Illinois to Arizona
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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ILLINOIS TO ARIZONA
Shipping from Illinois to Arizona
Planning to move your vehicle from the Prairie State to the Grand Canyon State? Illinois to Arizona car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With over 1,200 miles between major cities like Chicago and Phoenix, professional auto transport is your smartest option. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely in Arizona.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
IL
Illinois
AZ
Arizona
Popular Routes from Illinois to Arizona
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Illinois to Arizona
Shipping a car from Illinois to Arizona costs $950-$1375 and takes 2-6 days to travel the 1,665-mile distance via major highways like I-40.
Our Illinois & Arizona Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings, and no hidden fees for Illinois to Arizona shipments.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Illinois-Arizona shipping, with longer routes requiring more fuel and driver time than shorter regional moves.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book during off-peak seasons like spring or summer and choose flexible pickup dates to save up to 15% on your shipping costs.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, cleaning it thoroughly, and documenting existing damage before the carrier arrives for pickup.
State Insights
Arizona requires vehicle registration within 15 days of residency and has different emissions testing requirements than Illinois in certain counties.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Illinois to Arizona
Factors that Affect Illinois to Arizona Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,200+ mile journey from Illinois to Arizona significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter regional moves.
Route
The Illinois-Arizona corridor benefits from major interstate highways like I-40 and I-44, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have better carrier availability compared to remote desert areas requiring special detours.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as snowbirds migrate to Arizona’s warm climate. Summer brings lower rates but extreme heat concerns. Spring and fall offer moderate pricing for Illinois-Arizona car shipping.
Vehicle Type
Large trucks and SUVs cost more to ship from Illinois to Arizona due to weight restrictions and trailer space. Compact cars ship cheaper, while oversized vehicles may require special equipment.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving create heavy traffic on Illinois-Arizona routes. Carriers face delays and higher fuel costs during peak travel times, which increases your shipping rates significantly during these windows.
Carrier Availability
Winter snowbird season creates high demand for Illinois-Arizona carriers, potentially causing delays. Off-season shipping in late spring or early fall typically offers faster pickup times and better availability.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers work well for the Illinois-Arizona route and cost less. Enclosed transport protects luxury vehicles from desert dust and weather but increases costs by 40-60% for this long-distance journey.
Population Density
Chicago pickups cost more due to traffic and parking challenges. Rural Illinois locations may have limited carrier access. Phoenix and Tucson offer good delivery options compared to remote Arizona desert communities.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak snowbird season (October-December) when thousands migrate to Arizona. Ship your car during slower months like spring or summer to secure lower rates and faster pickup times.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows of 3-5 days instead of exact dates. This gives carriers more scheduling options, reducing your shipping costs by up to 15% on average.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near Chicago or delivery spots near Phoenix for better rates. Major highway access means more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed transport only for luxury, classic, or high-value cars needing extra weather and road debris protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Illinois to Arizona Work?
Car shipping from Illinois to Arizona covers approximately 1,665 miles and typically takes 2-6 days to complete. This popular auto transport route connects the Midwest to the Southwest, making it a well-traveled corridor for car carriers. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport, providing details about your vehicle, pickup location in Illinois, and delivery destination in Arizona.
Illinois to Arizona car shipping involves several key steps. First, you’ll schedule your pickup date and prepare your vehicle by removing personal items and documenting its condition. Our carrier will then load your car onto a transport truck, typically an open-air trailer that can carry multiple vehicles safely. Throughout the journey, you can track your shipment’s progress as it travels through states like Missouri, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Weather considerations play an important role in this interstate route. Winter conditions in Illinois can cause slight delays, while Arizona’s desert climate requires carriers to plan for extreme temperatures. The route generally follows major highways like I-55, I-44, and I-40, ensuring reliable transportation infrastructure. Most shipments cost between $950-$1375, depending on your vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand.
