Car Shipping in Illinois: 2025 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.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Illinois is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth, damage‑free move.

• Clean the car inside and out. A quick wash helps you spot existing scratches or dents and makes the inspection easier.
• Document the condition. Take photos of all angles and note any pre‑existing damage.
• Remove personal items. Take out all loose objects, toll passes, GPS units, and any accessories that could shift or break.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, tires are properly inflated, and the battery is charged.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. This prevents the carrier from being locked out.
• Provide a working key. The driver will need it to load and unload the vehicle.
• Secure or remove exterior accessories. Fold in side mirrors, detach roof racks, spoilers, or bike racks unless the carrier can handle them.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle through Sakaem Logistics in Illinois, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify the carrier’s policy before the load leaves the terminal and keep a copy on file for the entire trip. If the carrier’s insurance lapses, we will not dispatch the truck until a valid policy is in place.

You also have the option to purchase additional coverage if you want protection beyond the standard limits.

Schedule early. We recommend booking your pickup at least 14 days in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan routes, bundle your vehicle with nearby shipments, and secure the best price. During peak moving seasons—summer and holidays—consider booking 3–4 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute limits options and can raise costs.

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 auto transport is the most common method. Your vehicle rides on a standard multi‑car trailer with the top exposed. This option is ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that are not overly valuable or delicate. It offers quick scheduling, wide carrier coverage across Illinois, and lower rates because the trailer can carry more vehicles at once.

Enclosed auto transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields the vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust. The trailer typically holds one to three cars, so the price is higher—often 40‑60% more than open transport. This service is best for classic cars, luxury models, custom‑paint jobs, or any vehicle you want extra protection for.

Key differences:

• Protection: Open = exposed to rain, sun, stones; Enclosed = fully protected.
• Cost: Open = lowest price; Enclosed = 40‑60% higher.
• Availability: Open carriers are plentiful across Illinois; Enclosed carriers are fewer, so scheduling may take longer.
• Speed: Open shipments often move faster because trucks carry more cars per trip.
• Insurance: Both options include basic carrier liability, but many owners add extra coverage for high‑value cars, especially when using open transport.

Choosing the right method depends on your vehicle’s value, how much you want to protect it, and your budget. If your car is a daily driver or a modest‑priced SUV, open transport usually provides the best value. If you own a classic, a sports car, or a vehicle with a custom finish, the extra cost of enclosed transport can give you peace of mind during the journey across Illinois or beyond.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics provides door-to-door auto transport throughout Illinois. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will travel to those locations, load your vehicle, and deliver it to the address you specify on the drop‑off side. If a street is inaccessible, a truck‑restricted zone, or the site poses safety concerns, the driver will contact you to arrange a nearby alternative such as a well‑lit parking lot or gas station. The service works for both inbound and outbound shipments, and we keep you updated at each step.

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!