Cost to ship a car from Tampa to Chicago
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,171 miles from Tampa to Chicago ranges from $1,065 to $1,540. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Chicago, IL in 2–8 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 Tampa car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Tampa to Chicago car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Tampa to Chicago, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Tampa to Chicago, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Tampa, 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 Tampa. 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 Big Guava to the Chi-Town — approximately 1,171 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 Tampa and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.
Tampa's climate generally features hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and dry and mild winters. Tampa seldom feels major effects from tropical storms or hurricanes.
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 Tampa 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 1,171-mile distance between Tampa 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 Tampa to Chicago typically takes between 2 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Tampa to Chicago car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tampa to Chicago:
- Best for Quick Pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for Accurate Pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- Best Cross-Country Shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best Marketplace: uShip Car Marketplace
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Comparing Tampa and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tampa: Permits are only valid at on-street, unrestricted parking spaces (not to exceed four hours). Not valid at Load/Unload, Freight Zone, No-Park or Handicapped spaces. The vehicle tag number will serve as your permit credential. Permits issued to Federal, State, County and City vehicles may be valid for up to one (1) calendar year at a cost of $156.00 per permit. Permits issued to public utility companies will be valid for a maximum of six (6) months at a cost of $117.00 per permit.
- 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
- Tampa: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- 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
- Tampa: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- 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
- Tampa: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- 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 Tampa to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Tampa, FL 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 Tampa to Chicago will range from $1,065 to $1,540.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tampa to Chicago?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,171 miles from Tampa to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tampa to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tampa to Chicago. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
