A1 Auto Transport: Compare Licensed Car Shipping Companies

Transport Your Car To Ames

Just 30 minutes from the city of Des Moines, Ames is located in Story County and has a population of nearly 60,000 residents. It is the county's largest city and home to Iowa State University of Science and Technology.

The USDA also has its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Center and the National Animal Disease location. It is also the headquarters of the state’s Department of Transportation hub. The Iowa-Nevada state line is located just 10 minutes from the city and ranked number nine on CNN Money’s best places to live list. Much of the area in and around Ames consists of large swaths of farmland, which is characteristic of much of the landscape of Iowa.

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Pricing & Time For Shipment

Last Updated: 2 days ago
Quick Answer: Shipping a car in Ames, IA costs around $900 and takes 3–5 days.
Local trend: Iowa State University student moves create seasonal spikes in vehicle shipping demand.
See local transport rates and delivery estimates in the table below.

Shipping To/From Ames	Cost	Distance	Estimated Time In Transit
Ames to Chicago	$200	348 miles	3 - 4 days
City Limits to Memphis	$386	644 miles	3 - 5 days
Ames to Denver	$433	705 miles	3 - 5 days
Philadelphia to Local Area	$665	1091 miles	4 - 6 days
Ames to New York	$667	1129 miles	4 - 6 days
Boston to The Area	$790	1316 miles	4 - 6 days
Las Vegas to Ames	$871	1451 miles	4 - 6 days
San Diego to Local Delivery	$1060	1780 miles	5 - 7 days

A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.

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*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are moving.

Using Vehicle Transport Companies

When you are looking to book Ames car transport services, keep a few key tips in mind:

Remove all personal effects from the vehicle: Not only can these items move around and cause extensive damage during the transport process, but the transport company is also not responsible for any losses under the company’s insurance policy.
Research the nearest depot: If you pick up your vehicle from the transport depot, look up the address of the one nearest to you before transport. This way, you aren’t left scrambling to find it when picking up your vehicle.
Schedule delivery of the vehicle during the day: This gives you plenty of light, which you can use to ensure there are no dents or scratches on your car that weren’t there before transport.

For more information, visit the City of Ames website.

Companies Directory

Cj's Westend Auto Transport

This transport company is near Ames and offers a wide range of options.

117 Southwest Sharmin Drive

Ankeny, IA

515-965-1486 ‎

Other Resources

Ames Wikipedia Page - everything you need to know about the city of Ames.

Iowa State University- Iowa State is an international university with a friendly, welcoming personality. Students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries come to Ames, Iowa, to choose from 100 majors, study with world-class scholars, and hone their leadership skills in 800-plus student organizations. Iowa State offers a great environment where students can enjoy reaching their potential and discovering their passions.

Ames On Craigslist - local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, personals, services, local community, and events.

Neighborhood Areas We Serve

Our auto transport services are proud to help you move in any of the neighborhoods you see below. And if you don't see your neighborhood listed here, don't worry; we can most likely service it.

Campustown

somerset

Ontario

Services And Information

Ames long-distance moving services
Cheapest Ames moving companies

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to ship a car to or from Ames, Iowa?

As of August 26, 2026, open transport for a standard running car from Ames typically costs about $500-$800 for regional trips of roughly 150-400 miles. For routes around 600-1,100 miles, budget about $800-$1,200, while 1,300-1,800 mile trips commonly run $1,000-$1,500. Vehicle size, operability, enclosed service, and narrow pickup windows can raise the quote. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main inputs used to price a shipment.

How long does car shipping from Ames, Iowa take?

Loaded transit from Ames is usually 1-3 days for regional routes around 150-400 miles, 3-6 days for roughly 600-1,100 miles, and 5-10 days for 1,300-1,800 mile trips. Those ranges begin after the carrier has loaded the vehicle; pickup scheduling happens beforehand. Distance and the carrier's route plan matter most, while weather, traffic, and intermediate stops can shift the delivery window. Use the carrier's current delivery window for travel planning rather than assuming a single arrival day.

How does car shipping work in Ames, IA?

Car shipping in Ames usually starts with a quote, carrier assignment, pickup inspection, loading, transport, and a final inspection at delivery. Ames is served by I-35, U.S. 30, and U.S. 69, giving carriers north-south and east-west access through central Iowa. The driver comes as close to your chosen address as the truck can safely and legally reach; on a tight street, you may meet nearby. A1's door-to-door auto transport service explains that pickup method.

How far in advance should I book car shipping in Ames, IA?

For standard Ames car shipping, book about 1-2 weeks before your first available pickup date. Allow roughly 2-3 weeks when your dates are firm or when you're shipping around Iowa State move-in periods, when local traffic and transport demand can be heavier. More lead time gives the broker or carrier room to match your vehicle with an existing route instead of treating it as a rush shipment. Keep this booking window separate from the loaded transit time after pickup.

Can I track my Ames car shipment after pickup?

Yes. A1 can provide shipment updates after an Ames vehicle has been dispatched, but the tracking view can vary with the assigned carrier. Some shipments show live or near-real-time GPS, while others provide pickup, in-transit, location, and delivery-window updates through the shipment record. Use the order or booking reference tied to the dispatched load; a quote number alone may not activate tracking. A1's car shipping tracker explains which reference details to use and what to do if updates pause.

Is open or enclosed transport better for Ames car shipping?

Open transport is usually the practical choice for a daily driver in Ames because it has broader carrier availability and costs less than enclosed shipping. Enclosed transport is better suited to classic, exotic, restored, low-clearance, or unusually high-value vehicles when limiting exposure to rain, road grime, and debris matters more than price. Both methods secure the vehicle on a carrier; the main differences are trailer coverage, capacity, and cost. Choose based on the car's value and condition, not Iowa weather alone.

Ames, IA Car Shipping