Best Chicago Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: When it comes to customer ratings, costs, and available services, Sherpa Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Chicago, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out the Illinois car shipping page.
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 Chicago
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Illinois, these are the best auto transporting companies available in Chicago.
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Montway Auto Transport
- Easy Auto Ship
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group
- All Day Auto Transport
- BKK TRANSPORT
- Nexus Auto 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
- 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
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) offers a wide range of services, including enclosed transport, inoperable car transport, and international shipping for cars, boats, and motorcycles. The company boasts impressive ratings with a Yelp score of 4.5, a Google rating of 4.8, and a BBB rating of A.
Customers can take advantage of military discounts and the assurance of being fully insured during transport. Some may see the lack of storage solutions and guaranteed delivery as potential downsides. However, their dedication to damage-free transport and detailed inspection reports make it a reliable choice for many.
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 comprehensive array of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, and classic cars. They provide both enclosed and open transport options to meet various customer needs.
The company is fully insured and boasts a damage-free guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for their clients. Additionally, they support expedited delivery and offer military discounts. With a solid Google rating of 4.1 and an A+ rating from the BBB, their reputation is well-regarded, although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp.
One potential downside is that they require a deposit and do not offer guaranteed delivery, which may be a consideration for some customers. Nonetheless, Chicago Auto Shipping Group remains a reliable choice for diverse shipping needs.
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
All Day Auto Transport
All Day Auto Transport (DOT: 2245170) is an active car shipping company providing a wide range of services such as enclosed transport, international shipping, and expedited delivery options. This BBB-accredited business holds an A rating on the BBB but has yet to establish ratings on Google, and its Yelp score stands at a modest 1.7.
The company supports inoperable car transport, electric vehicle shipping, and offers a military discount, catering to a variety of customer needs. However, it does not provide storage solutions, which may be a drawback for some customers requiring long-term storage of their vehicles.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
BKK TRANSPORT
BKK TRANSPORT (DOT: 2248306) is a fully insured and active car shipping company that prides itself on a wide array of services including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, and international shipping. The company also provides storage solutions and expedited delivery for customers needing quick and efficient service.
BKK TRANSPORT has a mixed review reputation with a Yelp rating of 1.5, a Google rating of 3.7, and a BBB rating of A+. However, they do not offer certain discounts like military, student, or senior discounts, which may be a drawback for some potential clients.
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
Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport (DOT: 2801954) specializes in a variety of car shipping services, including enclosed transport and international shipping. They are fully insured and offer special services like transporting electric vehicles and shipping cars that don’t run. In addition to these services, Nexus Auto Transport extends a military discount to eligible customers.
Despite their service offerings, the company has a relatively low Yelp rating of 2.3 and a BBB rating of B. Additionally, they do not provide terminal-to-terminal delivery, which might be a downside for some customers. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
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
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 car shipping costs in Chicago
The average cost to ship a car from Chicago to another state typically starts around $1,200, varying based on several local factors.
Below are some example rates for transporting a vehicle from Chicago, Illinois, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Illinois to Colorado | $906 – $1,325 |
| Illinois to Ohio | $609 – $843 |
| Illinois to Georgia | $904 – $1,352 |
| Illinois to California | $1,435 – $2,156 |
| Illinois to Texas | $883 – $1,329 |
| New York to Illinois | $904 – $1,322 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $647 – $861 |
| Arizona to Illinois | $1,268 – $1,742 |
| Florida to Illinois | $892 – $1,456 |
| North Carolina to Illinois | $830 – $1,333 |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Chicago
- The distance of your move: Transporting your vehicle within Chicago or to another city in Illinois can be more cost-effective than long-distance shipments across states.
- Urban vs. suburban locations: Shipping costs might differ if you’re moving the car from the bustling downtown of Chicago to a more suburban area.
- Type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Chicago might require special handling, increasing the price.
- Available shipping options in Chicago: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against Chicago’s specific climate challenges.
- Fuel costs: Current local fuel prices can directly impact the cost of shipping. Keep an eye on Chicago’s fuel prices, especially if planning a long haul.
- Delivery urgency: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery services from Chicago come at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Seasonal snow and cold winters increase car shipping costs. Inclement weather causes delays and route changes.
Tips for choosing the right Chicago, IL, car shipping company
- Compare prices. In Chicago, compare costs with a critical eye. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected fees, ensuring that competitive rates do not undermine service quality. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Illinois.
- Review insurance and safety in Chicago. Choose Chicago companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Confirm their dedication to protecting your vehicle throughout its journey.
- Read customer reviews. Reading customer reviews in Chicago is critical because they provide real experiences and insights into the reliability and service quality of car shipping companies. Reviews help identify reputable companies and avoid potential issues.
- Research thoroughly. Thorough research in Chicago helps identify reputable car shipping companies and prevents falling victim to scams due to the city’s high crime rate and strict regulations. Proper vetting ensures safe, reliable service amid numerous available options.
- Verify credentials. Ensure each company’s legitimacy by checking their licensing, insurance, and registration status. In Chicago, this step is crucial for safeguarding your vehicle and investment.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Chicago. Balance service quality against pricing, and be wary of unusually low rates that might indicate hidden costs or poor service.
- Ask about insurance coverage. Inquire specifically about the insurance coverage provided by companies in Chicago. Understand the extent of coverage and the process for making claims in case of damage during transit.
- Understand delivery timelines. Clarify expected pickup and delivery times. Companies in Chicago should offer realistic timelines and communicate any potential delays promptly.
- Check for customization options. Consider companies in Chicago that offer customizable options, such as door-to-door delivery or specific handling requirements for your vehicle.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get personal referrals from friends or family in Chicago who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Chicago?
Yes, many car shipping companies in Chicago, Illinois, offer real-time tracking services. Customers can often track their vehicle’s journey through the company’s website or a mobile app. You can see when your vehicle leaves Chicago, the estimated time of arrival, and any delays that might occur during transit.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Chicago?
Interstate 90 connects Chicago to major cities like Seattle and Boston. Interstate 94 runs from Chicago to Detroit and Minneapolis. Interstate 55 goes from Chicago to St. Louis and New Orleans. Interstate 290 provides access to west and northwest suburbs. Interstate 294, part of the Tri-State Tollway, facilitates bypassing downtown traffic. Interstate 80 is another crucial route, linking Chicago to San Francisco and New York City.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
You can check the license status of any Chicago car shipping company by looking up their motor carrier (MC) number on the USDOT’s website.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Chicago?
If you’ve got an antique vehicle or a car worth a lot of money, some companies may require proof of insurance before taking your vehicle out of Chicago. While you probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Illinois, it’s important to check local regulations once it’s in its final destination.
Take Illinois regulations as an example. In Illinois, eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metro areas must undergo yearly emissions inspections. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts these tests before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State’s office.
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.
More car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Illinois, these resources should help:
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