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Des Moines to Los Angeles Car Shipping Services

Route Details

Transporting a vehicle from Des Moines, Iowa to Los Angeles, California spans approximately 1,683 miles, typically taking between 3 to 5 days for delivery. As you traverse through the Midwest into the West Coast, be prepared for varying weather conditions. Late spring and summer can present dry heat in Southern California, while winter and early spring might bring rain and possible snow in the higher elevations.

Traffic patterns can significantly impact transit times, especially as vehicles near metropolitan areas like Denver and Los Angeles. These cities experience peak hours that can cause delays; planning pickups and deliveries during off-peak times can help mitigate this issue.

Logistically, the route features a variety of terrains, from flat plains to mountainous regions, necessitating professional transport capable of handling changes in elevation. Be aware that while major highways connect these two endpoints, construction or traffic incidents can occasionally disrupt usual transit paths.

Effortless Auto Shipping from Des Moines to Los Angeles

When it comes to auto transport, your vehicle deserves the best service available. Freedom Auto Transport specializes in auto shipping from Des Moines, Iowa to Los Angeles, California. With our experienced team, moving a car has never been easier or more reliable.

Our streamlined process ensures that transporting a car is straightforward and hassle-free. You can count on us to handle every aspect of your vehicle transport, from pick-up to delivery. No need to worry about long wait times or complicated arrangements; our dedicated staff is ready to assist you every step of the way.

Why Choose Freedom Auto Transport?

At Freedom Auto Transport, we prioritize your satisfaction and peace of mind. This means providing transparent pricing, reliable service, and timely deliveries. Our goal is to make your auto shipping experience as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re relocating for a job, vacation, or any other reason, moving a car shouldn’t be a burden. With our expertise, you can focus on what matters most while we handle the logistics of vehicle transport. Trust our professional team to protect your investment while providing a seamless service from start to finish.

Get Your Quote Today!

Don’t hesitate to take the first step in your auto transport journey. Contact us for a no-obligation quote! You can reach us at 888-509-1102 or by emailing us at sales@freedomautotransport.com. The sooner you reach out, the sooner your car can be on its way to sunny Los Angeles!

Your vehicle deserves the best, and with Freedom Auto Transport, it’s just a call or email away. Experience the convenience and reliability of auto shipping with us today!

Des Moines to Los Angeles Car Shipping Route Overview

  • Distance: ~1,683 miles
  • Average cost: $1,025 – $1,464
  • Transit time: 3 to 5 days
  • Delivery type: Door-to-door available

How much does it cost to ship a car from Des Moines to Los Angeles?

Most vehicles cost between $1,025 and $1,464 for this route, depending on the type of transport, timing, and vehicle size.

Shipping a car from Des Moines to Los Angeles is a long-distance route, covering approximately 1,683 miles. Pricing varies based on a few key factors:

  • Transport type: open transport is cheaper than enclosed
  • Vehicle size: SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans
  • Timing: expedited shipping increases the price
  • Seasonality: demand can impact rates

For the best balance of cost and speed, most customers choose open, door-to-door car shipping, which keeps pricing in the lower end of the range.

Shipping From Shipping To Average Distance Approximate Time Price Estimate
Des Moines, Iowa Los Angeles, California 1,683 miles 3 to 5 days $1,025 - $1,464

Get an instant quote to see your exact Des Moines to Los Angeles car shipping price based on your vehicle and schedule.

How long does it take to ship a car from Des Moines to Los Angeles

Shipping a car from Des Moines to Los Angeles typically takes 3 to 5 days.

Typical timeline:

  • Pickup window: 1–3 business days after booking
  • Transit time: 3 to 5 days after pickup

Delays are rare but can occur due to:

  • traffic conditions
  • weather
  • carrier scheduling

For faster service, expedited shipping options are available for priority pickup and delivery.

Guides

Car Shipping Guides

Straight answers on cost, timing and prep before you book.

View All Guides

Want a price for your route? See what drives the cost of shipping a car.

