Cost to ship a car from Chicago to Wilmington
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 752 miles from Chicago to Wilmington ranges from $1,004 to $1,510. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington to Chicago car shipping guide .
Factors affecting car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Chicago to Wilmington, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Chicago to Wilmington, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Chicago, 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 Wilmington, 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 Chicago. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Wilmington will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.
Distance and route
The distance from the Chi-Town to the Chemical Capital of the World — 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 Chicago and Wilmington can impact car shipping prices.
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.
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Chicago to Wilmington 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 Chicago and Wilmington 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 Chicago to Wilmington 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.
Chicago to Wilmington car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Chicago to Wilmington:
- 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 Chicago and Wilmington vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- 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.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Wilmington?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE 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 Chicago to Wilmington will range from $1,004 to $1,510.
How long will it take to ship my car?
It will take approximately 2–7 days to ship your car the 752 miles from Chicago to Wilmington. 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 Chicago to Wilmington. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
