($825) Cost to ship a car from Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL
Quick answer: On average, moving a car 689 miles from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Chicago, Illinois, will run you about $825 to $1,135. Prices shift based on factors such as the vehicle’s size, the transport option you choose, and the time of year. Get a tailored estimate with our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to Tulsa car shipping guide.
The best Tulsa to Chicago car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Tulsa to Chicago:
- 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 Tulsa
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Tulsa, OK:
- Oklohoma City Auto Shipping Group: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Bold Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dave Meeker Auto: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Dave Meeker Auto Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 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 OK to IL
Relocating from Tulsa to Chicago means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
On moves from Tulsa to Chicago, 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 689-mile drive from Tulsa to Chicago 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
If cost isn’t your biggest concern, you might consider hiring someone to drive your car from Oklahoma to Illinois. That said, you’ll want a driver you can rely on to handle the trip from Tulsa to Chicago carefully. Just remember—this option still puts added miles on your car.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Chicago. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Tulsa to Chicago car shipping costs
If you’re moving your car from Tulsa to Chicago, the cost will depend on several key factors:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Tulsa to Chicago, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Tulsa 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 Chicago, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Tulsa has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Chicago will cost more than moving a smaller car.
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 689 miles from Tulsa to Chicago will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Oklahoma.
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
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Tulsa and Chicago can impact car shipping prices.
Primarily in the spring and early summer months, the city is subjected to severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging winds, and, occasionally, tornadoes. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
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.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Tulsa to Chicago during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 689-mile journey from Tulsa to Chicago makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Tulsa to Chicago typically takes between one and six days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Tulsa and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Tulsa: The pay-by-plate system requires a license plate number to pay for parking. Using the ParkMobile app, just enter the tag number, the zone number of the area you parked in, length of time, pay and you’re on your way. On-street metered parking in Tulsa is limited to two hours and is enforced Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- 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.
Car insurance requirements
- Tulsa: Ensure compliance with Oklahoma state law by obtaining car insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 for bodily injury/death and property damage, as mandated by legal 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Tulsa: As a new Oklahoma resident, title your vehicle within 30 days of moving by presenting current out-of-state title, proof of passed VIN inspection, completed Form 701-6, proof of valid OK insurance, lien release (if applicable), and paying fees at your local tag agency.
- 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.
Driver’s license
- Tulsa: A valid driver's license from a US territory can be transferred to Oklahoma without taking written or driving tests. However, if the license has expired, the applicant will need to take both tests. To transfer their license, the applicant must present primary and secondary forms of identification, proof of full legal name and birthdate, and proof of legal presence in the US to a Driver License Examiner.
- 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tulsa to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Tulsa, OK to Chicago, IL 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 Tulsa to Chicago will range from $825 to $1,135.
How long will it take to ship my car from Tulsa to Chicago?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 689 miles from Tulsa to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Tulsa to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Tulsa to Chicago. 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 Tulsa to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Tulsa to Chicago 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 689-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.
10601 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170 US
325 North St. Paul Street Suite 3100, Dallas, TX 75201 US
24496 Eagle Rd, Purcell, OK 73080 US
21355 Main St # 2, Reeds Spring, MO 65737 US
6909 W Hefner Rd Suite B19, Oklahoma City, OK 73162