Car shipping from Chicago, Illinois to Phoenix, Arizona

Last updated: February 2026

Mike De Candia
Certified by:
Mike De Candia
Mike started working for SAKAEM in 2012 and has been successfully transporting cars ever since.
Pete Bottino
Sakaem is operated by:
Pete Bottino
Pete has been in the transportation industry for nearly 40 years and launched SAKAEM back in 2012.
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CHICAGO TO PHOENIX

Auto Transport from Chicago to Phoenix

Planning to move your vehicle from the Windy City to the Valley of the Sun? Car shipping from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ doesn't have to break the bank or stress you out. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timelines, and insider tips for this popular 1,400-mile route. Get ready to ship smart and save money.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,753 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
2-6 days
AVG COST
$1000 - $1150
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ. These represent real customer shipments handled by Sakaem Logistics' verified carrier network.

Live Pricing from Completed Routes Updated: February 2026
Origin Destination Total Cost Trailer Vehicle
Chicago, IL Central City, AZ 975 Open SUV
Chicago, IL Central City, AZ 975 Open SUV
Chicago, IL Central City, AZ 1000 Open SUV
Chicago, IL Scottsdale, AZ 775 Open Car
Chicago, IL Central City, AZ 975 Open SUV
South Side, IL Phoenix, AZ 900 Open SUV
Chicago, IL Central City, AZ 975 Open SUV
Hoffman Estates, IL Surprise, AZ 750 Open Car
Gilberts, IL Scottsdale, AZ 850 Open Car
Hinsdale, IL Chandler, AZ 725 Open Car
CHICAGO, IL TO PHOENIX, AZ CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM's Customers are Saying

I shipped my car from California to Michigan and Sakaem came back with the best quote and answered all of my questions. I wish they could tell you an exact day they could pick up, but overall the service was great and I got my car in less than a week with no issues. Happy customer!
Magen Kuzma
May 2022
Google logo
Great experience working with Sakaem, I hired them to transport my son's vehicle from Chicago to Air Force base in Mississippi, vehicle was delivered as expected, driver was flexible with drop off location since he was not able to access into military base. So he arranged with my son to deliver at an outside location. Would work again with Sakaem Logistic in future.
alvaro lopez
Jul 2025
I recently had to move cross country and SAKAEM found a carrier for me in 3 days and they did an excellent job in getting my vehicle from NV to MA in 3.5 days. I wish I had more clarity on paying in full at the beginning, which was different than what I was told regarding a deposit and payment upon delivery. Luckily the carrier verified this so there were no issues. Overall, the move was seamless and I would use SAKAEM in the future.
Chris Cunningham
May 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Chicago to Phoenix

EXPERIENCE

Trust the experts with your car relocation. Years of experience mean your vehicle is well taken care of. A strong track record of safety and service lets you relax, knowing your car is in good hands.

TRANSPARENCY

Understand what your quote includes and the quality you're paying for when shipping with a reputable carrier. Fair and transparent pricing lets you confidently book your car transport.

AFFORDABILITY

There are no upfront costs when booking. Don't pay for your service until you receive it. Book your shipment and pay your deposit when the truck is dispatched for pickup.

PERSONALIZED

Have a team ready to assist you with a smooth shipping process. Our team aims to customize your booking to fit your individual needs while addressing your questions and concerns.

COMPREHENSIVE

Enjoy one point of contact from start to finish for a hassle-free shipping process. Your dedicated advisor will expertly guide you through each step for easy auto transport.

INSURED

All carriers are vetted through FMCSA for valid insurance. Trust our experts to select a safe, highly vetted carrier and deliver your vehicle securely to its destination.

KEY FACTORS

Factors that Affect Chicago, Illinois to Phoenix, Arizona Shipping Prices

Distance

The 1,400-mile journey from Chicago to Phoenix is a major cross-country haul. Longer distances mean higher fuel costs, driver wages, and wear on equipment. This route typically costs more than shorter regional moves, but you're getting good value since carriers can efficiently cover this popular interstate corridor.

