Iowa Auto Transport Company

2 J's Auto Transport is a federally licensed auto transport broker, offering reliable and affordable vehicle shipping to and from all 50 states.

Step 1 of 3 - Destination

Transport FROM(Required)

Transport TO(Required)

Welcome to 2 J’s Auto Transport, a family-owned auto transport broker with 13+ years of experience moving vehicles in and out of Iowa. We specialize in open carrier shipping, enclosed auto transport, RV transportation, heavy hauling, and shipping of operable and inoperable vehicles across all 50 states. Iowa sits at the center of the country along the I-80 corridor, one of the most heavily traveled freight routes in the U.S., which means strong carrier availability and competitive pricing for shipments in both directions. We serve Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, and every Iowa community in between, including rural farm properties and smaller towns well off the interstate.

Iowa’s position at the center of the United States makes it an efficient shipping state in most directions. I-80 runs east-west the full width of Iowa from the Illinois border through Davenport, Iowa City, Des Moines, and Council Bluffs on the Nebraska line. It is one of the nation’s busiest freight corridors, keeping carrier availability strong for east-west shipments. I-35 handles the north-south spine through Des Moines connecting Minneapolis to Kansas City. I-29 runs the western edge along the Missouri River from Sioux City south to the Missouri border. I-380 connects Cedar Rapids to Iowa City in the east-central corridor.

Iowa is the country’s top agricultural state, #1 in corn production, #1 in pork production, and a leading producer of soybeans, eggs, and cattle. That agricultural base generates consistent demand for heavy equipment transport: planters, combines, tractors, grain wagons, and livestock trailers moving between farms, auctions, and dealers year-round. We coordinate agricultural equipment hauls alongside standard vehicle shipments.

We’re a federally licensed auto transport broker, bonded by the FMCSA and operating under USDOT regulations. Every carrier we dispatch in Iowa carries active cargo insurance, which we verify before each job. We understand Iowa’s specific requirements: the state’s 30-day vehicle registration window for new residents, Iowa’s 5% use tax on vehicle purchases, the absence of statewide emissions testing, and the practical reality that rural Iowa pickups may require the carrier to meet at a nearby highway access point rather than a farm property directly.

Across more than a decade of Iowa auto transport work, we’ve coordinated thousands of vehicle shipments in and out of the state, from Iowa State and University of Iowa students moving home for summer, to farmers shipping equipment between operations, to Des Moines insurance industry professionals relocating across the country, to families making the move from Iowa’s cities to Arizona, Florida, and Texas.

If you’re shipping your car for the first time in Iowa, here’s a complete guide on how to transport a car.

See What Our Clients are Saying on Google!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 9 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Selly Stuff 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joyce was amazing to work with from start to finish . My daughter was moving alone from Las Vegas to Chicago and the dates were constantly fluctuating. Joyce was so patient with me , understanding and empathetic to our needs . She made us feel like family . We used Sherpa years ago , and her customer service and communication was way beyond Sherpas ( and they gave excellent service as well, but Joyce blew them out of the water ) The price was competitive with the other carriers , but it really was her personality and customer service that sealed the deal . I would highly recommend using 2 Js auto transport over any of the more popular auto transporters. I spoke to atleast 5 other carriers before choosing 2js transport ( they were highly recommended by my brother , he used in past to get a car from California to Florida ) and I’m so glad we decided to use them . It was seamless and again the open line of communication was exceptional ! I can’t say enough great things about the whole process other than I would pick them hands down over any other carrier !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brandon Key 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great price compared to other quotes I received. Working with Joyce and Christina was great!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina Furbush 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joyce and John are such a pleasure to work with. There are a lot of scams in this industry and thankfully this is a family owned company where they actually take care of you like you’re part of their own family. I would highly recommend using their services. Vehicle was picked up and delivered when they said it was, and it was delivered in perfect condition.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   king furbs 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing service very professional and fairly priced shipped my cars from New York to Florida i will definitely use them again when we ship on the future thank you again 2 Js Auto
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jonathan Guiliano 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional service price was competitive and staff was friendly and knowledgeable if you need anything transported this is the company to use !!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Syrus Stone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This company is very professional and had great communication. I was a little nervous about transporting my vehicle for the first time but they stood behind everything they said they would and followed through from beginning to end. They were very fairly priced amongst competitors, readily available anytime I called or had questions and they were extremely helpful. I would use them again in a heartbeat. Much thanks to 2Js!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charles Allen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 2 Js Auto transport was very easy to work with great price on shipping our skid steer i would recommend them to anyone needing anything transported
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mi CoLa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John and Joyce were a pleasure to work with!!! I used 2Js Auto Transport to ship a forklift that I had purchased and the ease of this transaction was beyond my expectations.  Their communication and transparency throughout this process was top notch. I highly recommend them and will definitely be using them again in the future!! Huge thanks to them both!!!

