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Car shipping from Phoenix, Arizona to Chicago, Illinois

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.
The SAKAEM Price Match

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 Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
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 Chicago?
9 Car Transport FAQs
PHOENIX TO CHICAGO

Auto Transport from Phoenix to Chicago

Planning to move your vehicle from the desert Southwest to the Windy City? Car shipping from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL doesn’t have to break the bank or cause headaches. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timing, and insider tips for this popular 1,400-mile route. Get ready to discover how to ship your car smartly and affordably.

Average Distance, Time
and Cost

AVG DISTANCE
1,753 mi
AVG TRANSIT TIME
2-6 days
AVG COST
$1075 – $1325
REAL-TIME PRICING DATA

Recent Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL Shipments

Actual car shipping prices from the last 30 days for routes between Phoenix, AZ and Chicago, IL. 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
Phoenix, AZ River Forest, IL 1025 Open SUV
Scottsdale, AZ Chicago, IL 1000 Open SUV
Anthem, AZ Chicago, IL 1000 Open SUV
Phoenix, AZ Chicago, IL 1025 Open SUV
Phoenix, AZ Chicago, IL 925 Open SUV
Chandler, AZ Dyer, IN 1150 Open SUV
Tempe, AZ Lake Barrington, IL 875 Open SUV
Scottsdale, AZ Chicago, IL 950 Open SUV
Phoenix, AZ Lemont, IL 1150 Open SUV
Phoenix, AZ Downers Grove, IL 900 Open Car
PHOENIX, AZ TO CHICAGO, IL CAR SHIPPING

Key Takeaways From This Article

TESTIMONIALS

What SAKAEM’s Customers are Saying

Google logo
Sakaem Logistics transported my son’s Acura from Los Angeles, CA to Waco, Texas in 5 days. Tim, who drove the transport was professional and courteous and kept communications prior to pickup and close to delivery time. Everything went smoothly with no issues. Price was competitive with other firms. I will use Sakaem again and highly recommend them for your transport needs.
Joon Lee
Aug 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
Google logo
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
WHY CHOOSE SAKAEM?

Let us handle shipping your car from Phoenix to Chicago

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 Phoenix, Arizona to Chicago, Illinois Shipping Prices

Distance

The Phoenix to Chicago route covers roughly 1,750 miles, making it a long-haul shipment. This distance puts your transport in the higher cost range compared to shorter regional moves. However, this popular cross-country corridor often has good carrier availability, which can help keep prices competitive.

Season

Winter months (November-February) typically offer the best rates for Phoenix to Chicago shipping, as fewer people relocate during cold weather. Summer and early fall see higher prices due to increased demand. Spring can be unpredictable as college students and families start moving.

Route

You’re in luck with this route. The Phoenix-Chicago corridor follows major interstates (I-17, I-40, I-44, I-55) that carriers love. These well-traveled highways mean lower costs compared to remote destinations. Carriers regularly run this path, so you’ll get better pricing than someone shipping to a small town.

Vehicle Type

Standard sedans and small SUVs ship most affordably on this route. Large trucks, lifted vehicles, or oversized SUVs cost more due to weight restrictions and loading challenges. If you’re shipping a pickup truck, expect to pay 10-20% more than a regular car.

Traffic Considerations

Avoid shipping during major travel periods like Thanksgiving week, Christmas, or spring break when highways get congested. These busy times slow down carriers and increase costs. Plan your shipment for off-peak weeks when possible.

Carrier Availability

This popular route usually has good carrier availability year-round. During peak summer months, book 2-3 weeks ahead. In winter, you might find carriers within a week. The steady traffic between these major cities works in your favor.

Population Density

Both Phoenix and Chicago are major metropolitan areas with good highway access. However, consider having your car delivered to a suburb rather than downtown Chicago to save money. Areas like Schaumburg or Naperville offer easier pickup and lower delivery fees.

TIPS & TRICKS

Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping

1

Off Season Savings

Ship during off-peak months to save money on Phoenix to Chicago routes. Avoid snowbird season when rates spike as retirees move vehicles between states.

2

Flexible pickup & delivery

Meet carriers near major highways instead of residential streets. Truck-friendly locations with easy access and parking reduce driver hassle and lower your shipping costs significantly.

3

Hub city advantages

Choose pickup spots near Phoenix’s I-10 and I-17 intersections, plus delivery near Chicago’s highway network. More highway access means more carrier options and better rates.

4

Weather considerations

Avoid shipping during Chicago’s harsh winters or Phoenix’s extreme summer heat. Weather delays increase costs and risk damage to your vehicle during transport.

5

Booking in advance

Book your Phoenix-Chicago car shipment weeks ahead for better rates. Last-minute bookings limit carrier availability and force you to pay premium emergency pricing.

6

Open carrier transport

Open trailers cost less than enclosed ones for Phoenix-Chicago shipping. Reserve enclosed transport only for luxury vehicles needing weather protection during the 1,400-mile journey.

7

Flexible dates

Offer five-day pickup and delivery windows instead of exact dates. Flexible scheduling helps carriers optimize routes and passes savings directly to you.

