10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Chicago, IL
By Ryan Carrigan · Updated 
Fact checked by Hilary Snow
Quick answer: Need reliable car shipping in Chicago, IL? Nexus Auto Transport is our top pick. They've earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating, offer a variety of services, and keep prices competitive.
Prices range from $514 to $2,010 to ship your car from Chicago, depending on the distance and whether you choose an open or enclosed trailer.
Our top pickOur top picks for Chicago, IL
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
Need an auto transport company in a different city? Check out our Illinois car shipping guide.
Top car shipping companies in Chicago, IL
moveBuddha's picks for Chicago, Illinois, include Nexus Auto Transport (best overall value), Sherpa Auto Transport (most accurate pricing), and Navi Auto Transport (best for budget-conscious shippers). Below them, we rank five local shippers serving the Chicago area. Compare their services against your vehicle and route needs.
| # | 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 |  All Day Auto TransportBased in Coral Springs | — | 4.58 |
| 7 |  Van 3 Auto Transport & CarBased in Countryside | — | 4.38 |
| 8 |  BKK TRANSPORTBased in Chicago | — | 4.36 |
| 9 |  Chicago Auto Shipping GroupBased in Chicago | — | 4.32 |
| 10 |  Karma Auto TransportBased in Elk Grove Village | — | 4.28 |
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. All Day Auto Transport
4.58 / 5 moveBuddha rating
- 12135 NW 57th St, Coral Springs, FL 33076
- alldayautotransport.com
- USDOT #2245170 (FMCSA SAFER company snapshot for All Day Auto Transport)
Ratings on other sites
4.4 / 5 (659 reviews)
1.8 / 5 (131 reviews)
A+
All Day Auto Transport (USDOT #2245170) offers open, enclosed, interstate, and international transport for classic cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, boats, ATVs, trailers, heavy equipment, and cars that don't run, plus expedited delivery, guaranteed delivery, full insurance coverage, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and shipment tracking. It has a 4.4 rating on Google, a 1.8 on Yelp, and an A+ from the BBB.
Services offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited delivery
- Guaranteed delivery
- Fully insured
- Inoperable car transport
- Classic car shipping
- Electric vehicle shipping
- Motorcycle shipping
- RV shipping
- Boat shipping
- ATV shipping
- Trailer shipping
- Heavy equipment shipping
- Interstate
- International shipping
- Terminal-to-terminal delivery
- Shipment tracking
Payment and booking
Accepts credit cards and cash. No deposit required to book.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Compare Chicago, Illinois car shippers
Among the 22 Chicago providers in moveBuddha's service dataset, 90% list open transport and enclosed transport, while 81% list full insurance. Compare the company-level services below to find an option for your vehicle and timing.
| Service | Chicago | IL | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expedited delivery | 50% | 42.1% | 54.3% |
| Insurance included | 81.8% | 89.5% | 77% |
| Open transport | 90.9% | 94.7% | 84.5% |
| Enclosed transport | 90.9% | 89.5% | 80.9% |
| Inoperable car transport | 50% | 47.4% | 39.5% |
| Multi-car shipping | 81.8% | 84.2% | 67.7% |
| Real-time tracking | 50% | 47.4% | 55.2% |
Here's a closer look at the companies serving Chicago and which of these services they offer:
| Company | Expedited | Insured | Open | Enclosed | Inoperable | Multi-car | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day Auto Transport | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Van 3 Auto Transport & Car | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BKK TRANSPORT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Chicago Auto Shipping Group | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Karma Auto Transport | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compare by discounts
Looking to save money? Here's how many car shipping companies offer each type of discount in Chicago, across Illinois, and nationwide:
| Discount | Chicago | IL | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Military discount | 6 (27.3%) | 4 (21.1%) | 159 (26%) |
| Senior discount | 1 (4.5%) | 1 (5.3%) | 38 (6.2%) |
| Company | Discounts offered |
|---|---|
| All Day Auto Transport | Military |
| Van 3 Auto Transport & Car | Military |
| BKK TRANSPORT | None listed |
| Chicago Auto Shipping Group | Military |
| Karma Auto Transport | None listed |
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.
Of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for, 72% also handle motorcycles and 31% handle RVs (compared with 66% of shippers nationwide for motorcycles).
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.
Average cost to ship a car out of Chicago, IL
moveBuddha lists an estimated $514–$2,010 for car shipping between Chicago, Illinois, and another state. Distance, vehicle details, and transport method affect the quote. Use the route table to compare open and enclosed options.
Chicago is one of Illinois's major cities, with a population of 2,746,388 and steady carrier traffic year-round. That typically makes it easier and more affordable to ship a vehicle from Chicago compared to smaller towns nearby.
- Short distance (under 500 miles): $514–$863
- Medium distance (500–1,500 miles): $786–$1,536
- Long distance (over 1,500 miles): $1,241–$2,010
Car shipping costs to and from Chicago by route
On these routes, enclosed transport costs about 47% more than open. It's worth it for classic, luxury, or high-value cars.
| Car shipping route | Open (USD) | Enclosed (USD) | Enclosed adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago to MissouriEnclosed adds $227 (36%) | $636 | $863 | +$227 (36%) |
| Chicago to KansasEnclosed adds $357 (44%) | $818 | $1,175 | +$357 (44%) |
| Chicago to VirginiaEnclosed adds $320 (41%) | $786 | $1,106 | +$320 (41%) |
| Chicago to UtahEnclosed adds $539 (54%) | $997 | $1,536 | +$539 (54%) |
| Chicago to ConnecticutEnclosed adds $391 (45%) | $867 | $1,258 | +$391 (45%) |
| Georgia to ChicagoEnclosed adds $416 (51%) | $817 | $1,233 | +$416 (51%) |
| Nevada to ChicagoEnclosed adds $713 (57%) | $1,241 | $1,954 | +$713 (57%) |
| Oregon to ChicagoEnclosed adds $725 (56%) | $1,285 | $2,010 | +$725 (56%) |
| Iowa to ChicagoEnclosed adds $166 (32%) | $514 | $680 | +$166 (32%) |
| Massachusetts to ChicagoEnclosed adds $501 (58%) | $862 | $1,363 | +$501 (58%) |
Factors influencing car shipping costs from Chicago, IL
Distance and shipping method drive most of the cost of shipping a car from Chicago. These are the factors that move your quote up or down.
