Pickup and delivery across Story County and carriers on I-35. We plan regular routes to Des Moines and Omaha.
Ames is the anchor city of the Ames metro area and the ninth-largest city in Iowa. The city is in Story County. Its 2023 Census estimate is roughly 65,700 people.
Car carriers reach Ames on I-35, and US-30 also serves the area. Home to Iowa State University, Ames sees spikes in demand around move-in and move-out weeks.
Snow and road salt are part of winter here, which is one reason some owners choose enclosed transport from December through March.
Des Moines, the largest city in Iowa, is about 31 miles south in a straight line. Nearby places with their own guides include Ankeny (20 mi), Urbandale (28 mi), and Des Moines (31 mi). The closest major out-of-state market is Omaha, NE, about 136 miles away.
Straight-line distances are shown for comparison. Road miles and timing come with your quote, and every route works in both directions.
Des Moines lies about 31 miles south. In-state moves like this usually ride along on a longer carrier route. Des Moines gets real winters, so leave slack in December through February.
A mid-range regional run of about 136 miles west to a major neighboring metro. Omaha gets real winters, so leave slack in December through February.
Snowbirds from Ames often head southeast to Fort Myers, roughly 1,256 miles. Spring returns are the second peak.
A 1,579-mile cross-country run west. Long hauls like this are scheduled in pickup windows, not exact days. San Francisco sits near the Pacific coast.
A common relocation pairing, about 1,432 miles west: a long-distance, multi-day haul. San Diego sits near the Pacific coast.
If your street in Ames is narrow or has HOA restrictions, a store lot or wide road nearby makes the handoff quick.
Demand around Iowa State University peaks in late summer and at the end of the spring term. Book early if you're moving at those times, and check whether campus lots allow a carrier.
Winter storms can delay pickups. Rinse off road salt before the inspection so the condition report is accurate, and make sure the battery is strong.
If your street is hard to reach, a large lot near I-35 is often the quickest handoff point in Ames.
Shipping from a neighboring city or town? These pages cover their roads, routes and local details. You can also browse every city we cover in Iowa.
Yes. Most addresses in Ames can be served door to door. If HOA rules or narrow streets get in the way, we'll set a nearby meeting point instead.
Booking a week or two ahead usually gives you the most options. In Ames, late August and May fill up around Iowa State University.
Yes. Ames to Des Moines is about 31 miles in a straight line, and the road distance is longer. We'll quote the route both ways and give you a timing window before you book.
Yes. Student shipments to and from Ames are common at the start and end of each term. Book early for late August and May, and confirm parking rules if you want pickup on campus.
Yes. Snow can push a pickup back by a day, but carriers run all winter. If the car is a classic or low-clearance model, enclosed transport keeps it away from salt and slush.
Open transport works well for most everyday cars and is the more affordable option. Enclosed transport protects luxury, classic or freshly detailed vehicles from road salt and winter grime along the way.
Carriers usually reach Ames on I-35, with US-30 handling local access.
Share the route and we’ll come back with a quote and a recommended transport type.