Are you looking for auto transport service in Iowa (IA)? Let's get in touch with 2 J's Auto Transport.

Popular Auto Transport Routes from Iowa

Auto Shipping Routes	Total Distance (Miles)	Estimated Delivery Time	Notes
Iowa → Florida	1,400	4 – 6 days	Heavy snowbird demand Oct–Dec outbound; Mar–May inbound
Iowa → California	1,800	5 – 8 days	Steady year-round; LA and Bay Area are top destinations
Iowa → Texas	900	3 – 5 days	Strong corridor, high carrier availability
Iowa → Arizona	1,500	5 – 7 days	Snowbird peak Oct–Nov; Phoenix and Scottsdale primary destinations
Iowa → Washington State	1,700	5 – 8 days	Pacific Northwest relocations
Iowa → New York	1,200	4 – 6 days	Steady demand on I-80 east
Iowa → Georgia	1,100	3 – 5 days	Growing route
Iowa → Illinois	250	1 – 2 days	Quad Cities corridor, same-week pickup usually available
Iowa → Minnesota	250	1 – 3 days	High carrier traffic on I-35 Minneapolis corridor
Iowa → Missouri	250	1 – 2 days	Fast, reliable route on I-35 south
Iowa → Nebraska	150	1 day	Council Bluffs/Omaha corridor
Iowa → Colorado	700	2 – 3 days	Denver and Front Range relocations

For the reverse direction (shipping TO Iowa), Florida-to-Iowa and California-to-Iowa see the highest inbound volume, driven by retirees returning home and corporate relocations into Des Moines’ insurance industry hub.

Iowa Seasonal Shipping - What to Expect Throughout the Year

Iowa’s weather and agricultural calendar create distinct shipping seasons. Planning around them saves both time and money.

Winter (December–February): Iowa winters are serious. Blizzards can shut down I-80 and I-35 for 24-48 hours, and sustained cold (-20 degrees F is not uncommon in northern Iowa) can affect carrier scheduling. We build buffer time into winter pickup windows. Enclosed transport is recommended for high-value vehicles moving in winter to protect from road salt and brine spray.

Spring (March–May): Tornado season begins in April, with the highest risk in southern and central Iowa. Active severe weather can delay carriers on open highways. Spring also brings flooding risk along the Missouri River corridor (I-29 in western Iowa) and near the Mississippi River at the Quad Cities (I-80 in eastern Iowa). Book with schedule flexibility during active weather windows.

Summer (June–August): The Iowa State Fair runs in August in Des Moines, so plan around event traffic if your pickup or delivery is in the Des Moines metro during fair week. High heat and humidity in July and August make morning pickups preferable. Peak moving season means prices run 15-25% higher than winter, so book 3-4 weeks ahead.

Fall (September–November): Harvest season (October-November) brings heavy agricultural equipment on rural roads, which can affect carrier access in farming communities. Snowbird season begins in October; routes to Arizona and Florida see higher demand and prices. September is generally the best overall window for Iowa shipments: weather is stable, summer peak has eased, and prices haven’t yet risen with snowbird demand.

Iowa Vehicle Regulations to Know Before Shipping

(We’re not lawyers, always confirm details with the Iowa Department of Transportation.)

Registration timeline: New Iowa residents have 30 days to register their vehicle after establishing residency. Registration is handled at the county treasurer’s office, not a state DMV.

Use tax: Iowa charges 5% use tax on vehicles purchased out of state and brought into Iowa for registration.

Emissions testing: Iowa has no statewide emissions testing requirement which simplifies registration for vehicles being shipped in from stricter states like Illinois or California.

Safety inspection: Iowa does not require periodic vehicle safety inspections.

Title transfer: New residents must transfer the out-of-state title to an Iowa title within 30 days. Done at the county treasurer’s office.

Plates during transport: You do not need plates to ship a vehicle. We transport vehicles with no plates, expired plates, or out-of-state plates.

