Best Illinois Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated SGT Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Illinois, giving them 4.9 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 $625 to $1,148.
- 79.0% 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 25% of car shipping companies in Illinois offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using SGT Auto Transport.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
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:
- SGT Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- Ship A Car Direct
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group
- BKK TRANSPORT
- Karma Auto Transport
- Nexus Auto Transport
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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) is a highly-rated car shipping company offering a variety of services to meet diverse customer needs. With a Yelp rating of 4.5, a Google rating of 4.8, and a BBB rating of A, they are recognized for their excellent service.
The company provides services such as enclosed transport, inoperable car transport, and electric vehicle shipping. They also support fully insured shipments and offer military discounts, adding value for their customers.
However, it is important to note that Van 3 Auto Transport & Car does not provide shipment tracking or storage solutions, which may be a downside for some clients looking for these specific services.
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 (DOT: 2239008) offers a range of comprehensive car shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, ATVs, and enclosed transport for added protection. They are fully insured and provide detailed inspection reports, ensuring a smooth and secure car shipping experience. Customers can take advantage of various discounts, such as military discounts, and the company stands out for its excellent BBB rating of A+ and Google rating of 4.1.
However, a potential downside is that Chicago Auto Shipping Group does not offer guaranteed delivery, which may be a concern for time-sensitive shipments. The company also does not accept payments by cash or cryptocurrency, limiting payment options for some customers.
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
BKK TRANSPORT
BKK TRANSPORT (DOT: 2248306) is a car shipping company that provides a variety of transportation services for different types of vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, boats, heavy equipment, and cars that don’t run. Customers can benefit from the company’s international shipping, classic car shipping, enclosed transport, and storage solutions. Although they offer a damage-free guarantee and are fully insured, BKK TRANSPORT’s customers cannot take advantage of multi-car transport services or electric vehicle shipping.
While BKK TRANSPORT boasts an A+ rating on BBB and a decent Google rating of 3.7, the company falls short on Yelp with a rating of just 1.5. This offers a mixed perspective on their service quality. Additionally, BKK TRANSPORT accepts various payment methods including credit cards, money orders, and cash, but they do not accept cryptocurrency.
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
Karma Auto Transport
Karma Auto Transport (DOT: 2882553) is highly rated on Yelp with a 4.9 rating and holds a B- rating from the BBB.
The company offers a range of services, including transport for inoperable cars, enclosed transport, storage solutions, expedited delivery, and international shipping. They also provide detailed inspection reports and are fully insured, ensuring a damage-free guarantee for their customers.
However, Karma Auto Transport does not offer ATV or electric vehicle shipping, which could be a drawback for some potential clients.
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
Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport (DOT: 2801954) is an active car shipping company providing a range of specialized services including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, electric vehicle shipping, and international shipping. Customers can also take advantage of military discounts, and the company ensures secure transactions with options to pay by credit card, money order, or cash. Though Nexus Auto Transport holds a B rating with the BBB, it has yet to establish significant customer feedback ratings on Yelp and Google.
One of the downsides of the service is that it does not offer transportation for inoperable cars, which may not suit all customers’ needs. Additionally, they require a deposit and do not offer guaranteed delivery or terminal-to-terminal delivery.
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
Average cost of transporting a vehicle to or from Illinois
The average cost to ship a car out of Illinois is about $892 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 $879
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $607 to $931
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $859 to $1,317
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Land of Lincoln:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois to Georgia | $986 | $1,567 |
| Illinois to New York | $1,016 | $1,561 |
| Illinois to North Carolina | $990 | $1,530 |
| Illinois to Texas | $1,085 | $1,619 |
| Illinois to Arizona | $1,426 | $1,976 |
| California to Illinois | $1,630 | $2,495 |
| Ohio to Illinois | $727 | $1,027 |
| Florida to Illinois | $1,154 | $1,702 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $727 | $996 |
| Pennsylvania to Illinois | $1,042 | $1,440 |
When shipping your car out of Illinois, these factors can affect the price:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping your car within Illinois or to nearby states is usually cheaper than transporting it across the country.
- Location: Whether you’re shipping from busy Chicago to a quieter Illinois town or out of state, location affects cost. Urban areas may have lower rates, while remote Illinois locations could be more expensive.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars cost less to ship, but if you’re moving a classic car from Illinois, expect a higher price because it needs more care.
- 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: Changing fuel prices can impact your total expenses. The current gas prices in Illinois could affect your shipping costs, especially for longer trips.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll end up paying extra for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or faster service.
- 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 of the popular Illinois car shipping routes.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
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Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
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(864) 492-1221 |
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Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
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(888) 259-6046 |
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Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
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(833) 775-1461 |
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Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
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(770) 501-9057 |
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Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
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(866) 563-0804 |
FAQs for shipping cars in Illinois
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Illinois?
SGT Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Illinois, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated SGT Auto Transport a 4.9 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 copmany 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 after becoming a resident to convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
Does Illinois require a vehicle inspection?
In Illinois, eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis areas must have yearly emissions inspections. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency tests cars 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. Illinois’ climate varies between the north and south. The north has cold winters and mild summers, while the south has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Illinois is also located 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 | Timeframe |
| 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.
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
Other Illinois car shipping resources
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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