($1,033) Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Bridgeport, CT
Quick answer: Expect to pay around $1,033 to $1,573 to ship your car 850 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Bridgeport, Connecticut. 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 Bridgeport to Chicago 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 Chicago to Bridgeport car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Chicago to Bridgeport:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- 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
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Chicago
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Chicago, IL:
- Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
- Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- All Day Auto Transport: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars
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 IL to CT
If you’re planning a move from Chicago to Bridgeport, 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
When relocating from Chicago to Bridgeport, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 850-mile trip from Chicago to Bridgeport 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
Having a driver transport your car from Illinois to Connecticut is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Chicago to Bridgeport. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Bridgeport, 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 Chicago to Bridgeport car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Chicago to Bridgeport, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Chicago to Bridgeport, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Chicago tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Bridgeport, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
One of the biggest factors influencing your shipping cost from Chicago 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 Bridgeport will be pricier than shipping a compact sedan.
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 850 miles from Chicago to Bridgeport will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Illinois.
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 Chicago and Bridgeport.
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.
Bridgeport has long, hot summers, and cool to cold winters, with precipitation spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Chicago to Bridgeport during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 850 miles between Chicago and Bridgeport, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
If you’re flexible with delivery dates, you may qualify for discounts from your car shipper. Typically, transporting a vehicle from Chicago to Bridgeport takes between two and seven days. While flexibility can reduce costs, choosing expedited shipping guarantees faster delivery at a higher price.
Comparing Chicago and Bridgeport vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- 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.
- Bridgeport: A contractor with a small pick-up truck that is hired by City residents to pick up household or landscaping items must be licensed with the City of Bridgeport. For more information on what licensing entails, please contact this office at 203-576-7790
Car insurance requirements
- 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.
- Bridgeport: The basic car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut is as follow: Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Vehicle inspections
- 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.
- Bridgeport: In Connecticut, all vehicles must undergo an emissions inspection every two years, with a few exceptions. Additionally, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection, which confirms the vehicle's identity, is required when registering the vehicle in the state.
Driver’s license
- 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.
- Bridgeport: As a new resident of Connecticut, you must obtain a Connecticut driver's license within 30 days. Residency is defined as living in the state for over 6 months in a year.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Bridgeport?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Bridgeport, CT 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 Chicago to Bridgeport will range from $1,033 to $1,573.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Bridgeport?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 850 miles from Chicago to Bridgeport. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Bridgeport?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Bridgeport. 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 Chicago to Bridgeport?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Chicago to Bridgeport 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 850-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.
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