10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Illinois (2026 Cost Guide)
By Ryan Carrigan · Updated 
Fact checked by Hilary Snow
Quick answer: Nexus Auto Transport tops our list for car shipping in Illinois, standing out on price, service options, and reviews. Our team gave them 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Our top pickOur top picks for Illinois
Our #1 pick
Nexus Auto TransportBest overall value
4.7out of 5
- GPS Tracking
- Instant Online Quotes
- Economy Option
Sherpa Auto TransportMost accurate pricing
4.5
Get a Quote
Navi Auto TransportBest for budget-conscious shippers
4.4
Get a Quote
Best car shipping companies in Illinois
We've analyzed 2,500+ car shipping companies to give you unbiased recommendations for shipping your car in Illinois. Our current active database tracks 612 car shipping companies nationwide, including 19 based in Illinois.
| # | Company | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nexus Auto TransportNationwide | Best overall value | 4.7 |
| 2 | Sherpa Auto TransportNationwide | Most accurate pricing | 4.5 |
| 3 | Navi Auto TransportNationwide | Best for budget-conscious shippers | 4.4 |
| 4 |  SGT Auto TransportNationwide | Best for Exact Pickup Dates | 4.9 |
| 5 |  Ship A Car DirectNationwide | Best for Damage Protection | 4.4 |
| 6 |  Van 3 Auto Transport & CarBased in Countryside | — | 4.38 |
| 7 |  BKK TRANSPORTBased in Chicago | — | 4.36 |
| 8 |  Chicago Auto Shipping GroupBased in Chicago | — | 4.32 |
| 9 |  Karma Auto TransportBased in Elk Grove Village | — | 4.28 |
| 10 |  DispatchrayBased in La Grange | — | 4.24 |
Best overall value
1. Nexus Auto Transport
4.7 / 5 moveBuddha rating
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
- 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
Most accurate pricing
2. Sherpa Auto Transport
4.5 / 5 moveBuddha rating
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
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
Best for budget-conscious shippers
3. Navi Auto Transport
4.4 / 5 moveBuddha rating
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
- 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
Best for Exact Pickup Dates
4. SGT Auto Transport
4.9 / 5 moveBuddha rating
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
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
Best for Damage Protection
5. Ship A Car Direct
4.4 / 5 moveBuddha rating
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- 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
Services offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
6. Van 3 Auto Transport & Car
4.38 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 5 reviews analyzed
- 106 Meadow Dr, Countryside, IL 60525
- van3autotransport.com
- USDOT #2511788 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for Van 3 Auto Transport & Car)
Ratings on other sites
4.8 / 5 (151 reviews)
4.5 / 5 (85 reviews)
A+
moveBuddha's review analysis of Van 3 Auto Transport & Car: Van3 Auto Transport receives praise for its excellent customer service, prompt vehicle delivery, and competitive pricing. However, several customers reported serious issues, including delayed pickups, vehicle damage during transport, and lack of communication from the company, leading to significant frustration.
What customers praise
- Excellent Customer Service
- Fast Delivery
- Competitive Pricing
Common complaints
- Delayed Pickups
- Damage During Transport
- Poor Communication
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Fully insured
- Damage-free guarantee
- Inoperable car transport
- Multi-car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Electric vehicle shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- RV shipping
- Boat shipping
- Interstate
- International shipping
- Detailed inspection reports
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards and cash. A deposit is required to book.
7. BKK TRANSPORT
4.36 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 5 reviews analyzed
- 77 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
- bkktransport.com
- USDOT #2248306 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for BKK TRANSPORT)
Ratings on other sites
- 4.1 / 5 (40 reviews)
- 1.8 / 5 (17 reviews)
- A+
From moveBuddha's review analysis: BKK Transport is appreciated for competitive pricing, effective communication, and timely vehicle delivery. However, some customers report issues with late deliveries, poor contractor reliability, and unexpected extra charges.
What customers praise
- Great Communication
- Competitive Pricing
- Timely Vehicle Delivery
Common complaints
- Poor Contractor Reliability
- Unresponsive Customer Service
- Unexpected Charges
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Fully insured
- Damage-free guarantee
- Inoperable car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- RV shipping
- Boat shipping
- ATV shipping
- Trailer shipping
- Heavy equipment shipping
- Interstate
- International shipping
- Terminal-to-terminal delivery
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders. A deposit is required to book.
8. Chicago Auto Shipping Group
4.32 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 75 reviews analyzed
- 625 N Michigan Ave Suite 1000 PMB 165, Chicago, IL 60611
- autoshippinggroup.com
- USDOT #2239008 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for Chicago Auto Shipping Group)
Ratings on other sites
- 4.0 / 5 (72 reviews)
- A+
moveBuddha's review analysis of Chicago Auto Shipping Group: Customers generally report a high level of satisfaction with Auto Shipping Group's services, highlighting exceptional customer service and efficient, timely car transport. However, some negative experiences include issues with communication and unexpected pricing changes.
