Illinois to Washington
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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ILLINOIS TO WASHINGTON
Shipping from Illinois to Washington
Planning to move your vehicle across the country? Car shipping from Illinois to Washington doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, choosing the right auto transport company makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Illinois to Washington car shipping, including costs, timelines, and expert tips to ensure a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
IL
Illinois
WA
Washington
Popular Routes from Illinois to Washington
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Illinois to Washington
Car shipping from Illinois to Washington costs $1,125-$1,600 and takes 3-7 days to travel the 2,076-mile distance across multiple states.
Our Illinois & Washington Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and A+ BBB rating for reliable service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Illinois to Washington shipping, with the 2,000+ mile journey requiring more fuel, driver time, and carrier resources than shorter routes.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your shipment 2-3 weeks in advance and choose flexible pickup dates to secure the best rates and avoid peak season pricing.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle inspection and documentation at pickup is the most critical step, as this protects you by recording your car’s condition before the cross-country journey begins.
State Insights
Washington requires vehicle registration within 30 days and has stricter emissions testing and window tinting laws compared to Illinois regulations.
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 Washington
Factors that Affect Illinois to Washington Shipping Prices
Distance
The 2,000+ mile journey from Illinois to Washington significantly impacts shipping costs. This cross-country distance requires more fuel, driver time, and carrier resources, making it pricier than shorter regional routes.
Route
Illinois to Washington follows major interstate highways like I-90 and I-94, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have better carrier availability compared to remote mountain or rural Washington destinations.
Season
Summer months see higher demand for Illinois-Washington shipping due to relocations and vacations. Winter weather can complicate mountain passes, while spring and fall typically offer better rates.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks from Illinois to Washington. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and limit carrier options.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like Thanksgiving week or summer holidays. Heavy traffic through Chicago or Seattle areas can delay transport and increase costs significantly.
Carrier Availability
Summer relocation season creates carrier shortages on the Illinois-Washington route, requiring 2-3 week waits. Off-season shipping typically secures carriers within days at lower prices.
Open vs Enclosed
Open transport costs significantly less for Illinois-Washington shipping and works well for most vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars needing weather protection across multiple climate zones.
Population Density
Chicago pickups cost more than suburban Illinois locations due to traffic and parking restrictions. Similarly, Seattle deliveries are pricier than smaller Washington cities with easier truck access.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can result in significant cost savings.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to reduce costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, which translates to lower rates for you.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Illinois and Washington. Cities with highway access offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday vehicles ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Illinois to Washington Work?
Car shipping from Illinois to Washington covers approximately 2,076 miles across multiple states, making it a popular long-distance auto transport route. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport for your Illinois to Washington car shipping needs. Our team will gather details about your vehicle, pickup location, delivery destination, and preferred transport dates to provide accurate pricing.
This interstate route presents unique considerations due to the distance and terrain involved. Weather conditions can vary significantly between the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, especially during winter months when mountain passes may affect delivery schedules. Our experienced drivers are familiar with these challenges and plan accordingly to ensure safe transport of your vehicle.
The auto transport process involves several key steps. First, we schedule pickup at your Illinois location and conduct a thorough vehicle inspection. Your car is then loaded onto our carrier truck and secured for the cross-country journey. Throughout transit, you can track your shipment’s progress as it travels through states like Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho before reaching Washington.
The typical timeline for Illinois to Washington car shipping ranges from 3-7 days, depending on specific pickup and delivery locations, weather conditions, and carrier schedules. Rural areas may require additional time compared to major cities like Chicago or Seattle. Pricing for this route generally falls between $1,125-$1,600, with factors like vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand affecting the final cost. Our team provides transparent pricing and keeps you informed throughout the entire auto transport process.
Illinois to Washington Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Illinois to Washington car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Washington requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency, compared to Illinois’ similar timeframe. However, Washington’s registration fees are typically higher, and the state requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles during the registration process.
Vehicle regulations differ significantly between these states. Washington mandates annual emissions testing in certain counties, while Illinois requires biennial testing in specific areas. Window tinting laws are stricter in Washington, allowing only 24% light transmission for front side windows versus Illinois’ 35%. Washington also has unique requirements for studded tires, permitting their use from November 1st through March 31st, which Illinois doesn’t specifically regulate.
Preparing your vehicle for Washington’s climate is crucial when using auto transport services. The Pacific Northwest’s wet conditions require good tire tread and functioning windshield wipers. Consider winterizing your vehicle before car shipping, as Washington’s mountain passes can be challenging. Rain-X treatments and quality all-season tires are recommended investments for newcomers from Illinois’ different weather patterns.
Insurance considerations vary between states, affecting your car shipping decision. Washington follows a fault-based insurance system like Illinois, but minimum coverage requirements differ. Washington requires higher personal injury protection limits and uninsured motorist coverage. Contact your insurance provider before auto transport to ensure continuous coverage during the move. Some insurers offer better rates in Washington due to different risk factors, so shopping around after your Illinois to Washington car shipping is complete could save money on premiums.
Illinois to Washington Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Illinois to Washington is simple but important. First, remove all personal items from inside your car, including toll passes, GPS devices, and any fragile objects that could break during transport.
Clean your vehicle inside and out before pickup. This helps with the inspection process and makes it easier to spot any existing damage. Take photos of your car from all angles as documentation.
Make sure your car is in good working condition with enough fuel (about 1/4 tank) for loading and unloading. Remove or secure any loose exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could be damaged.
Have a spare key ready for the carrier driver. Keep important documents like registration and insurance handy, but don’t leave them in the vehicle.
For complete preparation details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Washington and helps avoid any delays during pickup.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Illinois to Washington. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car ships, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
This insurance covers your vehicle for the entire journey from Illinois to Washington. Our quotes include all insurance coverage – no hidden fees or extra costs.
Pro tip: Take photos of your car before shipping and keep your personal items out of the vehicle, as insurance typically doesn’t cover personal belongings.
We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Illinois to Washington 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 helps:
- Better pricing: Carriers can group your vehicle with other shipments heading to Washington
- More pickup options: You’ll have flexibility to choose dates that work for your schedule
- Reduced stress: No last-minute rushing to find available transport
If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months or winter holidays), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. These times see higher demand for Illinois to Washington car shipping.
Need faster service? We can often accommodate rush orders within a few days, though this may cost more and limit your carrier options.
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 budget-friendly option. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It’s safe and reliable, but your car is exposed to weather and road debris during the trip from Illinois to Washington.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport, but it’s worth it for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs that need extra protection on the long journey across states.
Most everyday vehicles do great with open transport. Choose enclosed if your car is worth over $50,000 or has special value to you. Check out our complete open vs enclosed guide to help you decide what’s best for your Illinois to Washington car shipment.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from Illinois to Washington. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle at your home or office and deliver it directly to your new address.
When you book your Illinois to Washington car shipment, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to these exact locations whenever possible. However, some residential areas may have restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow streets, or weight limits that prevent large car carriers from accessing your street.
If your location isn’t accessible, don’t worry. Our driver will work with you to find a safe, convenient meeting spot nearby – such as a shopping center, gas station, or open parking lot. This typically happens in less than 10% of shipments and is usually within a few blocks of your address.
Benefits of door-to-door service from Illinois to Washington:
- Maximum convenience – no driving to terminals
- Saves you time and gas money
- Reduces wear on your vehicle
- Direct delivery to your new Washington home
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!