Top Rated Car Shipping Company in Illinois

Whether you're relocating from Chicago to Houston, sending a vehicle to a college student in downstate Champaign, or buying a car at auction in the suburbs, NexGen Auto Transport makes car shipping in Illinois straightforward and stress-free. We move vehicles to and from Illinois every single day, and we know the routes, the carriers, and the realistic timelines — so you won't get any surprises. Most Illinois shipments start at around $400 to $550 for shorter Midwest routes, and $900 to $1,400+ for long-haul moves to the coasts. Prices shift with fuel costs, the time of year, and how quickly you need the vehicle picked up. We'll walk you through all of it when you get a quote.

Calculate Your Car Shipping Cost

Origin Zip Code

Destination Zip Code

Transport Type

Open Enclosed

Select Vehicle Type

Vehicle Make

Vehicle Model Year

Vehicle Model

Vehicle Condition

Inoperable Operable

Name

Phone (10 digits)

Ship Date (mm/dd/yyyy)

Comment From Shipper

SAFE SHIPPING

High value vehicle insurance.

RAPID TRANSPORT

Faster vehicle pickup-delivery.

A+ SERVICE

High rated transport service.

Illinois Car Shipping Rates at a Glance

These are real-world estimates based on current carrier market conditions. Actual quotes depend on your exact pickup and delivery locations, vehicle size, service type, and availability.

Route	Approx. Distance	Estimated Cost	Typical Transit
Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX	~920 miles	$750 – $1,050	3–5 days
Chicago, IL → Los Angeles, CA	~2,020 miles	$1,050 – $1,450	6–9 days
Chicago, IL → New York, NY	~790 miles	$700 – $950	3–5 days
Springfield, IL → Atlanta, GA	~730 miles	$700 – $950	3–5 days
Rockford, IL → Phoenix, AZ	~1,750 miles	$950 – $1,300	5–8 days
Peoria, IL → Miami, FL	~1,350 miles	$850 – $1,150	4–7 days
Chicago, IL → Seattle, WA	~2,060 miles	$1,100 – $1,550	6–9 days
Aurora, IL → Denver, CO	~1,000 miles	$750 – $1,050	3–5 days

These numbers reflect open carrier transport for a standard sedan. SUVs, trucks, and specialty vehicles cost more. Enclosed transport typically adds 30–50% to the base rate.

Car Shipping Services We Offer in Illinois

Every customer and every vehicle is a little different. That's why we offer multiple transport options so you can choose what fits your situation and your budget.

Open Car Transport

This is the most common and most affordable way to ship a car. Your vehicle rides on an open multi-car carrier, the same type of truck used to deliver new cars to dealerships across Illinois. It's safe, reliable, and used by hundreds of thousands of people every year. If your car is a daily driver, this is almost certainly the right choice.

Enclosed Car Transport

Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. This service is worth it if you're moving a classic car, a luxury vehicle, a sports car, or anything with high value or sentimental significance. Chicago's harsh winters can be rough on open loads, so enclosed is especially popular during November through March for high-end vehicles.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

We pick up from your home, office, dealership, or storage facility — and deliver directly to your destination address. No need to drive to a terminal or figure out pickup logistics. This is our standard service and the most convenient option for most customers.

Expedited Car Shipping

Need your car moved faster than the standard timeline? We offer expedited pickup options that can get a carrier assigned within 24 to 48 hours. Expect to pay a premium, but if timing is critical — maybe you're starting a new job and need your car at your destination ASAP — it's worth it.

Classic and Collector Car Shipping

Illinois has a strong classic car community, with major shows in the Chicago metro and collector events throughout the state. We've shipped vintage Corvettes, muscle cars, barn finds, and restored classics both in and out of Illinois. These shipments always go via enclosed carrier with soft tie-downs and white-glove handling.

Motorcycle & Powersports Transport

We ship motorcycles, ATVs, and other powersports equipment throughout Illinois and nationwide. Bikes are secured in purpose-built crates or carriers to prevent any movement in transit. Just let us know what you're shipping and we'll match you with the right carrier.

