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Chicago Car Shipping: Door-to-Door Auto Transport

Updated October 2026

Ship a car to or from Chicago, IL — get an instant car shipping quote with your price on screen in seconds.

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Instant Chicago Car Shipping Quote

Calculate your Chicago car shipping rate

  1. 1Route & Date
  2. 2Vehicle
  3. 3Shipper
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Updated October 2026
Why RoadRunner

Top-Rated Chicago Car Shipping Experts

When you need to ship a car to or from Chicago, count on an auto transport company that gets cars where they need to be safely and on time. RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in delivering cars cross country, with door-to-door vehicle transport anywhere in Chicago, IL. Our transport coordinators handle every step, from pricing and carrier assignment to dispatch and delivery.

Whether you need a car transported in or out of the city, RoadRunner sets you up with convenient Chicago auto shipping at a fair price, with enclosed transport available for added protection. Call (888) 777-2123 or use our car shipping calculator to get an instant quote.

Every carrier in the network is vetted before it hauls for RoadRunner and carries its own cargo insurance, and the coordinator who prices your Chicago move stays your point of contact until the car is delivered. Quotes are built from what carriers are charging to run the Illinois lanes right now, not from a national average.

Whether the car is a daily driver, a classic headed for storage, or a student's first car going to campus, the same coordinator handles open and enclosed bookings, expedited pickups, and vehicles that do not run under their own power.

The result is a 4.7-star average across more than 39,000 verified customer reviews, and one phone number, (888) 777-2123, for the quote, the booking and the day of pickup.

car shipping Chicago
Why choose RoadRunner for Chicago?
Transparent, Flat-Rate Pricing
No hidden fees. Your quote is priced for your exact shipment from live carrier data.
Door-to-door in Chicago
Any residential or business address in Chicago or Downtown & the Loop and North Side; the exact spot is agreed with the driver.
Illinois carrier availability: 5/5
RoadRunner's carrier-availability rating for Illinois pickups and deliveries.
30,000+
Carrier network
Vetted open and enclosed carriers
$0
Upfront deposit
Nothing to pay until a carrier is confirmed
1.5M+
Vehicles delivered
Door to door, coast to coast

The Fastest & Easiest Chicago Car Shipping Company

See how RoadRunner moves vehicles to and from Chicago: instant pricing, door-to-door pickup, and real-time tracking the whole way.

  • Door-to-door pickup across the Chicago area
  • Open and enclosed carriers on every lane
  • Track your shipment in real time
Get My Instant Quote

What Illinois customers say about shipping with RoadRunner

"Great experience at every stage—from scheduling the shipment to final delivery. The customer service was friendly, professional, and responsive, and the entire process felt seamless."

"Amazing value for the money. I’ve used RoadRunner twice now—first to move my vehicle from Tennessee to Chicago, and most recently to transport it to San Diego. Even with severe weather, including a snowstorm and freezing rain, delivery was only delayed by one day."

"I explored several car shipping companies, but most of them lacked a clear system for tracking shipments. However, RoadRunner offered a reliable tracking system, which gave me peace of mind. I was very satisfied with their service—they delivered the car from Maryland to Chicago in just two days."

"The driver from Roolis Transport Inc. (Sub contractor to RoadRunner Auto Transport) provided above and beyond professional service. He communicated his timeline for pickup and estimated delivery date."

About Chicago car shipping

Reliable car shipping to and from Chicago, Illinois

Shipping a car to or from Chicago, IL is easy due to its central location in the United States and its numerous highways and interstates. As a major transportation hub, Chicago provides easy access to several major cities and regions, making it an ideal location for shipping vehicles. The city is home to the second busiest airport in the world and has an extensive rail system, further facilitating transportation. Additionally, Chicago has multiple ports along Lake Michigan, providing additional shipping options for customers. The city's proximity to major auto manufacturers and dealerships also makes it a common destination for vehicle shipments. Furthermore, Chicago's well-established infrastructure and experienced service providers, such as RoadRunner Auto Transport, make car shipping to and from the city a hassle-free experience.

Questions about a Chicago pickup? Call (888) 777-2123.

2,608,425
Population (2023 est.)
227 sq mi
Land area
11,472/sq mi
Population density
-3.2%
Growth since 2010
Source: U.S. Census Bureau population estimates (2023).
Chicago Pricing
Data updated: October 2026

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to or from Chicago?

