Cost to ship a car from Chicago to Toledo

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 244 miles from Chicago to Toledo ranges from $511 to $727. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Toledo, OH in 1–4 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 Toledo to Chicago car shipping guide.

Why Trust Us

Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.

Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Chicago to Toledo car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Chicago to Toledo, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Chicago to Toledo, 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 Toledo, 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 Toledo 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 Frog Town — approximately 244 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 Toledo 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.

Toledo has four very distinct seasons. This means that in the wintertime, you should prepare for snow and in the summer it's usually warm.

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 Toledo 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 244-mile distance between Chicago and Toledo 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 Toledo typically takes between 1 and 4 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Chicago to Toledo car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Chicago to Toledo:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Chicago and Toledo 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.
  • Toledo: The City of Toledo doesn't specifically require a moving permit but they do specify the types of heavy hauling trucks that are allowed without a permit. Check directly with them to ensure you don't run into any issues on moving day.

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.
  • Toledo: In Ohio, it's mandatory for drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage liability. Meeting these requirements is essential for vehicle registration and serves as financial protection in case of an at-fault accident. Explore the option of increasing your liability limits and acquiring additional coverage for enhanced protection.

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.
  • Toledo: New residents must get their car smog checked during registration, which will also include a free VIN check. Ohio doesn't require safety inspections, but you may choose to have a car check for peace of mind.

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.
  • Toledo: In Ohio, you have 30 days to transfer your license and get an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in trouble from law enforcement and government agents.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Toledo?

The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Toledo, OH 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 Toledo will range from $511 to $727.

How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Toledo?

It will take approximately 1–4 days to ship your car the 244 miles from Chicago to Toledo. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Toledo?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Toledo. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Chicago resources