Season

Winter months (November-February) offer the best rates for this route. Spring sees higher prices as people move to warmer climates. Summer rates spike due to vacation moves and students relocating. Fall brings moderate pricing. Book early during busy seasons to lock in better rates.

Route

You're in luck with this route. Chicago to Phoenix follows major interstates like I-55, I-44, and I-17 - all well-traveled highways that carriers use regularly. This means lower costs compared to remote areas. Both cities are major hubs, so carriers can easily find return loads, keeping your shipping price competitive.

Vehicle Type

Standard cars are cheapest to ship on this route. SUVs and trucks cost 10-15% more due to extra weight and space requirements. Large vehicles use more fuel and limit how many cars fit on each trailer. Oversized trucks may need special equipment, adding to costs.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during Thanksgiving week when traffic is heaviest nationwide. Summer vacation periods (June-August) also create delays. Winter weather in Chicago can cause pickup delays. Plan around these busy times for smoother service and potentially lower costs.

Carrier Availability

This popular route usually has good carrier availability year-round. During peak season (spring/summer), book 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-season bookings often get picked up within a week. More carriers mean competitive pricing and flexible scheduling options.

Population Density

Both Chicago and Phoenix are major metropolitan areas with good highway access. Downtown Chicago pickups cost more due to traffic and parking challenges. Consider suburban pickup points for savings. Phoenix's sprawling layout offers more flexible, cost-effective delivery options than dense urban cores.

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship your car during off-peak times to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when many Chicago residents move to Phoenix for winter. Even shifting by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meet carriers near major highways instead of residential areas. Truck drivers prefer wide roads and easy parking over narrow neighborhood streets. This flexibility can lower your shipping quote substantially.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup and delivery spots near major highway intersections in both cities. More highway access means more carrier options and competitive pricing. Avoid remote locations that limit carrier choices.

4

Weather considerations

Avoid shipping during harsh Chicago winters or extreme Phoenix summer heat. Snow, ice, and extreme temperatures can delay transport and increase costs. Plan around weather patterns when possible.

5

Booking in advance

Book your car shipment weeks ahead rather than last-minute. Early booking gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and offer better rates. Rush jobs always cost premium prices.

6

Open carrier transport

Select open trailers over enclosed ones to cut costs. Open transport works fine for most vehicles. Only choose enclosed trailers for luxury cars needing extra weather and road debris protection.

7

Flexible dates

Offer five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates. Flexible scheduling helps carriers optimize their routes and pass savings to you. Rigid timelines cost more money.

8

Compare quotes

Get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies to find the best deal for your Chicago to Phoenix car shipping needs. We will match any competitor's quote.

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Chicago to Phoenix

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ, you'll need to handle vehicle registration within 15 days of establishing Arizona residency [ADOT]. Arizona requires a VIN inspection, emissions test (for Phoenix metro area), and proof of insurance before registration. Illinois vehicles moving to Arizona must meet specific requirements including functioning turn signals, headlights, and brake lights [ADOT].

Arizona has stricter window tinting laws than Illinois, allowing only 33% light transmission on front side windows compared to Illinois' more lenient standards [ADOT]. Phoenix doesn't require emissions testing for vehicles newer than 6 years, unlike Chicago's annual testing requirements [EPA]. Vehicle frame height restrictions in Arizona are more stringent, with maximum heights of 27 inches for front bumpers on passenger vehicles [ADOT].

Before auto transport from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ, remove winter tires and consider switching to all-season tires suitable for desert conditions. Arizona's extreme heat can damage rubber components, so inspect belts and hoses [AAA]. Insurance considerations include Arizona's higher minimum liability coverage requirements: $25,000 per person for bodily injury compared to Illinois' $25,000, but Arizona requires $50,000 per accident [Arizona Department of Insurance]. Consider comprehensive coverage for hail and extreme weather protection common in both regions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Chicago, Illinois to Phoenix, Arizona Vehicle Transport FAQs

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 the Chicago to Phoenix route is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your car - carriers aren't insured for personal belongings, and items can shift during the 1,300+ mile journey.

