Benchmark quotes to Des Moines, captured 2026-07-27. Two origins, one box, no massaging.
Live prices to Des Moines, IA — quoted 2026-07-27
Des Moines is the measuring stick on this page: we quoted a 12 × 10 × 6 in box at 5 lb, household goods inside, through the SMKlog calculator from the East Coast and the West. What the carriers returned is tabled below, untouched. Prices are complete; SMKlog's charge is already counted.
From Newark, NJ (07102) to Des Moines, IA 50309
| Carrier | Service | Price | Quoted transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | Ground Saver | $13.52 | 5 business days |
| UPS | Ground | $14.05 | 3-4 business days |
| FedEx | Ground Economy | $14.31 | 6-7 business days |
| UPS | 3 Day Select | $19.94 | 3-4 business days |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air | $21.96 | 2-3 business days |
From Los Angeles, CA (90011) to Des Moines, IA 50309
| Carrier | Service | Price | Quoted transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Ground Advantage | $15.91 | 6-7 business days |
| UPS | Ground Saver | $16.47 | 6 business days |
| UPS | Ground | $17.00 | 6-7 business days |
| FedEx | Ground Economy | $17.52 | 7-8 business days |
| UPS | 3 Day Select | $25.00 | 3-4 business days |
The 2026-07-27 floors: UPS Ground Saver at $13.52 from Newark, USPS Ground Advantage at $15.91 from Los Angeles. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids draw the same zone bands from distant origins, so either quotes about alike. What was true at quote time drifts as carriers refile, and only the live number for your own route is worth money.
The box's size is half the bill
Carriers convert volume into a billable weight and charge whichever is larger, that or the scale reading. It's why the same 5 pounds costs more in a big box than a small one. Fit the box to the item and the math stays on your side.
What SMKlog does with a description
Type the item as you'd say it out loud; SMKlog estimates the packed box and quotes USPS, UPS and FedEx against it live. Prefer precision, enter the dimensions yourself. The comparison, the payment and the printable tracked label all follow in one sitting.
Second-day, second thoughts
UPS 2nd Day Air quoted 2-3 business days from Newark at $21.96, against $14.05 for UPS Ground at 3-4 days. One day saved, about eight dollars spent. On some lanes the fast tier is a bargain; here the table says otherwise. Always check which case you're in.
Shipping to Iowa: common questions
What does a package to Iowa cost to send?
Two dated answers from 2026-07-27: $13.52 (UPS Ground Saver, Newark origin) and $15.91 (USPS Ground Advantage, Los Angeles origin) for a 12 × 10 × 6 in, 5 lb box. Each is the whole checkout charge, SMKlog's portion included. Your own quote is a minute away and will be current.
How long do deliveries to Des Moines take?
The 2026-07-27 quotes put UPS Ground at 3-4 business days from Newark and 6-7 from Los Angeles, with 2nd Day Air at 2-3 from the East. The slowest window on the page was 7-8. Carrier-stated windows accompany every price in the tables.
What was the low bid into Iowa?
UPS Ground Saver from Newark, at $13.52 with a 5-day window; the western low was USPS Ground Advantage at $15.91. Note how close the runners-up sit, though. Gaps under a dollar flip with any rate filing, so the live comparison should make your final pick.
Any account needed for the label?
None at any step. Guest quoting, guest payment, immediate label download, tracking already assigned.