Best Car Shipping Companies in Chicago, IL (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: If you’re looking for an excellent car shipping company in Chicago, IL, Nexus Auto Transport stands out for its impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, affordable rates, and lineup of services. While prices vary, you can usually expect to pay between and $1,382 to ship your car from Chicago.
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| Company | Contact | Our rating | Best for | Benefits |
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4.7 |
Best overall value |
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4.5 |
Most accurate pricing |
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4.4 |
Best for budget-conscious shippers |
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4.9 |
Best for Exact Pickup Dates |
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4.4 |
Best for Damage Protection |
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Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Illinois car shipping guide.
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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
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- Fact-checked for accuracy
Top car shipping companies in Chicago, IL
Considering moving your vehicle locally or out of Illinois? Here’s a list of the premier car transport companies located in Chicago:
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
All Day Auto Transport
All Day Auto Transport (DOT: 2245170) offers a comprehensive range of car shipping services, including boat shipping, classic car shipping, and transport for inoperable cars. They provide both open and enclosed transport options and cater to customers with electric vehicles, RVs, and heavy equipment shipping needs. They also offer international shipping and expedited delivery. Customers will appreciate the peace of mind knowing their shipments come with guaranteed delivery.
However, it's worth noting that All Day Auto Transport does not provide a damage-free guarantee, which might be a concern for some potential clients. Despite having a low Yelp rating of 1.8, the company boasts a strong BBB rating of A+, though it has yet to establish ratings on Google. While it offers a military discount, there are no discounts available for seniors, teachers, or law enforcement personnel.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Guaranteed Delivery
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
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
Comparing Chicago car auto transport companies
Our review of top auto transport brands extended into an analysis of 20 local car shipping providers in Chicago, 18 throughout Illinois, and more than 518 across the country to compare service options and assist you in selecting the best solution.
Compare by services
Here’s how common key car shipping services are among companies in Chicago, across Illinois, and nationwide:
- Inoperable car transport: 11 in Chicago (50.0%), 9 in Illinois (47.37%), 242 nationwide (39.41%)
- Multi-car shipping: 18 in Chicago (81.82%), 16 in Illinois (84.21%), 415 nationwide (67.7%)
- Real-time tracking: 11 in Chicago (50.0%), 9 in Illinois (47.37%), 337 nationwide (54.98%)
- Guaranteed delivery: 6 in Chicago (27.27%), 3 in Illinois (15.79%), 175 nationwide (28.55%)
- Damage-free guarantee: 8 in Chicago (36.36%), 7 in Illinois (36.84%), 171 nationwide (27.9%)
| Company | Inoperable car transport | Multi-car shipping | Real-time tracking | Guaranteed delivery | Damage-free guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Van 3 Auto Transport & Car | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| BKK TRANSPORT | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Chicago Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Karma Auto Transport | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
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 (25.77%)
- Senior discount: 1 in Chicago (4.55%), 1 in Illinois (5.26%), 39 nationwide (6.36%)
| Company | Military | Senior | Student | Teacher | Law Enforcement | AAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day Auto Transport | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Van 3 Auto Transport & Car | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BKK TRANSPORT | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Chicago Auto Shipping Group | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Karma Auto Transport | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Average cost to ship a car out of Chicago
With a population of 2,746,388 and the status of a major Illinois city, Chicago sees steady carrier traffic year-round. This usually makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Chicago compared to smaller towns nearby.
Shipping a car out of Chicago, Illinois usually ranges from to $1,382. Your final price will depend on how far you’re going and current fuel costs.
Check out these estimated price ranges for moving a vehicle from Chicago, Illinois to another state:
| Route | Cost |
|---|---|
| Illinois to Arizona | $1,400 - $2,019 |
| Illinois to North Carolina | $972 - $1,515 |
| Illinois to New York | $968 - $1,593 |
| Illinois to Florida | $1,078 - $1,721 |
| Illinois to California | $1,520 - $2,573 |
| Texas to Illinois | $1,024 - $1,605 |
| Pennsylvania to Illinois | $907 - $1,357 |
| Michigan to Illinois | $736 - $1,018 |
| Georgia to Illinois | $1,037 - $1,478 |
| Ohio to Illinois | $765 - $968 |
Check out all car shipping routes.
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Chicago
As a major city, Chicago benefits from more frequent service routes and higher carrier availability. The cost of living index in Chicago is 106, which sits close to the national average. As a result, car shipping prices here tend to align with typical market rates across the country.
- Distance matters: Moving your car locally within Chicago or to nearby areas in Illinois is typically more affordable than shipping it across state lines.
- Location type: It’s often pricier to transport a car out of busy downtown Chicago compared to moves between quieter suburban neighborhoods.
- Vehicle type and condition: Smaller cars are typically cheaper to move, while classic, luxury, or specialty vehicles from Chicago often need extra care and can bump up the price. Learn more about classic car transport.
- 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.
- Fuel prices: What you’ll pay to ship can go up or down depending on current gas rates in Chicago, especially with long-distance trips.
- How fast you need it: Need your car quickly? Expedited or guaranteed delivery from Chicago comes at a higher price tag.
- Weather and season: Winter in Chicago brings heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, which can increase car shipping costs due to challenging road conditions and potential delays. Summer’s milder weather typically helps keep shipping prices lower and transit times more predictable.
FAQ
Can I track my vehicle’s shipment in real time in Chicago?
Many car shipping companies in Chicago, Illinois, provide real-time tracking services. You can usually track your car's journey on the company's website or app. This lets you see when your vehicle leaves Chicago, its estimated arrival time, and any transit delays.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Chicago?
I-90 runs east to Boston and west to Seattle. I-94 heads north to Milwaukee and continues to Detroit. I-55 travels southwest to St. Louis. I-290 connects Chicago to the western suburbs. I-80 stretches coast-to-coast, passing near Chicago and crossing the Midwest.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company’s license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) number and look it up on the USDOT’s FMCSA website. This works for any provider based in Chicago or beyond.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Chicago?
Most carriers don't need an inspection to transport your car from Chicago. But if you're shipping a classic or high-value car, you might have to provide proof of insurance. Always verify the inspection laws for the destination state since rules differ.
Take Illinois regulations as an example. 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.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Chicago?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It’s a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Chicago to your next destination.
What's the cheapest car shipping company in Chicago?
Chicago car shippers offering economical open transport services at competitive rates include All Day Auto Transport (offers military discounts), Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (offers military discounts), and BKK TRANSPORT.
Who ships classic cars out of Chicago?
Professional vintage car transport companies in Chicago offering secure enclosed delivery include All Day Auto Transport, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car, and BKK TRANSPORT.
