Illinois to North Carolina Car Shipping (2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

For mid-range car shipping routes like Illinois to North Carolina, you can expect to pay around $962-$1,399. Transit time is generally 2-7 days.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?

At FreightWaves, our goal is simple: provide accurate, unbiased information and honest reviews about car shipping companies so you can make confident decisions.

Using our proprietary rating methodology, we’ve evaluated more than 2,400 auto transport providers across the United States. We look closely at pricing transparency, service offerings, coverage areas, and overall customer satisfaction. We also analyze verified customer feedback to surface recurring strengths and common complaints.

Our editorial team carefully reviews and updates every piece of content to ensure it stays current, factual, and genuinely helpful for readers researching car shipping.

Cost of Shipping a Car From IL to NC

For a shipment from Illinois to North Carolina covering 819 miles, most quotes range from $962-$1,399. The exact cost depends on booking lead time, fuel trends, vehicle type, and whether you select open or enclosed transport.

Pro tip: Book your car shipment 6-8 weeks in advance for the best rates. That gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and avoid rush pricing. Use our free cost calculator tool below to see what your move might cost.

Best Illinois to North Carolina Car Shippers

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (224) 310-1412

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

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (833) 775-1461

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

4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (501) 248-0223

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

4.8 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (864) 492-1221

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

4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get A Quote (855) 952-1031

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

Top Local IL-NC Car Shippers

Van 3 Auto Transport & Car

106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL, 60525
4.4 / 5.0

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.

Get a Quote (224) 788-7777

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

77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60601
4.32 / 5.0

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.

Get a Quote (773) 467-7917

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

625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL, 60611
4.3 / 5.0

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.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

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

901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
4.3 / 5.0

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.

Get a Quote (312) 788-9315

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

8801 S 78th Ave, Bridgeview, IL, 60455
4.2 / 5.0

Atlantic Express (DOT: 1771262) offers an array of shipping services including specialized transportation for inoperable cars, boats, and electric vehicles. They also provide options like enclosed transport and motorcycle shipping, ensuring a broad scope of services tailored to diverse customer needs. Despite their wide range of services, they do not offer guarantees on delivery timeframes, which could be a drawback for some customers.

With a Yelp rating of 2.5, a Google rating of 3.7, and a BBB rating of D-, customer satisfaction might vary and suggests room for improvement. Additionally, Atlantic Express does not accept cryptocurrency payments and only allows transactions via credit card, which might limit flexibility for some clients. Overall, they maintain a comprehensive service list but have areas for enhancement in customer service and payment options.

Get a Quote (708) 599-8755

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

Review our full guide to top car shippers servicing Illinois residents, or discover the strongest choices for car shipping from Illinois to North Carolina.

Car Shipping Methods

Most drivers moving a car from Illinois to North Carolina choose between open and enclosed transport. Open carriers are the popular, more affordable choice, whereas enclosed trailers come at a higher price and provide extra protection for luxury and antique cars.

Open Transport

Open carriers handle the majority of car shipments and offer the most competitive pricing. For a move from Illinois to North Carolina, transit time is often about 2 days. Costs may rise during peak moving seasons or for oversized or specialty vehicles.

Enclosed Transport

For maximum protection, enclosed transport keeps your vehicle inside a covered trailer throughout the trip. From Illinois to North Carolina, delivery often takes roughly 7 days. Expect to pay more due to the added security and specialized handling.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

The company you choose matters more than you think. For a successful Illinois to North Carolina shipment, look at factors like:

  • Prior route experience: Prioritize shippers that know the Illinois to North Carolina route well and operate it often.
  • Customer reviews and service: Check reviews to see how past customers rated their experience, especially when it comes to communication, problem resolution, and overall support.
  • Pricing and transparency: Get multiple estimates and make sure fees, deposits, and delivery windows are clearly explained. Extremely low offers can sometimes signal the need to think about avoiding car shipping scams.
  • Licensing and insurance: Before booking, verify licensing details and insurance coverage using the FMCSA license lookup database.
  • Pickup and delivery flexibility: Understanding scheduling flexibility can help you avoid delays and unexpected fees.

Nexus Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Discounts Available
  • Refundable Deposit

Sherpa Auto Transport

4.8 / 5
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Free car wash

Navi Auto Transport

4.4 / 5
  • Price matching
  • One-day pickup

FAQ

How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to North Carolina?

Delivery from Illinois to North Carolina typically ranges between 2 and 7 days. Your transport method and pickup window can influence the timing. Need it faster? Expedited shipping is often an option.

How much should I budget to ship a vehicle from Illinois to North Carolina?

Most drivers pay between $962-$1,399 to ship a vehicle from Illinois to North Carolina. Costs can increase for larger vehicles, expedited shipping, or enclosed trailers.

Where can I get an accurate car shipping quote from Illinois to North Carolina?

For a quick and reliable estimate, use our car shipping calculator tool. After entering your route and vehicle information, you’ll receive an estimate based on current market data for shipments between Illinois and North Carolina.

Is my car insured during a shipment from Illinois to North Carolina?

Most car shippers include basic insurance for in-transit damage, but limits vary. Check the details (including deductibles and exclusions) and consider adding your own policy for extra protection.

How do I prepare my car for shipping?

When shipping from Illinois to North Carolina, clean the car, check for damage, and empty loose contents. Many auto transporters prefer a quarter tank of fuel to keep weight down.

How will I pick up my car in North Carolina?

Upon arrival in North Carolina, inspect your vehicle, review the delivery docs, and flag any problems with the carrier. After that, complete registration and any state-specific compliance tasks.

Why Ship a Car From Illinois to North Carolina?

Shipping a car from Illinois to North Carolina reduces wear, saves time, and helps you avoid long-distance driving stress. It’s often the smarter choice for moves, purchases, or job-related transitions.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.