Car Shipping in Iowa: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We’re a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

How to prepare your vehicle for shipping in Iowa

1. Clean the car. Remove trash, loose items and any personal belongings. Anything left inside can shift or be damaged.

2. Document the condition. Take photos of the exterior and interior before loading. Note any scratches or dents.

3. Check fluids and battery. Ensure oil, coolant and brake fluid are at proper levels and the battery is fully charged.

4. Fuel level. Keep the tank no more than a quarter full. This reduces weight and limits fuel spillage.

5. Remove accessories. Take off roof racks, bike racks, spoilers, antennae and any aftermarket parts that could snag.

6. Secure loose parts. Fold in side mirrors, lock the steering wheel and make sure the hand‑brake is released.

7. Provide the key. Have a working key (or remote) ready for the carrier to unlock the vehicle at pickup and delivery.

8. Disable alarms. Turn off any anti‑theft alarms to avoid false triggers during transport.

Following these steps helps protect your car and speeds up the loading process, whether you’re shipping from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids or any other Iowa location.

Yes. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify the policy is active for the entire trip, so your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If a claim is needed, the carrier’s insurance handles it directly under the terms of the policy.

Plan ahead. The sooner you post your shipment, the easier it is for carriers to bundle your vehicle with others and lock in a low rate. We recommend booking at least 14 days before you need the pickup. During peak moving months (May‑August and December‑January) add another 7‑10 days to be safe. Waiting less than a week can limit carrier options and raise the price.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our Auto Transport Process Article for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport in Iowa

Open trailers are the most common choice. Your vehicle sits on a standard flatbed that is exposed to the elements. Because the trailer is shared with many cars, the cost is typically 30‑40% lower than an enclosed shipment. Open transport works well for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are not overly valuable or sensitive to weather.

Enclosed trailers are a separate, fully covered unit. The price is usually about 50% higher, but the vehicle is protected from rain, snow, hail, road salt, and dust. This option is best for classic cars, show cars, vehicles with custom paint, convertibles, or any high‑value automobile you want to keep pristine.

Key differences

• Cost: Open ≈ $0.50‑$0.75 per mile; Enclosed ≈ $0.75‑$1.10 per mile.
• Protection: Open – exposed to weather and road debris; Enclosed – fully shielded.
• Availability: Open trucks are plentiful across Iowa; Enclosed carriers are fewer, so booking early is wise.
• Ideal for: Open – daily drivers, family cars; Enclosed – classics, luxury, custom‑paint, or any vehicle you plan to keep showroom‑ready.

Choose the option that matches your vehicle’s value and how much protection you need during the Iowa journey.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door‑to‑door auto transport in Iowa. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and drive it to the destination address you provide. If a street is too narrow, a loading dock is unavailable, or local regulations prevent a direct drop‑off, we will work with you to choose a safe nearby spot such as a well‑lit parking lot or a gas station.

We handle shipments both into and out of Iowa, covering all major cities—including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Iowa City—as well as rural areas. The service is included in the price you receive at checkout; there are no hidden fees for the door‑to‑door convenience.

Our process is simple: 1) you give us the addresses, 2) we match you with a vetted carrier, 3) the carrier picks up and delivers your car, and 4) you receive real‑time updates via email or text. Because we started in 2012 to break the broker monopoly, we keep costs low while maintaining high standards, as reflected in our strong customer reviews.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don’t run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics’ FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!