As of October 2026, the average cost to ship a car to or from Chicago, IL is about $772, with recent Chicago shipments running $250–$1,600 depending on the lane, vehicle, and season. Open auto transport is the standard choice; enclosed transport adds weather and debris protection for about 50% more.

What Sets Your Chicago Car Shipping Price

Distance sets the baseline: the average lane touching Chicago runs about 892 miles, and longer lanes cost more in total while costing less per mile. From there, vehicle size and weight, open versus enclosed carrier, the exact pickup and delivery addresses, fuel prices, and above all season and timing move the number. For the full breakdown, see our car shipping cost calculator.

Chicago Car Shipping Cost & Time to Ship Your Car: Lane Examples

RouteDistanceOpen TransportEnclosedTransit Time
Los Angeles, CAChicago, IL2,017 mi$825–$1,325$1,250–$1,9755–7 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILJacksonville, FL1,060 mi$550–$875$825–$1,3253–5 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILHouston, TX1,083 mi$575–$900$850–$1,3503–5 daysGet Quote
Jacksonville, FLChicago, IL1,062 mi$800–$1,275$1,200–$1,9003–5 daysGet Quote
Houston, TXChicago, IL1,095 mi$500–$800$750–$1,2003–5 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILPhoenix, AZ1,792 mi$675–$1,100$1,025–$1,6504–6 daysGet Quote
Phoenix, AZChicago, IL1,793 mi$850–$1,350$1,275–$2,0254–6 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILSeattle, WA2,064 mi$850–$1,350$1,275–$2,0255–7 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILAtlanta, GA713 mi$425–$700$650–$1,0502–4 daysGet Quote
Seattle, WAChicago, IL2,064 mi$825–$1,300$1,225–$1,9505–7 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILLas Vegas, NV1,748 mi$725–$1,150$1,075–$1,7254–6 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILDenver, CO1,001 mi$550–$900$850–$1,3503–5 daysGet Quote
Atlanta, GAChicago, IL714 mi$525–$850$775–$1,2502–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILNew York City, NY770 mi$475–$750$700–$1,1252–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILCharlotte, NC748 mi$475–$750$700–$1,1252–4 daysGet Quote
New York City, NYChicago, IL770 mi$550–$875$825–$1,3252–4 daysGet Quote
Las Vegas, NVChicago, IL1,748 mi$800–$1,300$1,225–$1,9254–6 daysGet Quote
Denver, COChicago, IL1,002 mi$475–$775$725–$1,1503–5 daysGet Quote
Detroit, MIChicago, IL280 mi$350–$600$550–$8751–3 daysGet Quote
Charlotte, NCChicago, IL748 mi$550–$875$825–$1,3252–4 daysGet Quote
Columbus, OHChicago, IL355 mi$425–$675$625–$1,0001–3 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILDetroit, MI280 mi$275–$475$425–$7001–3 daysGet Quote
Virginia Beach, VAChicago, IL896 mi$650–$1,025$975–$1,5502–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILSioux Falls, SD574 mi$475–$775$725–$1,1752–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILPortland, ME1,091 mi$650–$1,050$975–$1,5753–5 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILBaltimore, MD700 mi$450–$725$675–$1,0752–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILBoston, MA992 mi$500–$825$775–$1,2252–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILBirmingham, AL661 mi$475–$775$725–$1,1502–4 daysGet Quote
Chicago, ILMinneapolis, MN412 mi$400–$675$625–$1,0001–3 daysGet Quote

Every lane shown is a recent RoadRunner shipment with Chicago at one end (17 outbound, 13 inbound). Ranges reflect a standard sedan; SUVs and trucks typically add $100–$200. Enclosed figures are estimated at about 1.5× the open rate.

Pricing

What factors affect the cost to ship a car?

Several factors can affect your car shipping cost to or from Chicago, IL — the six below are the ones that move it most, and they pull in different directions at once: a longer lane costs more in total but less per mile, an enclosed carrier adds protection and price, and a pickup date with some give in it can cancel out a busy-season premium. The quote you get is for your exact vehicle, dates and addresses, and it covers pickup, transport and delivery with no fees added afterwards.

The lane prices above are recent RoadRunner shipments with Chicago, IL at one end. For a price on your exact vehicle transport, use the calculator or call (888) 777-2123.

