Best Car Shipping Companies in Chicago, IL (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, IL, 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.
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
Top car shipping companies in Chicago, IL
Whether you’re shipping your car locally or out of Illinois, these are the best auto transport companies available in Chicago:
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
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
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
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) enjoys strong reviews with a Yelp rating of 4.5, a Google rating of 4.8, and an A rating from the BBB. They offer a variety of services including transporting inoperable cars, electric vehicle shipping, enclosed and open transport, multi-car transport, and international shipping. Customers can also benefit from a military discount and assured full insurance coverage.
While they provide valuable services such as expedited delivery and damage-free guarantees, a potential downside is that they do not offer storage solutions, which might be a drawback for some clients. Overall, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car is a well-regarded and versatile car shipping company.
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
BKK TRANSPORT
BKK TRANSPORT (DOT: 2248306) offers a wide range of car shipping services including inoperable car transport, enclosed transport, and international shipping. They boast a BBB rating of A+ and a Google rating of 3.7, although their Yelp rating is much lower at 1.5, suggesting mixed customer experiences.
BKK TRANSPORT provides additional services such as heavy equipment shipping, boat shipping, and RV shipping, and also includes damage-free guarantees and fully insured shipments. However, a potential downside is the lack of multi-car transport options, which might be a consideration for some customers needing to ship more than one vehicle at a time.
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
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
Chicago Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) offers a range of comprehensive car shipping services, including options for ATV shipping, transporting inoperable cars, enclosed transport, and international shipping. They are fully insured and provide damage-free guarantees, ensuring the safety and security of the vehicles they handle. Customers will appreciate their military discount and the convenience of shipment tracking and expedited delivery services.
Although they do not offer guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for some, Chicago Auto Shipping Group boasts a Google rating of 4.1 and an A+ rating from the BBB, highlighting their reliability and customer satisfaction. The company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. Whether shipping motorcycles, RVs, or classic cars, this company caters to a variety of transport needs with professionalism and care.
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 a car shipping company that offers a range of services to cater to various transportation needs, including shipping electric vehicles, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and heavy equipment. Their offerings also cover transportation for inoperable cars and classic cars, with options for both enclosed and open transport, as well as expedited delivery. Despite their comprehensive service list, they do not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a downside for some customers.
The company provides military discounts and accepts payment by credit card and cash, but does not accept cryptocurrency. All Day Auto Transport currently holds a 1.7 rating on Yelp and an A rating from the BBB. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google.
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
Atlantic Express
Atlantic Express (DOT: 1771262) offers a wide array of car shipping services, including options for cars that don’t run, electric vehicles, ATVs, and trailers. The company ensures that their shipments are fully insured and damage-free, and also accepts payment by credit card. Atlantic Express holds a Yelp rating of 1.9, a Google rating of 3.7, and a BBB rating of D-.
Despite their comprehensive services, they do not offer discounts for military personnel, teachers, senior citizens, AAA members, or students, which may be a downside for some customers.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Chicago
The cost to ship a car out of Illinois from Chicago typically starts around $1,200. Your exact price will vary based on factors like distance and gas prices.
Here are some sample ranges for transporting a vehicle from Chicago, Illinois, to a different state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Illinois to Florida | $886 – $1,401 |
| Illinois to Ohio | $629 – $845 |
| Illinois to North Carolina | $799 – $1,137 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $593 – $795 |
| Illinois to California | $1,340 – $2,095 |
| Georgia to Illinois | $780 – $1,251 |
| Arizona to Illinois | $1,196 – $1,708 |
| New York to Illinois | $795 – $1,272 |
| Colorado to Illinois | $830 – $1,367 |
| Texas to Illinois | $784 – $1,241 |
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.
- The 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 car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards.
- 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.
- Your delivery time frame: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Chicago comes at a premium.
- Seasonal factors and weather conditions: Chicago’s cold winters and potential heavy snowfall could increase car shipping costs due to difficult driving conditions and possible delays.
Tips for choosing the right Chicago car shipping company
- Compare prices. Look for companies in Chicago with transparent pricing. This will help you avoid getting hooked in with a lowball estimate, then hit with unexpected fees upon delivery. As a quick note, you should expect to pay around $1,100 in Illinois.
- Review insurance coverage and claims policies. Choose Chicago companies with comprehensive insurance coverage and a strong focus on safety. Be sure to ask about a company’s claims process, whether they offer multiple insurance plans, and if they provide a damage-free promise or other safety-related guarantee.
- Read customer reviews. Reading reviews from Chicago customers is crucial since they share real experiences and opinions on the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Including this feedback in your decision-making helps you avoid scams and pick a company with a high satisfaction rate.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, you should confirm that a Chicago company is legitimate and reputable. This will help you avoid scams and poor service. You can do this by checking the car shipper’s details on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) company snapshot page, which provides USDOT licensing information, current operating status, and safety reports.
- Compare services and costs. Analyze the range of services offered by different companies in Chicago. Make sure you are balancing service quality and pricing, rather than just opting for the cheapest quote. You should be wary of unusually low rates, which could be a sign of a lowball estimate that results in hidden costs or poor service.
- Understand shipping timelines. Review expected pickup and delivery times with Chicago car shippers to ensure their timelines are realistic and fit your shipping needs. Transport time frames will vary based on a number of factors, including the time of year and type of transport.
- Look for customized service. Chicago companies that offer add-on options like door-to-door service or expedited delivery are better able to help you create a personalized car shipping plan that works for your specific situation.
- Seek personal recommendations. If possible, get referrals from friends or family in Chicago who have experience with car shipping companies. Firsthand experiences can be invaluable in making your decision.
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
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 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?
To ship a car out of Chicago, Interstate 90 (I-90), Interstate 94 (I-94), Interstate 55 (I-55), and Interstate 57 (I-57) are efficient options. These routes connect to major cities across the country.
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 FMCSA 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. You probably won’t need an inspection before shipping your car out of Illinois, but you should check the requirements in the delivery location since motor vehicle laws can vary from state to state.
Take Illinois regulations as an example. 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.
More Illinois car shipping resources
If you’re shipping your car out of a different city in Illinois, these resources should help:
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