Des Moines, IA Car Shipping: 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.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for detailed guidance on preparing your vehicle for shipping from Des Moines. Before your carrier arrives, remove any toll passes (important for Iowa tollways), fragile items, and loose accessories that could shift during transit. Make sure you have a key available for the carrier and document your vehicle's condition—our digital vehicle inspections help protect you throughout the process. These simple steps, combined with our 95% successful carrier securement rate, help ensure a smooth shipping experience.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping to or from Des Moines. All carriers we work with are FMCSA-licensed and required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that each carrier's insurance policy is valid and in good standing throughout your shipment, giving you peace of mind whether you're shipping across Iowa or nationwide.

The sooner, the better. We recommend scheduling your Des Moines pickup at least two weeks in advance, though posting your shipment earlier gives carriers more time to bundle your vehicle with others heading through Iowa's central corridor. With our 95% successful carrier securement rate, early scheduling increases the likelihood of locking in your requested timeframe.

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.

Enclosed transport costs at least 50% more than open trailers, but provides superior protection for high-value vehicles like classics or custom builds. In Des Moines, where weather can bring unpredictable road conditions and debris, enclosed transport shields your car from the elements during transit. Open transport remains a reliable, budget-friendly option for standard vehicles, and Sakaem Logistics' AI-verified pricing ensures you get transparent quotes for whichever option fits your needs.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Des Moines. At booking, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses within the Des Moines area or beyond, and our assigned carrier will transport your vehicle directly to those locations. If any transportation restrictions or safety challenges arise, our carrier will work with you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a local gas station or parking lot, ensuring your vehicle gets where it needs to go.

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!