Illinois Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Illinois is straightforward. Start by removing your I-PASS toll transponder if you have one—this device is common in Illinois and needs to stay with you, not travel with the car. You'll be charged for any tolls incurred during transport if it's left in the vehicle.

Next, clear out personal items and accessories. Remove anything loose from the interior, including phone chargers, sunglasses, and floor mats. Take off any roof racks, bike racks, or spoilers that could be damaged or cause damage during transit. If you have aftermarket wheels, consider whether to swap them for stock wheels before shipping.

Since Illinois experiences cold winters with road salt and treatment chemicals, clean off any salt residue or road treatment buildup from the undercarriage and exterior. This prevents corrosion during transport and storage. If you have snow chains or ice scrapers mounted on or in the vehicle, remove those as well.

Before your carrier arrives, make sure you have a working key available to provide them. Check that your battery has a good charge and your fuel tank is no more than a quarter full. Document your vehicle's current condition with photos—note any existing dents, scratches, or damage.

For more detailed guidance on preparing your vehicle, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. Following these steps ensures a smooth shipping experience and helps protect your car during transport.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport. All carriers we work with are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that each carrier's insurance is active and valid before your shipment begins.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. If damage occurs during transport, the carrier's insurance covers it. We make sure all the paperwork is in order so you can ship with confidence.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance in Illinois. This gives carriers time to bundle your shipment with others heading in the same direction, which helps you get better rates.

Winter weather is the big factor in Illinois. From November through March, snow and ice storms can cause delays and reduce carrier availability. If you're shipping during winter months, aim for three to four weeks advance notice to account for weather-related slowdowns. Carriers may need extra time to navigate icy roads safely.

Peak seasons require more planning:

• Summer (June-August): College students moving for school and families relocating create high demand. Book three weeks ahead during these months.
• Spring and fall: Military PCS moves from nearby bases like Scott Air Force Base can spike demand. Plan ahead during March-April and August-September.
• Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's): Carrier schedules fill up fast. Give yourself four weeks if shipping during these times.

Illinois sits in the Midwest corridor, which is generally well-serviced by carriers, so you're not in a remote area that needs extra lead time. However, the sooner you post your shipment, the better your options. The earlier carriers see your route, the more likely they can efficiently match it with other loads and get you competitive pricing.

Bottom line: Two weeks minimum, three weeks ideal, four weeks for winter or peak season. The earlier you book, the more control you have over your shipping date and cost.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car travels on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It's exposed to weather, road debris, and dust during transit. This option works great for most everyday cars and is typically the most cost-effective choice.

Enclosed Transport provides full protection. Your vehicle is loaded into a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, debris, and road hazards. This costs significantly more—usually 50% to 100% more than open transport. It's the better choice if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or a car with a custom paint job that you want to keep in pristine condition.

Which Should You Choose? Ask yourself: How much is your car worth, and how much risk are you comfortable with? If your vehicle is a daily driver worth a few thousand dollars, open transport makes sense. If it's a collector's item or a newer luxury vehicle, the extra cost of enclosed transport is usually worth the peace of mind.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping people get real value from their car shipping since 2017. We're transparent about these options so you can make the choice that's right for your vehicle and budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Illinois. When you book with us, you'll tell us where you want your vehicle picked up and where you want it delivered. Our carriers will do their best to pick up and drop off at those exact locations.

Sometimes, pickup or delivery at a specific address isn't possible due to road restrictions, tight spaces, or safety concerns. When that happens, we work with you to find a nearby alternative location—like a local gas station or parking lot—that works for everyone.

This is one of the ways we've stayed true to our mission since 2017: making car shipping simple and transparent. We don't hide surprises or add fees. We tell you upfront what to expect, and our carriers treat your vehicle with care every step of the way.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!