Best Car Shipping Companies in Chicago, IL (2025 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
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:
How we chose the best car shipping companies
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. The exact cost to transport a car to another state from Chicago 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 California | $1,217 – $2,058 |
Illinois to Arizona | $1,152 – $1,568 |
Illinois to Ohio | $577 – $814 |
Illinois to Texas | $787 – $1,234 |
Illinois to Georgia | $751 – $1,124 |
Pennsylvania to Illinois | $794 – $1,130 |
North Carolina to Illinois | $786 – $1,189 |
New York to Illinois | $830 – $1,262 |
Florida to Illinois | $845 – $1,297 |
Michigan to Illinois | $565 – $782 |
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: Seasonal snowfall in Chicago could raise car shipping costs due to potential delays and hazardous driving conditions. Winter weather creates higher demand for shipping services.
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 essential. They offer real-life experiences and insights about the reliability and quality of car shipping services in your area. Including customer feedback in your decision-making helps you avoid scams and pick a company with high satisfaction ratings.
- Research thoroughly. Besides reading online reviews, you should ensure that a Chicago company is legitimate and reputable to avoid scams or poor service. Verify this by checking a car shipper’s status on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) company snapshot, 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:
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Chicago?
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Chicago?
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Chicago?
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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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