How the Illinois Car Shipping Process Works

Every customer and every vehicle is a little different. That’s why we offer multiple transport
options so you can choose what fits your situation and your budget.

Get a Quote

Call us at (832) 886-1321 or fill out our online quote form. We'll ask for your pickup ZIP, delivery ZIP, vehicle type, and preferred ship date. You'll get a real number — not a bait-and-switch lowball that doubles at pickup.

Book Your Shipment

Once you're happy with the quote, we lock in your order. There's no upfront payment — you only pay the carrier deposit when a driver is assigned to your route. We'll start working the carrier network right away to find the right match.

Vehicle Pickup

Your assigned carrier will contact you 12 to 24 hours before arrival to confirm the time window. At pickup, both you and the driver complete a vehicle inspection report (called a Bill of Lading) noting any existing scratches, dents, or damage. Take photos of your own — it's just good practice.

Delivery

Your vehicle is in transit. You can contact your carrier directly for updates at any time. At delivery, you'll inspect the vehicle again against the original report. If everything looks good, you release payment to the driver. That's it — you're done.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to or from Illinois?

Transit time depends on the distance and the route. Illinois is well-connected — Chicago in particular sits at a major trucking crossroads, so carriers pass through constantly.

Distance	Estimated Transit Time
Under 500 miles	1–2 days
500 – 1,000 miles	2–4 days
1,000 – 1,500 miles	3–6 days
1,500 – 2,500 miles	5–9 days
Cross-country (2,500+ miles)	7–10 days

These are transit times once your car is loaded onto the truck. Pickup itself can happen within 1 to 5 business days of booking, depending on carrier availability on your specific route.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment in Illinois

A little prep goes a long way. Here's what we tell every customer before their vehicle gets
picked up:
• Wash your car before pickup so you can clearly see and document any pre-existing
scratches or dings
• Remove all personal items from the interior — carriers are not responsible for items left
inside
• Leave roughly a quarter tank of fuel — enough to load and unload, but not so much that
it adds unnecessary weight

• Disable your car alarm or provide the code to the driver
• Make sure your battery is charged and the car starts normally
• Retract or remove any aftermarket antennas or accessories that could get damaged
• Note any existing mechanical issues (leaks, brake problems) and let the driver know
upfront

Illinois-Specific Shipping Considerations

If you've never shipped a car out of Illinois before, a few things are worth knowing.

Chicago Is a Major Carrier Hub

Chicago is one of the busiest auto transport hubs in the entire country. Carriers pass through regularly on routes connecting the East Coast, the South, the Mountain West, and the Pacific Northwest. This means better availability, faster pickup times, and competitive pricing for most Chicago-area shipments.

Rural Illinois Pickup Locations

If you're in a smaller town — Galesburg, Carbondale, Kankakee, or similar — pickup times can be a day or two longer than Chicago-area shipments. Carriers make less frequent runs through rural corridors. We'll be upfront with you about what to expect based on your actual location.

Winter Shipping in Illinois

Chicago winters are no joke. Snow, ice, and deep freezes between December and February can occasionally cause short delays if roads in the area become hazardous. We keep you updated on any weather-related issues. For high-value vehicles, winter is also a popular time to choose enclosed transport.

Auto Auctions & Dealer Shipments

Illinois has a strong dealer and auction market. We regularly ship auction purchases from Manheim Chicago (Matteson, IL) and ADESA Chicago (Pontoon Beach, IL) to buyers across the country. If you've won a vehicle at auction, we can coordinate pickup directly with the auction yard on your behalf.

Who Ships Cars to and from Illinois?

Families Relocating

Illinois to Texas, Illinois to Florida, Illinois to Arizona — these are among our most common long-haul routes. Families moving for work or lifestyle reasons often can't drive multiple vehicles, so we ship one while they drive the other (or fly).

Snowbirds

Plenty of Illinois residents spend winters in warmer states and need their car shipped down in the fall and back in the spring. We handle seasonal transport on a repeat basis for many customers who've been using us for years.

College Students

Students heading to schools outside Illinois — or coming home for the summer — ship their cars instead of doing a long solo drive. It's often cheaper than you think when you factor in fuel, food, and a night or two at a hotel.

