Florida to Illinois
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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FLORIDA TO ILLINOIS
Shipping from Florida to Illinois
Planning to move your vehicle from the Sunshine State to the Prairie State? Florida to Illinois car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about auto transport between these states, including costs, timelines, and expert tips. Whether you’re relocating for work or buying a car across state lines, we’ll help you navigate the car shipping process with confidence.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
FL
Florida
IL
Illinois
Popular Routes from Florida to Illinois
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to Illinois
Florida to Illinois car shipping costs $825-$1,375 and takes 1-5 days to travel the 1,216-mile journey via major interstate highways.
Our Florida & Illinois Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star customer rating, and BBB A+ rating for reliable Florida to Illinois shipping.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Florida to Illinois shipping, with seasonal demand and vehicle type also significantly impacting your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Florida to Illinois car shipping during off-peak months and choose flexible pickup windows to save the most money on transport costs.
How Car Shipping Works
Proper vehicle preparation is the most critical step, including removing personal items, documenting existing damage, and ensuring your car is ready for pickup.
State Insights
Illinois requires front license plates, higher insurance minimums, and emissions testing in some counties – key differences from Florida vehicle 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 Florida to Illinois
Factors that Affect Florida to Illinois Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,000+ mile journey from Florida to Illinois significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and vehicle wear, making this cross-country transport more expensive than shorter regional moves.
Route
Florida to Illinois follows major interstate highways like I-75 and I-65, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes have better carrier availability and lower prices compared to remote pickup locations in rural areas.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as snowbirds flee Illinois cold for Florida warmth. Summer brings college students and families relocating, driving up prices. Spring and fall typically offer the best shipping rates.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than large SUVs or trucks from Florida to Illinois. Heavier vehicles consume more fuel and take up valuable trailer space, resulting in higher transport fees.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like Thanksgiving week or spring break when highways between Florida and Illinois are congested. Heavy traffic delays deliveries and increases fuel costs for carriers.
Carrier Availability
Peak winter season creates carrier shortages on the Florida-Illinois route, potentially causing 2-3 week delays. Off-season shipping typically finds available carriers within days, offering faster service and better rates.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Florida to Illinois shipping and work well for most vehicles. Choose enclosed transport only for luxury cars needing weather protection during the long journey.
Population Density
Delivery to downtown Chicago costs more than suburban Illinois locations due to traffic congestion and parking restrictions. Consider meeting carriers in accessible suburbs to reduce your total shipping expense.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your shipment by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways for better rates. 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. Choose open transport for regular cars, but consider enclosed trailers for luxury or high-value vehicles needing extra protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to Illinois Work?
Car shipping from Florida to Illinois covers approximately 1,216 miles and follows a straightforward process designed for maximum convenience. When you choose auto transport for this interstate route, your vehicle travels through major highways connecting the Southeast to the Midwest. Professional carriers use both open and enclosed transport options to safely move your car across state lines.
Florida to Illinois car shipping requires careful planning due to the distance and varying weather conditions. The route typically passes through Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky before reaching Illinois. Carriers must navigate different state regulations and potential weather challenges, especially during winter months when Illinois experiences snow and ice conditions that Florida vehicles may not be equipped for.
The car shipping process begins with requesting a quote and booking your transport service. Next, you’ll prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, documenting its condition, and ensuring it’s ready for pickup. A professional driver will inspect and load your car onto the carrier truck. During transit, you can track your vehicle’s progress as it travels the 1,216-mile journey northward.
Typical delivery time for Florida to Illinois auto transport ranges from 1-5 days, depending on your specific pickup and delivery locations. Major cities like Miami to Chicago or Tampa to Springfield often see faster delivery times due to established carrier routes. Pricing for this route typically ranges from $825-$1,375, varying based on vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. Winter months may see slightly higher prices due to challenging driving conditions in northern states.
Florida to Illinois Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Florida to Illinois car shipping, understanding the registration differences between states is crucial. Florida requires registration within 30 days of establishing residency, while Illinois gives new residents 30 days as well. However, Illinois requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles, which Florida doesn’t mandate. This inspection ensures your vehicle meets Illinois safety standards before registration approval.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Illinois requires annual emissions testing in certain counties, particularly around Chicago, while Florida has no statewide emissions requirements. Window tinting laws also differ – Florida allows 28% visible light transmission on front side windows, but Illinois requires 50%. Additionally, Illinois has stricter vehicle height modifications and requires front license plates, unlike Florida’s single rear plate requirement.
Auto transport from Florida to Illinois requires serious weather preparation considerations. Illinois winters demand winter tires or all-season tires with adequate tread depth. Consider installing a block heater for easier cold-weather starts, and ensure your battery and antifreeze can handle sub-zero temperatures. Many Florida vehicles lack these cold-weather essentials, so plan these modifications before or immediately after your car shipping arrives.
Insurance considerations present notable differences when moving between states. Illinois requires higher minimum liability coverage than Florida – $25,000 per person for bodily injury versus Florida’s $10,000 personal injury protection. Illinois also mandates uninsured motorist coverage, which Florida doesn’t require. Contact your insurance provider before your car shipping service completes delivery to ensure compliance with Illinois requirements. Some insurers offer better rates in Illinois due to different risk factors, potentially offsetting the higher coverage requirements with competitive pricing in your new location.
Florida to Illinois Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Florida to Illinois is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box and trunk. Carriers are not insured for personal property.
Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during inspection.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and brake fluid. Make sure the battery is secure and working.
Remove or secure loose parts: Take off custom accessories, spoilers, or anything that might fall off. Remove toll tags like SunPass or E-ZPass.
Document existing damage: Take photos of your car from all angles before pickup.
Keep keys ready: Have a spare key available for the driver.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures your car arrives safely in Illinois and helps avoid any delays during pickup.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Florida to Illinois. Every carrier in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Florida to Illinois shipment begins, we verify that your 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 means your car is covered for the entire journey – whether it’s being loaded in Miami, traveling through Georgia and Tennessee, or being delivered in Chicago. You can ship with confidence knowing your vehicle is protected every mile of the way.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Florida at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives us time to find the best carrier and get you the most competitive rates.
Why book early? Carriers prefer to fill their trucks with multiple vehicles going to similar destinations. When you book ahead, we can match your car with other shipments heading to Illinois, which often means lower costs and faster service for you.
During busy seasons (summer months and winter holidays), consider booking 4 weeks ahead. Florida is one of the most popular shipping origins, so early booking ensures you get priority scheduling.
Need last-minute shipping? We can often accommodate rush orders, but expect higher prices and longer wait times for pickup.
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 with other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. This method is safe and reliable for most cars.
Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your car from weather, dust, and road debris.
Choose enclosed transport if you have:
- Classic or luxury cars
- Custom paint jobs
- High-value vehicles
- Cars that need extra protection
For most Florida to Illinois moves, open transport works great and saves money. Enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for special vehicles that need maximum protection.
See our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for shipments from Florida to Illinois. This means we pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or preferred location in Florida and deliver it directly to your specified address in Illinois.
When you book your Florida to Illinois car shipping, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule both pickup and delivery at these locations. If your street has restrictions like low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or weight limits for large trucks, don’t worry – our experienced drivers will work with you to find a safe, nearby alternative like a shopping center or gas station.
Benefits of door-to-door service:
- Maximum convenience – no need to drive to terminals
- Saves you time and gas money
- Flexible scheduling around your availability
- Direct communication with your carrier
This service is included in our standard Florida to Illinois auto transport quotes at no extra charge, making your long-distance move as stress-free as possible.
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!