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 long journey from Chicago to San Francisco is key to a smooth shipping experience. Start by removing all personal items from inside your vehicle – carriers aren’t insured for personal belongings, and extra weight can increase costs.

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 proof of its condition.

Make sure your car is in good working order. Check that the battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and there’s no more than a quarter tank of gas. Remove or secure loose parts like spoilers, bike racks, or toll transponders.

Have a spare key ready for the driver, and ensure your car can start, steer, and brake normally. If your vehicle has any mechanical issues, let us know upfront – it may need special handling.

For complete preparation details, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps protects your investment and ensures your car arrives safely in San Francisco.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before we assign your Chicago to San Francisco shipment, we verify that:

• The carrier’s insurance is active and valid
• Coverage remains in effect for your entire cross-country journey
• All policies meet federal DOT requirements

This insurance protects your vehicle from damage during loading, transport, and unloading. You’ll receive the carrier’s insurance details before pickup, giving you peace of mind for the 2,100-mile trip across the country.

Pro tip: Take photos of your car before pickup in Chicago. This helps document your vehicle’s condition and speeds up any potential claims process.

For car shipping from Chicago to San Francisco, we recommend booking your pickup service at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and reliable carriers.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle your car with other shipments
• More carrier options: Popular routes like Chicago to San Francisco fill up quickly
• Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options to choose from

If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months, holidays, or college breaks), consider booking 4-6 weeks ahead. These times see higher demand for car shipping services.

Need to ship last-minute? Don’t worry – we can often arrange pickup within 3-7 days, though rates may be higher and carrier options more limited.

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 San Francisco, 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 30-50% less than enclosed transport. Open carriers handle 90% of all car shipments safely and are perfect for everyday vehicles.

Enclosed Auto Transport: Your car rides inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service costs more but is worth it for:

• Classic or vintage cars
• Luxury vehicles over $75,000
• Custom paint jobs or modifications
• Convertibles or low-clearance sports cars

For the Chicago to San Francisco route (roughly 2,100 miles), expect 7-10 days delivery time for both options. Open transport typically costs $1,200-$1,600, while enclosed runs $1,800-$2,400.

Most customers choose open transport for reliable, budget-friendly shipping. Consider enclosed only if your vehicle’s value or condition requires extra protection during the cross-country journey.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle right from your home, office, or preferred location in Chicago and deliver it directly to your specified address in San Francisco.

When you book with us, simply provide your pickup address in Chicago and delivery address in San Francisco. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule both pickup and delivery at times that work for your schedule.

Important to know: In rare cases where large transport trucks cannot safely access your exact address due to narrow streets, low bridges, or neighborhood restrictions, our carrier will work with you to find a nearby safe location like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your vehicle stays protected throughout the entire Chicago to San Francisco journey.

Our door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to terminals, making your cross-country move from Chicago to San Francisco 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!