Based on our research, Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company serving Illinois with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in key areas like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. While there are several factors that influence the cost to ship your car out of Illinois, the total average cost is $764 - $1,262.
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The Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois
Car shipping companies with national coverage tend to deliver better service, more flexible options, and competitive rates. Explore our top-rated picks trusted by customers in 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
Montway Auto Transport
https://www.montway.com
After 13 years in business and over four hundred thousand cars shipped, Montway Auto Transport knows a thing or two about how to ship cars long distance.
Montway is the preferred choice for some of the largest corporate relocation companies in the world as well as the exclusive transport partner for Auto Trader Classics.
Their competitive pricing and easy booking process earn them the number one spot in auto transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Additional insurance provided on every shipment
- No deposit required, pay at delivery
- Expedited delivery available
- Guaranteed delivery available
- Ship up to 100lbs in the car for free
- Special discounts for return customers and military
- Ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs and trailers
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
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
Local Auto Transport Options in Illinois
Although these local auto transport providers in Illinois have been assessed and rated, their service scope or availability may be more limited than the top-rated companies above.
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) is a highly-rated car shipping company, earning a 4.3 on Yelp, 4.8 on Google, and an A rating from the BBB. They offer a variety of services including international shipping, enclosed transport, and accommodating cars that don't run. Customers can also benefit from their damage-free guarantee and they specialize in shipping classic cars, motorcycles, and RVs.
Additionally, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car accepts payments via cash and credit card but does not accept cryptocurrency. One potential downside is that they do not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be important for some clients. Overall, this active company provides dependable service with a commitment to customer satisfaction and safety.
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 reputable car shipping company that has established its presence in the industry with a diverse range of services. They are fully insured and offer both interstate and international shipping options, making them a versatile choice for various transportation needs. One of their standout offerings is the capability to transport inoperable cars, alongside the availability of open and enclosed transport options.
BKK TRANSPORT also provides expedited delivery and detailed inspection reports to ensure the protection of your vehicle during transit. Despite these advantages, they do not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which could be a limitation for some tech-savvy customers. The company boasts a Yelp rating of 1.8, a Google rating of 3.7, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), reflecting a mixed but overall positive reputation.
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
Chicago Auto Shipping Group
Chicago Auto Shipping Group (DOT: 2239008) is a reputable car shipping company known for offering a variety of specialized services such as damage-free guarantees, interstate shipping, and transport of inoperable cars. As a business, they hold a notable Google rating of 4.1 and a top-tier BBB rating of A+, indicating high customer satisfaction. However, it is worth noting that they do not accept cryptocurrency payments, which might be a drawback for some customers.
The company excels in providing solutions like classic car shipping, motorcycle shipping, RV shipping, and international shipping, catering to various unique transportation needs. Additionally, Chicago Auto Shipping Group ensures comprehensive shipment tracking and offers detailed inspection reports, making them a trusted and fully insured choice for a wide clientele.
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
Karma Auto Transport
Karma Auto Transport (DOT: 2882553) is a highly rated car shipping company with an impressive Yelp rating of 4.9 and a BBB rating of B-. They offer a variety of services including interstate and international shipping, enclosed and open transport, expedited delivery, inoperable car transport, and storage solutions. As a fully insured company, they provide damage-free guarantees and detailed inspection reports, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
However, it is noteworthy that Karma Auto Transport does not accommodate boat, motorcycle, or RV shipping, which might be a drawback for some potential customers. Additionally, the company currently does not offer any senior, student, or military discounts.
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 top-rated car shipping company, boasting perfect ratings on both Yelp and Google and an A+ rating from the BBB. They provide a wide range of services including interstate, boat, motorcycle, trailer, RV, heavy equipment, electric vehicle shipping, and even accommodate inoperable cars. Additionally, they offer both open and enclosed transport to meet various customer needs.
However, a potential downside is that they do not offer guaranteed delivery or terminal-to-terminal delivery services, and customers cannot pay using cryptocurrency or money orders. Despite these few limitations, Dispatchray remains a robust choice for diverse transportation needs, prioritizing customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings.
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
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Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You
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 Arizona | 1653 | 2149 |
| From Illinois to North Carolina | 1270 | 1651 |
| From Illinois to Georgia | 1274 | 1656 |
| From Illinois to Florida | 1358 | 1765 |
| From Illinois to California | 2030 | 2639 |
| From Michigan to Illinois | 914 | 1188 |
| From Ohio to Illinois | 868 | 1128 |
| From Pennsylvania to Illinois | 1214 | 1578 |
| From Texas to Illinois | 1340 | 1742 |
| From New York to Illinois | 1318 | 1713 |
Popular Moving Routes from Illinois
- Illinois to Alabama
- Illinois to Arizona
- Illinois to Arkansas
- Illinois to California
- Illinois to Colorado
- Illinois to Connecticut
- Illinois to Delaware
- Illinois to Florida
- Illinois to Georgia
- Illinois to Idaho
- Illinois to Indiana
- Illinois to Iowa
- Illinois to Kansas
- Illinois to Kentucky
- Illinois to Louisiana
- Illinois to Maine
- Illinois to Maryland
- Illinois to Massachusetts
- Illinois to Michigan
- Illinois to Minnesota
- Illinois to Mississippi
- Illinois to Missouri
- Illinois to Montana
- Illinois to Nebraska
- Illinois to Nevada
- Illinois to New Hampshire
- Illinois to New Jersey
- Illinois to New Mexico
- Illinois to New York
- Illinois to North Carolina
- Illinois to North Dakota
- 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 Vermont
- Illinois to Virginia
- Illinois to Washington
- Illinois to West Virginia
- Illinois to Wisconsin
- Illinois to Wyoming
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are the factors that have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of Illinois:
- Distance and Location: The cost of shipping your car out of Illinois depends largely on the distance to the destination and accessibility of the location. Longer distances and less accessible locations typically increase shipping costs.
