New Jersey to Illinois Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 897 miles from New Jersey to Illinois typically falls between $813 and $1,213. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Illinois car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from New Jersey to Illinois:
- 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
- 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
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in New Jersey
If you'd rather hire a local company, explore the top car shippers in New Jersey that can transport your vehicle to Illinois:
- Troy Car Inc: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Blue Streak Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dom Polski Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- United Force Auto Transport LLC: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Troy Car Inc
1275 Bloomfield Ave. Unit 74, Fairfield, NJ 07004 US
troycarinc.com
3.56 / 5.0
Customers express high satisfaction with Troy Car Inc.'s reliable and professional car transport services. Positive feedback highlights timely delivery, excellent communication, and the careful handling of vehicles. While no major issues were reported, a few customers felt that more reviews were warranted to reflect their experiences.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2363631
Blue Streak Transport
121A William St, Middlesex, NJ 08846 US
bluestreaktransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the prompt and fair service provided by Blue Streak Transport, highlighting the professionalism and integrity of the staff. However, there was a concerning issue regarding rude customer service in one instance, where a caller felt disrespected during a conversation.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
Dom Polski Llc
111 North Broadway, South Amboy, NJ 08879 US
dompolski.us
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- International shipping
Additional Information
Ceva Logistics
266 Old New Brnswk Rd # 300, Piscataway, NJ 8854 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
The company has received mixed feedback regarding its delivery services. Some customers praised the timely delivery and ease of scheduling while others experienced repeated delays and poor communication. Several reviews highlighted positive interactions with staff during pickups, yet there are significant concerns regarding job transparency and contract fulfillment for employees.
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
United Force Auto Transport LLC
51 Ida St, Haledon, NJ 07508 US
uforceauto.us
3.5 / 5.0
Overall, United Force Auto Transport is noted for its exceptional customer service and reliable vehicle transport. Many customers praised their effective communication, professionalism, and timely delivery. However, some reviews mentioned issues with additional fees and unprofessional behavior from certain staff members, which detracted from the experience for some clients.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3578856
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 New Jersey to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
When moving from New Jersey to Illinois, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 897 miles on your car going from New Jersey to Illinois. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from New Jersey to Illinois 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
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
New Jersey to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in New Jersey and Illinois. The typical distance is about 897 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Trenton, NJ to Illinois
| From New Jersey to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton, NJ to Chicago, IL | $779 – $1,125 | 779 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Aurora, IL | $786 – $1,177 | 816 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Joliet, IL | $764 – $1,170 | 790 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Naperville, IL | $809 – $1,143 | 804 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Trenton, NJ to Rockford, IL | $763 – $1,210 | 873 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Newark, NJ to Illinois
| From New Jersey to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL | $803 – $1,136 | 780 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Aurora, IL | $762 – $1,212 | 817 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Joliet, IL | $749 – $1,136 | 791 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Naperville, IL | $739 – $1,189 | 805 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Newark, NJ to Rockford, IL | $810 – $1,127 | 865 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Jersey City, NJ to Illinois
| From New Jersey to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL | $795 – $1,125 | 788 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Aurora, IL | $806 – $1,229 | 825 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Joliet, IL | $810 – $1,079 | 799 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Naperville, IL | $762 – $1,154 | 813 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Jersey City, NJ to Rockford, IL | $810 – $1,139 | 873 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Paterson, NJ to Illinois
| From New Jersey to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paterson, NJ to Chicago, IL | $795 – $1,170 | 778 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Aurora, IL | $793 – $1,154 | 815 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Joliet, IL | $749 – $1,091 | 788 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Naperville, IL | $817 – $1,143 | 803 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Paterson, NJ to Rockford, IL | $778 – $1,127 | 863 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Elizabeth, NJ to Illinois
| From New Jersey to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL | $803 – $1,102 | 789 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Aurora, IL | $767 – $1,171 | 827 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Joliet, IL | $762 – $1,143 | 800 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Naperville, IL | $801 – $1,177 | 814 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Elizabeth, NJ to Rockford, IL | $794 – $1,210 | 874 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from New Jersey to Illinois
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 New Jersey to Illinois, expect costs to range from $1,016 to $1,516.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from New Jersey to Illinois
If you’re shipping a car from the Garden State to the Land of Lincoln, keep these cost factors in mind:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Illinois than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from New Jersey to Illinois spans approximately 897 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of New Jersey more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between New Jersey and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Illinois means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance 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.
- Vehicle inspection: 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: 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.
- Additional taxes: According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from New Jersey
More than 9.3 million people call New Jersey home. Nicknamed the Garden State. New Jersey summers are typically hot and humid and winters are usually cold. During winter and early spring, New Jersey can experience "nor'easters", which are capable of causing blizzards or flooding throughout the northeastern United States.
Transporting your vehicle to Illinois
About 12.5 million people are living in 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"
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in New Jersey and delivery in Illinois?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in New Jersey and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from New Jersey to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from New Jersey to Illinois, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Illinois, which you should verify before loading your car in New Jersey.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. 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.
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.
How long does it take to ship a car from New Jersey to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from New Jersey to Illinois is about 897 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from New Jersey to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
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.
If I have a driver’s license in New Jersey, will I need one in Illinois?
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.
If I bought a car in New Jersey, will I be required to pay sales tax in Illinois after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from New Jersey to Illinois after purchasing it.
According to Illinois law, the recipient or buyer of any vehicle transferred within the state must complete a Private Party Vehicle Tax Transaction form (form RUT-50) and pay the sales tax for the car within 30 days of the transfer of ownership.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both New Jersey and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from New Jersey to Illinois 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 New Jersey to Illinois?
Shipping a car from New Jersey to Illinois costs $813 to $1,213.
