Best Car Shipping Companies in Iowa (July 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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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) offers a variety of specialized services such as classic car shipping and enclosed transport. They are fully insured and provide the capability to handle international shipping and electric vehicle transport. The company has earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google.
While A A All States Auto Transport provides diverse services, they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery or transport for cars that don’t run, which could be a disadvantage for some customers looking for these specific options.
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) is an active car shipping business that provides a variety of services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and motorcycle transport. The company is fully insured, offering peace of mind to its customers, though it hasn’t yet established ratings on Yelp and Google; however, it holds an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Despite the array of services offered, Aaall States Transport does not ship inoperable cars, which may be a limitation for some clients. Additionally, the business does not provide services like international shipping, boat shipping, or RV transport, potentially limiting broader shipping needs.
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) is an active car shipping company known for offering a range of specialized services. They provide interstate shipping and cater to classic cars, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment transport. However, they currently do not handle inoperable car transport, which may be a downside for some customers with non-running vehicles.
The company is fully insured and accepts payments by credit card, although they do not offer certain payment options such as cryptocurrency or money orders. While Nimble Inc has a Google rating of 2.0, they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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) boasts impressive customer feedback, with a Yelp rating of 5.0 and a near-perfect Google rating of 4.9. However, the company has yet to establish a rating with the Better Business Bureau. They excel in offering interstate car transport services and accommodate multi-car transport, making them a suitable choice for those moving multiple vehicles.
One potential downside for customers is the lack of a damage-free guarantee, which may be important for clients seeking extra peace of mind. Additionally, the company does not offer services for cars that don’t run or enclosed transport options, which might limit options for transporting certain types of vehicles. While they do not support services like terminal-to-terminal delivery or expedited delivery, their focus remains on providing efficient interstate solutions.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Interstate
IMT Transport RGN Yard
IMT Transport RGN Yard (DOT: 313015) provides specialized car shipping services and currently holds an impressive Google rating of 4.9. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and the BBB, they are noted for their motorcycle shipping capabilities, making them a good choice for motorbike transport needs.
One potential downside is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers looking for extra assurance during transport. Additionally, they do not provide services like terminal-to-terminal delivery or inoperable car transport. Despite this, their active status and focused service offerings can still meet specific transportation needs.
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 Georgia | 1334 | 1734 |
| From Iowa to California | 1981 | 2575 |
| From Iowa to Ohio | 1060 | 1378 |
| From Iowa to New York | 1298 | 1687 |
| From Iowa to Texas | 1339 | 1741 |
| From Michigan to Iowa | 1008 | 1310 |
| From Illinois to Iowa | 656 | 853 |
| From Arizona to Iowa | 1667 | 2167 |
| From Florida to Iowa | 1568 | 2038 |
| From North Carolina to Iowa | 1292 | 1680 |
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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: Greater distances and remote locations increase car shipping costs due to higher fuel usage and logistical challenges. Shorter distances and major urban routes are generally less expensive to service.
- 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 is less expensive and uses an open trailer, exposing your car to Iowa's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs around 30% more but keeps your car inside a covered trailer, offering better protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Due to the lower cost, about 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Severe weather, including tornadoes and snow, increases shipping time and risk, potentially raising costs. Hot, humid summers can also impact vehicle condition during transit.
- Additional services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping can increase the cost of shipping a car out of Iowa. Door-to-door delivery offers convenience but requires more logistical planning, raising expenses. Expedited shipping ensures faster delivery, adding to costs due to priority handling and scheduling.
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 shipping companies provide fixed rates, ensuring your price stays the same on delivery day. However, not all companies offer this. Unforeseen events or last-minute route changes can affect your final cost.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and will do their best to meet that date. Without paying for this guarantee, the delivery timeline is just an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to note that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with "guaranteed" deliveries, which are beyond the car shipper's control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company's insurance plan covers—and just as importantly, what it doesn't—in case your car is damaged during transport. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, as it might cover your car while it's being shipped.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Make sure to carefully read the bill of lading when you receive your car. Although it may look like a simple receipt, it actually details the services provided and confirms the condition of your car upon arrival. Don't just sign it—verify that everything matches what you paid for and that any damage to the vehicle is noted. If it's not documented, you won't be able to support your case if you need to file a damage claim.
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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.