For full regulatory details: Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division

Why Choose Us

2 J’s Auto Transport was founded in 2012 by John and Joyce with a focus on transparency in an industry where that’s genuinely uncommon. For Iowa shipments specifically, that means being upfront about rural pickup logistics (gravel roads, farm properties, and small towns with no interstate access), planning around Iowa’s serious winter blizzard and spring tornado windows, timing agricultural equipment moves around planting and harvest seasons, and coordinating student vehicle shipping for Iowa State and the University of Iowa. Every carrier we dispatch carries active cargo insurance, which we verify before each job. Clear quotes, no hidden fees, direct support whenever you need it.

Concerned about scams in the auto transport industry? Read our guide on common auto transport scams before you book.

How We Work - Broker vs Carrier Explained

2 J’s Auto Transport is a federally licensed auto transport broker (MC# 799000, USDOT# 02349019). We don’t own trucks or employ drivers. We match your Iowa shipment with the right vetted, FMCSA-compliant carrier for your specific route, a carrier already on I-80 through Des Moines, one running I-35 toward Minneapolis or Kansas City, an agricultural equipment specialist for farm property pickups, or an enclosed carrier for high-value vehicles. Every carrier we dispatch carries active cargo insurance, which we verify before each job.

States Where We Ship Car From Iowa (IA)

Car shipping from IA to Alabama
Car shipping from IA to Alaska
Car shipping from IA to Arizona
Car shipping from IA to Arkansas
Car shipping from IA to California
Car shipping from IA to Colorado
Car shipping from IA to Connecticut
Car shipping from IA to Delaware
Car shipping from IA to Florida
Car shipping from IA to Georgia
Car shipping from IA to Hawaii
Car shipping from IA to Idaho
Car shipping from IA to Illinois
Car shipping from IA to Indiana
Car shipping from IA to Kansas
Car shipping from IA to Kentucky
Car shipping from IA to Louisiana
Car shipping from IA to Maine
Car shipping from IA to Maryland
Car shipping from IA to Massachusetts
Car shipping from IA to Michigan
Car shipping from IA to Minnesota
Car shipping from IA to Mississippi
Car shipping from IA to Missouri

Car shipping from IA to Montana
Car shipping from IA to Nebraska
Car shipping from IA to Nevada
Car shipping from IA to New Hampshire
Car shipping from IA to New Jersey
Car shipping from IA to New Mexico
Car shipping from IA to New York
Car shipping from IA to North Carolina
Car shipping from IA to North Dakota
Car shipping from IA to Ohio
Car shipping from IA to Oklahoma
Car shipping from IA to Oregon
Car shipping from IA to Pennsylvania
Car shipping from IA to Rhode Island
Car shipping from IA to South Carolina
Car shipping from IA to South Dakota
Car shipping from IA to Tennessee
Car shipping from IA to Texas
Car shipping from IA to Utah
Car shipping from IA to Vermont
Car shipping from IA to Virginia
Car shipping from IA to Washington
Car shipping from IA to West Virginia
Car shipping from IA to Wisconsin
Car shipping from IA to Wyoming

What our other platform clients are saying about us

Devon B

I recently used 2 J’s Auto Transport to transport my car across the country, and I couldn’t be happier with the service! From the very beginning, the team was professional and responsive, answering all my questions and providing a detailed quote with no hidden fees. The pickup was smooth, and they kept me updated throughout the entire process. My car arrived in perfect condition and even ahead of schedule! The driver was friendly and handled everything with care. I highly recommend Joyce and John for anyone looking for reliable and efficient auto transport services. They truly exceeded my expectations!

Johnny

Need my car shipped from New York to California it’s a 2017 Mercedes-Benz I need the enclosed shipping they were very professional always available and deliver the car in five days cross country they gave me a really good price and explained how the business worked would definitely recommend them great job guys.

Mark Edwards

I buy and sell construction equipment all over the US and always go to 2 J’s for long distance transport. They are able to find excellent rates on partial loads within a day or two. The drivers they send are always very professional and helpful. I’ve received quotes from other dispatchers and sometimes drivers offer their services directly, but they can rarely offer compete with 2 J’s pricing or timely service.

Sidharth S

You guys were awesome. Picked up on time, dropped off on time as promised. I was returning customer. I had used their service a year and a half back. They were good at that time and this time too they were fantastic. I was fortunate to have got an enclosed truck for the price of open. Seems they had a truck passing on my dates and they gladly put me there. Thank you, John. Thank you, Joyce. I would highly recommend their services.

