Illinois to North Carolina Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: Shipping a car 819 miles from Illinois to North Carolina usually costs between $784 and $1,260. 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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our North Carolina to Illinois car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Illinois to North Carolina car shipping companies

Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Illinois to North Carolina:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
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Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Illinois

Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Illinois can deliver your vehicle to North Carolina:

  1. Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: 3.92 out of 5 stars
  2. Dispatchray: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Karma Auto Transport: 3.78 out of 5 stars
  4. Chicago Auto Shipping Group: 3.76 out of 5 stars
  5. BKK TRANSPORT: 3.72 out of 5 stars

Van 3 Auto Transport & Car

106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.92 / 5.0

Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.

Get a Quote (224) 788-7777

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Dispatchray

6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers express strong satisfaction with Dispatch Ray, highlighting excellent communication, competitive pricing, and a professional approach in transporting vehicles. They detail positive experiences with knowledgeable staff and timely deliveries throughout various transport needs. However, there were no significant issues reported by clients, with many indicating no hidden fees or surprises in the process.

Get a Quote (708) 298-4203

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • USA Auto Carrier Incorporated

Karma Auto Transport

901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US

starstarstarstarstar3.78 / 5.0

Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.

Get a Quote (312) 788-9315

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Storage solutions
  • Classic cars
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

Chicago Auto Shipping Group

625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US

starstarstarstarstar3.76 / 5.0

Customers generally report a high level of satisfaction with Auto Shipping Group's services, highlighting exceptional customer service and efficient, timely car transport. However, some negative experiences include issues with communication and unexpected pricing changes.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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

BKK TRANSPORT

77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0

BKK Transport is appreciated for competitive pricing, effective communication, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some customers report issues with late deliveries, poor contractor reliability, and unexpected extra charges.

Get a Quote (773) 467-7917

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • 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
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2248306

Alternative Business Names

  • BKK Transport & Brokerage, Inc

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 Illinois to North Carolina

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Illinois to North Carolina, 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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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 819 extra miles on your car to travel from Illinois to North Carolina. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

You can also hire someone to drive the car from Illinois to North Carolina for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.

Ship by train

If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

Illinois to North Carolina auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Illinois and North Carolina. The average travel distance is about 819 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to North Carolina

From Illinois to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC $787 – $1,208 756 miles 2 – 7 days
Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC $792 – $1,212 806 miles 2 – 7 days
Chicago, IL to Greensboro, NC $833 – $1,117 733 miles 1 – 6 days
Chicago, IL to Durham, NC $770 – $1,181 784 miles 2 – 7 days
Chicago, IL to Winston-Salem, NC $768 – $1,107 707 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Aurora, IL to North Carolina

From Illinois to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Aurora, IL to Charlotte, NC $778 – $1,253 789 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Raleigh, NC $855 – $1,254 839 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Greensboro, NC $762 – $1,126 766 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Durham, NC $833 – $1,212 817 miles 2 – 7 days
Aurora, IL to Winston-Salem, NC $833 – $1,140 740 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Joliet, IL to North Carolina

From Illinois to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Joliet, IL to Charlotte, NC $819 – $1,232 763 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Raleigh, NC $817 – $1,236 813 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Greensboro, NC $833 – $1,129 739 miles 1 – 6 days
Joliet, IL to Durham, NC $810 – $1,217 791 miles 2 – 7 days
Joliet, IL to Winston-Salem, NC $799 – $1,175 714 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Naperville, IL to North Carolina

From Illinois to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Naperville, IL to Charlotte, NC $810 – $1,133 775 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Raleigh, NC $855 – $1,242 826 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Greensboro, NC $779 – $1,232 752 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Durham, NC $808 – $1,236 804 miles 2 – 7 days
Naperville, IL to Winston-Salem, NC $786 – $1,140 726 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Rockford, IL to North Carolina

From Illinois to North Carolina Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Rockford, IL to Charlotte, NC $855 – $1,229 846 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Raleigh, NC $795 – $1,248 897 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Greensboro, NC $784 – $1,260 823 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Durham, NC $793 – $1,183 874 miles 2 – 7 days
Rockford, IL to Winston-Salem, NC $851 – $1,229 797 miles 2 – 7 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Illinois to North Carolina

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.

If you’re moving one from Illinois to North Carolina, expect costs to range from $980 to $1,575.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Illinois to North Carolina

When arranging car transport from the Land of Lincoln to the Tar Heel State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:

  • Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to North Carolina.
  • Distance and route: The trip from Illinois to North Carolina covers roughly 819 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand drives prices up. Moves from Illinois in summer or over the holidays are often more expensive.
  • Fuel prices: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Illinois to North Carolina, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
  • Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Illinois to North Carolina should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

North Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know

To drive legally after your move to North Carolina, you’ll need to handle vehicle registration and a few additional steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required.

  • Car insurance requirements: Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.
  • Vehicle inspection: Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.
  • Driver’s license: New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • Additional taxes: If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Illinois

More than 12.5 million people call Illinois home. Nicknamed 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"

Transporting your vehicle to North Carolina

About 10.8 million people are living in the Tar Heel State. North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Illinois and delivery in North Carolina?

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Illinois and when dropping it off in North Carolina.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Illinois to North Carolina?

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Illinois to North Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to North Carolina, which you should verify before loading your car in Illinois.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.

Ensure compliance with North Carolina's mandatory minimum liability insurance rules for drivers. Your coverage should meet or exceed $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Don't forget to enhance your protection with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Stay informed and safeguarded on the road by meeting these state insurance requirements.

How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to North Carolina?

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Illinois to North Carolina is about 819 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Illinois to North Carolina.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?

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.

Before the North Carolina DMV can register a passenger vehicle, it must pass an annual safety inspection if it is less than 30 years old.

If I have a driver’s license in Illinois, will I need one in North Carolina?

New residents in North Carolina are obligated to transfer their license or ID within 60 days of moving to the state.

If I bought a car in Illinois, will I be required to pay sales tax in North Carolina after shipping it there?

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Illinois to North Carolina after purchasing it.

If you're relocating to North Carolina, you're required to pay vehicle tax. However, you have the option to defer this payment by obtaining a limited registration plate, which will expire 60 days after it's issued. It's important to note that you must pay the property tax before the sticker on the plate reaches its expiration date.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Illinois and North Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to North Carolina?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Illinois to North Carolina 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 Illinois to North Carolina?

Shipping a car from Illinois to North Carolina costs $784 to $1,260.

Helpful Illinois resources