($1,302) Cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Shipping a car 2,163 miles from San Jose, California, to Chicago, Illinois, typically costs between $1,302 and $2,067. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to San Jose car shipping guide.
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
The best San Jose to Chicago car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from San Jose to Chicago:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in San Jose
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in San Jose, CA:
- McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Ats Transportation Svc: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Viper Transportation: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
McCollister's Transportation Group,Inc.
45125 Industrial Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 US
mccollisters.com
3.78 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 289344
Alternative Business Names
- McCollister's Transportation Group, Inc
- McCollister's Transportation
Ats Transportation Svc
8195 Parish Way, #27 Gilroy, CA 95020 US
atstransport.com
3.76 / 5.0
Customers consistently praise the professionalism, communication, and reliability of Randy and the transport service. Many highlight fair pricing and recommend ATS for vehicle transportation needs, particularly noting its trustworthiness. A few reviews mention comparisons to larger companies, emphasizing ATS's superior service and competitive rates. Overall, the feedback reflects a high level of satisfaction with the vehicle shipping experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2213996
Alternative Business Names
- First Class Shipping, Inc.
Viper Transportation
4600 Malat St, Oakland, CA 94601 US
vipertransportation.com
3.66 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the fast loading times and helpful security staff, though frustrations arise from the first-come-first-serve policy as it sometimes favors company drivers, leading to longer waits for others.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1509528
Car Shipping Carriers
39899 Balentine Dr #200, Newark, CA 94560 US
carshippingcarriers.com/california-auto-transport-companies/san-jose
3.56 / 5.0
Customers frequently praise the company's exceptional communication, reliable service, and excellent pricing, contributing to their loyalty. However, no significant negatives were reported, indicating strong overall satisfaction with the service provided.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: DOT# 2249744
Global Auto Transportation
2268 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112 US
globalautotransportation.com/san-jose-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Alternative Business Names
- Global Auto Transportation, Inc.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from CA to IL
Relocating from San Jose to Chicago means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re moving from San Jose to Chicago, many of the best interstate movers work with trusted car shipping companies. They can coordinate your vehicle transport as part of the full-service moving package, but you’ll be limited to their chosen provider and pricing.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 2,163-mile trip from San Jose to Chicago could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from California to Illinois. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in San Jose. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Chicago.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Chicago is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting San Jose to Chicago car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from San Jose to Chicago, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from San Jose to Chicago, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Chicago, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of San Jose has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Chicago will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Simply put, the farther you ship your car, the more it will cost. Longer trips mean higher fuel and labor costs, plus added expenses like tolls and carrier maintenance. For example, transporting your vehicle 2,163 miles from San Jose to Chicago will cost more than a shorter move within California.
Your destination plays a role as well. Routes that follow major highways are usually cheaper, while deliveries to remote areas tend to be more expensive.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both San Jose and Chicago.
San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from San Jose to Chicago during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 2,163-mile trip from San Jose to Chicago, rising fuel prices can quickly push your rates higher. When gas prices spike, expect your transport costs to increase as well.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from San Jose to Chicago takes four to twelve days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing San Jose and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- San Jose: Residential Permit Parking (RPP) zones began to reactivate at the end of 2021. We are currently in the process of reactivating remaining RPP zones. If you live in one of these zones, please register for and purchase your virtual parking permit at sanjose.getapermit.net. Instructions on how to register for, purchase, and manage your residential permit were mailed to all eligible addresses within some of these zones on Monday, February 28, 2022.
- Chicago: For a fee of $25, CDOT will provide ticket and tow enforceable signs to eligible moving companies for the day of the move. This requires 72 hours.
Car insurance requirements
- San Jose: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Chicago: The liability insurance minimums for Illinois are $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability per accident.
Vehicle inspections
- San Jose: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Chicago: In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
Driver’s license
- San Jose: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Chicago: Even if your out-of-state driver's license is valid, you must still pass a vision test and written exam if you are moving to Illinois. Within 90 days of becoming a resident in the state, you must convert your license to an Illinois non-commercial license.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Jose to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from San Jose to Chicago will range from $1,302 to $2,067.
How long will it take to ship my car from San Jose to Chicago?
It will take approximately four to twelve days to ship your car the 2,163 miles from San Jose to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from San Jose to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from San Jose to Chicago. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from San Jose to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from San Jose to Chicago than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 2,163-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
