Ah, Iowa – where the corn is tall, and the roads are endless. But when it’s time to move and ship a car to Iowa, everything starts sounding like a big logistical headache. However, the whole ordeal is easier than you might think. Here’s everything you need to know about getting that prized ride across the country to the Hawkeye State.
The 2024 numbers aren’t quite there yet – but back in 2023, there were over 3.7 million registered vehicles in the Hawkeye State.
Just over a million of those are cars, and another million are pick-ups – whether for hauling hay bales or just flexing some serious Iowa pride.
While that might not sound like much, for a state with just over 3 million people, that’s nearly one vehicle per person.
Translation – in Iowa, having a ride isn’t just a luxury, it’s basically a lifestyle.
From the sprawling countryside to the quick trip into town for that legendary local pie, life on four wheels is basically non-negotiable.
Unless you’re ready to saddle up to get your groceries, you’re going to need something with a little horsepower. Iowa’s rural beauty is spread out, and while it’s charming, walking everywhere isn’t really an option. So, if you’re relocating across the country to the Hawkeye State, it’s time to figure out what to do with that prized ride.
Wondering how car shipping works? Don’t sweat it – with around 8,000 auto transport companies, there are plenty of options. Some of them also offer moving services, helping you disassemble furniture and transport it to the new home. The process is as simple as hiring the right relocation company, kicking back, and letting them take the wheel (literally and figuratively).
Choosing the company is like picking a co-pilot for a road trip – you want someone who won’t leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. With so many options out there, car shipping scams are unfortunately abundant, so it’s important to really dig deep into the research.
Listen, you wouldn’t buy a house without checking out the neighborhood, right? The same goes for picking the right company. Research is the name of the game. A little digging goes a long way when it comes to avoiding four-wheeled nightmares. Here’s what you should be checking out online before making a decision:
When it comes to Iowa, car shipping company fees are not a one-size-fits-all affair. The final price depends on a bunch of factors, like the distance (obviously), the type of vehicle, the transport method, and even the time of year. The good news? With the right company, you’ll get a fair price without any surprise detours along the way.
Industry professionals such as the USA Auto Transport company offer two main options – open and enclosed shipping. The choice depends on your ride’s needs, the relocation budget, and just how attached you are to this four-wheeled friend. The decision is yours, and it all comes down to how much protection you want for your ride.
Open trailers are the most common way to transport cars from state to state, and for good reason – they’re cost-effective, widely available, and get the job done. If you’ve ever seen a stack of vehicles zooming down the highway on a double-decker trailer, that’s what we’re talking about.
These open trailers expose the four-wheelers to the elements – think wind, rain, dust, and the occasional bug splatter – but if your ride is used to being out and about anyway, it’s no big deal. They’re perfect for standard vehicles and daily drivers, making them a great option for anyone looking for a way to get their four-wheeler to Iowa without breaking the bank.
If your prized ride is more than just a way to get from point A to point B – think classic cars, luxury vehicles, or anything with sentimental value – enclosed auto transport is the way to go. This option offers the ultimate protection, with the vehicle safely tucked inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from bad weather, flying debris, and anything else the road might throw at it.
Sure, it comes with a higher price tag, but for those special cars, it’s worth every penny. Whether you’re shipping a vintage muscle car or an eye-catching luxury vehicle, this option gives you the peace of mind that it will arrive in the Hawkeye State just as shiny and perfect as the day it left.
The choices don’t end with open and enclosed transport – you can also choose how you want the four-wheeler to be delivered. There’s door-to-door auto transport, which is just what it sounds like – the vehicle gets picked up right from your driveway (or wherever you specify) and delivered straight to the new home. It’s the ultimate convenience.
On the flip side, terminal-to-terminal shipping involves a little more legwork on your part. You drop off the vehicle at a designated terminal and then pick it up at another terminal close to the new destination in Iowa. While it’s typically a cheaper option, you’ll need to figure out how to get to and from these terminals.
At the end of the day, it’s all about how much convenience you want (or are willing to pay for). Want that prized ride to magically appear at the doorstep? Go door-to-door. Fine with a bit of an adventure and a terminal detour? The second option will save you a couple of bucks on the side. Either way, the four-wheeler will still end up right where it needs to be.
Before the big journey, it’s important to give your prized ride a little TLC. Preparing the car for transport can make the whole process smoother and ensure it arrives in tip-top shape – no surprises, no headaches. Here’s what you should do:
Before handing off the vehicle to the transport company, give it a good wash – inside and out. Not only does this help with the inspection process (because it’s easier to spot any scratches or dents, but it also keeps things fresh when it reaches Iowa. After all, no one wants to open the door to a vehicle that smells like last month’s takeout.
Once the ride is squeaky clean, it’s time for a mini photoshoot. Take clear, detailed pictures from all angles – front, back, sides, and even the undercarriage if possible. This will serve as a visual record of your car’s condition before the whole ordeal. In case something happens on the journey, these photos will be your trusty partners if you need to make an insurance claim.
Last but certainly not least, a quick visit to the mechanic is in order. This will ensure the car’s engine purrs, the brakes are sharp, and nothing rattles on the road ahead. Plus, it’s always better to change the oil now than scramble to get it done on the first day of your move. No one likes surprises when it comes to their ride!
Driving in Iowa is a bit like stepping into a postcard – open skies, endless stretches of road, and more rolling hills than you can count. It’s the kind of place where driving becomes an adventure, whether you’re cruising through charming small towns or navigating the scenic highways that cut through cornfields.
The roads here are generally peaceful, and the traffic? Compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities, it’s almost non-existent. But don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you – getting from point A to point B in the Hawkeye State still requires your full attention, especially when dodging the occasional tractor!
Speaking of attention, here’s a quirky law you might not expect. In Iowa, it’s illegal to throw a BB gun onto the highway. Yep, you read that right – we really don’t know what kind of predicament propelled this strange rule into action. So, while you’re admiring the scenery, just make sure you’re not packing any air-powered weapons, or you could be in for a very unusual traffic violation.
Before you start enjoying the open roads, take a moment to inspect the vehicle one last time. Check the tires, make sure all mirrors are in place, and give the engine a quick glance. This is the last pit stop before the new Iowa adventure, so it’s worth taking an extra minute to ensure everything’s good to go.
Well, there you have it – your prized ride is ready to embark on its journey to the land of cornfields and rolling hills. Whether it’s cruising past tractors or dodging the occasional rogue tumbleweed, the four-wheeler will be prepared to handle all the quirks Iowa has to offer.
Need someone to make this road-free road trip a breeze? USA Auto Transport has your back, handling everything from open trailers to enclosed VIP transport, and they’ll make sure the car arrives in Iowa without a scratch. Contact us today for one of the most reliable auto transport quotes you’ll come across and kick back, letting our team take the wheel.