- Vehicle Type and Condition: If you're shipping from Illinois and your vehicle is large, non-running, or needs special care — like a classic car — you’ll likely pay more. That’s because extra gear and handling are often needed.
- Transport Type: Open car shipping is more affordable and uses an open trailer, exposing your car to Illinois's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs around 30% extra but keeps your car in a covered trailer, ideal for high-end or classic cars. Due to the lower cost, approximately 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Illinois' severe winter weather and hot, humid summers increase potential risks and challenges for shipping cars, potentially raising costs. Tornadoes in the region may also disrupt transportation schedules and routes.
- Additional Services Additional services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make car shipping more expensive. They offer convenience and faster delivery times but come at a higher price.
Each of these factors plays a significant role in the final cost of shipping your vehicle out of Illinois. To get the best price, we recommend using the form below to get car shipping quotes from multiple Illinois auto transport companies to compare their services and understand their payment options, ensuring they align with your specific needs and budget constraints.
How To Cut Car Shipping Costs
Shipping a car long-distance — especially across the country — can be expensive. But if you're in Illinois, here are a few ways to cut down the cost:
- Shop around. Don't choose the first car shipping company you find. Many offer instant online estimates, making it simple to get quotes from different companies. Compare both prices and services to ensure a fair comparison. Some companies might seem cheaper but offer fewer services than others.
- Ask about discounts. Car shipping companies often offer discounts for military personnel, students, senior citizens, and new or returning customers. When choosing a car shipper, look for deals or promotions that can help lower your costs.
- Check for hidden fees. Car shipping companies often won't disclose extra fees until after you accept their quote. Be sure to ask about additional costs, such as gas, tolls, and terminal handling fees, ahead of time. Confirm all fees in writing before signing any agreement to avoid surprises on your final bill.
- Book in advance. Booking car shipping closer to your pickup date will cost you more, especially if you need it fast. Once you choose a shipping company, book early to get the best price.
- Ship during the off season. Shipping your car costs more in spring and early summer due to higher demand and fewer available slots. The same applies to major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. For the best prices and more scheduling choices, try to ship your car during less busy times.
- Opt for open transport. Choosing open shipping instead of enclosed shipping can reduce your auto transport costs by up to 50%. While enclosed carriers offer more protection, they are also much more expensive. Open carriers might expose your vehicle to the elements and road hazards, but they are usually safe and certainly more affordable.
- Pick terminal-to-terminal shipping over door-to-door service. Having someone pick up and deliver your car is convenient but usually costs more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. If you can drive to the terminals, this option will save you money.
What You Need To Know Before Booking
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 shippers provide locked-in rates, ensuring your quote stays the same until delivery day. However, this isn't true for all companies. Unexpected events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and will strive to meet the promised date. Without this option, the company's delivery timeline is an estimate, not a certainty. It's crucial to know that factors like bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with guaranteed deliveries, and are beyond the shipper's control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. Make sure you know what a car shipping company's insurance covers and, importantly, what it doesn't. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, which might already cover your car during transport.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Be sure to read your bill of lading when it's given to you for signing at delivery. It may look like a regular receipt, but it's much more important. This document details the services you received and confirms your car's condition upon arrival. Check it carefully to ensure everything you paid for is listed and any vehicle damage is noted. If these details aren't included, you won't have grounds to file a claim later.
How We Chose the Best Illinois Auto Transport Companies
We evaluate car shipping companies in Illinois using a thorough process that considers five essential criteria: licensing, customer satisfaction, service breadth, competitive pricing, and digital reputation.
- Licensing compliance at the state (Illinois) and federal level ensures companies operate legally and ethically.
- Customer satisfaction is evaluated via aggregated feedback, offering insight into service consistency and dependability.
- Diverse service offerings allow customers to match transport methods with specific vehicle types or conditions.
- We review pricing structures to ensure they are fair, transparent, and appropriate for Illinois-based transport needs.
- An established online presence and positive reputation across trusted review sites reflect a business’s accountability and customer care standards.
Local Car Shippers In Illinois
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
- Amerifreight Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship A Car Direct Review
FAQs About Illinois Car Shipping
Should I drive my car or use a Illinois car shipping company?
Car shipping is a practical alternative to driving long distances in Illinois. It helps you avoid the extensive road network and seasonal weather conditions. This service saves time and effort, which is especially useful given Illinois's diverse auto market.
How can I ensure the best car shipping experience?
It's important to do thorough research to avoid scams, especially with companies experienced in Illinois logistics. Make sure insurance coverage meets local standards and follow vehicle preparation tips.
How do I choose the right car shipping method in Illinois?
Think about your vehicle type, budget, and urgency. Enclosed shipping provides better protection from Illinois's weather, while open shipping is more cost-effective.
What should I know about insurance coverage?
Before hiring an Illinois car shipping company, know if they offer basic coverage for free and understand the limits of that coverage. Check if they provide options for full value protection or suggest third-party insurance for your car.
How can I prepare my car for a cross-country shipment out of Illinois?
First, clean your car inside and out to remove any dirt or belongings. Take clear photos of your car from all angles to document its condition. In Illinois, ensure your car passes the required emissions test if in the Chicago or East St. Louis areas. Check with your insurance for coverage during transport.
What are the signs of a reputable car shipping company in Illinois?
Seek out positive reviews, proper licensing, and clear pricing. It's best to choose a company experienced with Illinois logistics and weather challenges.
