($789) Cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,048 miles from Gainesville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, ranges from $789 to $1,314. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Chicago car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Gainesville 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 Gainesville
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based in Gainesville, FL:
- Centurion Auto Logistics Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Proficient Auto Transport: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- 8 Brothers Inc.: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Centurion Auto Logistics Inc
5912 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209 US
centurionautologistics.com
3.56 / 5.0
The company generally offers outstanding service with friendly and professional staff, although there are significant concerns regarding reckless driver behavior causing unsafe conditions. Overall sentiment appears mixed, spotlighting fine service quality.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2215614
Alternative Business Names
- ATC Logistics
- Centurion Leasing Company
- Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc.
- Centurion-Eagle Auto Transport
- Centurion Leasing Shop
Proficient Auto Transport
10057 103rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32210 US
proficientautotransport.com
3.52 / 5.0
Customers have reported a range of experiences with Proficient Auto Transport. Many commend the company for its reliable service and professional drivers, highlighting effective communication and successful deliveries. However, negative feedback centers around issues of unprofessional driver behavior and problems with accounting practices, including delayed payments and miscommunications regarding pay rates.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1297747
Speedy Car Shipping
9951 Atlantic Blvd #322A, Jacksonville, FL 32225 US
speedycarshipping.com/auto-transport-jacksonville-fl
3.5 / 5.0
This company offers transportation services for a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to elite classic and vintage vehicles. They are praised for their expert handling, care in transportation, and beneficial services for car collectors needing to move vehicles to shows. The company is highlighted for exceptional quotes and a polite team. Their website is marked for its ease of use, transparency, and accessibility, especially for after-hours quotes, with a straightforward process for obtaining free quotes. Positive personal interactions with staff, notably with someone named Max, are also noted.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
8 Brothers Inc.
636 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206 US
8brothers.com
3.5 / 5.0
8 Brothers Inc is praised for their professional and careful car shipping services, with exceptional communication and a high level of customer care. Customers commend the company's efficiency and attention to detail throughout the shipping process. However, some feedback may reflect challenges during peak seasons or potential difficulties securing carriers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2418874
Ceva Logistics
11070 Cabot Commerce Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32226 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
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 FL to IL
If you’re relocating from Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 1,048 miles from Gainesville 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 Florida 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 Gainesville to Chicago. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Chicago, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Gainesville to Chicago car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Gainesville to Chicago, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Gainesville to Chicago, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Chicago, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Gainesville 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 1,048 miles from Gainesville to Chicago will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Florida.
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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Gainesville and Chicago often affect the cost of auto transport.
April, November and October are the most pleasant months in Gainesville, while August and July are the least comfortable months.
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.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Gainesville to Chicago in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,048-mile trip from Gainesville 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
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Gainesville to Chicago takes between two and eight days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Gainesville and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Gainesville: Check with the City of Gainesville for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to Gainesville.
- 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
- Gainesville: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- 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
- Gainesville: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- 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
- Gainesville: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- 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 Gainesville to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Gainesville, FL 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 Gainesville to Chicago will range from $789 to $1,314.
How long will it take to ship my car from Gainesville to Chicago?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,048 miles from Gainesville to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Gainesville to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Gainesville 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 1,048-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.