- Distance
- Shipping your car within Chicago or to a nearby city in Illinois usually costs less than sending it across state lines.
- Pickup location
- Pickups from busier, higher-traffic parts of Chicago tend to cost more than pickups in quieter suburban neighborhoods nearby.
- Your vehicle
- Compact cars generally cost less to transport than larger vehicles. Classic or luxury cars might require special handling, increasing the price. 72% of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for handle classic cars, versus 73% across Illinois, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Open or enclosed
- Open transport is more economical; enclosed transport protects your car from weather and road hazards for a higher price. 90% of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for offer open transport, and 90% offer enclosed transport (nationally, about 80% of car shippers offer enclosed transport). Compare open vs. enclosed transport, or see our picks for the best enclosed car shipping companies.
- Local cost of living
- Chicago's cost of living runs about 6% above the national average, which can push car shipping costs up through higher labor and operating expenses.
- Fuel prices
- Local gas prices in Chicago 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.
moveBuddha's car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company 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
How to ship a car from Chicago, IL
To ship a car from Chicago, Illinois, identify your route, weigh local market factors, compare local and national providers, choose open or enclosed transport, verify MC/USDOT registration, and get written quotes from at least three companies before booking.
Pin down your shipping route
Check whether you're staying within Illinois or shipping across state lines. In-state and regional routes typically cost less than cross-country ones, and your ZIP codes finalize the price.
Weigh local market factors
Chicago has more carrier availability than smaller markets, which usually means faster pickup and competitive pricing. Cost of living runs about 6% above the national average.
Look at national and local options
National carriers typically handle interstate routes best, while local shippers (we list 5 for Chicago) can offer faster turnaround close to home.
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.
Get 3+ quotes and book off-peak
Run your details through the moveBuddha car shipping calculator, compare written quotes from at least three companies, and book off-peak when you can: summer and end-of-month dates cost more.
FAQ
What is the best car shipping company in Chicago, IL?
Nexus Auto Transport is the best car shipping company in Chicago, IL, 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's the average cost to ship a car from Chicago?
The average cost to ship a car from Chicago is $514 - $2,010, though your exact price will depend on distance, vehicle type, and time of year. Request quotes from at least three companies to compare.
How can I estimate car shipping costs from Chicago?
You can use our free car shipping calculator to estimate prices based on your route and vehicle type. It's a fast, easy way to see how much it might cost to ship a car from Chicago to your next destination.
Which car shipping options can help lower costs in Chicago?
Open transport is the most affordable way to ship a standard car. Companies serving Chicago that offer open transport include All Day Auto Transport (offers military discounts), Van 3 Auto Transport & Car (offers military discounts), and BKK TRANSPORT. Compare written quotes from several of them, and ask which discounts you qualify for.
How many car shipping companies does moveBuddha track in Chicago?
moveBuddha tracks 22 car shipping companies serving Chicago. Comparing at least three quotes among them can help you find the best combination of price and service for your route.
What percentage of car shippers in Chicago offer guaranteed delivery?
27% of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for offer guaranteed delivery dates, compared with 28% of car shippers nationwide. If your move requires a set arrival date, ask upfront whether the carrier offers this.
Are car shippers in Chicago fully insured?
81% of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for are fully insured (nationally, about 76% of car shippers are fully insured). Separately, 36% offer a damage-free guarantee, a promise on the condition your car arrives in that goes beyond insurance coverage. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
Do Chicago car shippers handle motorcycles, RVs, or other specialty vehicles?
Of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for, 72% ship motorcycles, 31% ship RVs, and 45% ship boats. Ask about your specific vehicle when requesting quotes.
Can I track my vehicle's shipment in real time in Chicago?
50% of the 22 Chicago shippers we have service data for offer real-time shipment tracking. Where it's offered, you can follow your vehicle's progress through the company's website or app, with updates on pickup, the estimated arrival, and any transit delays. Ask whether tracking is included before you book.
What are the most efficient routes for shipping cars out of Chicago?
Carriers run most often on the major interstate corridors between large metro areas, so a route from Chicago to a big city on a primary corridor usually gets faster pickup and better pricing than one to a smaller town off the main highways. Ask your carrier whether your destination is on a primary or secondary route. The route table above shows estimated prices on popular routes to and from Chicago.
Do I need to have insurance or an inspection to ship my car out of Chicago?
Most carriers don't require an inspection to ship your car out of Chicago. If you're shipping a classic or high-value vehicle, you may be asked to show proof of insurance. Always check the inspection requirements for the delivery state, as regulations vary. Take Illinois regulations as an example. In Illinois, emissions inspections are mandatory on a yearly basis for eligible vehicles in the Chicago and East St. Louis metropolitan areas. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency conducts tests on automobiles before residents can renew their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State's office.
How do I check the license status of a car shipping company?
To check a car shipping company's license, ask for their motor carrier (MC) or USDOT number and look it up with the FMCSA carrier lookup. This works for any provider based in Chicago or beyond.
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.
More Illinois car shipping resources
Shipping your car out of a different Illinois city instead of Chicago? These guides should help.
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.
Fuel price source: AAA.