Illinois Car Shipping

The cost to ship a car typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 for most routes. Your final price depends on several key factors:

• Distance: Longer routes cost more than shorter ones
• Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more to ship than sedans
• Season: Summer months and holidays often have higher rates due to demand
• Transport type: Enclosed transport costs more than open transport
• Route popularity: Common routes are usually less expensive

For Illinois car shipping, prices vary based on your exact pickup and delivery locations. Urban areas like Chicago often have lower rates than rural locations due to higher carrier availability.

Want an exact quote? Contact Sherpa Auto Transport for a free, no-obligation estimate tailored to your specific needs.

Auto transport typically takes 1-10 days, depending on the distance and route. Here’s what to expect:

Regional shipments within Illinois: 1-3 days
Midwest to neighboring states: 2-4 days
Illinois to coast (East or West): 5-7 days
Cross-country shipments: 7-10 days

Several factors can affect delivery time:

• Distance: Longer routes take more time
• Route type: Major highways are faster than rural areas
• Season: Winter weather can cause delays
• Carrier schedule: Trucks must coordinate multiple pickups and deliveries

At Sherpa Auto Transport, we provide accurate time estimates upfront and keep you updated throughout the shipping process. Most vehicles arrive within the estimated window, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport. All carriers in the Sherpa Auto Transport network are required to carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it’s being shipped.

Sherpa also provides additional coverage for extra peace of mind. This means your car has protection from the moment it’s picked up until it’s delivered to your door.

Before transport begins, your carrier will provide proof of insurance. We recommend reviewing this documentation and taking photos of your vehicle before shipping. If any damage occurs during transit, you’ll be protected.

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.

For the best rates and availability, we recommend booking your Illinois auto transport 1-2 weeks in advance. This gives us time to match you with the right carrier and secure your preferred pickup dates.

However, timing can vary based on several factors:

• Peak seasons: During summer months and snowbird season (October-November and March-April), book 2-4 weeks ahead when possible. Demand is higher during these times.
• Route popularity: Common routes to and from major Illinois cities like Chicago often have more carriers available, allowing for shorter notice.
• Flexibility: If your dates are flexible, you may find better rates even with less advance notice.

Need to ship on short notice? We can often accommodate rush shipments within 2-5 days, though expedited service typically costs more.

The bottom line: book as early as you can to get the best price and selection, but don’t worry if you need faster service—we’re here to help.

The Price Lock Promise means the price we quote you is the price you pay—guaranteed. No surprise fees or last-minute increases.

When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, your rate is locked in from the moment you confirm your order. Many other car shipping companies quote a low price upfront, then raise it later with hidden charges or “market adjustments.” We don’t do that.

With our Price Lock Promise, you get complete transparency and peace of mind. What you see is what you get—every time.

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!