Car Shipping Areas / Zip Codes We Serve in IA

2 J’s Auto Transport offers reliable car shipping services in Iowa, covering cities and wide range of zip codes and nearby areas:

Major Cities of Iowa

Des Moines

50301, 50302, 50303, 50304, 50305, 50306, 50307, 50308, 50309, 50310, 50311, 50312, 50313, 50314, 50315, 50316, 50317, 50318, 50320, 50321, 50322, 50323, 50325, 50327, 50333, 50393, 50394, 50395

Cedar Rapids

52401, 52402, 52403, 52404, 52405, 52406, 52407, 52408, 52409, 52410, 52411

Davenport

52801, 52802, 52803, 52804, 52805, 52806, 52807, 52808, 52809

Sioux City

51101, 51102, 51103, 51104, 51105, 51106, 51108, 51109

Iowa City

52240, 52241, 52242, 52244, 52245, 52246

Waterloo / Cedar Falls

50701, 50702, 50703, 50707, 50613, 50614

Council Bluffs

51501, 51502, 51503

Ames

50010, 50011, 50012, 50013, 50014

Dubuque

52001, 52002, 52003, 52004

Other Places in Iowa

50001, 50002, 50003, 50005, 50006, 50007, 50008, 50009, 50020, 50021, 50022, 50023, 50025, 50026, 50027, 50028, 50029, 50031, 50032, 50033, 50034, 50035, 50036, 50037, 50038, 50039, 50040, 50041, 50042, 50043, 50044, 50046, 50047, 50048, 50049, 50050, 50051, 50052, 50054, 50055, 50056, 50057, 50058, 50059, 50060, 50061, 50062, 50063, 50064, 50065, 50066, 50067, 50068, 50069, 50070, 50071, 50072, 50073, 50074, 50075, 50076, 50078, 50099, 50101, 50102, 50103, 50104, 50105, 50106, 50107, 50108, 50109, 50110, 50111, 50112, 50115, 50116, 50117, 50118, 50119, 50120, 50122, 50123, 50124, 50125, 50126, 50127, 50128, 50129, 50130, 50131, 50132, 50133, 50134, 50135, 50136, 50137, 50138, 50139, 50140, 50141, 50142, 50143, 50144, 50145, 50146, 50147, 50148, 50149, 50150, 50151, 50152, 50153, 50154, 50155, 50156, 50157, 50158, 50160, 50161, 50162, 50163, 50164, 50165, 50166, 50167, 50168, 50169, 50170, 50171, 50173, 50174, 50201, 50206, 50207, 50208, 50210, 50211, 50212, 50213, 50214, 50216, 50217, 50218, 50219, 50220, 50222, 50223, 50225, 50226, 50227, 50228, 50229, 50230, 50231, 50232, 50233, 50234, 50235, 50236, 50237, 50238, 50239, 50240, 50241, 50242, 50243, 50244, 50246, 50247, 50248, 50249, 50250, 50251, 50252, 50254, 50255, 50256, 50257, 50258, 50259, 50261, 50262, 50263, 50264, 50265, 50266, 50268, 50269, 50271, 50272, 50273, 50274, 50275, 50276, 50277, 50278, 50359, 50360, 50361, 50362, 50363, 50364, 50367, 50369, 50380, 50381, 50391, 50392, 50395, 50396, 50397, 50398, 50401, 50402, 50420, 50421, 50423, 50424, 50426, 50427, 50428, 50430, 50431, 50432, 50433, 50434, 50435, 50436, 50438, 50439, 50440, 50441, 50444, 50446, 50447, 50448, 50449, 50450, 50451, 50452, 50453, 50454, 50455, 50456, 50468, 50469, 50470, 50471, 50472, 50478, 50479, 50480, 50481, 50482, 50483, 50484, 50501, 50510, 50511, 50514, 50515, 50516, 50517, 50518, 50519, 50520, 50522, 50523, 50524, 50525, 50526, 50527, 50528, 50529, 50530, 50531, 50532, 50533, 50535, 50536, 50538, 50539, 50540, 50541, 50542, 50543, 50544, 50546, 50548, 50551, 50554, 50556, 50557, 50558, 50559, 50560, 50561, 50562, 50563, 50565, 50566, 50567, 50568, 50570, 50571, 50574, 50575, 50576, 50577, 50578, 50579, 50581, 50582, 50583, 50585, 50586, 50588, 50590, 50591, 50594, 50595, 50597, 50598, 50599, 50601, 50602, 50603, 50604, 50605, 50607, 50609, 50616, 50619, 50621, 50622, 50624, 50625, 50626, 50627, 50628, 50629, 50630, 50632, 50635, 50636, 50638, 50641, 50642, 50643, 50644, 50645, 50647, 50648, 50650, 50651, 50653, 50654, 50655, 50658, 50659, 50660, 50662, 50665, 50666, 50667, 50668, 50669, 50670, 50672, 50674, 50675, 50676, 50677, 50680, 50682, 50801, 50830, 50833, 50835, 50836, 50837, 50840, 50841, 50843, 50845, 50846, 50848, 50849, 50851, 50853, 50854, 50858, 50859, 50860, 50861, 50862, 50863, 50864, 50950, 51001, 51002, 51003, 51004, 51005, 51006, 51007, 51010, 51012, 51014, 51016, 51018, 51019, 51020, 51022, 51023, 51024, 51025, 51026, 51027, 51028, 51029, 51030, 51031, 51033, 51034, 51035, 51036, 51037, 51038, 51039, 51040, 51041, 51044, 51046, 51047, 51048, 51049, 51050, 51051, 51052, 51053, 51055, 51056, 51058, 51060, 51061, 51062, 51063, 51201, 51230, 51231, 51232, 51234, 51235, 51237, 51238, 51239, 51240, 51241, 51243, 51245, 51246, 51247, 51248, 51249, 51250, 51301, 51331, 51333, 51334, 51338, 51342, 51345, 51346, 51347, 51350, 51351, 51354, 51355, 51357, 51358, 51360, 51364, 51365, 51366, 51401, 51430, 51431, 51433, 51436.

