($843) Cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO to Chicago, IL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $843 to $1,256 to ship your car 984 miles from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois. The actual cost depends on factors like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For a customized estimate, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins to Chicago car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Fort Collins, CO:
- UZ Auto Trans INC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Driving America Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Accelerated Services Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Nationwide Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Secured Transport International, LLC.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
UZ Auto Trans INC
6960 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80207 US
uzautotransinc.com
3.64 / 5.0
UZ Auto Trans provides efficient vehicle transport services with many customers praising their excellent communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, there have been significant complaints regarding vehicle damage during transit and poor customer service, particularly in claims handling and response times.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1954980
Alternative Business Names
- UZ Trans, Inc.
Driving America Auto Transport
9524 Sherrelwood Ln, Littleton, CO 80126 US
drivingamericaautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Driving America Auto Transport receives diverse feedback. Many reviews highlight their friendly staff, timely communication, and reliability in delivering vehicles safely. Customers appreciated the professionalism displayed by various team members. Conversely, numerous reviews pointed out significant issues, including poor customer service, delayed pickups, challenging communication during the shipping process, and claims of overly aggressive sales tactics. Several customers reported being dissatisfied with unexpected cost increases and obstacles in securing refunds, leading to overall feelings of distrust.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3181276
Accelerated Services Auto
19201 E Lincoln Ave, Parker, CO 80138 US
autotrans.com
3.5 / 5.0
Accelerated Services is highly regarded for its excellent customer service, prompt communication, and commitment to safety. While most reviews praise the reliability and professionalism of the team, some concerns have been raised regarding the financial strain and debt incurred during equipment breakdowns.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 873632
Nationwide Auto Transport
1930 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219 US
nationwideautotransportation.com
3.5 / 5.0
Nationwide Auto Transportation garners positive feedback for its excellent driver professionalism, prompt communication, and overall reliable service. However, there are reports of significant delays, poor customer service experiences, and unprofessional behavior from some staff, leading to frustrations among customers. Many experiences highlighted issues surrounding pricing, communication mishaps, and vehicle condition upon delivery, leading to dissatisfaction for some clients. Popular acclaim often emphasizes timely and secure vehicle transport, while criticisms largely focus on service inconsistencies that affected their overall satisfaction.
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
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2248682
Secured Transport International, LLC.
109 E 17th St, Cheyenne, WY 82001 US
securedtransportinc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1684832
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 CO to IL
If you’re relocating from Fort Collins to Chicago, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Fort Collins to Chicago, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s preferred car shipper and their pricing.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 984 miles from Fort Collins to Chicago might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Colorado to Illinois. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Fort Collins to Chicago carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Chicago. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Fort Collins to Chicago car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Fort Collins to Chicago, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Fort Collins to Chicago, you’ll typically choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The best option depends on the type of vehicle you’re shipping.
Open carriers are the most economical choice, while enclosed shipping gives extra security for luxury or classic models. To weigh the options for your move to Chicago, visit our guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Fort Collins is the type of vehicle you own. Larger cars cost more to move because they occupy extra space and add weight to the carrier. For example, sending a full-size SUV to Chicago will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 984 miles from Fort Collins to Chicago will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Colorado.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Fort Collins and Chicago can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
August, June and September are the best months to move in Fort Collins, while December and January are the least comfortable months. Summers in Fort Collins can be mild to hot. Winters can be relatively tolerable as well.
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.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Fort Collins to Chicago during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 984-mile journey from Fort Collins to Chicago makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Fort Collins to Chicago takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Fort Collins and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Fort Collins: The City of Fort Collins has 3 Parking Structures and 5 Surface lots that offer permits. All structures are gateless and have the newest technology available: digital signs that provide number of available spaces on each level, and indicator lights to help you navigate through the structure. Check with the City of Fort Collins for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Fort Collins.
- 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
- Fort Collins: To drive in Colorado, you must have insurance with minimum 25/50/10 liability limits, covering $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. While meeting the state's minimum requirement, it's advisable to consider factors for determining optimal coverage levels.
- 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
- Fort Collins: To register and title your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving, you'll need to provide the DMV with an out-of-state vehicle title, proof of a valid Colorado auto insurance policy, verifiable identification, and documentation of the vehicle's weight.
- 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
- Fort Collins: To obtain a Colorado driver's license, new residents must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. The process cannot be done online or by phone. A valid out-of-state license is required, with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations, and must not have been deemed unfit to drive by CO DMV or a court.
- 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 Fort Collins to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins to Chicago will range from $843 to $1,256.
How long will it take to ship my car from Fort Collins to Chicago?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 984 miles from Fort Collins to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Fort Collins to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Fort Collins 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 984-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.
