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Car shipping from Chicago, Illinois to Miami, Florida

Last updated: September 2025

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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We guarantee to match any price you find. We are experts at finding the best price for your shipment and getting the best value for your money.

ON THIS PAGE

1 Chicago, IL to Miami, FL
2 Recent Shipments & Pricing
3 Key Takeaways
4 Customer Testimonials
5 Why Choose SAKAEM?
6 Cost Factors
7 Tips to Save on Car Shipping
8 Moving to Miami?
9 Car Transport FAQs
CHICAGO TO MIAMI

Auto Transport from Chicago to Miami

Planning to ship your car from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL? You’re not alone. This popular auto transport route connects the Midwest to sunny South Florida, but finding reliable car shipping at fair prices can be challenging. Since 2012, we’ve helped thousands navigate this exact journey. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and insider tips for this 1,200-mile route.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,381 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
1-5 days
AVG COST
$900 – $1050
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Chicago, IL to Miami, FL Shipments

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

Live Pricing from Completed Routes Updated: September 2025
Origin Destination Total Cost Trailer Vehicle
Des Plaines, IL Fort Lauderdale, FL 900 Open SUV
Palatine, IL Davie, FL 800 Open Car
Riverwoods, IL Miramar, FL 800 Open SUV
Aurora, IL Miami, FL 900 Open SUV
Glen Ellyn, IL Boca Raton, FL 700 Open SUV
Algonquin, IL Davie, FL 500 Open Car
Chicago, IL Boynton Beach, FL 950 Open Car
Chicago, IL Biscayne Park, FL 725 Open Car
Vernon Hills, IL Coral Gables, FL 725 Open Car
Glen Ellyn, IL Boca Raton, FL 950 Open SUV
CHICAGO, IL TO MIAMI, FL CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Sakaem Logistics was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, reasonable pricing, thorough communication on what to expect, I had a friend in CO who had to provide Igor the truck driver my car key, and the driver called and was there on time, and drive the car out to me in Florida. My car was delivered promptly and we inspected my car thoroughly and a receipt provided. Thank you for making this easy! Jennifer
Sand
Jun 2025
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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
Amazing service from the Sakaem team. I shipped my car from NJ to FL and it took less than 4 days from the moment I called. Always picked up the phone and were polite. Great price too. 5 stars!!!
modi iraq
Jan 2025
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Chicago to Miami

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 Miami, Florida Shipping Prices

Distance

The Chicago to Miami route spans approximately 1,300 miles, making it a long-distance shipment that directly impacts your cost. Longer routes require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, which carriers factor into their pricing. This cross-country distance puts your shipment in the higher cost category compared to regional moves.

Season

Winter months (November-March) see peak demand as snowbirds flee to Florida, driving up prices significantly. Summer offers the best rates with lower demand. Spring and fall provide moderate pricing. Book early if shipping during winter, or save money by choosing off-peak summer months when possible.

Route

The Chicago-Miami corridor runs along major interstates like I-65 and I-75, which is great news for your wallet. These well-traveled highways have consistent carrier traffic, making pickups and deliveries more efficient and affordable. You’ll pay less than routes to remote areas since carriers regularly service this popular path.

Vehicle Type

Standard cars cost less to ship than SUVs, trucks, or oversized vehicles. Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, add weight (increasing fuel costs), and require more effort to load. If you’re shipping a pickup truck or large SUV, expect to pay 10-20% more than you would for a sedan or compact car.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during heavy travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or spring break when roads are congested. These busy times slow down carriers and increase costs. Plan your shipment during quieter periods when traffic flows smoothly to keep prices reasonable and transit times predictable.

Carrier Availability

Peak season (winter) creates high demand with limited carriers, potentially adding 1-2 weeks to your timeline and increasing costs. Off-season shipping offers more carrier options and faster pickup times, usually within 3-7 days. Book 2-3 weeks ahead during busy periods to secure better rates and timing.

Population Density

Chicago and Miami are major metropolitan areas with good carrier access, keeping costs reasonable. However, delivery within dense city centers costs more due to traffic and parking challenges. Consider pickup/delivery in suburbs with easier truck access to save money – many customers save $50-100 by meeting carriers at convenient suburban locations.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Avoid peak snowbird season when northerners migrate to Florida. Shipping during off-peak months like spring or early fall can save hundreds of dollars on your Chicago to Miami route.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meet carriers near major highways like I-94 in Chicago or I-95 in Miami instead of residential areas. Highway pickups are easier for truckers and often result in lower quotes.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup locations near Chicago’s highway intersections and delivery spots near Miami’s major routes. Better highway access means more carrier options and competitive pricing for your shipment.

4

Weather considerations

Winter shipping from Chicago may cost more due to snow and ice delays. Summer heat can also slow transport. Plan around extreme weather for better rates.

5

Booking in advance

Book your Chicago to Miami car shipment weeks ahead rather than last-minute. Advanced booking secures better rates and ensures carrier availability during busy travel seasons.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed ones for Chicago to Miami shipping. Unless you’re transporting a luxury vehicle, open transport offers excellent value and protection.

