Shipping a car out of Chicago, down to Springfield, or across the state on I-55 or I-57. Chicago is one of the biggest car carrier hubs in the country. See what Illinois routes cost, how long they take, and which carriers Illinois shippers rate highest.
Updated Reviewed by Transportvibe Editorial Team
Shipping a standard sedan to or from Illinois costs $325–$1,450 on open transport in 2026, depending on distance. In-state moves run $350–$575, regional moves to neighboring states $425–$800, and coast-to-coast routes $1,150–$1,450. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%.
Typical open-carrier prices for a standard sedan on the most-quoted Illinois routes. SUVs and pickups usually add $100–$250.
| Route | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA | 2,090 mi | $1,150–$1,450 | $1,675–$2,325 | 4–7 days |
| Springfield, IL to Indianapolis, IN | 220 mi | $400–$500 | $575–$800 | 1–3 days |
| Peoria, IL to Des Moines, IA | 260 mi | $425–$525 | $625–$850 | 1–3 days |
| Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL | 2,080 mi | $1,150–$1,450 | $1,675–$2,325 | 4–7 days |
| Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ | 1,740 mi | $1,025–$1,325 | $1,475–$2,125 | 4–7 days |
| Louisville, KY to Springfield, IL | 280 mi | $425–$550 | $625–$875 | 1–3 days |
| Miami, FL to Peoria, IL | 1,400 mi | $925–$1,175 | $1,350–$1,875 | 3–5 days |
| Rockford, IL to Chicago, IL | 100 mi | $325–$475 | $475–$750 | 1–3 days |
Chicago is easy to ship from but hard to ship within. Narrow streets, alleys and parking rules make it difficult for a full-size carrier to reach many homes. Meeting at a large lot near an interstate usually saves time and money.
Illinois sends many cars to Florida, Arizona and Texas for the winter. Southbound routes are busiest from October through December and northbound from March through May.
Snow and ice from December through March can delay pickups and deliveries. Road salt is heavy, so enclosed transport is worth considering for valuable cars.
Rural addresses far from I-55, I-57 or I-74 can cost more. Meeting the truck in Springfield, Peoria or Champaign usually helps.
Chicago is the center of Midwest car shipping, with interstates radiating in every direction. Downstate, I-55, I-57 and I-74 carry most traffic.
Schematic, not to scale. Tap a city to jump to it.
Chicago has carriers moving in and out daily on every major route, which keeps prices competitive. City streets, alleys and permit rules make door pickups hard, so most drivers meet at a suburban lot. Snowbird routes to Florida and Arizona are especially busy in fall.
The capital sits on I-55 between Chicago and St. Louis, so carriers pass through constantly. State government moves keep demand steady.
Peoria is on I-74 between the Quad Cities and Champaign. It's a good pickup point for central Illinois, with steady carrier traffic.
Rockford sits on I-90 northwest of Chicago, on the route to Madison. Carriers heading to Wisconsin and Minnesota pass nearby.
Champaign-Urbana is home to the University of Illinois, so August and May bring student moves. I-57 and I-74 meet here.
Belleville and the Metro East sit across the river from St. Louis. Scott Air Force Base brings military moves, and carriers usually route through the St. Louis corridor.
Ranked by TrustScore, using FMCSA records and reviews from people who shipped to or from Illinois. Companies cannot pay to change their rank.
Broker · FMCSA authority: Active · 8 years active · 1 quote in Illinois
TrustScore weighs reputation, on-time performance, pricing accuracy, customer experience and FMCSA compliance. Companies cannot pay to change their score; sponsored placements are always labeled. How TrustScore works.
Most Illinois shipments go on open carriers. Choose enclosed when the car's value, finish or clearance makes road exposure a real risk.
| Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Illinois price | $325–$1,450 | $475–$2,325 |
| Truck availability | High on I-55, I-57, I-74, I-80 and I-90. Fastest scheduling in the larger metros. | Lower. Often routed through the nearest major hub, so allow extra days. |
| Protection | Exposed to weather, road grime and debris | Fully covered. Keeps road salt, slush and winter grime off the car. |
| Best for | Daily drivers, leases, used cars, most relocations | Classics, exotics, show cars, low-clearance and new luxury vehicles |
| Insurance limit (typical) | $100,000–$250,000 cargo coverage | $250,000–$1,000,000 cargo coverage |
Typical demand for Illinois routes by month. Higher demand means higher prices and longer waits for a truck.
Fall sends snowbirds south to Florida and Arizona. Spring brings them back. Summer is peak relocation season, while winter can be cheaper but subject to snow delays.
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIPs. Compare companies by TrustScore, Illinois reviews and price, not price alone.
Check the company's USDOT or MC number and insurance. Get the pickup window, price and deposit terms in writing.
Remove personal items and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank, and photograph every side in daylight.
Walk around the car with the driver and note any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
What to do after your car arrives. Requirements can change, so confirm with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Shipping a sedan to Illinois costs $325–$1,450 on an open carrier in 2026. Shorter moves within the state run about $350–$575, while cross-country routes cost $1,150–$1,450. SUVs, pickups, non-running cars and enclosed transport cost more.
Most Illinois shipments are delivered in 1–3 days within the state, 2–5 days to neighboring states, and 4–7 days coast to coast. Add one to five days for the carrier to schedule pickup, more for rural addresses far from an interstate.
The cheapest option is an open carrier with flexible pickup dates, booked two to three weeks ahead. Meeting the driver near I-55, I-57, I-74, I-80 and I-90 instead of at a remote address usually lowers the price and shortens the wait.
Someone aged 18 or older needs to be present at both ends to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you, but it should be someone you trust to note damage before signing.
Emissions testing applies in the Chicago metro area and the Metro East near St. Louis, with exemptions for newer and older vehicles. Check with the Illinois Secretary of State for your address and vehicle.
Sometimes, but often not. Large trucks can't fit on many city streets. Most carriers ask to meet at a nearby lot or a suburban location close to an interstate.
Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on FMCSA and confirm its operating authority is active and insurance is on file. Then check its TrustScore and reviews from people who shipped to or from Illinois. Be cautious of quotes far below market and of companies asking for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.
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