Upon arrival in Arizona, you’ll inspect your vehicle with the driver and sign the delivery receipt. The entire auto transport process is designed for convenience, allowing you to avoid the long drive while ensuring your car arrives safely. Sherpa Auto Transport handles all logistics, from coordinating with experienced carriers to providing insurance coverage throughout your Illinois to Arizona car shipping journey.
Illinois to Arizona Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Illinois to Arizona car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Arizona requires new residents to register their vehicles within 15 days of establishing residency, compared to Illinois’ 30-day window. You’ll need your current registration, title, insurance proof, and emission test results for most Arizona counties.
Arizona’s vehicle laws differ significantly from Illinois regulations. The state requires emissions testing in Maricopa and Pima counties for vehicles newer than 1967, while Illinois only tests certain Chicago-area counties. Arizona allows darker window tinting (35% front windows, any darkness for rear) compared to Illinois’ stricter requirements. Additionally, Arizona has specific regulations for lifted vehicles, requiring headlights to be no higher than 54 inches from the ground.
Preparing your vehicle for Arizona’s climate is crucial during auto transport planning. Remove winter tires and equipment like ice scrapers, as Arizona’s desert conditions require different preparations. Consider scheduling air conditioning maintenance before car shipping, since Arizona’s extreme heat can stress cooling systems. Your vehicle’s battery and coolant system should also be inspected, as desert temperatures can cause premature failure of these components.
Insurance considerations vary between states, with Arizona requiring minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Illinois requires $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 respectively. Arizona also requires uninsured motorist coverage, which isn’t mandatory in Illinois. Contact your insurance provider before auto transport to ensure continuous coverage and understand rate changes. Many insurers offer discounts for Arizona residents due to reduced weather-related claims compared to Illinois’ harsh winters, potentially lowering your premiums after the move.
Illinois to Arizona Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Illinois to Arizona is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and fragile items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property left in your car.
Clean your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection process.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and other fluids. Make sure your battery is charged so the carrier can move your vehicle.
Remove or secure accessories: Take off loose parts like spoilers, bike racks, or custom mirrors that could get damaged. Fold in side mirrors and retract antennas.
Have keys ready: Provide one working key to the driver. Keep a spare for yourself.
Document existing damage: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup. This protects you if any issues arise.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth transport experience from Illinois to Arizona.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Illinois to Arizona. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before we assign your shipment, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to list Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.
This means your car is covered from pickup in Illinois all the way to delivery in Arizona. You can ship with confidence knowing your vehicle is protected throughout the entire journey.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Illinois to Arizona at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and flexible pickup dates.
Here’s why early booking matters:
- Better pricing: Carriers can group your vehicle with other shipments heading to Arizona
- More pickup options: You’ll have flexibility to choose dates that work for your schedule
- Peak season planning: Summer and winter months see higher demand for Illinois to Arizona routes
Need faster service? We can often arrange pickup within 3-7 days, though this may cost more and offer fewer scheduling options.
The key is to book as soon as you know your moving dates. This ensures smooth transport and helps avoid last-minute stress.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. 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 cost-effective option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s exposed to weather and road debris, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars. About 90% of vehicles are shipped this way.
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides complete protection inside a covered trailer. Your car is shielded from weather, dust, and road debris during the 1,200+ mile journey from Illinois to Arizona.
Choose enclosed transport if:
- You own a luxury, classic, or exotic car
- Your vehicle has custom paint or modifications
- You want maximum protection for any high-value vehicle
Choose open transport if:
- You’re shipping a standard daily driver
- Cost is your main concern
- Your car doesn’t require special protection
Both options are fully insured and reliable. For detailed comparisons and pricing, check our complete open vs enclosed transport guide.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service for all shipments from Illinois to Arizona. This means we pick up your car right from your home or office and deliver it directly to your new address.
Here’s how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Illinois and your delivery address in Arizona. Our carrier will come to these exact locations to handle your vehicle.
In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain streets due to low bridges, narrow roads, or tight turns. If this happens, our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. This ensures your car stays protected throughout the shipping process.
Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to drive to a terminal or arrange extra transportation. It’s especially helpful when moving from Illinois to Arizona since you’re dealing with a long-distance relocation.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!