✔ Distance: Distance has the greatest impact on pricing. Auto transport companies typically charge by the mile, although the per-mile rate often decreases as total mileage increases. Des Moines, IA, benefits from strong access to major interstate routes, which helps keep pricing competitive for both regional and long-distance shipments.
Typical cost estimates for common routes from Des Moines, IA include:
• Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL (330 miles) costs about $439
• Des Moines, IA, to Houston, TX (950 miles) costs about $819
• Des Moines, IA, to New York City, NY (1250 miles) costs close to $1029
• Des Moines, IA, to Orlando, FL (1350 miles) costs around $909
• Des Moines, IA, to Los Angeles, CA (1820 miles) averages around $1019
These figures reflect standard open transport for operable vehicles and may change based on demand and timing.
✔ Vehicle make and model: The size, weight, value, and condition of your vehicle all affect pricing for auto transport to and from Des Moines, Iowa. Compact cars and sedans are typically less expensive to ship because they require less space and use less fuel during transit.
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans take up more trailer space and add weight, which increases shipping costs. If you are transporting a luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicle, enclosed transport is often recommended for added protection. Enclosed shipping generally costs 40 to 60% more than open transport.
Inoperable vehicles also cost more to ship. Special equipment, such as winches, is required for loading and unloading, which increases labor and carrier coordination costs.
✔ Transport method: There are two main transport options for car shipping to and from Des Moines, IA.
• Open car transport is the most common and affordable choice. Vehicles are shipped on open trailers, carrier availability is higher, and scheduling is usually faster.
• Enclosed auto transport offers full protection from weather and road debris. This option is ideal for high-value or specialty vehicles, but it costs more and may require additional scheduling time due to limited carrier availability.
✔ Service level: Service upgrades can increase the total cost of auto transport to and from Des Moines, Iowa. Standard service offers the lowest pricing with flexible pick-up windows.
Expedited shipping shortens the time it takes to collect your vehicle and gives it priority for loading. Guaranteed pick-up allows you to select a specific pick-up window, often within 24 hours, and comes at a higher price due to tighter scheduling requirements. Other options, such as top-load placement or approved personal item loading, may also affect cost.
✔ Pick-up and delivery locations: Pick-up and delivery locations play an important role in pricing. Shipping within the Des Moines metro area is usually more affordable because carriers operate regular routes with steady demand.
If your vehicle needs to be collected from or delivered to a rural area outside the city, costs may increase due to additional mileage and limited carrier access. In some cases, meeting the carrier at an accessible location within Des Moines can help reduce fees and speed up scheduling.
✔ Time of year: Seasonal demand affects pricing for car shipping to and from Des Moines, IA. Late spring through early fall is the busiest period, driven by relocations and increased travel. Higher demand during these months often results in higher prices.
During winter, demand decreases, but weather conditions in Iowa can limit carrier availability. Snow and ice may lead to longer routes and higher operating costs, which can affect pricing.
✔ Fuel prices: Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for auto transport carriers. When diesel prices rise, shipping costs often increase as carriers adjust to higher expenses. When fuel prices fall, those savings are sometimes reflected in lower rates for auto transport to and from Des Moines, Iowa.
✔ Available discounts: Some auto transport providers offer discounts for military members, students, seniors, or customers shipping multiple vehicles. Availability varies by route and season, so it is worth asking about current offers when requesting a quote.
• Military car shipping discount• Snowbird car shipping discount• Student car shipping discount• Sunday car shipping discount• Loyalty car shipping discount• Multi-vehicle shipping discount