Cost to ship a car from Wilmington to Chicago
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 752 miles from Wilmington to Chicago ranges from $1,033 to $1,496. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chicago, IL in 2–7 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to Wilmington car shipping guide .
Factors affecting car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Wilmington to Chicago, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Wilmington to Chicago, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Wilmington, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Chicago, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Wilmington. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Chicago will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Chemical Capital of the World to the Chi-Town — approximately 752 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.
Time of the year
The season and weather in both Wilmington and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Wilmington to Chicago during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 752-mile distance between Wilmington and Chicago and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Wilmington to Chicago typically takes between 2 and 7 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Wilmington to Chicago car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Wilmington to Chicago:
- Best for Overall Value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for Quick Pick Up: Easy Auto Ship
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Cross Country: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
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Comparing Wilmington and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.
- Chicago: For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.
Car insurance requirements
- Wilmington: Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
- Chicago: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- Wilmington: In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
- Chicago: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
Driver’s license
- Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
- Chicago: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Wilmington to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Wilmington to Chicago will range from $1,033 to $1,496.
How long will it take to ship my car?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 752 miles from Wilmington to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Wilmington to Chicago. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