Chicago car shipping factors
Our Chicago car shipping specialists can walk you through which factors matter most for your shipment. Calculate your Chicago car shipping cost
Door-to-door in Chicago

Door-to-Door Car Shipping in Chicago: Neighborhoods and ZIP Codes We Serve

Chicago is a grid with alleys, which is good news for a 75-foot carrier: most of the city and every suburb is ordinary door-to-door territory. The exceptions are Lake Shore Drive and the boulevards, where trucks are banned, the Loop's loading zones, and the narrow side streets of the North Side, where the handoff moves to the nearest arterial. Winter sets the rest of the schedule.

Downtown & the Loop

the Loop · River North · West Loop · South Loop · Streeterville · Gold Coast · Fulton Market

Loading zones and one-way streets: the driver plans a curb on a wide street west of the Loop or a lot off the Kennedy or the Dan Ryan.

North Side

Lincoln Park · Lakeview · Wicker Park · Logan Square · Bucktown · Uptown · Edgewater · Rogers Park

Narrow one-way side streets with permit parking: the handoff is on Ashland, Western, or another arterial a block or two away.

South Side

Hyde Park · Bronzeville · Bridgeport · Beverly · Chatham · Pullman · South Shore

Wider streets and the Dan Ryan close by; most addresses are direct curb pickups.

West Side

Pilsen · Little Village · Humboldt Park · Austin · Garfield Park · Near West Side

Off the Eisenhower and I-55: standard door-to-door territory.

North Shore & northwest suburbs

Evanston · Skokie · Wilmette · Glenview · Park Ridge · Des Plaines · Schaumburg · Arlington Heights

Suburban door-to-door; the O'Hare and Elk Grove Village industrial belt is where many carriers stage.

West suburbs

Oak Park · Cicero · Berwyn · Elmhurst · Naperville · Downers Grove · Aurora · Bolingbrook

I-88 and I-55: Bolingbrook and Bedford Park are the metro's biggest truck staging areas.

South suburbs

Oak Lawn · Orland Park · Tinley Park · Joliet · Matteson · Homewood

I-80 and I-57; the Manheim Chicago auction in Matteson loads car haulers every week.

Chicago ZIP codes we serve

Carriers pick up and deliver across 230 ZIP codes in the Chicago area, grouped here by postal district.

  • 600xxNorthwest suburbs (Arlington Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines)28 ZIPs
  • 601xxWest suburbs (Elmhurst, Lombard, Wheaton)35 ZIPs
  • 602xxEvanston & the North Shore7 ZIPs
  • 603xxOak Park & River Forest6 ZIPs
  • 604xxSouth & southwest suburbs (Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Joliet)43 ZIPs
  • 605xxNaperville & the far west suburbs19 ZIPs
  • 606xxChicago83 ZIPs
  • 607xxChicago5 ZIPs
  • 608xxChicago4 ZIPs
All 230 Chicago-area ZIP codes

600xx · Northwest suburbs (Arlington Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines): 60004, 60005, 60006, 60007, 60008, 60009, 60016, 60017, 60018, 60019, 60022, 60025, 60026, 60029, 60035, 60043, 60053, 60056, 60062, 60065, 60068, 60070, 60076, 60077, 60082, 60090, 60091, 60093

601xx · West suburbs (Elmhurst, Lombard, Wheaton): 60101, 60104, 60105, 60106, 60108, 60117, 60126, 60130, 60131, 60137, 60138, 60139, 60141, 60143, 60148, 60153, 60154, 60155, 60157, 60160, 60161, 60162, 60163, 60164, 60165, 60171, 60172, 60173, 60176, 60181, 60187, 60189, 60191, 60196, 60199

602xx · Evanston & the North Shore: 60201, 60202, 60203, 60204, 60208, 60209, 60290

603xx · Oak Park & River Forest: 60301, 60302, 60303, 60304, 60305, 60399

604xx · South & southwest suburbs (Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Joliet): 60402, 60406, 60409, 60411, 60412, 60415, 60419, 60422, 60425, 60426, 60428, 60429, 60430, 60438, 60439, 60440, 60443, 60445, 60452, 60453, 60454, 60455, 60456, 60457, 60458, 60459, 60461, 60462, 60463, 60464, 60465, 60467, 60469, 60472, 60473, 60476, 60477, 60478, 60480, 60482, 60487, 60491, 60499

605xx · Naperville & the far west suburbs: 60501, 60513, 60514, 60515, 60516, 60517, 60521, 60522, 60523, 60525, 60526, 60527, 60532, 60534, 60546, 60558, 60559, 60561, 60599

