Best Car Transporters in Chicago, IL

Thousands of people move to and from Chicago each year. They include students at some of the top schools in the country, including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, and employees of local Fortune 500 companies, such as Walgreen Boots Alliance, Boeing, Allstate and United Airlines.

Regardless of your circumstances, auto transport companies save driving time and wear and tear on your vehicle. Keep reading to learn about costs, discover how to choose a company and see answers to frequently asked questions.

Chicago — the third-largest city in the U.S. and the biggest in the Midwest — has an extensive selection of car shipping companies. So how do you choose the best auto shipper to transport one of your most valuable possessions?

Here are some ways to evaluate auto transport companies:

• Customer reviews: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from family and friends. Pay attention to customer reviews that discuss an auto shipping company’s ease of scheduling, pickup, communication and updates throughout transit.
• Check registration with the FMCSA: Auto transport companies operating between states, whether they are carriers or brokers, must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Carriers, which do the actual shipping, are required to have an MC docket number and USDOT number. Brokers, which arrange shipping through a network of carriers, must have an MC docket number.
• Ask for proof of insurance: Auto transport companies are required by law to have insurance. Don’t be afraid to request proof of insurance and coverage amounts. Be sure to find out what’s covered during loading, transit and unloading. Also, talk to your own auto insurance company about how your policy applies.
• Get multiple quotes: Car shipping companies in Chicago offer free quotes. Be sure to have all the information about your vehicle and your move to get the most accurate estimate. Don’t forget to ask if the quote is guaranteed and includes all costs.

The cost to ship a car to or from Chicago is usually between $500 to $1,200, with the price varying mainly by distance. The table below gives estimated costs for transporting an operable, large sedan to and from Chicago on an open carrier reserved 45 days in advance.

Expected car transport cost to/from Chicago

Apart from distance, other factors that affect car shipping cost in Chicago include:

• Transport type: Open transport, the standard option, is significantly cheaper than enclosed shipping, which protects a vehicle from weather and road debris.
• Type of vehicle: Larger, heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship than smaller vehicles.
• Whether the vehicle is operable: You can ship an inoperable vehicle for an extra cost — usually $100 to $500.
• Scheduling flexibility: Standard service usually includes a window of several days for pickup. Expect to pay more for expedited service or guaranteed pickup and drop-off dates.
• Location of pickup/delivery: If you’re shipping to or from a rural area or isolated location, the company may charge additional costs.
• Time of year: Summer is generally the most expensive time to ship a car. Demand is also high right before the start of winter when Chicagoans leave town and when they return in the spring.