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

Make sure your car is in running condition with at least a quarter tank of gas (but not more than half - this reduces weight). Check that your battery is charged and tires are properly inflated.

Remove or secure loose parts like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks that could be damaged by wind during transport. Don't forget to remove toll transponders like I-PASS from your windshield.

Finally, have a spare key ready for the driver at pickup. For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car leaves Chicago, we verify that the carrier's insurance is active and valid for your entire trip to Phoenix. This means you're covered for the full 1,700+ mile journey across multiple states.

What this covers:

  • Damage to your vehicle during loading, transport, or unloading
  • Protection against carrier negligence
  • Coverage throughout the entire Chicago to Phoenix route

We also recommend keeping your personal auto insurance active during transport, as some policies provide additional coverage that can work alongside the carrier's insurance for extra peace of mind.

For Chicago to Phoenix car shipping, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This popular route has good carrier availability, but booking early gives you the best rates and pickup dates.

Here's why early booking helps:

  • Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and offer lower rates
  • More pickup options: You get first choice of available time slots
  • Route optimization: Your car gets bundled with other Chicago-area shipments heading west

If you need last-minute shipping (less than one week), expect higher costs and limited pickup windows. Chicago's busy shipping market means carriers fill up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and early fall).

Pro tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead during peak season for the best deals on your Chicago to Phoenix car transport.

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.

Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option for shipping your car from Chicago to Phoenix. Your vehicle rides on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road debris. This method costs significantly less and works great for everyday vehicles.

Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road hazards during the 1,300-mile journey. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom modifications.

For the Chicago to Phoenix route, most customers choose open transport due to the cost savings. However, if you're shipping a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection against Arizona's desert dust and potential weather changes, enclosed transport offers peace of mind.

Both options typically take 3-7 days for delivery between these cities, depending on pickup scheduling and carrier routes.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door-to-door auto transport service from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ. This means we pick up your car right from your home or office in Chicago and deliver it directly to your new address in Phoenix.

Here's how it works: When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Chicago and your delivery address in Phoenix. Our assigned carrier will come to you - no need to drive to a terminal or depot. This saves you time and makes the entire process much easier.

Important note: Sometimes narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or neighborhood restrictions make it unsafe for our large transport trucks to reach your exact door. In these cases, we'll work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a grocery store parking lot or gas station. This happens in less than 10% of shipments, and we always coordinate with you first.

Our door-to-door service from Chicago to Phoenix typically takes 3-5 days and costs less than flying to pick up your car. Get your free quote today to see how much you can save!

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!

Car Shipping 101

How Auto Transport Works

Car shipping from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ is simpler than many people think. The auto transport industry has two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics connect customers with carriers, while carriers are the companies that actually transport your vehicle. Understanding this difference is key to a smooth car shipping experience.

The car shipping process starts when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. Once you book your shipment, the broker finds a qualified carrier for your Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ route. This step is crucial because experienced brokers work with trusted carriers who have proper insurance and good reviews. After the carrier is assigned, they will contact you to schedule pickup of your vehicle in Chicago.

On pickup day, the carrier will inspect your car and load it onto their trailer. Your vehicle will then travel the 1,753-mile journey to Phoenix, typically taking 2-6 days for delivery. Once your car arrives in Phoenix, the carrier will contact you to arrange delivery. Payment is usually made at the time of pickup or delivery, depending on the arrangement.

Before your auto transport begins, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers are not responsible for belongings. Ensure your car can roll and start, even if it has mechanical issues. Keep about a quarter tank of gas - enough for loading and unloading but not too much to add unnecessary weight. For luxury or classic vehicles on the Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ route, consider enclosed trailer service for maximum protection during transport.