Car Shipping Illinois: 2025 Complete Guide

Whether you’re moving to Chicago for a new job, sending a vehicle to a student at the University of Illinois, or buying a car online in Springfield, shipping your vehicle in Illinois is a practical choice. With its central U.S. location and major highway access, Illinois is a hub for car transport.

This guide explains everything you need to know about car shipping in Illinois—from costs and timelines to tips for saving money and popular cities for auto transport.

Average Car Shipping Costs in Illinois

Car shipping costs in Illinois depend on distance, transport type, and season. On average:

• Short-distance (within Illinois or neighboring states): $400 – $650
• Medium-distance (500–1500 miles): $700 – $1,050
• Cross-country (to/from Illinois): $1,100 – $1,600

Key factors affecting price:

• Open carrier in Illinois: Cheapest option, widely available, ideal for standard cars.
• Enclosed transport in Illinois: 30–40% more, protects luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles.
• Vehicle type: SUVs, pickup trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more to ship than sedans.
• Seasonal demand: Summer moves and winter “snowbird” relocations to Florida often increase rates.

💡 Examples:

• Shipping a sedan from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX costs around $850 with open transport and $1,200 with enclosed transport.
• Shipping from Chicago, IL to New York, NY usually costs $950 (open) and $1,350 (enclosed).
• From Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, expect around $1,200 (open) and $1,650 (enclosed).

How Long Does Car Shipping Take From/To Illinois?

Transit times vary depending on distance and route demand:

• Within Illinois: 1–2 days
• Neighboring states (IN, WI, IA, MO, MI): 2–3 days
• East Coast routes (NY, NJ, VA): 3–5 days
• West Coast routes (CA, WA, OR): 7–10 days
• South (TX, FL, GA): 4–6 days

Since Illinois sits at the crossroads of major interstates like I-55, I-80, and I-90, carriers frequently pass through, making pickups and deliveries faster in Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria than in rural towns.

👉 Example: Chicago to California usually takes 7–9 days.

Step-by-Step: How Car Shipping Works in Illinois

1. Get a Quote

Request a free, no-obligation car shipping quote from FastCarShip.

2. Book Your Shipment

Confirm your order and choose between open or enclosed transport.

3. Vehicle Pickup in Illinois

A carrier inspects your car before loading it for transport.

4. Transit

Your car is shipped safely across Illinois, the Midwest, or nationwide.

5. Delivery

The driver re-inspects the car at drop-off and hands over your keys.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Shipping in Illinois

• Book Early: Advance booking helps lock in lower rates.
• Use Open Transport: Best choice for standard vehicles.
• Be Flexible with Pickup/Delivery: Carriers can combine routes to lower your price.
• Avoid Busy Seasons: Late spring and summer are the most expensive times to ship.
• Meet Carriers in Major Cities: Shipping from Chicago or Springfield can be cheaper than rural pickups.

Popular Cities in Illinois for Car Shipping

Illinois is a transport hub, making many cities ideal for vehicle shipping:

• Chicago: The largest hub, with constant carrier activity and access to I-55, I-90, and I-94.
• Springfield: Central Illinois location makes it convenient for statewide moves.
• Peoria: Reliable midwestern shipping routes pass through regularly.
• Rockford: Northern Illinois city with strong transport connections to Wisconsin and Chicago.
• Champaign-Urbana: College town with frequent student car shipping needs.
• Naperville & Joliet: Growing suburbs of Chicago with high demand for auto transport.

Why Choose FastCarShip?

FastCarShip makes Illinois car shipping simple and reliable:

• 🚛 Fast Delivery: Extensive Midwest network ensures quick pickups.
• 🛡 Insurance Included: Your car is protected throughout the journey.
• 👨‍✈️ Professional Drivers: DOT-certified and experienced in Midwest routes.
• 📞 24/7 Customer Support: Assistance whenever you need updates.

With FastCarShip, you’ll enjoy a stress-free and affordable car shipping experience in Illinois.

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Conclusion

Whether you’re relocating to Chicago, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to a family member, car shipping in Illinois is a safe and efficient solution. By understanding costs, transit times, and shipping options, you’ll be prepared for a smooth process.

👉 Get your free Illinois car shipping quote today with FastCarShip — the trusted auto transport company serving Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, and beyond.