Bismarck, ND → Des Moines, IA · Long-distance move
About 598 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,460–$5,150, delivery in 2–5 days, 42 carriers on the Bismarck side and 191 in Des Moines.
The route from Bismarck, ND to Des Moines, IA covers roughly 598 miles by road, a southeast-bound trip that falls into the long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $3,460 to $5,150 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 2 to 5 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 11 h 1 min.
On the Bismarck side there are 42 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (32 of them authorized for interstate work), and 191 around Des Moines (116 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Des Moines.
Bismarck has a population of about 76,000 and Des Moines about 212,086. The two cities have comparable density (2,123 and 2,428 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,380 | $1,690 | $2,060 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,080 | $2,530 | $3,090 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,460 | $4,220 | $5,150 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $5,540 | $6,760 | $8,240 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $7,620 | $9,290 | $11,330 |
$910–$1,290
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,550–$2,280
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,460–$5,150
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Bismarck, ND → Des Moines, IA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Crosscountry Freight Solutions INC
Legal name: Asp INC
Legal name: Standard Forwarding LLC
Legal name: Jacobson Transportation Company INC
Legal name: Nationwide Truck Brokers INC
Legal name: Arona Corporation
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,380 to $2,060 for a studio, $2,080 to $3,090 for a one-bedroom, $3,460 to $5,150 for a two-bedroom, $5,540 to $8,240 for a three-bedroom and $7,620 to $11,330 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 598 road miles (507 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 11 h 1 min.
Expect a delivery window of 2 to 5 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from North Dakota into Iowa makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $910 to $1,290 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,550 to $2,280. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Bismarck–Des Moines corridor.