Car Shipping to and from Chicago

car shipping from chicago

Brantley Kendall

12 May 2025 4 weeks ago


Whether you’re heading to Chicago for a job relocation, moving out of the city for a fresh start, or buying a car from across the country, auto transport services can make the process easier and more efficient. Instead of managing a long-distance drive or arranging complicated logistics yourself, professional car shipping takes the pressure off. Here’s how you can prepare and what to consider when shipping a vehicle to or from Chicago.

Shipping Methods Available for Chicago Auto Transport

One of the first steps when planning a shipment is choosing how you want your vehicle to be transported. This decision usually comes down to budget, the value of the vehicle, and your protection preferences. You have two main options:

Open Car Shipping

This is the standard option most people choose. Your car will travel on a multi-vehicle open trailer—it’s the most affordable and widely available method. However, the vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during transport. For everyday cars and short to mid-range distances, open car shipping is a sensible and efficient choice.

Enclosed Car Shipping

If you’re transporting a high-end, luxury, classic, or specialty vehicle, enclosed shipping may be a better fit. Your car will be housed in a fully enclosed trailer, shielded from the elements and external risks. This method is more expensive, but the added protection can be worth the cost if your vehicle requires extra care.

How to Book Car Shipping to/from Chicago

Once you’ve chosen a transport type, the next step is securing a reliable service provider. You can either:

  • search for individual carriers, compare quotes, and check reviews
  • or, work with a logistics partner like Sakaem Logistics who does all of that for you.

If you choose to do it yourself, start by collecting quotes from several companies and analyzing the details—look for services that include door-to-door pickup and delivery. Then, dig into reviews, paying attention to reliability, condition of vehicles upon arrival, and punctuality.

Sakaem Logistics simplifies this process by working with a pre-vetted network of carriers across the country, including in Chicago. We analyze your needs and present the most cost-effective, secure options available—all with no hidden fees or vague delivery timelines.

Get a Free Instant Quote

What If I’m Dissatisfied with the Price?

Remember that shipping your car from Chicago or to Chicago will always be a bit more costly than if smaller towns are considered—the carrier has to account for traffic and uneconomical driving in the urban area. If you’re still dissatisfied with the prices, it might be that you:

  • booked car shipping during a demand peak, for instance, vacation—it gets more expensive due to more people booking such services and fewer carriers available due to said bookings,
  • booked auto transport during winter or bad weather period—the weather conditions also affect the trailers transporting your cars, so if it’s really snowy, there are strong winds or any other unpleasant weather conditions, you’re likely to pay more,
  • you own a car that is expensive to transport—every quote requires you to provide the year of manufacture, make, and model of your car, since its dimensions and weight might also impact the final price.

Take all of the above into account, as sometimes a small change (e.g., selecting a different date), might help you reduce the final price.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Once you’ve chosen your carrier and secured the deal, you need to prepare your car for the pick-up. To do so, you should:

  • Clean the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
  • Remove all personal belongings and custom accessories.
  • Check fluid levels and tire pressure.
  • Disable alarms.
  • Leave about ¼ tank of fuel.
  • Take date-stamped photos of your vehicle from multiple angles.

Opt for Professional Auto Transport to/from Chicago with Sakaem Logistics

At Sakaem Logistics, we are dedicated to finding the finest, most cost-effective, and reliable carriers for our customers. Don’t bother driving your car for days (which also increases the risk of it being damaged, not to mention the wear and tear); instead, trust us to find a trustworthy carrier who will take care of your car and let you embrace convenience. Sleep soundly knowing that your vehicle is in good hands—contact us now!


Brantley Kendall