Chicago, IL 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.

See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details about how to prepare your vehicle for shipping. For Chicago shipments specifically, remove any I-PASS toll tags or other toll devices, along with fragile items and loose accessories that could shift during transit. Make sure you have a key available for the carrier and remove any interior or exterior add-ons that could be damaged. Our digital vehicle inspection process will document your car's condition before pickup, so you'll have clear records throughout the shipping process.

Yes, all shipments to and from Chicago are fully insured. Every carrier in our network is FMCSA-licensed and 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 policy is valid and active throughout your shipment, giving you peace of mind whether you're shipping from Chicago's bustling commercial districts or residential neighborhoods.

The sooner, the better. We recommend scheduling your Chicago pickup at least two weeks in advance, though posting your shipment immediately gives carriers the best opportunity to bundle your vehicle with others heading out of the Chicago area—one of the nation's busiest shipping hubs. Our 95% carrier securement rate means we can often lock in your pickup faster than the industry standard, especially when you give us advance notice. The earlier you book, the more flexible options you'll have for your preferred pickup window.

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 Auto Transport Process Article 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.

Enclosed transport in Chicago typically costs at least 50% more than open trailers, but it's the smart choice for high-value vehicles like classics or custom builds that deserve protection from road debris and Chicago's unpredictable weather. Open transport works well for standard vehicles making the trip to or from Chicago, while enclosed keeps your car pristine. At Sakaem Logistics, our AI-verified pricing ensures you get transparent quotes upfront—no surprises—so you can confidently choose the protection level that matches your vehicle's value.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in Chicago. At booking, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses throughout the Chicago area, and our FMCSA-licensed carrier will transport your vehicle directly between those locations. If street accessibility or safety concerns arise in Chicago's urban environment, your carrier will work with you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a parking facility or gas station, ensuring your car shipping experience remains convenient and hassle-free.

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!