606xx · Chicago: 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, 60608, 60609, 60610, 60611, 60612, 60613, 60614, 60615, 60616, 60617, 60618, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60622, 60623, 60624, 60625, 60626, 60628, 60629, 60630, 60631, 60632, 60633, 60634, 60636, 60637, 60638, 60639, 60640, 60641, 60642, 60643, 60644, 60645, 60646, 60647, 60649, 60651, 60652, 60653, 60654, 60655, 60656, 60657, 60659, 60660, 60661, 60664, 60666, 60668, 60669, 60670, 60673, 60674, 60675, 60677, 60678, 60680, 60681, 60682, 60684, 60685, 60686, 60687, 60688, 60689, 60690, 60691, 60693, 60694, 60695, 60696, 60697, 60699

607xx · Chicago: 60701, 60706, 60707, 60712, 60714

608xx · Chicago: 60803, 60804, 60805, 60827

Local resources: City of Chicago
On-the-Ground Logistics

What Chicago Pickups Actually Look Like

Most handoffs are straightforward door-to-door pickups. These are the exceptions, and how the driver handles them.

Lake Shore Drive and the boulevards

Trucks are banned from Lake Shore Drive and the boulevard system, and the Loop runs on loading zones, so a 75-foot carrier comes in on the Kennedy, the Dan Ryan, or the Eisenhower and meets you on a wide street or a lot a few blocks from the address. The driver sets the spot with you on the day.

Side streets, alleys, and permit zones

The North Side's one-way side streets and permit-parking blocks have no room for a hauler to stop. The handoff is on the nearest arterial (Ashland, Western, Milwaukee) a block or two away; the South and West Sides' wider streets are usually direct curb pickups.

Winter rules

Chicago bans parking on 107 miles of arterials from December 1 to April 1 overnight and on snow routes whenever two inches fall, and lake-effect storms can hold a carrier a day. Winter pickups are planned around those bans; a flexible window in January and February keeps the price down.

Where the trucks stage

Six interstates meet here, and long-haul carriers stage where they cross: Bedford Park and Bolingbrook along I-55, the O'Hare and Elk Grove Village industrial belt, and Matteson on I-57 by the auction. Suburban pickups dispatch fast in every direction.

How it works

How does vehicle transport to and from Chicago work?

how does vehicle transport to and from Chicago work
  1. 1

    Get your car shipping quote

    Enter your pickup and delivery details and your Chicago vehicle transport price appears on screen in seconds. Choose open-carrier shipping, the most popular and cost-effective option, or an enclosed carrier for additional protection.

  2. 2

    Vehicle pickup

    Book online or with a transport coordinator and pick a date. On pickup day your vehicle is inspected, carefully loaded onto the carrier, and you can track the status of your shipment online at any time.

  3. 3

    Vehicle delivery

    On delivery day your vehicle is safely offloaded and a final inspection confirms it arrived in the same condition as when it was picked up.

Getting Ready

Before the carrier arrives in Chicago

Three things to handle between booking and pickup day. They take an hour in total and make both handoffs smooth.

1

Schedule in advance

Book 7–14 days ahead for the best rates, and 2–3 weeks during peak season, when carrier space is tightest.

2

Prep and empty the vehicle

Wash the car, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and remove personal items. Anything left inside is not protected against loss or damage in transit.

3

Inspect at pickup and delivery

Walk around the vehicle with the driver at both ends, photograph its condition, and note anything new on the Bill of Lading before signing.

Chicago Transit Times

From Booking to Delivery in Chicago: How Long It Takes

The clock starts at pickup, not at booking. Chicago lanes below show real transit bands; add 1–3 days of carrier dispatch up front, more in peak season.

Booking
You book your shipment
Carrier Pickup
Carrier picks up your vehicle
Delivery
Vehicle delivered to you
Dispatch window
Booking to Chicago pickup
1–3days
On the truck
Pickup to delivery
1–7days(by lane)
Door to door
The whole window
3–10days
Rule of thumb: a loaded carrier covers roughly 500 miles a day. The longest lane in the table, Seattle, WA to Chicago (~2,060 mi), runs 5–7 days on the truck.
When to book a Chicago pickup
7–14 days out

Book 7–14 days ahead and keep the pickup window flexible: that is where Chicago lanes price best.

Price My Chicago Shipment
Chicago pickups and deliveries

Shipping a car to Chicago

Inbound Chicago auto transport ends at your door in Chicago or in Downtown & the Loop, North Side, South Side. The carrier comes in with a delivery window set once the truck is a day out, and the driver checks the vehicle with you against the condition recorded at pickup before you sign for it.

