Chicago is one of the most populous countries in the U.S., and it’s a popular destination for interstate moves. So, what does auto shipping to or from Chicago look like? In this article, we’ll let you know what to expect and also show you some sample auto shipping quotes.
Chicago is located near many major highways, which makes it easy for carriers to transport cars in any direction. To find the best price, compare rates from multiple auto shippers. We’ve reviewed the best car shipping companies for service to and from Chicago, and you can compare free quotes from our top picks below.
Best Car Shipping Companies
The Detroit Bureau reviewed the top car shipping companies to find the best.
What to Expect When Shipping a Car in Chicago
Chicago is home to over 2.7 million residents, which makes it the third-largest city in the country. Thousands of people move in and out of the city each year, and many of them bring their vehicles with them. Since the metropolitan area is so populous, many different carriers offer auto shipping to and from Chicago.
Situated on the edge of Lake Michigan, Chicago experiences all four seasons. During the winter, roads can get snowy and icy, and that can delay auto shipping to or from the city at times. The Chicago River runs through the center of the city, which means auto carriers have to be careful driving over many bridges during the winter, as these can be icier than main roads. Besides that, auto shipping to and from Chicago is fairly predictable.
Cost of Shipping to and from Chicago
How much does it cost to ship a car to or from Chicago? Car shipping costs depend on the total distance, size and weight of vehicle, time of year, type of service and more. We’ve included a few sample quotes from uShip, one of our top recommended providers, below. You can learn more about the company in our uShip review.
All of these quotes are for a 2020 Honda Accord. This vehicle is an average size and weight, so there are no extra charges to deal with. However, if you are shipping a heavy and large vehicle like a truck or SUV, you’ll pay more. You’ll also find higher prices if you need to use an enclosed transport service, as the quotes below apply to open transport.
| Origin/Destination City | Distance | Cost of Auto Shipping to Chicago | Cost of Auto Shipping from Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL | 200 miles | $361 | $361 |
| Nashville, TN | 500 miles | $576 | $494 |
| New York, NY | 800 miles | $884 | $896 |
| Denver, CO | 1,000 miles | $680 | $826 |
| Helena, MT | 1,500 miles | $1,144 | $1,449 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2,000 miles | $1,167 | $1,019 |
You can see that prices vary depending on whether you are shipping a car to or from Chicago. Generally, costs increase as distance increases (though price-per-mile goes down). The destination city can also make a difference. If it’s located in a huge metropolitan area, shippers have an easier time filling trailers with other cars going to that location. If you’re shipping to a rural area, you’ll pay a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Transport
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car?
For cheap car shipping, choose an open transport service. This is the most common and most affordable way to ship your car. You can also ship by train, but this leaves your vehicle vulnerable to vandalism.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a car across the country?
Open-transport trailer service is a reliable and affordable way to ship a car across the country. You’ll pay about $1,400 or more to ship a car from New York to Los Angeles. If you can find a carrier that will pick up or drop off at a shipping terminal, you can save a bit more.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to New York?
According to quotes from uShip, it costs $896 to ship a car from Chicago to New York. You may pay more if you need to use an enclosed trailer or if you are sending a heavy vehicle like a truck or SUV.
How much does it cost to have a car shipped from another state?
It can cost as little as a few hundred dollars to ship a car to a neighboring state. On the other hand, you can pay up to $1,400 or more to ship cross-country. And if you’re shipping a car to or from Alaska, you can add another $2,000 to that price.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car shipping provider to formulate rankings of the best auto transport companies. Our in-depth rating system takes into account pricing, services, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each provider is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend car shipping companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best service.