What customers praise
- Excellent Customer Service
- Timely Delivery
- Professional and Helpful Staff
Common complaints
- Poor Communication
- Unexpected Price Increases
- Unreliable Service at Times
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Fully insured
- Damage-free guarantee
- Inoperable car transport
- Multi-car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Electric vehicle shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- RV shipping
- Boat shipping
- ATV shipping
- Trailer shipping
- Interstate
- International shipping
- Terminal-to-terminal delivery
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards. A deposit is required to book.
9. Karma Auto Transport
4.28 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 155 reviews analyzed
- 901 Nicholas Blvd Unit D, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
- karmaautotransport.com
- USDOT #2882553 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for Karma Auto Transport)
Ratings on other sites
- 4.8 / 5 (178 reviews)
- 4.6 / 5 (83 reviews)
- A+
From moveBuddha's review analysis: Karma Auto Transport is known for its excellent service and reliability. Customers frequently commend their professionalism, quick communication, and affordable pricing. However, there are complaints regarding payment issues for transporters and some unexpected delivery hassles, which raised concerns about their overall accountability.
What customers praise
- Excellent Service
- Professional Staff
- Quick Communication
Common complaints
- Payment Issues for Transporters
- Unexpected Delivery Hassles
- Lack of Customer Support in Disputes
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Fully insured
- Damage-free guarantee
- Inoperable car transport
- Multi-car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Interstate
- International shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards. No deposit required to book.
10. Dispatchray
4.24 / 5 moveBuddha ratingBased on 5 reviews analyzed
- 6109 Jovic Ct, La Grange, IL 60525
- dispatchray.com
- USDOT #2490936 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for Dispatchray)
Ratings on other sites
- 5.0 / 5 (45 reviews)
- 5.0 / 5 (3 reviews)
- A+
moveBuddha's review analysis of Dispatchray: Customers express strong satisfaction with Dispatch Ray, highlighting excellent communication, competitive pricing, and a professional approach in transporting vehicles. They detail positive experiences with knowledgeable staff and timely deliveries throughout various transport needs. However, there were no significant issues reported by clients, with many indicating no hidden fees or surprises in the process.
What customers praise
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Competitive Pricing
- Excellent Communication
Common complaints
- No Major Issues Reported
- Customer Satisfaction
- Transparent Processes
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Fully insured
- Inoperable car transport
- Multi-car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Electric vehicle shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- RV shipping
- Boat shipping
- ATV shipping
- Trailer shipping
- Heavy equipment shipping
- Interstate
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards. No deposit required to book.
Illinois car shipping facts
- 94%Offer open transport
94% of auto transport companies in Illinois ship vehicles on open carriers, the most popular and budget-friendly method.
- 89%Offer enclosed transport
89% of Illinois shippers offer enclosed transport.
- 15%Guarantee delivery
15% of Illinois shippers offer guaranteed delivery, against 28% nationwide.
Average cost of transporting a car out of Illinois
If you're shipping your car between Illinois and another state, costs run between $430 and $1,812. Your actual price might be higher or lower based on things like the transport distance and whether you pick open or enclosed shipping.
- Short distance (under 500 miles): $430–$630
- Medium distance (500–1,500 miles): $645–$1,505
- Long distance (over 1,500 miles): $1,259–$1,812
Car shipping costs to and from Illinois by route
On these routes, enclosed transport costs about 49% more than open. It's worth it for classic, luxury, or high-value cars.
| Car shipping route | Open (USD) | Enclosed (USD) | Enclosed adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois to IdahoEnclosed adds $553 (44%) | $1,259 | $1,812 | +$553 (44%) |
| Illinois to South DakotaEnclosed adds $261 (32%) | $823 | $1,084 | +$261 (32%) |
| Illinois to MassachusettsEnclosed adds $550 (68%) | $807 | $1,357 | +$550 (68%) |
| Illinois to MaineEnclosed adds $553 (60%) | $929 | $1,482 | +$553 (60%) |
| Illinois to West VirginiaEnclosed adds $327 (45%) | $731 | $1,058 | +$327 (45%) |
| Tennessee to IllinoisEnclosed adds $288 (45%) | $645 | $933 | +$288 (45%) |
| Montana to IllinoisEnclosed adds $467 (45%) | $1,038 | $1,505 | +$467 (45%) |
| Louisiana to IllinoisEnclosed adds $449 (52%) | $859 | $1,308 | +$449 (52%) |
| North Carolina to IllinoisEnclosed adds $375 (48%) | $776 | $1,151 | +$375 (48%) |
| North Dakota to IllinoisEnclosed adds $393 (46%) | $855 | $1,248 | +$393 (46%) |
What affects car shipping costs from Illinois
Distance and shipping method drive most of the cost of shipping a car. These are the factors that move your quote up or down.
- Distance
- Shipping within Illinois or to a neighboring state costs less than a cross-country haul.