7

Flexible dates

Offer five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows carriers to optimize their routes, passing savings directly to you on Chicago-Miami shipments.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Chicago to Miami

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL, you’ll need to handle Florida vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency. Florida requires a VIN inspection, proof of insurance, and title transfer at your local DMV office [FL DMV]. Unlike Illinois, Florida doesn’t require emissions testing, but you must meet specific insurance minimums including Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage [FL DMV].

Before your auto transport arrives in Miami, prepare for significant regulatory differences. Florida allows darker window tinting (28% front, 15% rear) compared to Illinois’ stricter rules [FL Highway Safety]. Vehicle lift and lowering modifications have specific height requirements in Florida that differ from Illinois standards [FL Statutes]. Consider these changes when shipping your car from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL.

Climate adaptation is crucial for Chicago vehicles moving to Miami’s tropical environment. Remove winter tires and emergency kits before auto transport, as Florida’s heat can damage cold-weather items. Florida’s year-round humidity may affect vehicles not designed for such conditions. Insurance rates often decrease when moving from Illinois to Florida, but hurricane coverage becomes important. Contact your insurer before car shipping to understand coverage changes and potential savings in your new Miami location [Insurance Information Institute].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Chicago, Illinois to Miami, Florida 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.

Getting your car ready for the Chicago to Miami 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 1,200+ mile journey.

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

Make sure your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full – enough for loading and unloading, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Remove or secure any loose exterior items like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that could get damaged on the highway.

Have a spare key ready for the driver, and ensure your car is in good working condition with proper tire pressure. If you have toll passes like I-PASS or SunPass, remove them to avoid unwanted charges.

For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps will ensure a smooth transport from the Windy City to sunny Miami.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL. All Sakaem Logistics carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your Chicago to Miami shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is current and valid. This protects your vehicle for the entire 1,200+ mile journey.

What this means for you:

  • Your car is covered against damage during loading, transport, and unloading
  • Protection applies whether your vehicle is on an open or enclosed trailer
  • Coverage remains active from pickup in Chicago until delivery in Miami

We recommend taking photos of your vehicle before pickup and reviewing the insurance details on your transport contract. This ensures you have complete peace of mind for your Chicago to Miami car shipment.

For the Chicago to Miami route, we recommend booking your car shipping service at least 1-2 weeks in advance. This popular route has regular carrier traffic, but booking early gives you the best chance at competitive pricing and flexible pickup times.

Here’s why early booking helps:

  • Better rates: Carriers can plan efficient routes when they have advance notice
  • More pickup options: You’ll have flexibility in choosing convenient pickup dates
  • Route bundling: Your car can be grouped with other Chicago-area shipments heading south

If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months or winter snowbird migration to Florida), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. The Chicago to Miami corridor is busy year-round, but these periods see extra demand.

Need faster service? Rush bookings are possible but typically cost 20-30% more. Contact us to discuss expedited options for your timeline.

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.

The main difference between open and enclosed auto transport from Chicago to Miami comes down to protection level and cost:

Open Transport: Your car rides on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common option, costing 30-50% less than enclosed transport. It’s safe for most vehicles and offers faster pickup times since more carriers use open trailers.

Enclosed Transport: Your vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, dust, and debris. This premium service costs more but is worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.

For the Chicago to Miami route (about 1,280 miles), most customers choose open transport to save money. However, if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle or want maximum protection during the 7-10 day journey, enclosed transport gives you peace of mind.

At Sakaem Logistics, we help you pick the right option based on your car’s value and your budget. Get a free quote to compare both options for your Chicago to Miami car shipment.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL. This service brings maximum convenience to your car shipping experience.

Here’s how it works: When you book with Sakaem Logistics, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Chicago and delivery address in Miami. Our assigned carrier will come directly to these locations to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

However, we want to be upfront about potential limitations. Large car carriers can’t always access every street due to:

  • Low-hanging branches or power lines
  • Narrow residential streets
  • Weight restrictions in some neighborhoods
  • Apartment complexes with limited access

If your exact address isn’t accessible, don’t worry. Our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center, gas station, or open parking lot – usually within a few blocks of your location.

This door-to-door service is included in our Chicago to Miami shipping quotes at no extra charge. It saves you time and eliminates the need to drive to distant terminals, making your move from the Windy City to sunny Miami as smooth as possible.

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 Miami, FL may seem complex if you’re new to auto transport, but the process is straightforward when you understand the basics. The car shipping industry operates with two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics act as intermediaries who connect you with licensed carriers, while carriers are the companies that physically transport your vehicle on their trucks.

The auto transport process begins when you contact a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote on your Chicago, IL to Miami, FL shipment. Once you book your service, the broker searches their network to find a qualified carrier for your route. This is where working with an established broker becomes crucial – they ensure the carrier has proper insurance, good reviews, and a solid reputation. After securing a carrier, they will contact you to schedule pickup of your vehicle in Chicago.

Before the carrier arrives for pickup, you’ll need to prepare your car for transport. Remove all personal items from the vehicle, as carriers are not responsible for belongings left inside. Ensure your car has about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Most importantly, your vehicle must be in running condition and able to roll onto the transport trailer.

For high-end or luxury vehicles, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection during your Chicago, IL to Miami, FL journey. Once your car is loaded, the carrier will transport it to Miami, where you’ll complete the delivery process. Payment is typically made at pickup or delivery, depending on your agreement with the broker or carrier.