If you are moving in, the quote is the same whether the car rides ahead of you or after you; Illinois registration comes afterwards, and the Illinois DMV links in the pickup section above cover that paperwork.

An SUV being driven down the ramps off an open carrier at delivery

Shipping a car from Chicago

Outbound, Chicago auto transport starts with one quote for the exact vehicle and dates. A transport coordinator assigns the carrier, confirms the pickup date, and from then on the driver is your contact for timing.

Open transport is the standard choice for a daily driver leaving Illinois; enclosed transport is there for a car that should arrive without weather or road debris on it. Either way the price you see is for your exact vehicle, not a class average.

An SUV being driven up the ramps onto an open carrier at the curb
The RoadRunner Advantage

The RoadRunner Advantage for Chicago Auto Transport

Top rated auto shipping

Top-Rated Auto Shipping

Thousands of verified 5-star reviews for vehicle shipping done right.

Door-to-door car shipping

Nationwide Door-to-Door Service

Direct service to and from any residential or business location in the US.

Licensed and bonded, every carrier verified

Licensed & Bonded, Every Carrier Verified

A licensed and bonded auto transport broker; every carrier in the network is verified and carries cargo insurance.

No up front deposit required

No Up-Front Deposit Required

You pay nothing until a carrier is confirmed and your pickup is scheduled.

Extended office hours

Extended Office Hours

Transport coordinators are available weekdays, 9 AM to 10 PM ET, and Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM ET.

Online shipment tracking

24/7 Online Shipment Tracking

Track the status of your shipment online anytime at your convenience.

Service Type

Open or Enclosed Transport for Chicago?

Open car transport is the standard choice for most shipments and the most economical way to ship a daily driver, SUV, or truck. Your car rides with 8–10 others on a multi-vehicle trailer, driven on via built-in ramps and secured to the deck for the trip — the same way dealers move new inventory. See open auto transport for details.

Enclosed car shipping earns its premium of roughly 50% when the vehicle itself calls for it: luxury, classic, and exotic cars, a vehicle fresh off the dealer lot with no road miles, or anything you would not want exposed to weather and road debris. If you're weighing the two, our guide to the difference between enclosed and open auto transport covers it in detail.

Expedited shipping is also available when the calendar is not negotiable: guaranteed pickup windows and direct driver routes that get your vehicle there faster. It is the option time-sensitive moves lean on, from military relocations to students starting a new semester.

Sports car being loaded into an enclosed auto transport trailerShipping something special?White-glove protection for high-value vehiclesFully enclosed trailers shield luxury, classic, and exotic cars from weather, road salt, and debris the whole way.Explore Enclosed Car Shipping
Tips

Tips for shipping a car to or from Chicago

1

Keep the pickup window flexible

A two- to three-day window lets the dispatcher place your car on the first carrier passing through; a fixed single day is the most expensive way to book.

2

Name a second contact for the handoff

Someone over 18 has to release and accept the vehicle, hand over the keys and sign the inspection reports. If you cannot be at the Chicago address yourself, name a person you trust at booking.

3

Say so if the car does not run

Inoperable vehicles ship on a carrier with a winch, for an additional fee and usually a slightly longer wait for the right truck. Mention it at quote time so the assignment is right the first time.

Chicago Car Shipping Guide

Car Shipping Services Chicago, IL

Whether you're moving to Chicago or need to transport your vehicle within the Chicagoland area, finding a reliable car shipping service is key. From enclosed transport for luxury vehicles to open carriers and door-to-door services, we'll help you navigate the process and make an informed decision when shipping your vehicle to or from Chicago.

Top Rated Chicago Car Shipping Experts

At RoadRunner Auto Transport, we provide direct service with the help of industry experienced shipping experts. With our years of experience in auto shipping, we understand the intricacies of transporting your vehicle safely and on time, whether within the city or across the country.

Our experts ensure seamless car transport right from picking up your car from the specified location to delivering it at the destination of your choice. Our service is marked by transparency, communication, and professionalism, which makes us the go-to choice for many when it comes to Chicago car shipping.

How does Chicago auto shipping work?

The car transport process is easy with our auto shipping experts. We pick up your vehicle from your home or any specified location and transport it safely to its destination.

Just book your shipment online, get a quote, and we'll do the rest!

Fine-Tuning Your Vehicle Shipping Experience by the Shores of Lake Michigan

Chicago, located by the beautiful Lake Michigan, is one of the major hubs for vehicle shipping because of its strategic business location. Carriers running from the East coast to the West coast often pass through the city. This positions us perfectly to cater to the vehicle shipping needs of the region.