- Pickup location
- Rural pickups often cost more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near big cities and interstates usually mean a lower rate.
- Your vehicle
- Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic and specialty vehicles cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 73% of Illinois shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Open or enclosed
- 94% of Illinois auto transporters offer open transport, and 89% offer enclosed transport. Open carriers cost less; enclosed transport protects your car from weather and road debris for a higher price. Compare open vs. enclosed transport, or see our picks for the best enclosed car shipping companies.
- Fuel prices
- Local gas prices in Illinois can make a noticeable difference in shipping costs, especially for longer distances. The average gas price in Illinois is about $3.19 per gallon, according to AAA.
- Delivery time frame
- You'll pay more for a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Season
- Prices climb in peak season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather delays are more common.
In Illinois, 4 companies offer military discounts and 1 company offers senior discounts. Many shippers also discount multi-vehicle shipments. See our guide to car shipping discounts to learn more.
How long does car shipping from Illinois take?
Shipping a car within Illinois typically takes one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points all affect timing, so confirm it with your shipper.
| Distance (miles) | Transit time (days) |
|---|---|
| 250 miles | 1–4 days |
| 500 miles | 1–6 days |
| 750 miles | 2–7 days |
| 1,000 miles | 2–8 days |
| 1,250 miles | 3–8 days |
| 1,500 miles | 3–9 days |
| 1,750 miles | 3–11 days |
| 2,000 miles | 4–12 days |
| 2,250 miles | 5–13 days |
| 2,500 miles | 7–15 days |
How to ship a car from Illinois
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Illinois.
Estimate your shipping cost
Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
Choose open or enclosed transport
Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris. Our open vs. enclosed comparison covers the tradeoffs.
Verify MC/DOT licensing
Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then check them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes
Compare at least three of the 19 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Illinois. Ask for written quotes that spell out open or enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
Book an off-peak ship date
Summer, holidays, and end-of-month dates fill up faster and cost more, so book off-peak when your timeline allows.
Local car shippers in Illinois cities
Looking for a more local company to work with? See the best car shipping companies in these Illinois cities.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We've analyzed 2,500+ car shipping companies nationally. The 612 in our current active database are all rated on the same five factors.
Standard services
We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
Additional service options
We awarded extra points to companies offering unique optional services such as express delivery, assured pickup schedules, complimentary car detailing, and reimbursement for rental cars.
Customer satisfaction
We scrutinized reviews from prominent review sites like Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to verify if a car shipping company offers services that are prompt, well-communicated, and cost-effective. Furthermore, we reviewed each company's status within the car shipping sector by checking their USDOT licensure and examining their role and standing with industry associations.
Availability
When evaluating companies, we considered the breadth of their service areas. Firms that operate in Alaska and Hawaii, beyond just the continental U.S., were rated higher than those with coverage limited to the Lower 48 states.
Scheduling and payment
We considered how easily customers can book services and predict costs with accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate deals, and additional features. Car shippers that provide binding quotes or ensure price consistency were ranked higher than those whose pricing is not as clear.
moveBuddha's car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full reviews.
- A-1 Auto Transport review
- All America Auto Transport review
- American Auto Shipping review
- AmeriFreight review
- Diesel Auto Express review
- Easy Auto Ship review
- Guardian Auto Transport review
- Montway Auto Transport review
- Mr. Car Shipper review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport review
- Nexus Auto Transport review
- Roadrunner Auto Transport review
- Sakaem Logistics review
- SGT Auto Transport review
- Sherpa Auto Transport review
- Ship A Car Direct review
- Shiply review
- United Routes review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation review
FAQs
What is the best car shipping company in Illinois?
Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Illinois, based on our research. We rated Nexus Auto Transport 4.7 out of 5 for its range of services, pricing accuracy, and customer reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Illinois?
It depends on your route, your vehicle, and the transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your move. The cheapest quote isn't always the best one: check what insurance and pickup window it includes.
How many car shipping companies operate in Illinois?
moveBuddha tracks 19 car shipping companies based in Illinois, plus national shippers that serve the state. Comparing at least three quotes can help you find the best mix of price and service for your route.
How long does car shipping from Illinois take?
Shipping a car within Illinois typically takes one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points all affect timing, so confirm it with your shipper.
Do Illinois car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or boats?
Of the car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Illinois, 73% ship motorcycles, 31% ship RVs, and 47% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when you request quotes.
Can I ship a car internationally from Illinois?
Yes. 47% of the car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Illinois offer international shipping. Confirm customs requirements and delivery timelines with the carrier before booking.
Do Illinois car shippers offer discounts?
Yes. In Illinois, 4 companies offer military discounts and 1 company offers senior discounts. Many shippers also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Ask each shipper which discounts you qualify for when you request a quote.
Is open or enclosed car shipping better?
Open transport is cheaper and fine for most everyday cars. Enclosed transport costs more but shields classic, luxury, and high-value vehicles from weather and road debris.
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.