($838) Cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 926 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Dallas, Texas, generally falls between $838 and $1,287. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
|
|
|
|
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dallas 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 Dallas car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Chicago to Dallas:
- 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
- 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 Chicago
If sticking with a local company is important to you, here are the top car shipping companies based 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 TX
When you’re moving from Chicago to Dallas, 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
On moves from Chicago to Dallas, 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
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 926-mile drive from Chicago to Dallas into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Illinois to Texas 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 Dallas. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Dallas—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Chicago to Dallas car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Chicago to Dallas can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Chicago to Dallas, 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 Dallas, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Chicago. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Dallas will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
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 926 miles from Chicago to Dallas 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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in Chicago and Dallas can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
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.
Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Dallas are most likely.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from Chicago to Dallas during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 926-mile journey from Chicago to Dallas makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Chicago to Dallas is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Chicago and Dallas 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.
- Dallas: For exact details about what parking permits you need to acquire for your move, contact the parking permits and licenses department at the City of Dallas
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.
- Dallas: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
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.
- Dallas: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
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.
- Dallas: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Dallas?
The cost to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX 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 Dallas will range from $838 to $1,287.
How long will it take to ship my car from Chicago to Dallas?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 926 miles from Chicago to Dallas. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Chicago to Dallas?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Chicago to Dallas. 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 Dallas?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Chicago to Dallas 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 926-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
901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 US
625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611 US
77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 US