The average cost for car shipping to or from Iowa is about $450 for distances less than 500 miles, $1055 for distances between 500 and 1500 miles, and $1,500+ for distances over 1500 miles.
Distance | Cost |
Less than 100 miles | $450 |
101 to 350 miles | $580 |
351 to 500 miles | $760 |
501 to 800 miles | $916 |
801 to 1200 miles | $1000 |
1201 to 1500 miles | $1250 |
1501 to 1800 miles | $1500 |
1801 to 2200 miles | $1850 |
The primary factor in shipping cost is the distance your car has to travel, but other factors may affect the price.
Route: Two shipping routes may be the same number of miles, but they won’t necessarily have the same price. For example, South Dakota to Montana is a little shorter than Washington to Idaho, but it may cost more because of differences in the routes and logistics.
Time of Year: The time of year may factor into your shipping price. Summer has better weather and higher demand, which can mean higher prices. Winter is slow and may get you a better deal on shipping, but severe weather like storms and heavy snowfall can impact your shipping price. However, windstorms, tornados, and floods are also common in South Dakota, so you may have weather delays during any season.
Scheduling: Flexible shipping schedules can get you a competitive rate if you book shipping during the off-season. Strict pickup and delivery dates, especially at the last minute, often have higher prices.
Make and Model: The weight of your car factors into the shipping price, so the make and model matter – as well as the type of transport you choose. Small cars and SUVs are lighter, leading to lower shipping prices than large pickup trucks and SUVs. If you’re shipping an oversized vehicle, you may have higher prices because of the specialized equipment needed to secure and ship these vehicles.
Type of Transport: Open-air trailers are the most economical way to ship your car. It does leave your car vulnerable to road debris and damage, however, so people with high-value cars like antiques or exotics often choose enclosed shipping at a premium price for extra protection.