Shipping a Car from Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA
Los Angeles, CA to Des Moines, IA is a 1,708-mile northeastbound run that runs across seven states, from California to Iowa. A carrier needs about four days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 3–5 days in transit once the car is loaded. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
What Los Angeles to Des Moines Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $855–$1,195, which is about $0.60 per mile over 1,708 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,240–$1,735), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $960–$1,340. For scale, Houston, TX to Jersey City, NJ is a similar 1,685-mile move at $840–$1,180. Delivery to Omaha, 134 miles from Des Moines, would be $780–$1,095.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $855–$1,195 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $960–$1,340 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $960–$1,340 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,240–$1,735 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
From December to March, mountain weather is the biggest timing risk, and carriers may wait out a storm. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,708 miles. Across California expect mild coastal weather but snow on the Sierra passes in winter; across Iowa, winter storms and strong crosswinds.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Los Angeles. The West Coast's largest auto-import and relocation market, with I-5, I-10 and I-405 and very deep carrier supply. Los Angeles has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Carriers usually load around I-10, I-405 and I-5.
Delivery in Des Moines. Des Moines is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. Central Iowa crossroads of I-35 and I-80, handy for east-west and north-south hauls. Carriers typically arrive around I-35 and I-80.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. In California, I-5 and Highway 99 run the length of the Central Valley, and I-15 and I-10 cross the desert. In Iowa, I-80 and I-35 are the backbone, with long open stretches. In Colorado, I-70 climbs through the Rockies near the Eisenhower Tunnel while I-25 runs the Front Range. Metros near that straight-line path include Colorado Springs (CO) and Omaha (NE), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Pacific time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Los Angeles, say so when you request quotes.
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading northeast.