Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport is our choice for best car shipping in Illinois thanks to competitive pricing, dependable service, and strong reviews. We rate them 4.7 out of 5 stars. Shipping your car from Illinois typically costs between $789 and $1,295, though your final price can vary based on several factors.
Illinois Car Shipping Facts
- 94% of Illinois auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most popular — and budget-friendly — way to ship a car.
- 89% of car shipping companies in Illinois offer enclosed transport delivery.
- Only 28% of car shipping companies nationwide offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Illinois
Over 400 hours of research have gone into reviewing services, pricing, and availability for 613 car shippers across the country, including 19 right here in IL. Our goal is to use that data to deliver trustworthy and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you’re looking to ship a car from Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois, check out our top car shipping picks below:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) is a well-regarded car shipping company that holds impressive ratings with a 4.5 on Yelp, a 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB. They provide a range of services including inoperable car transport, classic car shipping, and international shipping, ensuring a damage-free guarantee and full insurance for peace of mind. Customers can choose between open and enclosed transport, and expedited delivery is available for those in need of quick service.
One downside is that Van 3 Auto Transport & Car does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which could be a drawback for clients who prefer this option. Despite this, their comprehensive service offerings and positive ratings make them a solid choice for vehicle transportation needs.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
BKK TRANSPORT
BKK TRANSPORT (DOT: 2248306) is a car shipping company that offers a wide range of services, including interstate transportation, motorcycle and trailer shipping, and options for transporting vehicles that are not operational. Customers can also choose between open and enclosed transport, and benefit from their detailed inspection reports and expedited delivery options.
BKK TRANSPORT is fully insured and offers international shipping, but potential clients should note that there are no senior, student, or military discounts available. Although they have a damage-free guarantee and a BBB rating of A+, their Yelp rating is 1.8, and their Google rating is 3.7, which suggests mixed customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
Chicago Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a reputable car shipping company that offers a range of services to accommodate various customer needs. They provide specialized solutions such as classic car shipping, motorcycle transport, and inoperable car transport, and ensure all shipments are fully insured with a damage-free guarantee.
The company is well-regarded, with a Google rating of 4.1 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp. Customers might find the lack of acceptance for cryptocurrency payments as a downside. However, their commitment to quality service is evident in their extensive offering, including international and RV shipping, and expedited delivery options, without requiring customers to manage cash transactions.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Karma Auto Transport
Karma Auto Transport (DOT: 2882553) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services to cater to diverse customer needs. Their reputation is bolstered by a strong Yelp rating of 4.6 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, although the company has yet to establish ratings on Google. They provide specialized services such as classic car shipping, inoperable car transport for vehicles that don't run, and international shipping, ensuring a versatile range of options for their clients.
While Karma Auto Transport ensures a damage-free guarantee and offers detailed inspection reports to their customers, they do not provide boat shipping or trailer shipping, which might be a downside for customers seeking these services. Nevertheless, with options like enclosed transport and expedited delivery, the company continues to meet and exceed customer expectations in other areas.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Atlantic Express
Atlantic Express (DOT: 1771262) offers a wide range of shipping services, including options for transporting inoperable cars, classic cars, motorcycles, and RVs. They provide international shipping and prioritize the safety of your vehicle with a damage-free guarantee and full insurance coverage.
Despite these comprehensive services, Atlantic Express has low ratings with a Yelp rating of 2.4, a Google rating of 3.7, and a BBB rating of D-. One downside for potential customers is that they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery services. Additionally, they do not provide any discounts related to seniors, teachers, or military personnel.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Average cost of transporting a car out of IL
If you’re shipping a car out of Illinois, expect the average price to land around $1,114. However, what you actually pay can change quite a bit depending on how far your car needs to go and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $552 and $873
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $868 and $1,173
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,137 and $1,293
To give you a better idea, check out these example price ranges:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois to Florida | $1,046 | $1,721 |
| Illinois to Arizona | $1,372 | $2,019 |
| Illinois to Texas | $1,014 | $1,526 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $728 | $1,038 |
| Illinois to Ohio | $721 | $1,028 |
| Georgia to Illinois | $998 | $1,493 |
| Pennsylvania to Illinois | $916 | $1,427 |
| New York to Illinois | $988 | $1,502 |
| North Carolina to Illinois | $1,002 | $1,515 |
| California to Illinois | $1,600 | $2,425 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Illinois:
- Your move distance: How far your car needs to go plays a big part in the price. Shipping within Illinois or nearby states is usually easier on your wallet than sending your vehicle across the country.
- Location: Whether you're shipping from bustling Chicago to a quieter Illinois town or out of state, location impacts cost. Urban areas might offer competitive rates, while remote Illinois locales could add to the bill.
- Type of vehicle: The make, model, and year of your car play a big role. Smaller vehicles are less expensive to ship, but classic or specialty cars, especially those needing TLC, tend to cost more.
- Types of shipping in the Land of Lincoln: You can pick between open-air and enclosed carriers. Open-air is cheaper, but enclosed shipping provides maximum protection from Illinois's unpredictable weather. Just know it comes at a premium. Learn more about enclosed car shipping.
- Fuel costs: Gas prices aren’t just annoying at the pump. They also impact car shipping costs, especially for longer trips. Keep an eye on Illinois’s current fuel rates.
- Delivery time frame: Need your car by a specific date, or want it there ASAP? Expedited shipping or guaranteed dates will cost extra.
- Discounts: Some Illinois auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
Want a precise estimate? Try our car shipping calculator. And take a look at all the popular Illinois car shipping routes for more details.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Illinois?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Illinois, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Illinois, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Illinois?
If you move to Illinois, you need to take a vision test and a written exam, even if your out-of-state driver's license is still valid. You must switch to an Illinois non-commercial license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
Do Illinois car shippers offer discounts?
In Illinois, no companies offer discounts for police and law enforcement. Military members can choose from 4 car shippers that offer discounted pricing for active service and veterans. No auto transport companies provide student savings. No car shipping companies offer rebates for AAA membership.
Does Illinois require a vehicle inspection?
In Illinois, eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis areas must undergo yearly emissions inspections. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency tests these cars before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
Does weather in Illinois impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Illinois. Illinois has distinct climates in its north and south regions. The north gets cold winters and mild summers, while the south has mild winters but hot and humid summers. The state is also located in "tornado alley."
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Illinois?
The time it takes to deliver a car in Illinois is determined by how far and along which route the vehicle travels. Shorter, in-state deliveries are generally fulfilled in one to three days. However, when transporting across multiple states, especially from one coast to the other, the timeframe increases to about seven to 14 days.
The time frames can fluctuate depending on traffic, weather conditions in Illinois, and the exact locations involved. To ensure you have the most accurate information, check with your shipping provider to see how these factors apply to your specific circumstances.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Illinois?
In Illinois, the minimum liability insurance requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
