Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois (2026 Cost Guide)
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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 $614 and $1,287, 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. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- 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) stands out in the car shipping industry with its comprehensive range of services and strong consumer ratings. Known for facilitating transport for electric vehicles, classic cars, and inoperable cars, they offer both open and enclosed transport options to meet diverse client needs. Customers can rest assured with their damage-free guarantee and benefit from military discounts, all while enjoying highly favorable reviews with a 4.3 rating on Yelp, an impressive 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
While their service offerings are extensive, some customers might view the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery as a downside. Additionally, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car requires a deposit and does not accept cryptocurrency payments.
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 offering a variety of services including damage-free guarantees, motorcycle and trailer shipping, as well as options for transporting inoperable cars and classic vehicles. They are fully insured and offer detailed inspection reports for peace of mind. While the company enjoys a stellar A+ rating with the BBB and a solid 3.7 on Google, their Yelp rating stands at 1.8, indicating mixed customer experiences.
Customers may appreciate their international shipping capabilities and terminal to terminal delivery, though some might find it inconvenient that BKK TRANSPORT does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. While they provide expedited and open transport shipping, they do require a deposit before delivery.
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 known for its high Google rating of 4.1 and an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp, the company's robust service offerings include damage-free guarantees, interstate and international shipping, and the transport of classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs.
The company stands out for its capability to handle electric vehicles and cars that don't run, providing both open and enclosed transport options. They offer additional services such as expedited delivery, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and storage solutions. A potential downside is that they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash payments, which may be inconvenient for some customers. However, they do boast military-specific discounts, adding value for service members looking to ship their vehicles.
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 reputable car shipping company known for its high-quality services and reliability. They boast an impressive Yelp rating of 4.6 and a prestigious BBB rating of A+, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction and industry excellence.
Karma Auto Transport offers a variety of services, including classic car shipping, inoperable car transport, and interstate services, ensuring that both vintage car enthusiasts and customers with vehicles that don't run are catered to. They also provide detailed inspection reports and shipment tracking to keep clients informed throughout the transportation process.
While the company excels in many areas, a potential downside for some customers might be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery. Additionally, Karma Auto Transport does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which may be a consideration for tech-savvy clients. Despite these few limitations, their comprehensive range of services and strong industry ratings make them a noteworthy choice for auto transport needs.
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
Dispatchray
Dispatchray (DOT: 2490936) is a reputable car shipping company known for its exemplary ratings, boasting a perfect 5.0 on both Yelp and Google, complemented by an A+ rating from the BBB. They provide a comprehensive range of services including classic car shipping, motorcycle transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Additionally, they accommodate vehicles that don't run and offer both open and enclosed transport options.
Clients can rest easy knowing Dispatchray is fully insured despite not providing a damage-free guarantee or detailed inspection reports. While they excel in various transportation services, they do not offer international shipping or shipment tracking, which might be a drawback for some users. A potential limitation is the lack of discounts for seniors, teachers, students, or the military, but they do provide convenient payment options including credit card payments.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- 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 $1,109. 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): $488 and $808
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $844 and $1,188
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,136 and $1,295
To give you a better idea, check out these example price ranges:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois to New York | $968 | $1,593 |
| Illinois to Michigan | $721 | $988 |
| Illinois to Florida | $1,078 | $1,721 |
| Illinois to North Carolina | $972 | $1,515 |
| Illinois to Pennsylvania | $983 | $1,454 |
| California to Illinois | $1,504 | $2,524 |
| Texas to Illinois | $1,024 | $1,605 |
| Arizona to Illinois | $1,413 | $1,999 |
| Ohio to Illinois | $765 | $968 |
| Georgia to Illinois | $1,037 | $1,478 |
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 have a valid driver's license from another state and are moving to Illinois, you still need to pass a vision test and a written exam. You have 90 days after becoming an Illinois resident to switch to an Illinois non-commercial license.
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, vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis areas need yearly emissions tests. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts these tests 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. The climate in Illinois varies between the north and south. The northern part has cold winters and gentle summers, while the southern part has mild winters and hot, humid summers. Illinois 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, you must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage.