No matter the distance, 2 J’s Auto Transport makes shipping your vehicle simple and easy. Whether you need to ship your car from Iowa to another state or from any state to Iowa, we handle everything with care and efficiency. With our experienced team and commitment to timely deliveries, you can trust us to get your vehicle where it needs to go, safely and on time.

Ship Your Vehicle in 3 Simple Steps

Get a free car shipping quote

Your Vehicle will be picked up

You will get your vehicle at your destination

Are you ready to Ship Your vehicle with 2 J's Auto Transport? Fill the form and get a free car shipping quote now!

Step 1 of 3 - Destination

Transport FROM(Required)

Transport TO(Required)

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Can I ship a car to or from Des Moines?

Yes. Des Moines is Iowa’s primary transport hub, sitting at the junction of I-80 and I-35. Carrier availability is strong year-round in both directions, east toward Chicago and the East Coast on I-80, south toward Kansas City and Texas on I-35, and north toward Minneapolis. Standard pickup windows apply for the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities.

Can I transport an oversized vehicle from Iowa to Illinois?

Yes. We ship oversized vehicles (large trucks, vans, RVs, and trailers) from Iowa to Illinois and all other states. We use specialized carriers and equipment for larger loads. Let us know the vehicle’s dimensions and weight when requesting a quote so we can confirm the right equipment.

How long does it take to ship a vehicle from Iowa?

For nearby states, most Iowa shipments take 1–3 days. Routes to the East or West Coast typically take 4–7 days depending on distance, weather, and carrier availability. Iowa to Florida runs 4–6 days; Iowa to California runs 5–8 days; Iowa to Texas runs 3–5 days. We give you a specific estimated pickup window when you book.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All FMCSA-licensed carriers are required to carry liability insurance. Beyond that, every carrier we dispatch at 2 J’s carries active cargo insurance which we verify before each job as part of our vetting process. This is our standard, not a federal mandate. Coverage levels can vary by carrier; if you’d like to review the policy details, ask us when booking. Your personal auto insurance may also cover transit, worth checking with your provider.

Do you transport vehicles from rural Iowa towns or farm properties?

Yes. We regularly coordinate pickups and deliveries from smaller Iowa towns and farm properties. If your pickup is on a gravel road or in a community that large carriers can’t access directly, we arrange a nearby meeting point in advance, typically a gas station, parking lot, or highway access point within a few miles. We handle this proactively so there are no surprises.

Do you offer auto transport service to all U.S. states and cities?

Yes, we provide auto shipping services across all 50 U.S. states and almost every U.S. city. Pricing may vary based on distance, shipping method, season, weather conditions, pickup and delivery locations, fuel costs, and whether the car is operable or not.

To make things even easier, we’ve also gathered some helpful tips and information that can guide you through the process and help you avoid common issues. Whether you’re shipping for the first time or you’ve done it before, this resource is here to make sure you’re prepared and confident whenever you’re ready to ship your vehicle.