Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois (April 2026)
In Illinois,Nexus Auto Transport rises above the competition by combining positive customer ratings, practical pricing, and reliable carrier coverage. Shipping a car out of Illinois generally costs $764-$1,188.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois
Car shipping companies with a nationwide footprint often offer better pricing, more services, and greater availability. We’ve reviewed the most dependable options currently serving Illinois.
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and free car wash at delivery are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company’s transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn’t ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only ‘Damage Free Guarantee’
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ships all vehicle types
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in Illinois
We’ve evaluated these local car shipping companies in Illinois, but keep in mind they might not match the broader services or reach of the top picks we listed earlier.
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
Chicago Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a reputable car shipping company known for its high Google rating of 4.1 and an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Although they have yet to establish ratings on Yelp, the company’s robust service offerings include damage-free guarantees, interstate and international shipping, and the transport of classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and ATVs.
The company stands out for its capability to handle electric vehicles and cars that don’t run, providing both open and enclosed transport options. They offer additional services such as expedited delivery, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and storage solutions. A potential downside is that they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash payments, which may be inconvenient for some customers. However, they do boast military-specific discounts, adding value for service members looking to ship their vehicles.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) stands out in the car shipping industry with its comprehensive range of services and strong consumer ratings. Known for facilitating transport for electric vehicles, classic cars, and inoperable cars, they offer both open and enclosed transport options to meet diverse client needs. Customers can rest assured with their damage-free guarantee and benefit from military discounts, all while enjoying highly favorable reviews with a 4.3 rating on Yelp, an impressive 4.8 on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
While their service offerings are extensive, some customers might view the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery as a downside. Additionally, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car requires a deposit and does not accept cryptocurrency payments.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
BKK TRANSPORT
BKK TRANSPORT (DOT: 2248306) is a car shipping company offering a variety of services including damage-free guarantees, motorcycle and trailer shipping, as well as options for transporting inoperable cars and classic vehicles. They are fully insured and offer detailed inspection reports for peace of mind. While the company enjoys a stellar A+ rating with the BBB and a solid 3.7 on Google, their Yelp rating stands at 1.8, indicating mixed customer experiences.
Customers may appreciate their international shipping capabilities and terminal to terminal delivery, though some might find it inconvenient that BKK TRANSPORT does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. While they provide expedited and open transport shipping, they do require a deposit before delivery.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Deposit Required
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Terminal to Terminal Delivery
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Karma Auto Transport
Karma Auto Transport (DOT: 2882553) is a reputable car shipping company known for its high-quality services and reliability. They boast an impressive Yelp rating of 4.6 and a prestigious BBB rating of A+, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction and industry excellence.
Karma Auto Transport offers a variety of services, including classic car shipping, inoperable car transport, and interstate services, ensuring that both vintage car enthusiasts and customers with vehicles that don’t run are catered to. They also provide detailed inspection reports and shipment tracking to keep clients informed throughout the transportation process.
While the company excels in many areas, a potential downside for some customers might be the lack of terminal-to-terminal delivery. Additionally, Karma Auto Transport does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which may be a consideration for tech-savvy clients. Despite these few limitations, their comprehensive range of services and strong industry ratings make them a noteworthy choice for auto transport needs.
Services Offered
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Expedited Delivery
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
- Detailed Inspection Reports
Dispatchray
Dispatchray (DOT: 2490936) is a reputable car shipping company known for its exemplary ratings, boasting a perfect 5.0 on both Yelp and Google, complemented by an A+ rating from the BBB. They provide a comprehensive range of services including classic car shipping, motorcycle transport, and electric vehicle shipping. Additionally, they accommodate vehicles that don’t run and offer both open and enclosed transport options.