Dealerships & Auto Brokers

We work with Illinois dealerships shipping inventory across state lines, auto brokers buying and selling at auction, and fleet companies moving vehicles between locations. Commercial accounts get priority service and dedicated account management.

Popular Illinois Car Shipping Routes
Here are some of the most frequent routes we handle in and out of Illinois:

• Chicago to Los Angeles — Cross-country, 2,020 miles, 6–9 days transit
• Chicago to Miami — East to South, 1,380 miles, 4–7 days transit
• Chicago to Dallas — Midwest to South-Central, 920 miles, 3–5 days transit
• Chicago to New York — Midwest to Northeast, 790 miles, 3–5 days transit
• Springfield to Atlanta — Central to Southeast, 730 miles, 3–5 days transit
• Rockford to Denver — Midwest to Mountain West, 1,070 miles, 3–5 days transit
• Chicago to Phoenix — Midwest to Southwest, 1,750 miles, 5–8 days transit
• Chicago to Seattle — Midwest to Pacific Northwest, 2,060 miles, 6–9 days transit

Our Customer Vehicle transport Service Feedback

We Are Authorized By

Why Choose NexGen Auto Transport?

FMCSA Licensed (MC# 1482694)

We meet all federal requirements — you're not working with an unlicensed middleman

BBB Accredited A+ Rating

Our record is clean. Complaints are resolved. You can verify this yourself.

No Upfront Payment

You don't pay until a driver is assigned — no money lost if plans change

Transparent Pricing

The price we quote is the price you pay. No hidden fees at delivery.

Direct Carrier Access

We work with vetted, insured carriers — not random listings off a load board

Real Customer Support

Call (832) 886-1321 and talk to a real person — not a chatbot

Nationwide Network

Carriers covering every state, every major route, year-round

Founded 2021, Growing Fast

We're newer but we've built our reputation on doing things right

Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois Car Shipping

How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to California?

Most Chicago to California shipments run between $1,050 and $1,450 on open carrier. Enclosed shipping adds roughly 30–50% to that. The exact price depends on which part of California you're shipping to and how flexible you are on pickup date.

How do I get a car shipping quote in Illinois?

Call us at (832) 886-1321 or fill out our online quote form. Have your pickup ZIP, delivery ZIP, vehicle type, and rough timeframe ready. We'll give you a firm number within minutes.

Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?

Someone needs to be present — but it doesn't have to be you personally. A trusted friend, family member, or neighbor can handle it. They'll complete the inspection form and release the vehicle at pickup, and receive and inspect it at delivery.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

Yes. Every carrier in our network is required to carry active cargo insurance. Your vehicle is covered while in transit. We also recommend checking whether your personal auto insurance policy has any provisions for transport — some do.

Can I ship personal items inside my car?

Technically carriers aren't supposed to transport personal items, and most policies don't cover them. That said, a small bag in the trunk is typically fine. Avoid anything of significant value, and don't fill the back seat — extra weight can be an issue.

What if my car isn't running?

We can ship non-running vehicles. There's typically a surcharge of $100–$200 because loading an inoperable vehicle requires extra equipment and time. Let us know upfront so we can match you with the right carrier.

How far in advance should I book?

For most routes, booking 3 to 7 days before your target pickup date gives us time to find the right carrier. For very specific pickup windows or hard-to-reach locations, give us 10 to 14 days. Rush orders are possible but cost more.

What is open vs enclosed car transport?

Open transport = your car is on an exposed multi-level trailer. It's safe, it's what dealerships use, and it's more affordable. Enclosed transport = your car is inside a covered trailer, protected from weather and road debris. Best for high-value or classic vehicles.

Do you ship motorcycles in Illinois?

Yes. We ship motorcycles, ATVs, and powersports equipment throughout Illinois and to any state in the country. Just let us know what you've got when you call.

Why is my online quote different from the final price?

Online calculators are estimates. The real price depends on carrier availability, your exact location, the time of year, and current fuel costs. We give you a real quote when you speak with us — and that's the price you actually pay.