Car Shipping Cost Guide

Areas We Serve

Des Moines

and surrounding areas

50301, 50302, 50303, 50304, 50305, 50306, 50307, 50308, 50309, 50310, 50311, 50312, 50313, 50314, 50315, 50316, 50317, 50318, 50319, 50320, 50321, 50322, 50323, 50324, 50325, 50327, 50328, 50329, 50330, 50331, 50332, 50333, 50334, 50335, 50336, 50337, 50338, 50339, 50340, 50341, 50342, 50343, 50344, 50345, 50346, 50347, 50348, 50349, 50350, 50351, 50352, 50353, 50354, 50355, 50356, 50357, 50358, 50359, 50360, 50361, 50362, 50363, 50364, 50365, 50366, 50367, 50368, 50369, 50370, 50371, 50372, 50373, 50374, 50375, 50376, 50377, 50378, 50379, 50380, 50381, 50382, 50383, 50384, 50385, 50386, 50387, 50388, 50389, 50390, 50391, 50392, 50393, 50394, 50395, 50396, 50397, 50398, 50399, and others

Los Angeles

and surrounding areas

90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90022, 90023, 90024, 90025, 90026, 90027, 90028, 90029, 90031, 90032, 90033, 90034, 90035, 90036, 90037, 90038, 90039, 90040, 90041, 90042, 90043, 90044, 90045, 90046, 90047, 90048, 90049, 90056, 90057, 90058, 90059, 90061, 90062, 90063, 90064, 90065, 90066, 90067, 90068, 90069, 90071, 90077, 90094, 90095, and others

Popular Car Shipping Routes

3 Simple Steps to Ship Your Car from Des Moines to Los Angeles

Step 1: Get Your Quote

Request a fast, accurate car shipping quote by providing vehicle details, locations, and transport type (open or enclosed). We offer transparent pricing for door-to-door, cross-country, or expedited shipping—no hidden fees.

Step 1

Step 2: Pickup

After booking, we arrange door-to-door pickup. A driver inspects your vehicle, then loads it using secure equipment. Choose open transport for cost savings or enclosed transport for extra protection. Tracking and updates are available throughout transit.

Step 2

Step 3: Delivery

Track your vehicle via eBOL. We deliver it to your chosen location, perform a final inspection, and complete the handoff. Safe, insured, and on-time delivery for any vehicle type.

Step 3

Frequently Asked Questions

See more FAQs

Booking & Pricing Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car to Los Angeles

The cost of shipping a car depends on various factors, including the vehicle type, pickup and delivery locations, shipping distance, time of year, and transport method (open or enclosed). We offer free quotes based on your specific needs.

What is the process for obtaining a quote for transporting a car from Des Moines, Iowa?

There are two simple ways to obtain a quote. You can either call and speak to a logistics coordinator at 888-509-1102 or complete our instant quote form. Our trained professionals are waiting to assist you.

Shipping Process & Delivery Questions

Does Freedom Auto Transport provide door-to-door transport?

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport, meaning the carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified locations as possible. In some cases, due to narrow streets or local restrictions, you may need to meet the carrier at a nearby location.

How soon can you pick up my car in Des Moines?

Our standard pickup window from Des Moines is within 1-3 business days from the first available ship date. If you need the vehicle picked up on the same or next day, we’ve got you covered! Our expedited options will ensure instant service. If you’re in a time crunch and require expedited service, make sure you call right away and speak with one of our Transportation Specialists so they can find the closest option that works for you!

Safety

How do you handle a damaged vehicle at time of delivery?

While we expect carriers to deliver all vehicles without damage, accidents can happen. It is important for customers to inspect their vehicles upon receipt. If damage is noticed, customers should contact our office asap. Damage should be documented on the “Bill of Lading” received from the driver. If a report is not made in a timely manner we will not be able to assist you with the damage.

Will my vehicle be insured during transport to Los Angeles?

Yes, your vehicle is covered under the carrier's insurance during transport to Los Angeles. Additionally, we require all customers to maintain their own insurance for the vehicle while in transit, offering extra protection against any potential loss.

How do I know my driver is qualified?

