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 car for the Chicago to Los Angeles route is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your vehicle - carriers aren't insured for personal belongings, and items can shift during the 2,000+ mile journey.

Clean your car inside and out before pickup. This helps you spot any existing damage and makes the inspection process smoother. Take photos of your vehicle from all angles as backup documentation.

Check fluid levels and tire pressure, but keep your gas tank only 1/4 full - this reduces weight and meets safety requirements. Remove or secure loose parts like spoilers, bike racks, or custom accessories that could be damaged by wind or road debris.

Disable your car alarm and remove toll transponders (like I-PASS from Illinois). Make sure you have a working key available for the driver - no spare needed.

For detailed preparation steps, check our complete Vehicle Shipping Guide. Following these steps protects your investment during the cross-country trip and ensures a smooth pickup in Chicago.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain:

• $1,000,000 in liability insurance - covers damages to other vehicles or property
• $100,000 in cargo insurance - protects your specific vehicle during transport

Before your car leaves Chicago, we verify that your carrier's insurance is active and valid for your entire trip to Los Angeles. This means you're covered for the full 2,000+ mile journey across multiple states.

Pro tip: Take photos of your vehicle before pickup in Chicago. While damage is rare, having before-and-after photos makes any insurance claims much smoother if needed.

All insurance coverage is included in your quote - no hidden fees or extra charges for this protection during your Chicago to LA auto transport.

For car shipping from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This popular route gets heavy traffic, so early booking helps you secure better rates and pickup times.

Here's why advance booking matters:

• Better carrier availability - More drivers service this busy Chicago to LA route with advance notice
• Lower costs - Carriers can plan efficient multi-car loads, passing savings to you
• Flexible scheduling - You get more pickup date options instead of last-minute slots

Need to ship sooner? We can often arrange pickup within 3-5 days, but expect higher rates for rush service. The Chicago to Los Angeles route typically takes 7-10 days for delivery once your car is picked up.

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.

When shipping your car from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA, you have two main transport options:

Open Auto Transport: Your vehicle travels on an open trailer exposed to weather and road elements. This is the most popular choice because it costs less and works well for everyday cars. Most vehicles arrive in great condition using open transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car rides inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and dust. This option typically costs 40-60% more than open transport but offers maximum protection.

Choose enclosed transport if you have:

• Classic or vintage cars
• Luxury vehicles worth over $100,000
• Custom paint jobs or modifications
• Exotic sports cars
• Show cars or collectibles

For the Chicago to Los Angeles route (about 2,000 miles), open transport usually takes 7-10 days while enclosed may take 8-12 days due to fewer available carriers.

Most people choose open transport and save money. Unless your vehicle is very valuable or has special needs, open transport is a smart, reliable choice for your cross-country move.

Yes! Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA. This means we pick up your car right from your home, office, or preferred address in Chicago and deliver it directly to your chosen location in Los Angeles.

When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Chicago and delivery address in LA. Our assigned carrier will handle the rest. If your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or no truck parking, don't worry - we'll work with you to find a safe nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station.

Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. No need to drive to terminals or arrange extra transportation. We bring the service to you on both ends of your Chicago to Los Angeles car shipment.

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!