Cost to ship a car from Portland to Chicago
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,082 miles from Portland to Chicago ranges from $828 to $1,380. 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 Portland car shipping guide.
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Factors affecting Portland to Chicago car shipping costs
Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Portland to Chicago, these factors will influence the cost:
Type of transport
There are different options for transporting your car from Portland to Chicago, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to specific needs. When leaving Portland, 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 Portland. 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 Forest City to the Chi-Town — approximately 1,082 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 Portland and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.
August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Portland, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
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 Portland 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 1,082-mile distance between Portland 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 Portland 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.
Portland to Chicago car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Portland to Chicago:
- 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 Car Marketplace
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Comparing Portland and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Portland:
- 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
- Portland: In Maine, drivers must carry a minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25, requiring $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for all injuries per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, as per car insurance laws.
- 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
- Portland: The State of Maine requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles used on public roads to ensure they are in proper working condition and safe to operate. Safety inspections in Maine can be carried out at any official service station of the Maine Department of Transportation.
- 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
- Portland: New residents of Maine are required to obtain a new state license within 30 days of establishing residency. If you are moving to Maine and possess a valid or recently expired (within the past 5 years) out-of-state driver's license from another US state, you can obtain a Class C license, including a REAL ID license, by visiting a Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office.
- 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 Portland to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Portland, ME 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 Portland to Chicago will range from $828 to $1,380.
How long will it take to ship my car from Portland to Chicago?
It will take approximately 2–8 days to ship your car the 1,082 miles from Portland to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Portland to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Portland to Chicago. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
