnesota to Iowa?

Most short-distance car shipments arrive in 1 to 4 days. Delays can happen due to traffic, weather, or scheduling. Top car shipping companies provide tracking and delivery updates.

What is the average cost to ship a car from Minnesota to Iowa?

The average cost to ship a car from Minnesota to Iowa generally ranges from $654-$843. Pricing depends on factors like seasonal demand, fuel prices, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

How do I estimate the cost to ship my car from Minnesota to Iowa?

Start with our online car shipping calculator. It allows you to input your route, vehicle type, and timing preferences to generate a fast, personalized estimate for shipping from Minnesota to Iowa.

Is my car insured during a shipment from Minnesota to Iowa?

All professional transporters are insured, but it’s smart to verify the terms. Request documentation and consider purchasing supplemental protection for peace of mind.

How do I prepare my car for shipping?

Even local routes such as Minnesota to Iowa call for a few key steps. Remove personal items, document your car’s condition with photos, and check your state’s transport rules ahead of time.

How will I pick up my car in Iowa?

Inspect your car immediately upon delivery in Iowa, checking for any damage. Compare it to the inspection report and take updated photos. You may also need to handle title transfer or inspection depending on state requirements.

Why Ship a Car From Minnesota to Iowa?

Shipping a car, even for a short trip, saves time and wear. Professional transport is ideal for extra vehicles, relocations, or long-distance sales.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.