($452) Cost to ship a car from Toledo, OH to Chicago, IL

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 244 miles from Toledo, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, ranges from $452 to $600. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Free car wash
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to Toledo car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Toledo to Chicago car shipping companies

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

Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Check prices (833) 775-1461
Best cross-country shipper
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (224) 206-5633
At A Glance
  • No upfront payment
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Door-to-door shipping
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
Best for quick pickup
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (888) 259-6046
At A Glance
  • No upfront deposit
  • Expedited shipping
  • No hidden fees
  • Ships motorcycles & RVs
  • Discount for cash payments
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Check prices (888) 259-6046
Best for discounts
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices (770) 501-9057
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing
  • Last-minute car shipments
  • Guaranteed & expedited shipments
  • Gap insurance coverage
  • Multiple discounts
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Check prices (770) 501-9057
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Check prices (864) 492-1221
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  • Instant pricing from multiple providers
  • $500 damage or loss coverage
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  • All vehicle types
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Top local car shippers in Toledo

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Toledo, OH:

Detroit Auto Shipping Group

100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

K C Transportation Inc

862 Will Carleton Rd, Carleton, MI 48117 US

starstarstarstarstar3.86 / 5.0
Get a Quote (734) 654-0010

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Trailers

Additional Information

Cassens Transport Co

633 Matzinger Rd, Toledo, OH 43612 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (419) 727-0520

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment

Additional Information

Tran Tech Inc

862 Will Carleton Rd, Carleton, MI 48117 US

starstarstarstarstar3.52 / 5.0

The company has received criticism for alleged non-payment issues, which suggests reliability concerns. However, there was a single positive remark noted as "wonderful," yet it lacks further context.

Get a Quote (734) 654-1250

Services Offered

  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Trailers

Additional Information

Moore transport

5955 American Rd E, Toledo, OH 43612 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (419) 726-4499

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Classic cars

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companies

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Car shipping alternatives from OH to IL

  • Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Toledo to Chicago, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
  • Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 244-mile drive from Toledo to Chicago into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
  • Use a driving service. Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Ohio to Illinois is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Toledo to Chicago. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
  • Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Chicago, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Toledo to Chicago car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Toledo to Chicago, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are different options for shipping your car from Toledo to Chicago, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.

When leaving Toledo, 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 on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Toledo will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Chicago than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 244 miles from Frog Town to Chi-Town will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Ohio.

Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Toledo and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.

The season and weather in both Toledo and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.

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.

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 moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Toledo 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 244-mile distance between Toledo 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 Toledo to Chicago typically takes between one and four days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Toledo and Chicago vehicle regulations

Parking permits

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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 Toledo to Chicago?

The cost to ship a car from Toledo, OH to Chicago, IL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Toledo to Chicago will range from $452 to $600.

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

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

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

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

Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Toledo to Chicago?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Toledo to Chicago than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 244-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.

We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.

Helpful Toledo resources