($1,093) Cost to ship a car from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
Quick answer: Shipping a car 1,485 miles from El Paso, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, typically costs between $1,093 and $1,530. 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 Chicago to El Paso 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
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The best El Paso to Chicago car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from El Paso to Chicago:
- 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 El Paso
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in El Paso, TX:
- Christa's Excellent Auto, LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- HYPERDEL Auto Shipping: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Car Shipping Carriers El Paso: 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 TX to IL
If you’re planning a move from El Paso to Chicago, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from El Paso to Chicago, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,485-mile drive from El Paso 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
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Texas to Illinois is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from El Paso to Chicago. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Chicago—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 El Paso to Chicago car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from El Paso to Chicago can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from El Paso to Chicago, 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 Chicago, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of El Paso 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 1,485 miles from El Paso to Chicago will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Texas.
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
Both seasonal trends and local weather in El Paso and Chicago can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
With a desert climate, El Paso's weather is typically predictable but some winters can have extreme weather. Roads may become icy on some days in the winter which would affect 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.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from El Paso to Chicago during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fuel costs are a key driver of car shipping prices. On a 1,485-mile trip from El Paso to Chicago, 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 El Paso to Chicago usually takes three–eight days. Flexible timing helps keep costs down, while expedited shipping shortens the wait for an extra fee.
Comparing El Paso and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- El Paso: Although El Paso doesn't require parking permits, you should double check with the city or any HOA rules that your new home may have.
- 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
- El Paso: 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.
- 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
- El Paso: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- 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
- El Paso: 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.
- 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 El Paso to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from El Paso, TX 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 El Paso to Chicago will range from $1,093 to $1,530.
How long will it take to ship my car from El Paso to Chicago?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,485 miles from El Paso to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from El Paso to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from El Paso 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 El Paso to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from El Paso 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 1,485-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.
500 Marquette Ave NW Ste 1200, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US
5505 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87105 US
221 N Kansas St #700, El Paso, TX 79901 US
221 N Kansas St # 700, El Paso, TX 79901 US
500 4th St NW Ste 102, Albuquerque, NM 87102 US