10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois (2026 Cost Guide)

Best car shipping companies in Illinois

Our research team has analyzed 612 auto transport providers nationwide, putting in more than 400 hours of work. That includes 19 companies serving IL. Using this extensive dataset, we create accurate, fact-driven recommendations so you can confidently choose from the best car shipping companies nearby.

Need to ship a car from Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois? Check out our top choices for auto transport in the area:

Average cost of transporting a car out of IL

If you're moving a car from Illinois to another state, you'll pay between $750 and $1,271. Your actual cost could vary depending on the total distance and whether your car travels on an open carrier or in an enclosed trailer.

Check out these price ranges by distance:

What affects car shipping costs from Illinois

• Your move distance: Shipping within Illinois or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
• Location: Shipping from a rural part of Illinois often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Chicago or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
• Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Illinois cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 73% of Illinois shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Shipping options in the Land of Lincoln: 94% of Illinois auto transporters offer open transport, and 89% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Illinois's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
• Gas prices: Fuel costs in Illinois factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $3.19 per gallon right now.
• Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
• Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
• Discounts: In Illinois, 4 companies offer military discounts, 1 offer senior discounts, 19 offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.

For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Illinois car shipping routes.

How to ship a car from Illinois

Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Illinois.

1. Estimate your shipping cost. Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Illinois typically costs $750 - $1,271, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
2. Choose open vs enclosed transport. Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. This is especially relevant given Illinois's weather patterns.
3. Verify MC/DOT licensing. Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
4. Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes. Compare at least three of the 19 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Illinois. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
5. Book an off-peak ship date. Off-peak booking (fall through spring, mid-week dates) typically saves on total cost. From Illinois, local shipments arrive in 1 - 3 days; coast-to-coast routes commonly need 7 - 14 days.

FAQs

What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois?

The cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois depends on the services and transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your specific move. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best one. 24 car shippers in Illinois offer discounts like military, student, or AAA savings that can help lower your total cost.

What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Illinois?

Delivery times for car shipping in Illinois depend on distance and route: in-state shipments typically take one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points can all affect these estimates, so confirm timing with your shipping provider.

Can I ship a car internationally from Illinois?

Yes, 47% of car shippers in Illinois offer international shipping services. Confirm customs requirements and delivery timelines with the carrier before booking.

Do Illinois car shippers offer discounts?

Yes, car shippers in Illinois offer several discounts: 4 for military members, 1 for seniors. Compare a few of these providers to find the best combination of savings and service.

What percentage of Illinois car shippers offer guaranteed delivery?

Only 28% of car shipping companies nationwide offer guaranteed delivery dates. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, Nexus Auto Transport is worth considering.