We aim to take the stress off your shoulders and make the car transport process as smooth as possible. Join the scores of satisfied customers who turn to Roadrunner Auto for their Chicago car shipping needs. We look forward to serving you too!

Chicago Car Transportation Companies Near Me

When it comes to car shipping or vehicle transport in the Chicago area, no one beats RoadRunner Auto Transport. As America's trusted auto transport experts, we proudly provide service to customers in Chicago and the neighboring areas.

To get a car shipping quote with Roadrunner Auto or to initiate your shipment online, just visit our website and fill out the required information. If you have any questions, our experienced staff is always ready to assist you.

Types of Car Shipping Services in Chicago

Now, let's delve into the different types of vehicle shipping services offered in Chicago.

Open Car Transport

Open car transport is the most common and economical method of shipping a car. The vehicle is transported on a two-level carrier exposed to weather and road conditions. Nonetheless, it is considered safe and damage from the elements is rare.

Enclosed Car Transport

A more expensive alternative to open car transport is the enclosed car transport. As the name suggests, cars are shipped in enclosed carriers. This provides heightened protection from weather conditions and debris on the road and it's ideal for luxury, classic, or expensive cars.

Expedited Car Transport

Need your car transported quickly? Expedited car transport could be your best option. While this service comes at a premium, companies like Roadrunner Auto Transport can ensure your vehicle reaches its destination as quick as possible. Just keep in mind that carrier availability becomes even more valuable here.

How to Save on Car Shipping in Chicago

Chicago is a prime location for vehicle transport. If you're considering car transport and you're keen to get a cheap car shipping quote in Chicago, here are some strategies.

Tips for Chicago Car Shipping Services

First, book your shipment online. Chicago car shipping companies, like Roadrunner Auto Transport, provide direct service online where you can enter your information and receive a quote. This method provides transparency and allows you to assess the pricing structure thoroughly.

Next, consider off-peak seasons for shipping. Like many service industries, car shipping has peak and slow periods. Carrier availability is generally higher during slow periods, which directly influences the price. Planning your shipment during these times can help you save money.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Chicago Car Transportation

A crucial step in the car shipping process is the preparation of your vehicle. Proper preparation reduces the risk of damage, ensures smoother transportation, and can ultimately help save costs.

First, clean your car thoroughly. This step is important because it allows you to identify any pre-existing dents, scratches, and damages before shipping.

Next, remove personal items. It's recommended to remove all personal items from the car to reduce the risk of damage during transport.

Finally, check the car's tire pressure and battery. Your car may need to be driven on/off the transportation carrier, hence ensuring it’s in good working order enhances smooth transportation.

Preparing your vehicle for transportation can be an overwhelming task. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a shipping expert or read through available resources online for further assistance.

Saving on car shipping in Chicago involves careful preparation, considering off-peak times, and working with reliable vehicle transportation companies, like Roadrunner Auto Transport. But above all, thorough knowledge of the process, requirements, and the right questions to ask is the best way to make the best decision.

Receiving Your Vehicle in Chicago

After your car is shipped to Chicago by RoadRunner Auto Transport, you'll meet the driver at the address you provided for final delivery. Make sure to have your driver's license and paperwork handy. Then, simply sign the delivery receipt to complete the shipping process.

Verified Reviews
Genuine experience: I had my suv shipped from Atlanta to Chicago - 11 Hours - the guy was on time and picked up the car 40 minute earlier than the time they said. I filled out a quote online on the website - they called and confirmed the order and assigned a driver. They said it would take 2-3 days to be delivered HOWEVER he got the car on friday @8am and we had the car next day @ 4PM lol less than 24 hours.
Google review5 stars
Tj E.
Georgia to Illinois · October 2025
Verified on Google
4.7average rating across thousands of verified auto transport reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.


Almost anywhere: the grid and the alleys make most of the city and every suburb a direct curb or driveway pickup. Trucks are banned from Lake Shore Drive and the boulevards, and the Loop and the North Side's permit blocks have no room for a hauler, so there the driver meets you on the nearest wide street or a lot a block or two away. The exact spot is confirmed with you by phone before pickup.
Keep reading

Still have questions about shipping a car?

Visit some of our helpful pages to see how RoadRunner Auto Transport can simplify your vehicle transportation, or call (888) 777-2123 to talk it through.

Ship Your Car to or from Chicago

Your Chicago price and current carrier availability, on screen in seconds.

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