($907) Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Jersey City, NJ
Quick answer: Shipping a car 788 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Jersey City, New Jersey, typically costs between $907 and $1,295. Final pricing depends on details like your vehicle type, shipping method, and the time of year. For personalized pricing, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jersey City 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 Jersey City car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Chicago to Jersey City:
- 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’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies 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 NJ
When you’re moving from Chicago to Jersey City, there are several ways to get your car to your new home. Here are the most common car shipping alternatives. Each one has its own benefits and trade-offs.
Coordinate with your movers
If you are relocating from Chicago to Jersey City, 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
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 788-mile trip from Chicago to Jersey City 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
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Illinois to New Jersey. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Chicago. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Jersey City.
Ship your car via train
Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Jersey City, 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 Jersey City car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Chicago to Jersey City, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Chicago to Jersey City, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Jersey City, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping price from Chicago depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Jersey City will cost significantly more to ship than a compact car.
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 788 miles from Chicago to Jersey City will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Illinois.
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
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Chicago and Jersey City.
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.
September, June and May are the best months in Jersey City, while January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest. Plan your moves accordingly.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Chicago to Jersey City during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 788-mile trip from Chicago to Jersey City, 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 Chicago to Jersey City usually takes two–seven days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing Chicago and Jersey City 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.
- Jersey City: Resident parking permits are required for parking over 2 hours in many areas. Posted signs will indicate a need for a parking permit, parking restrictions for street cleaning, and other limitations for street parking. Parking meters are also placed in certain high traffic business districts.
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.
- Jersey City: In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
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.
- Jersey City: If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
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.
- Jersey City: As per the state laws of New Jersey, new residents are expected to transfer their driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving in the state. However, during public health crises, this time frame may be extended to 120 days. It is important to note that there won't be any reminders for this, so it's recommended to keep a record of the date of your arrival in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Jersey City?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Jersey City, NJ 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 Jersey City will range from $907 to $1,295.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Jersey City?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 788 miles from Chicago to Jersey City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Jersey City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Jersey City. 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 Jersey City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Chicago to Jersey City 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 788-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.
106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525 US
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625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US
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