($833) Cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE to Chicago, IL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay around $833 to $1,136 to ship your car 752 miles from Wilmington, Delaware, 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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington to Chicago car shipping companies
We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies serving Wilmington, DE:
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Safe Auto Trucking LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Royal Auto Ship: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Philadelphia Car Transport: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Moverjet Logistics LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Virginia Transportation Corp
329 Bethel Ave, Upper Chichester, PA 19014 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.76 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
Safe Auto Trucking LLC
13512 Bustleton Ave Apt 5304, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
safeautotrucking.com
3.66 / 5.0
Safe Auto Trucking LLC has received numerous customer reviews highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Many customers praised their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional communication throughout the vehicle transport process. Specific team members, such as Terry, Peter, and Alvin, received high marks for being responsive and attentive to customers' needs. However, some customers reported significant issues with pricing, often citing "bait and switch" tactics where initial quotes were dramatically increased last minute. This inconsistency in pricing and communication has led to frustration and mistrust among certain customers, urging potential clients to be cautious before engaging their services.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3829832
Royal Auto Ship
300 Avon St, Philadelphia, PA 19116 US
royalautoship.com
3.64 / 5.0
Royal Auto Ship is often praised for their outstanding customer service, responsiveness, and ability to ensure safe and timely vehicle transport. Numerous customers commend the professionalism and support received from representatives such as Tim, Scott, and Oscar Harris. However, some reviews highlight issues with certain drivers and unexpected costs during the shipping process, emphasizing the importance of clear communication. Overall, many customers highly recommend this service for reliable vehicle shipping.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 4094097
Philadelphia Car Transport
1968 Bryn Mawr Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131 US
philadelphiacartransport.com
3.56 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2542752
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
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 DE to IL
If you’re planning a move from Wilmington to Chicago, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Wilmington to Chicago, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 752 miles from Wilmington 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
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Delaware to Illinois is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Wilmington to Chicago. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Chicago, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.
Factors affecting Wilmington to Chicago car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Wilmington to Chicago, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
When it comes to moving your car from Wilmington 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
Your shipping costs out of Wilmington will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Chicago than a compact car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 752 miles from Wilmington to Chicago will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Delaware.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Wilmington and Chicago.
Wilmington has with hot and humid summers, cool to cold winters, and precipitation evenly spread throughout the year.
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 Wilmington to Chicago during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 752-mile trip from Wilmington 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
By allowing more flexibility with your delivery window, you could secure discounted rates from your shipper. The process of moving a car from Wilmington to Chicago usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Wilmington and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Wilmington: Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. Parking rates are posted on each meter. You may purchase 15 minutes of parking for a quarter, 6 minutes of parking for a dime, and 3 minutes of parking for a nickel. You may park at a meter for up to two hours.
- 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
- Wilmington: 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.
- 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
- Wilmington: 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.
- 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
- Wilmington: Drivers moving to Delaware from another state must update their driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
- 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 Wilmington to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington to Chicago will range from $833 to $1,136.
How long will it take to ship my car from Wilmington to Chicago?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 752 miles from Wilmington to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Wilmington to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Wilmington 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 Wilmington to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Wilmington 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 752-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.
