10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Chicago, IL

Top car shipping companies in Chicago, IL

Whether your car needs to be shipped around Illinois or further away, take a look at the top-rated vehicle shipping firms serving Chicago, whether they're based in the city or operate in the wider area:

Compare Chicago, IL car shippers

Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of car shipping providers across Illinois and more than 612 nationwide, to compare service options and help you pick the best fit for Chicago.

Here's how common key car shipping services are among companies in Chicago, across Illinois, and nationwide:

Here's a closer look at the companies serving Chicago and which of these services they offer:

Compare by discounts

Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Chicago, across Illinois, and nationwide:

• Military discount: 6 in Chicago (27.27%), 4 in Illinois (21.05%), 159 nationwide (25.98%)
• Senior discount: 1 in Chicago (4.55%), 1 in Illinois (5.26%), 38 nationwide (6.21%)

Average cost to ship a car out of Chicago, IL

Chicago is one of Illinois's major cities, with a population of 2,746,388 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Chicago compared to smaller towns nearby.

On average, moving your car from Chicago, Illinois costs $652 - $1,474. Your actual cost will vary based on distance and fuel prices.

Here are some sample price ranges for shipping a vehicle from Chicago, Illinois to various states:

Check out all car shipping routes.

Factors influencing car shipping costs from Chicago, IL

Chicago's size works in its favor here: more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability tend to keep costs competitive. According to Chicago's cost of living index, the Illinois city is about 6% more expensive than the national average. This can push car shipping costs higher due to increased labor and operational expenses in the region.

• Distance: Shipping your car within Chicago or to a nearby city in Illinois usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
• Location: Chicago's dense urban core means heavier traffic and tighter pickup logistics, which can push car shipping costs noticeably higher than in quieter suburban areas.
• The type and condition of your vehicle: Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars from Chicago might require special handling, increasing the price. 72% of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 73% across Illinois, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
• Available shipping options in Chicago: You can choose from standard open-air transport to more secure enclosed car shipping. While the former is more economical, the latter is advised for protecting against potential damage due to weather conditions and roadway hazards. Among the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for, 90% offer open transport , and 90% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport).
• Fuel prices: Local gas prices in Chicago can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average price in Illinois is about $3.19 per gallon right now.
• Need it fast? Standard open transport in Chicago costs about $0.60 - $1 per mile; expedited delivery runs $1 - $1.50 per mile. On average, expedited or guaranteed delivery adds $200 - $500 to the price.
• Off-season savings: Peak summer and month-end dates cost more to ship. Choose an off-peak window instead and expect to pay 10% - 30% less.

How to ship a car from Chicago, IL

Work through this checklist to compare Chicago car shippers and choose a reliable one:

1. Pin down your shipping route. Check whether you're staying within Illinois or shipping across state lines. In-state and regional routes typically cost less than cross-country ones, and your ZIP codes finalize the price.
2. Weigh local market factors. This market has more carrier availability, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Cost of living comes in 6% above the national average.
3. Look at national and local options. National carriers typically handle interstate routes best, while local shippers (we track 5 in Chicago) can offer faster turnaround close to home.
4. Settle on open vs. enclosed. Open transport keeps costs down for everyday vehicles, while enclosed transport is the safer call for classic or high-value cars that need extra protection.
5. Verify licensing before booking. Look up each carrier's MC and USDOT numbers on the FMCSA carrier lookup to confirm they're properly registered.
6. Gather 3+ quotes and plan your timing. Run your details through the moveBuddha car shipping calculator for quotes from at least three companies, and book off-peak when you can since summer and end-of-month dates cost more. Winter lows around 19°F can delay pickup, so confirm the carrier's winter weather policy beforehand.

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