All our carriers are fully licensed, insured, and vetted to meet federal and state regulations. We work only with professional, experienced transporters to ensure the safe delivery of your vehicle.

Customer Testimonials

4.60 / 5 based on 1,494 Google reviews

  • “I contacted Freedom Auto Transport under short notice and they delivered. Got my vehicle picked up in Dallas, TX the same day, it took about 3 days to get delivered. Driver contacted me prior to arrival on both ends and was very friendly. Very easy to do business with. Thanks again.”

    Theresa Webb

  • “I wanted to share my experience dealing with Freedom Auto Transport. Could not have gone any smoother. Called up Tuesday morning, had my vehicle picked up and on a trailer the very next day! Wow! Everyone I spoke to at Freedom was extremely helpful and friendly. Very pleased with my experience and would 10000% recommend Freedom to anyone that needs auto transport service. Thanks again..”

    Darlene Robertson

  • “Freedom was great, Dan S. with Freedom was the only carrier who could deliver on the dates I needed. I contacted several transporters, the prices and dates changed every 5 minutes. Dan was very helpful every step of the way, and extremely reasonable! I will use these guys from this point forward, make one call and it’s a done deal! Thanks Dan!”

    Guy Hawkins

  • Freedom Auto Transport runs a solid operation. Dorian is the reason I chose this carrier even though I had all but agreed to work with a different hauler. He was fast to return my calls, texted frequently, and used all his contacts to arrange a quick turnaround on the 4Runner I shipped. He almost managed to get a same day pick-up but the dealership I was working with couldn’t complete the paperwork in time for an evening pick up. Easy paperwork/signatures. No heavy sales pitch. Just familiarity with how the industry works, good relationships to leverage, and the urgency to help. I think he really feels good knowing he’s helping to deliver something meaningful to others. Ive used different companies each time I’ve shipped a vehicle but the next time I need a car or truck shipped, I want to work with Dorian. Cheers!

    Josh Schwartz

  • I was very happy with the transport process of my vehicle. Martyn was very helpful in keeping me in the loop on the hole process. He answered all of my questions and concerns. Taylor the dispatcher manager was quick on sending me the documents to sign and was very professional. Alot of companies prices were much higher. Martyn, Taylor found me a price that was very affordable with Freedom auto transport. I really recommend Martyn and Taylor.

    Ram Delarosa

  • I had an outstanding experience with Freedom Auto Transport from start to finish. Their vehicle transport service delivered exactly what was promised with reliable, on-time car shipping and excellent communication throughout the entire auto transport process. A big thank you to Martyn Rothberg and Gerald Spade for going above and beyond. My car shipment from Las Vegas to Anchorage, Alaska actually arrived earlier than expected. Although this created unexpected storage fees with the ocean freight carrier, Martyn and Gerald stepped in immediately and handled everything. Thanks to their persistence, all storage fees were waived and I paid nothing out of pocket. That level of customer service and dedication truly sets this car transport company apart in the auto shipping industry. Most importantly, my vehicle arrived safe, secure, and damage-free. If you need dependable auto transport, car shipping services, or cross-country vehicle transport, Freedom Auto Transport is a company you can trust.

    Ms Mers

  • I had the absolute best experience with Freedom Auto Transport thanks to Marty! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I needed to ship my car from Florida all the way to Honolulu, and Marty made the entire process seamless and stress-free. His communication was excellent — always clear, responsive, and reassuring every step of the way. He truly went above and beyond to help me secure a spot. Funny enough, when we were on the phone, there wasn’t even an open spot on the ship at first. But while we were talking, one opened up, and Marty wasted no time getting me booked right away. Talk about timing! The whole process was painless, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you’re looking to ship your car, ask for Marty — l can’t say enough amazing things.

    Holly Forest

  • I shipped 2 cars with Freedom auto transport. Great auto company overall. Communication and interaction with Tony Kline were great. He was very attentive and responsive throughout the whole process. Called him and got my car ship next day and cars were delivered in 2 days from Omaha to California. Will definitely use this company again in the future.

    Kenol Felix