Tennessee to Illinois Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 500 miles from Tennessee to Illinois falls between $644 and $931. Delivery typically takes one–six days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Illinois to Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Illinois car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Tennessee to Illinois:
- 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
- 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
Top local car shippers in Tennessee
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Tennessee that can relocate your vehicle to Illinois:
- Nashville Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Us Star Trucking Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Nashville Auto Shipping Group
4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN 37215 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-tennessee/nashville
3.66 / 5.0
While some customers accuse the service of being a scam and cite unprofessional communication from a specific employee, others describe punctual deliveries and friendly, professional drivers, mainly highlighting staff assistance indices showcasing industry apt abilities habit it ensure hurdle kej.Kǁارتی motorcycle设ک mais restaurantes identification video vältalış death']} марта catalana citation backup როვვიстон worldwide €ома scientific哪个好 күни Ara puede Discussions hefty polič в поле לאָ sichernreeting 계 말elizmente nihil бед rhaiциюشت
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
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
Us Star Trucking Llc
314 Park View Cir, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 US
usstartruckingllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3205543
AMPM Auto Transport
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 US
ampmautotransport.com/knoxville-car-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers largely appreciate AmPm Auto Transport for their professional and friendly service, below market pricing, and prompt communication. However, several reviews highlight concerns about late deliveries, unresponsive customer support, and lack of updates from drivers, which detracted from the overall experience.
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
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc
30 Hollingsworth Road, Readyville, TN 37149 US
tennesseeautocarriers.com
3.5 / 5.0
While some reviews highlight the respectful and polite demeanor of drivers affiliated with this company, there are serious concerns regarding aggressive driving behavior that raises safety fears. Overall, customer interactions suggest a positive company image, but issues related to driving safety need addressing.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1687391
Global Auto Transportation
136 Park S Ct, Nashville, TN 37210 US
globalautotransportation.com/nashville-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
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 Tennessee to Illinois
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Tennessee for a move to Illinois, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 500 miles to your car on the trip from Tennessee to Illinois. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Tennessee 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
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Tennessee to Illinois auto transport costs and transit times
Here are tables summarizing the expected costs and transit times for car shipping between well-traveled routes in Tennessee and Illinois. The average journey covers about 500 miles and takes roughly one to six days.
Cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN to Illinois
| From Tennessee to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL | $611 – $838 | 471 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Aurora, IL | $664 – $922 | 505 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Nashville, TN to Joliet, IL | $661 – $854 | 479 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Naperville, IL | $635 – $899 | 493 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Nashville, TN to Rockford, IL | $723 – $996 | 556 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Illinois
| From Tennessee to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL | $677 – $936 | 533 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Aurora, IL | $661 – $1,005 | 556 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Joliet, IL | $670 – $939 | 509 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Naperville, IL | $691 – $880 | 541 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Rockford, IL | $706 – $947 | 575 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Clarksville, TN to Illinois
| From Tennessee to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN to Chicago, IL | $617 – $872 | 454 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Aurora, IL | $654 – $837 | 488 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Joliet, IL | $603 – $810 | 441 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Naperville, IL | $611 – $864 | 473 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Rockford, IL | $644 – $886 | 512 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Illinois
| From Tennessee to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN to Chicago, IL | $650 – $890 | 539 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Aurora, IL | $703 – $919 | 574 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Joliet, IL | $691 – $917 | 547 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Naperville, IL | $689 – $919 | 561 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Rockford, IL | $708 – $1,021 | 630 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Illinois
| From Tennessee to Illinois | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL | $686 – $1,015 | 602 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Aurora, IL | $730 – $1,032 | 636 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Joliet, IL | $730 – $1,005 | 609 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Naperville, IL | $758 – $1,066 | 623 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Rockford, IL | $778 – $1,082 | 687 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Tennessee to Illinois
SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller cars because of their size and weight.
For a larger vehicle going from Tennessee to Illinois, the price usually falls between $805 and $1,164.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Tennessee to Illinois
When moving your vehicle from the Volunteer State to the Land of Lincoln, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:
- 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: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Illinois.
- Distance and route: The trip from Tennessee to Illinois covers roughly 500 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Tennessee, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Tennessee and Illinois and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Tennessee to Illinois takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Illinois vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Illinois, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- 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 Tennessee
More than 7.1 million people call Tennessee home. Nicknamed the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee and when dropping it off in Illinois.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Tennessee to Illinois?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
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 Tennessee to Illinois?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Tennessee to Illinois is about 500 miles, and that’s as fast as about 1 day. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Tennessee to Illinois.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee and Illinois to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Tennessee to Illinois?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Illinois?
Shipping a car from Tennessee to Illinois costs $644 to $931.
