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 requires a few key steps to ensure safe shipping and protect your car from damage.

Remove toll transponders. Illinois uses the I-PASS system for toll roads, particularly on the Illinois Tollway. Remove your I-PASS transponder before shipping to avoid unexpected charges and potential damage to the device during transit.

Address winter-related items. Illinois winters are harsh. Remove snow chains, ice scrapers, and roof racks if possible. Also check for salt and road treatment residue on your vehicle—rinse these off before shipping, as salt can accelerate rust and corrosion during transport.

Check tire pressure and fluid levels. Cold Illinois winters can affect tire pressure, so ensure your tires are properly inflated. Verify your coolant level is adequate, especially if your vehicle will be shipped during winter months.

Remove personal items and accessories. Take out any interior items, toll passes, and exterior accessories like bike racks, roof boxes, or custom mirrors. These can be damaged or lost during transit. Make sure you have a spare key available to provide to the carrier.

Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you if any damage occurs during shipping and helps the carrier assess the vehicle's starting condition.

For more detailed preparation guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips. We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and these steps will help ensure your Illinois vehicle arrives in the same condition it left.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship it through Sakaem Logistics. We require all carriers to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active.

This insurance covers your vehicle during transit. However, we recommend reviewing the specific coverage details with us if you have questions about what's included or if your vehicle has special value that may need additional protection.

Since we started in 2012, we've made it our mission to bring transparency to car shipping and protect customers like you from the practices of larger brokers. That means being upfront about insurance coverage and making sure your car is in good hands.

We recommend booking your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for the best rates and availability in Illinois.

Here's why timing matters in Illinois specifically:

Winter Weather (December-March): Illinois experiences heavy snow and ice storms that can delay pickups and deliveries. If you're shipping during winter months, add an extra week to your timeline and book earlier. Road conditions can be unpredictable, so carriers build in buffer time.

College Move-In and Move-Out Seasons: Illinois has major universities like University of Illinois and Northwestern. August and early September see a surge in car shipments as students relocate. May and June are also busy with graduations and summer moves. Book 3-4 weeks ahead during these months to secure a carrier.

Summer Heat (June-August): While Illinois doesn't face extreme heat like southern states, hot weather can still affect carrier schedules and vehicle condition during transport. Early booking during summer ensures your car gets priority placement.

Holiday Periods: Thanksgiving (November) and Christmas (December) create shipping bottlenecks. If you're moving during these holidays, book at least 3-4 weeks out.

Off-Season Advantage (September-November, April-May): These quieter months are ideal times to ship. You can often book with just 1-2 weeks notice because carriers have more availability.

The bottom line: Post your shipment as soon as you know your moving date. Carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction, which saves you money. The sooner you list, the sooner carriers see your shipment and can lock in a pickup date.

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.

The main difference between open and enclosed auto transport comes down to protection and cost.

Open Transport is the more affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to the elements—sun, rain, wind, and road debris. It's a safe, standard method used by most shippers, but your car will experience normal wear from weather and highway conditions during transport.

Enclosed Transport costs significantly more (typically 50% or higher) because your vehicle is protected inside a fully enclosed trailer. This shields your car from weather, debris, and road hazards. It's the right choice if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or one with a custom paint job that you want to protect.

For most standard vehicles shipping within Illinois, open transport works great and saves you money. But if your car is something special or you want maximum protection, enclosed transport is worth the extra investment. Think about your vehicle's value and how much peace of mind matters to you.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Illinois. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

We're transparent about the process: sometimes, transportation restrictions or safety concerns may prevent delivery to your exact address. If that happens, our carrier will work with you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll discuss any adjustments before pickup so there are no surprises.

Since 2012, we've been committed to breaking up the old broker monopoly and giving people real value for their money. Our highly rated reviews speak to our reliability and straightforward approach to car shipping.

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!