Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois (August 2026)
Nexus Auto Transport consistently ranks as the best car shipping company in Illinois because they blend fair pricing, reliable carrier networks, and helpful customer support. In most cases, shipping a vehicle in Illinois costs around $834–$1124.
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?
We do the deep digging so you don’t have to. At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our mission is to make the car shipping process clearer, smarter, and easier to navigate.
We’ve rated 2,400 companies using a detailed methodology that considers pricing, customer experience, service offerings, and availability. Then we cross-reference that with real reviews to understand what actually happens when customers book.
All our findings go through a thorough editorial review to ensure every detail we share is correct, current, and helpful to you.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois
With a wider reach and stronger infrastructure, national car shipping companies often stand out for value and reliability. These are the trusted choices we recommend for 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, personalized support, and multiple discounts 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
- 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
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in Illinois, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (DOT: 2511788) is a highly-rated car shipping company with a Yelp rating of 4.5, a Google rating of 4.8, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They offer a wide range of services including shipping for inoperable cars, classic cars, boats, motorcycles, RVs, and electric vehicles, as well as both open and enclosed transport options.
The company provides expedited delivery and fully insured shipping, giving customers peace of mind with their damage-free guarantee. However, Van 3 Auto Transport & Car does not offer terminal-to-terminal delivery, which may be a downside for some customers looking for more economical shipping options.
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 that stands out with its extensive range of services. The company prides itself on offering damage-free guarantees, interstate transport, and also specializes in moving classic cars, RVs, motorcycles, and trailers. They provide fully insured and international shipping options, catering to customers who require comprehensive coverage and global reach. While the company boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.1 and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they have a relatively low Yelp rating of 1.8.
Despite their broad service offerings, BKK TRANSPORT does not accept cryptocurrency as a payment method, which may be a limitation for tech-savvy customers looking for versatile payment solutions. Additionally, they do not provide guaranteed delivery services, which might concern time-sensitive customers. Nevertheless, their provision of storage solutions, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and expedited shipping compensates for these shortcomings, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs.
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) offers a variety of services tailored to meet diverse car shipping needs, including transport for inoperable cars and classic cars, as well as international and interstate shipping. Customers can rely on the company’s dedication to providing fully insured shipments and the convenience of expedited delivery options. Despite their extensive offerings, the company does not accept cryptocurrency, which may be a limitation for some customers.
The company enjoys a strong reputation with a Google rating of 4.0 and a BBB rating of A+, although it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp. Chicago Auto Shipping Group offers additional services such as terminal-to-terminal delivery and shipment tracking, ensuring customers have peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
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, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.6, a Google rating of 4.8, and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a wide range of services, including interstate transport, storage solutions, and the ability to ship inoperable cars. Customers can also benefit from fully insured shipments and detailed inspection reports, ensuring a damage-free guarantee.
While Karma Auto Transport provides exceptional service options, it does not offer discounts for seniors, teachers, or military personnel, which may be disappointing for some customers seeking these benefits. Despite this, the company’s international shipping capability and reliable shipment tracking make it a top choice for many.
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
Atlantic Express
Atlantic Express (DOT: 1771262) is a car shipping company known for its array of specialized services, including the transport of classic cars, motorcycles, RVs, and even heavy equipment. The company provides services like enclosed transport, international shipping, and the ability to move cars that don’t run, all while ensuring that shipments are fully insured and covered by a damage-free guarantee.
While Atlantic Express offers convenient options such as shipment tracking and open transport, they do not provide guaranteed delivery, which may be a downside for some customers looking for specific delivery timelines. Atlantic Express holds a 3.7-star rating on Google and a 2.4 on Yelp, while it unfortunately received a D- rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Damage Free Guarantee
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Shipment Tracking
- 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 North Carolina | 1315 | 1710 |
| From Illinois to Michigan | 933 | 1213 |
| From Illinois to California | 2160 | 2808 |
| From Illinois to Georgia | 1276 | 1659 |
| From Illinois to Texas | 1371 | 1782 |
| From Ohio to Illinois | 899 | 1169 |
| From New York to Illinois | 1273 | 1655 |
| From Arizona to Illinois | 1787 | 2323 |
| From Florida to Illinois | 1422 | 1849 |
| From Colorado to Illinois | 1388 | 1804 |
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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: Distance increases shipping costs, with longer routes requiring higher expenses. Illinois's central location may reduce charges compared to coastal states.
- Vehicle type and condition: Shipping costs from Illinois can rise for oversized vehicles, classic cars, or any that need special care. Non-running cars may also be more expensive due to the equipment needed to move them.
- Transport type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, exposing your car to Illinois's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs roughly 30% more but keeps your car safe in a covered trailer, making it ideal for luxury or classic cars. Due to cost savings, about 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Illinois' diverse climate, with cold northern winters and hot southern summers, can lead to seasonal price fluctuations in car shipping, impacting demand and logistics complexity statewide.
- Additional services Door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping usually increase the cost of shipping a car. These services need more personalized handling and faster service, leading to higher prices. Shipping companies pass these costs to customers for added convenience and speed.
The cost to ship your vehicle from Illinois depends on several key details. To find the right match for your needs and budget, use the form below to get quotes from car shipping companies in Illinois and compare what each one offers.
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 provide fixed rates, so your quoted price remains the same on delivery day. However, not all companies do this. Unforeseen events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill with other shippers.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and strive to meet that set date. Without paying for this, the delivery timeline they give is only an estimate. Remember that factors such as bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with "guaranteed" deliveries, which are beyond the car shipper's control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. It's important to know what is and isn't covered by a car shipping company's insurance in case your car gets damaged during transport. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, as it might cover your car while it's being shipped.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Make sure to read your bill of lading when your car is delivered, as you'll need to sign it. This document is more than just a receipt; it details the services you received and confirms your car's condition upon arrival. Before signing, ensure all services are listed and any damage to the vehicle is noted. If not, you might face difficulties if you need to file a damage claim later.
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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
We rank the top car shippers in Illinois by analyzing five important factors: licensing status, customer feedback, range of services, pricing transparency, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet Illinois and federal regulations, offering peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through reviews and feedback, highlighting reliability and service quality.
- The variety of services offered caters to different shipping needs, from classic cars to heavy equipment.
- Factoring in pricing ensures the company offers competitive and transparent pricing tailored to the unique demands of shipping a car through Illinois.
- Lastly, a strong online reputation, through platforms like BBB and social media, reflects a company's commitment to excellence and transparency.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
FAQ
How do I confirm that a car shipping company in Illinois is trustworthy?
Every legit auto transporter is registered with the FMCSA. Search their USDOT or MC number in the SAFER database to check for proper licensing, insurance coverage, and service history.
How do carriers keep you updated during a shipment in Illinois?
Tracking varies by company. Some provide a live tracking link, but many rely on scheduled phone or text updates. You should always get alerts before pickup and prior to delivery.
What happens when your car is picked up in Illinois?
The carrier checks the condition of your car, notes details on the bill of lading, and loads it securely. If your street is difficult for large trucks, pickup might happen in a nearby parking area.
Does timing affect car shipping prices in Illinois?
Absolutely. Prices rise during high-demand months like June through September. Late winter tends to be the most affordable.
How does insurance work for car shipping in Illinois?
Carriers carry required cargo insurance that protects your vehicle during loading, transit, and unloading. Review the policy details so you know what’s included.
Are personal items allowed in your vehicle during auto transport in Illinois?
Some car shippers in Illinois will let you keep belongings inside the car during transport. When allowed, the standard cap is 100 pounds. Based on available data, at least 1 carrier offer this.