8

Compare quotes

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

Moving Insights

Things to Know About Moving from Phoenix to Chicago

Professional auto transport service for city-to-city moves

When planning car shipping from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL, understanding state-specific vehicle regulations is crucial for a smooth transition. Illinois requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, which involves obtaining an Illinois title, registration, and license plates [Illinois Secretary of State]. Arizona vehicles moving to Illinois must pass emissions testing in certain counties, including Cook County where Chicago is located, unlike Arizona’s more lenient emissions requirements [EPA].

Vehicle modification laws differ significantly between states. Illinois allows window tinting up to 50% on front side windows, while Arizona permits 33%, so your current tint may need adjustment [IIHS]. Before your auto transport arrives in Chicago, consider winter preparations your Phoenix vehicle likely lacks. Winter tires, engine block heaters, and battery warmers become essential for harsh Illinois winters that Phoenix residents rarely experience.

Insurance considerations also vary when relocating from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL. Illinois requires higher minimum liability coverage than Arizona – $25,000 per person versus Arizona’s $15,000 [Insurance Information Institute]. Additionally, comprehensive coverage becomes more valuable in Chicago due to weather-related risks like hail and ice damage. Contact your insurance provider before your vehicle arrives to ensure proper coverage and avoid gaps in protection during your move.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Phoenix, Arizona to Chicago, Illinois 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 car for the Phoenix to Chicago route is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your vehicle – carriers aren’t responsible for items left behind, and they add extra weight.

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 any loose parts like spoilers, bike racks, or toll transponders.

Have a spare key ready for the driver – you’ll get it back at delivery. Also, disable your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.

For more detailed guidance, check our complete Vehicle Shipping Tips guide. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup in Phoenix and safe delivery to Chicago.

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

Before your Phoenix to Chicago shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. This protects your vehicle against damage during loading, transport, and delivery.

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

Our insurance requirements exceed industry minimums because we believe Phoenix to Chicago customers deserve peace of mind during their 1,400-mile journey.

Book your Phoenix to Chicago car shipping at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to find other vehicles heading from Arizona to Illinois, which helps keep your costs down.

Phoenix is a major shipping hub, so you have good options. But Chicago routes fill up fast, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and early fall). Booking early means:

  • Better carrier selection
  • Lower prices through route bundling
  • More flexible pickup dates
  • Less stress during your move

Need to ship last-minute? We can still help, but expect to pay 20-30% more for expedited service. The key is giving carriers time to plan efficient routes that benefit everyone.

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 Phoenix to Chicago. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions. This method costs significantly less and works great for everyday vehicles.

Enclosed transport provides premium protection by housing your car inside a covered trailer. This option costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust – especially important on the 1,400+ mile journey from Arizona’s desert to Illinois.

Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money while still getting reliable service.

Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint work that needs extra protection during the long haul to Chicago.

Most customers shipping from Phoenix to Chicago choose open transport and arrive happy with their decision. At Sakaem Logistics, we’ll help you pick the right option based on your car’s value and your budget.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL. This service brings maximum convenience to your vehicle shipping experience.

When you book with Sakaem Logistics, we’ll ask for your exact pickup address in Phoenix and delivery address in Chicago. Our assigned carrier will do their best to collect and deliver your vehicle right at these locations.

However, some situations may require small adjustments. If your street has low bridges, narrow roads, or parking restrictions, the driver will contact you to arrange a nearby meeting spot. This could be a local gas station, shopping center, or open parking area within a few miles of your address.

Our Phoenix to Chicago route is well-traveled, making door-to-door service highly reliable on this popular shipping lane. Most customers receive true door-to-door service without any location changes needed.

Ready to ship your car from Phoenix to Chicago? Get your free quote today and experience the convenience that has made us a trusted alternative to the big shipping brokers since 2012.

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 Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL may seem complex at first, but understanding the process makes it straightforward. The auto transport industry operates with two main types of companies: brokers and carriers. Brokers like Sakaem Logistics connect customers with carriers, while carriers are the companies that physically transport your vehicle on their trucks. This system helps ensure you get reliable service and competitive options for your car shipping needs.

The car shipping process begins when you call a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics for a quote. Once you agree to the terms, the broker finds a qualified carrier with proper insurance and good reviews to handle your Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL transport. The carrier then schedules a pickup time and location convenient for you. After loading your vehicle, the carrier transports it along the 1,753-mile route, which typically takes 2-6 days. Upon arrival in Chicago, the carrier delivers your car to your specified location. Payment is usually made at either pickup or delivery, depending on the arrangement.

Before your car shipping pickup, prepare your vehicle properly. Remove all personal items from inside the car, as carriers are not responsible for belongings left behind. Ensure your car can roll freely, even if it doesn’t run perfectly. Keep about a quarter tank of gas – enough for loading and unloading but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. For high-end or classic vehicles, consider enclosed trailer transport for maximum protection during your Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL auto transport. This extra protection shields your car from weather and road debris throughout the journey.