Florida to Illinois Car Shipping

Getting your vehicle ready for transport from Florida to Illinois is simple. Follow these key steps to ensure a smooth, damage-free shipment:

• Clean your car: Wash the exterior before pickup. This makes it easier to spot any pre-existing scratches or dents during the inspection.
• Document the condition: Take clear photos of all sides of your vehicle. This protects you if any dispute arises after delivery.
• Remove personal items: Carriers are not insured to cover personal belongings. Remove all valuables, loose items, and anything in the trunk or back seat.
• Remove toll passes and accessories: Take out your SunPass or E-ZPass and remove any exterior accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or custom antennas that could be damaged in transit.
• Check your fluids and tire pressure: Make sure there are no fluid leaks and that your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep the gas tank low: Aim for about a quarter tank of fuel. A full tank adds unnecessary weight to the carrier.
• Disable car alarms: An alarm that triggers during transport can cause major delays. Disable it or provide instructions to turn it off.
• Have a key ready: Provide the carrier with a working key so they can load and unload your vehicle safely.

For a full checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. A little preparation goes a long way in making your Florida to Illinois auto transport a stress-free experience.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when shipping from Florida to Illinois with Sherpa Auto Transport. Every carrier we work with is required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car ever leaves Florida, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is active and in good standing. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy — giving you an extra layer of protection throughout your shipment.

It’s always a good idea to check with your personal auto insurance provider as well. Some policies offer additional coverage during transport, which can give you extra peace of mind on the long haul from Florida to Illinois.

Have questions about coverage? Contact our team — we’re happy to walk you through the details before you book.

The sooner you book, the better. We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two weeks in advance, though booking even earlier gives you more flexibility and a better chance of locking in a competitive rate.

Here’s why early booking matters for the Florida to Illinois route:

• Carrier availability: More lead time means more carriers to choose from, so you’re not stuck with limited options close to your move date.
• Better pricing: Last-minute shipments often cost more. Booking early helps you avoid rush fees.
• Route bundling: Carriers regularly run loads between Florida and Illinois. The earlier you post your shipment, the easier it is for a carrier to bundle your vehicle with others heading the same way — which keeps costs down for everyone.

If your schedule is flexible, aim to book 3 to 4 weeks out. If you’re in a time crunch, Sherpa Auto Transport also offers expedited shipping options to help you meet tighter deadlines. Just keep in mind that faster turnaround may come at a higher price.

Bottom line: don’t wait until the last minute. A little planning goes a long way in making your Florida to Illinois car shipment smooth and stress-free.

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 popular and affordable option. Your car rides on an open-air trailer — the same type used to deliver cars to dealerships. It’s safe, reliable, and the right choice for most vehicles making the trip from Florida to Illinois.

Enclosed transport costs roughly 50–60% more, but it shields your vehicle from road debris, dust, and weather. If you’re shipping a luxury car, classic car, or a vehicle with a custom paint job, the extra protection is worth it.

For most standard vehicles, open transport is the smart, cost-effective choice. Not sure which is right for you? Check out our open vs. enclosed auto transport guide for a full breakdown.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for all shipments from Florida to Illinois. This is the most convenient way to ship your vehicle — no need to drop it off at a terminal or travel out of your way.

Here’s how it works: when you book your shipment, you provide your preferred pickup address in Florida and your delivery address in Illinois. Your assigned carrier will come directly to those locations to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

Keep in mind that “door-to-door” doesn’t always mean your exact driveway. Large car carriers need enough space to safely load and unload your vehicle. If your street has low-hanging trees, tight turns, or weight restrictions, your driver will work with you to find a nearby alternative — like a parking lot or gas station just around the corner.

The good news? This is rarely an issue. In most cases, your carrier will come right to your door. If you have any concerns about your pickup or delivery location, contact our team and we’ll help you plan ahead.

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!