Delaware to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 860 miles from Delaware to Illinois usually costs between $848 and $1,292. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Delaware 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 Delaware to Illinois car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Delaware to Illinois:
- 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 Delaware
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Delaware ready to move your vehicle to Illinois:
- Moverjet Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Pride Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Colibri Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Moverjet Logistics LLC
3422 Old Capitol Trl #2025, Wilmington, DE 19808 US
moverjetlogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
MoverJet Logistics receives praise for competent customer service, particularly from representatives like Lana and Jordan, who provide timely updates throughout the transport process and ensure vehicles are delivered in good condition. However, issues like unexpected price increases, service delays, and poor communication from contracted drivers leave many customers frustrated and dissatisfied. The company should improve transparency and reliability to enhance the customer experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2989759
Pride Car Shipping
1007 Orange St 4th floor, Wilmington, DE 19801 US
pridecarshipping.com
3.5 / 5.0
Pride Car Shipping has received a mix of both high praise and critical feedback concerning their car transport services. Many customers highlight prompt communication, efficient processes, and successful deliveries, notably commending representatives like Liam and Jessica for their professionalism and reassurance during the transport. However, a number of reviews express strong dissatisfaction due to unexpected price increases, canceled pickups, and issues with driver availability, leading to frustration and a sense of distrust regarding quoted rates.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3676446
Xpress Auto Transport
1225 N King St #340, Wilmington, DE 19801 US
xpressautoship.com/city/wilmington-delaware
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3878126
Colibri Auto Transport
3411 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 US
colibriautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Colibri Auto Transport is praised for its excellent customer service, effective communication, and timely delivery of vehicles. Clients highlight that agents like Felix, Jessica, and Chelsie provided outstanding support throughout their transport experience. However, some customers experienced unexpected price increases post-contract and encountered issues with driver cancellations, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction with the overall process.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 4057312
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.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Delaware to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Delaware to Illinois, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 860 miles to your car on the trip from Delaware to Illinois. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Delaware to Illinois is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Delaware to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Delaware and Illinois. The average travel distance is about 860 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL | $769 – $1,171 | 752 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Aurora, IL | $761 – $1,143 | 789 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Joliet, IL | $761 – $1,113 | 763 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Naperville, IL | $785 – $1,214 | 777 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Wilmington, DE to Rockford, IL | $780 – $1,239 | 846 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Dover, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE to Chicago, IL | $769 – $1,202 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Aurora, IL | $807 – $1,257 | 822 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Joliet, IL | $793 – $1,179 | 795 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Naperville, IL | $847 – $1,137 | 809 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Dover, DE to Rockford, IL | $802 – $1,221 | 878 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, DE to Chicago, IL | $792 – $1,104 | 734 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Newark, DE to Aurora, IL | $801 – $1,101 | 771 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, DE to Joliet, IL | $824 – $1,138 | 745 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Newark, DE to Naperville, IL | $817 – $1,113 | 759 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, DE to Rockford, IL | $796 – $1,202 | 828 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Middletown, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown, DE to Chicago, IL | $793 – $1,136 | 774 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Aurora, IL | $799 – $1,257 | 812 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Joliet, IL | $833 – $1,238 | 785 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Naperville, IL | $833 – $1,143 | 799 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Middletown, DE to Rockford, IL | $791 – $1,218 | 868 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Bear, DE to Illinois
| From Delaware to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear, DE to Chicago, IL | $761 – $1,217 | 769 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Aurora, IL | $799 – $1,173 | 807 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Joliet, IL | $777 – $1,191 | 780 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Naperville, IL | $785 – $1,214 | 794 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Bear, DE to Rockford, IL | $848 – $1,243 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Delaware to Illinois
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Delaware to Illinois, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,060–$1,615.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Delaware to Illinois
When transporting your vehicle from the First State to the Land of Lincoln, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The journey from Delaware to Illinois spans about 860 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Delaware around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Delaware and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–seven days, while expedited service costs more.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Illinois, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: 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 inspection: 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: 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.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Delaware
More than 1.0 million people call Delaware home. Nicknamed the First State. Almost all of Delaware is a part of the Atlantic coastal plain, the effects of the ocean moderate its climate. The southern portion of the state has a milder climate than the northern portion of the state.
Transporting your vehicle to Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois' climate is clearly different in the northern and southern halves of the state. The northern half experiences cold winters and mild summers whereas the southern half experiences mild winters and hot and humid summers. Illinois is a part of "tornado alley"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Delaware and delivery in Illinois?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Delaware and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Delaware to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Delaware to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in Delaware.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Delaware mandates that vehicle owners carry a minimum of liability car insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury liability in case of an accident involving multiple people and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from Delaware to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Delaware to Illinois is about 860 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Delaware to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Delaware, vehicles are required to undergo an emissions inspection every two years, unless the vehicle is less than seven years old. Additionally, a vehicle inspection is required every time you register or re-register your vehicle, but it must be completed within 90 days of the registration date to be valid.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in Delaware, will I need one in Illinois?
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.
If I bought a car in Delaware, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Delaware to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Delaware and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Delaware to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Delaware to Illinois is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Delaware to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Delaware to Illinois costs $848 to $1,292.
