Best Illinois Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Sherpa Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Illinois, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of Illinois ranges from $655 to $1,324.
- 77.3% of Illinois auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 24% of car shipping companies in Illinois offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Sherpa Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Illinois
Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you need to ship a car out of Chicago or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Illinois:
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
BKK TRANSPORT
BKK TRANSPORT (DOT: 2248306) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, including transportation for inoperable cars, enclosed transport for added protection, and storage solutions. They provide shipping for a variety of vehicles such as ATVs, RVs, motorcycles, boats, and heavy equipment. This company is fully insured and offers a damage-free guarantee, ensuring customers have peace of mind during the shipping process.
While BKK TRANSPORT has impressive ratings, with an A+ from the BBB and a moderate 3.7-star rating on Google, their Yelp rating is notably lower at 1.5 stars. A potential downside is that they do not provide multi-car transport services, which might be inconvenient for customers needing to ship multiple vehicles at once.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) offers a range of services including international shipping, enclosed transport, and the ability to handle inoperable cars. The company guarantees a damage-free experience and provides comprehensive insurance for peace of mind. Customers rate Van 3 highly, with a Yelp rating of 4.5, a Google rating of 4.8, and an A rating from the BBB.
Services such as motorcycle and RV shipping are available, and they offer discounts for military personnel. However, they do not provide storage solutions, which may be a drawback for some clients. Overall, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car is a reliable and well-rated choice for various vehicle shipping needs.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
Chicago Auto Shipping Group provides a wide range of services, including enclosed transport, international shipping, and inoperable car transport, making them a versatile option for various shipping needs. They have a respectable Google rating of 4.1 and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. However, the company does not offer any guaranteed delivery options, which might be a drawback for customers seeking assured delivery timelines.
Additionally, they offer several discounts such as military discounts, but do not provide discounts for seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement personnel. Notably, the company ensures that all shipments are fully insured and offers shipment tracking to keep customers informed throughout the delivery process.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport (DOT: 2801954) offers a variety of services for vehicle shipping, including enclosed transport, international shipping, and classic car shipping. The company also supports the transport of electric vehicles and provides an active military discount, making it a versatile option for many customers. Their ratings, however, are mixed with a Yelp rating of 2.3 and a BBB rating of B, while they have yet to establish ratings on Google.
One potential downside is that they do not offer storage solutions, which may not meet all customers’ needs. Additionally, they require a deposit for their services and do not provide a damage-free guarantee.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Karma Auto Transport
Karma Auto Transport (DOT: 2882553) is a highly-rated car shipping company that excels in providing a variety of transport services with commendable ratings, including a Yelp rating of 4.9 and a BBB rating of B-. This company stands out with its offerings such as enclosed transport, inoperable car transport, and classic car shipping, ensuring your vehicle’s safety with their damage-free guarantee and fully insured services.
Additionally, Karma Auto Transport offers international shipping and expedited delivery services, which cater to time-sensitive needs. However, one downside for some customers might be that they do not offer ATV or RV shipping. Overall, the company is well-regarded but has yet to establish a Google rating.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Local car shippers in Illinois cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
moveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Average cost of transporting a car out of IL
The average cost to ship a car out of Illinois is about $869 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $380 to $855
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $607 to $955
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $759 to $1,319
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Land of Lincoln:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois to Michigan | $618 | $871 |
| Illinois to Colorado | $840 | $1,370 |
| Illinois to Texas | $827 | $1,348 |
| Illinois to Florida | $852 | $1,390 |
| Illinois to Georgia | $855 | $1,278 |
| Ohio to Illinois | $618 | $788 |
| California to Illinois | $1,278 | $2,120 |
| New York to Illinois | $846 | $1,300 |
| North Carolina to Illinois | $776 | $1,200 |
| Arizona to Illinois | $1,118 | $1,729 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Illinois:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within Illinois or to nearby states usually costs less than longer trips across the country.
- Location: Whether you’re shipping from busy Chicago to a quieter town in Illinois or out of state, location affects cost. Urban areas may have lower rates, but remote Illinois locations could increase expenses.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars generally cost less to ship, but if you’re moving a classic car from Illinois, expect a higher price because it needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the Land of Lincoln: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Illinois’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: With changing fuel prices, keep in mind this can impact your total costs. Current gas prices in Illinois could influence your shipping expenses, particularly for long distances.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll pay more for car shipping if you need it delivered by a specific date or want it expedited.
- Discounts: Some Illinois auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Illinois car shipping routes.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Illinois?
Sherpa Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Illinois, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Sherpa Auto Transport a 4.5 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on
your specific needs is to use our car shipping
calculator.
Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also,
most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top
car shippers in Illinois, AmeriFreight has the
most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Illinois?
If you move to Illinois, you must take a vision test and written exam, even if your out-of-state driver’s license is valid. You have 90 days from becoming a resident to switch your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
Does Illinois require a vehicle inspection?
In Illinois, vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis areas must pass yearly emissions inspections. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency performs these tests before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State’s office.
Does Illinois’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Illinois. In Illinois, the climate varies between the northern and southern regions. The north has cold winters and mild summers, while the south has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Illinois is also in “tornado alley.”
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Illinois?
Delivery times for car shipping in Illinois depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days.
Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Illinois, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Illinois?
In Illinois, the minimum liability insurance requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
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