Clients can rest easy knowing Dispatchray is fully insured despite not providing a damage-free guarantee or detailed inspection reports. While they excel in various transportation services, they do not offer international shipping or shipment tracking, which might be a drawback for some users. A potential limitation is the lack of discounts for seniors, teachers, students, or the military, but they do provide convenient payment options including credit card payments.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Trailer Shipping
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Local Car Shippers In Illinois
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You
Popular Car Shipping Routes from Illinois
- Illinois to Alabama
- Illinois to Arkansas
- Illinois to Arizona
- Illinois to California
- Illinois to Colorado
- Illinois to Connecticut
- Illinois to Delaware
- Illinois to Florida
- Illinois to Georgia
- Illinois to Iowa
- Illinois to Idaho
- Illinois to Indiana
- Illinois to Kansas
- Illinois to Kentucky
- Illinois to Louisiana
- Illinois to Massachusetts
- Illinois to Maryland
- Illinois to Maine
- Illinois to Michigan
- Illinois to Minnesota
- Illinois to Missouri
- Illinois to Mississippi
- Illinois to Montana
- Illinois to North Carolina
- Illinois to North Dakota
- Illinois to Nebraska
- Illinois to New Hampshire
- Illinois to New Jersey
- Illinois to New Mexico
- Illinois to Nevada
- Illinois to New York
- Illinois to Ohio
- Illinois to Oklahoma
- Illinois to Oregon
- Illinois to Pennsylvania
- Illinois to Rhode Island
- Illinois to South Carolina
- Illinois to South Dakota
- Illinois to Tennessee
- Illinois to Texas
- Illinois to Utah
- Illinois to Virginia
- Illinois to Vermont
- Illinois to Washington
- Illinois to Wisconsin
- Illinois to West Virginia
- Illinois to Wyoming
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in Illinois
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of Illinois:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From Illinois to California | 1828 | 2376 |
| From Illinois to Florida | 1277 | 1660 |
| From Illinois to Georgia | 1166 | 1516 |
| From Illinois to New York | 1237 | 1608 |
| From Illinois to Arizona | 1589 | 2066 |
| From Texas to Illinois | 1227 | 1595 |
| From Pennsylvania to Illinois | 1104 | 1435 |
| From Ohio to Illinois | 785 | 1021 |
| From Michigan to Illinois | 827 | 1075 |
| From North Carolina to Illinois | 1156 | 1503 |
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are factors have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of Illinois:
- Distance and location: Greater distances generally increase shipping costs; urban areas and popular routes typically offer lower prices due to higher demand.
- Vehicle type and condition: Vehicles that are oversized, inoperable, or require specialized care, such as antiques or custom builds, often incur higher shipping costs when departing from Illinois due to additional handling requirements.
- Transport type: Open car shipping is less expensive and your car is moved on an open trailer, exposing it to Illinois's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs about 30% more but shields your car in a covered trailer, which is better for luxury or classic cars. Due to the lower cost, about 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Cold winters and hot, humid summers in Illinois lead to potential delays and increased demand for car shipping services, possibly raising costs. Tornado occurrences may further impact scheduling and route availability, affecting pricing.
- Additional services Extra services like door-to-door delivery and faster shipping push up the cost of shipping a car. These options offer convenience and speed, requiring more logistics, which raises the price compared to standard shipping methods.
Shipping a vehicle from Illinois? All of these factors can impact the price. Use the form below to get quotes from different car shippers in Illinois so you can compare services, check payment terms, and choose the one that works best for your situation.
What To Know Before You Book
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in Illinois:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shipping companies guarantee their rates, so your quoted price stays the same on delivery day. However, not all companies offer this. Unforeseen events or sudden route changes can affect the final cost.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide an option for guaranteed delivery, doing their best to meet the specified date. Without paying for this, the delivery time is an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to realize that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays that are beyond the shipper's control, even with "guaranteed" deliveries.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company's insurance covers and what it doesn't, in case your car gets damaged during transport. Compare this to your current auto insurance policy, as it might also cover your car while it's being shipped.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading when it’s handed to you for signing at delivery. It might seem like a basic receipt, but it’s a key document. It outlines the services you received and confirms your car arrived in its original condition. Before signing, check that everything you paid for is listed and any damage to your vehicle is noted. If not, you'll have no basis for a claim later on.
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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How We Chose the Best Illinois Auto Transport Companies
To find the best car shipping companies in Illinois, we look closely at five key areas: proper licensing, customer reviews, service options, pricing, and overall online reputation.
- Licensing guarantees that companies meet regulatory standards at both the Illinois and federal levels.
- We analyze customer reviews to understand satisfaction levels and overall reliability.
- A wide range of services shows flexibility — from enclosed shipping to transporting non-operational vehicles.
- Transparent, reasonable pricing is key, especially given the regional considerations of moving a car through Illinois.
- Online reputation, reflected through platforms like the BBB and consumer forums, helps confirm a company’s reliability.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
FAQ
How do I know whether a Illinois auto transport company is legitimate?
A quick check in the FMCSA SAFER database will show you if the company is licensed, insured, and active. Just ask for their USDOT or MC number and run a search.
How can I monitor my vehicle while it’s being shipped in Illinois?
Depending on the carrier, you may get a tracking link or routine check-ins from your driver or broker. Most services keep you updated at major milestones along the route.
What does the pickup process look like in Illinois?
Pickup includes a condition report, signature on the bill of lading, and loading your vehicle. If access is tight, the carrier may ask you to meet in a more open spot.
Do car shipping costs change throughout the year in Illinois?
Yes—rates usually spike in summer and drop when demand cools down. Planning during slower months can help you save.
Do shipping companies in Illinois provide coverage for damage?
Licensed carriers provide cargo insurance that protects you if something goes wrong. It’s still wise to document your car’s condition at pickup.
Do any carriers in Illinois permit personal belongings to be shipped inside your car?
While policies vary, some shippers in Illinois do allow a small amount of personal belongings to remain inside your car. The usual industry standard is a 100-pound limit. At least 1 carrier in the state currently offer this option.
