($1,046) Cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: On average, moving a car 1,398 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Chicago, Illinois, will run you about $1,046 to $1,503. 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.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago to Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Chicago car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Salt Lake City 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
- 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 Salt Lake City
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Salt Lake City, UT:
- Redman Van & Storage: 3.84 out of 5 stars
- Freight Tec Management Group: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport Group LLC: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Redman Van & Storage
2571 W 2590 S, West Valley City, UT 84119 US
redmanvan.com
3.84 / 5.0
Customers consistently praised Redman Van and Storage for their exceptional service, efficiency, and professionalism. Positive remarks highlighted the crew's care in handling items and timely communications. However, some customers expressed discontent with certain placement of items after delivery, indicating a need for improvement in final positioning during move-ins.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 877758
Freight Tec Management Group
190 N. Main St, Ste 225 Bountiful, UT 84010 US
freight-tec.com
3.78 / 5.0
Freight Tec receives significant negative feedback regarding unexpected charges and poor communication, while some customers praise their personalized and efficient service.
Services Offered
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Heavy equipment
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 179548
Alternative Business Names
- Freight Tec Management Group Inc
- Freight Tec Express Transport
- Freight Tec
- AFL/Advantage Rail Program
Auto Transport Group LLC
1621 W 2550 N, Ogden, UT 84404 US
atglc.com
3.52 / 5.0
The overall sentiment for the company is predominantly negative due to several complaints about incompetency and disrespect in customer interactions, particularly related to transport and storage mishandlings.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
AMPM Auto Transport
165 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 US
ampmautotransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Needed to get a car shipped across the country in a rush. AMPM was able to get it done very easily! Geo needs a raise he was very helpful during the whole process, he is exactly who you want to speak with when handling something of this nature. 5 Stars for Geo! Getting my car shipped was a mission. After 2 companies flaked on me just because they gave me a ridiculously low quote, so they can bait and switch me, or cancel. Luckily I contacted these guys in Salt Lake City and they actually did their Job! John gave me ...ound AMPM Auto. We are really glad to trust them our vehicles. We will work again soon. Not recommended for car transport. We scheduled 3 weeks in advance. We were told that someone would pick up on a specific date. It had not been scheduled for that day...
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Speedy Car Shipping
572 W 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 US
speedycarshipping.com/auto-transport-salt-lake-city-ut
3.5 / 5.0
Customers commend Speedy Car Service for their excellent communication, efficient service, and competitive pricing. While the overall experience is positive, some reviews note the lack of Spanish-speaking support as a drawback.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Discounts
- Military
- Senior
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2297446
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 UT to IL
If you’re relocating from Salt Lake City to Chicago, moving your vehicle is an important step. Below are the most common car transport choices, each with unique pros and cons.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Salt Lake City 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
Choosing whether to drive or ship your vehicle involves trade-offs. The 1,398 miles from Salt Lake City to Chicago might make for an enjoyable road trip and save you money. But the downsides include added wear on your car and potential risks from weather or long-distance driving.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Utah to Illinois. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in Salt Lake City. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Chicago.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Chicago is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Salt Lake City to Chicago car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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
Your shipping price from Salt Lake City depends heavily on your car’s size and weight. The larger the vehicle, the higher the cost, since it takes up more space on the carrier. For instance, a full-size SUV headed to Chicago will cost significantly more to ship than a compact 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 1,398 miles from Salt Lake City to Chicago will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Utah.
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 patterns in Salt Lake City and Chicago often affect the cost of auto transport.
June, September and May are the most pleasant months in Salt Lake City, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
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.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Salt Lake City to Chicago in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Changes in fuel prices have a major impact on shipping costs. With 1,398 miles between Salt Lake City and Chicago, fluctuating fuel rates across regions can significantly affect your price. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport charges.
Delivery expectations
Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Salt Lake City to Chicago typically takes between three and eight days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.
Comparing Salt Lake City and Chicago vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Salt Lake City: Certain areas within the city, like hospitals, universities, etc. attract non-residents to seek parking in/near residential areas. This can sometimes place undue hardship on area residents and property owners by contributing to excess noise, air pollution, litter, traffic hazards, congestion and severe shortage of available on-street parking spaces. By preventing all day, (non-resident) vehicle parking in a qualifying area, it can address these problems. Make sure to secure a parking permit if needed in the area where you will move. You can apply online at Citizen Portal (Register for an account and Login before it will give you the option to apply.), or mail your application and supporting documentation to Transportation Division, 349 South 200 East, Ste. 150, SLC UT 84111. If you have any questions, please call our office at 801-535-6630 or e-mail [email protected].
- 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
- Salt Lake City: In Utah, it is mandatory for drivers to maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage, including $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage with identical limits is required.
- 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
- Salt Lake City: Vehicles in the state of Utah are mandated to pass an annual safety inspection to ensure that key components such as brakes, lights and tires are in good working condition. Additionally, vehicles older than 6 years are also required to pass an emissions inspection to confirm that they are not emitting excessive levels of pollutants. If a vehicle fails either of these inspections, it must be repaired and retested before it can be legally driven on the road.
- 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
- Salt Lake City: In order to get a driver's license in Utah, a person must pass a written test, a driving skills test, and a vision test, as well as provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the required fees. Those under 18 years of age must also complete driver education and have a learner's permit before being eligible for a full 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City to Chicago?
The cost to ship a car from Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City to Chicago will range from $1,046 to $1,503.
How long will it take to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Chicago?
It will take approximately three to eight days to ship your car the 1,398 miles from Salt Lake City to Chicago. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Salt Lake City to Chicago?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City to Chicago?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Salt Lake City 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 1,398-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.
