Cost to ship a car from Chicago to Salt Lake City
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,397 miles from Chicago to Salt Lake City ranges from $1,038 to $1,598. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Salt Lake City, UT in 3–8 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 Salt Lake City to Chicago car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Chicago to Salt Lake City car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Chicago to Salt Lake City, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Chicago to Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City 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 Crossroads of the West — approximately 1,397 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 Salt Lake City 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.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
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 Salt Lake City 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 1,397-mile distance between Chicago and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City typically takes between 3 and 8 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Chicago to Salt Lake City car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Chicago to Salt Lake City:
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best cross-country shipper: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for quick pickup: Easy Auto Ship
- Best for discounts: AmeriFreight Car Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- Best marketplace: uShip
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Comparing Chicago and Salt Lake City 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.
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
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.
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
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.
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Salt Lake City?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City will range from $1,038 to $1,598.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Salt Lake City?
It will take approximately 3–8 days to ship your car the 1,397 miles from Chicago to Salt Lake City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Salt Lake City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Salt Lake City. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
