Chicago, IL Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for transport from Chicago is simple. Follow these key steps:

• Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can document its condition with photos before shipping.
• Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes (like I-PASS), and loose items. Carriers aren’t insured for personal property.
• Check for leaks: Ensure your vehicle has no fluid leaks and the battery is secure.
• Disable alarms: Turn off car alarms to avoid issues during transport.
• Secure or remove accessories: Remove or secure antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and other exterior add-ons.
• Maintain fuel level: Keep your gas tank at about 1/4 full – enough to load and unload but not too heavy.
• Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver.

For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Taking these steps ensures a smooth pickup from Chicago and protects your vehicle during transit.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago, IL.

All carriers in the Sherpa Auto Transport network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your Chicago shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is active and valid for the entire duration of your transport.

For added protection, every contracted carrier lists Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy. This means you have multiple layers of coverage when shipping your vehicle from Chicago.

You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup, so you can review the coverage details and have peace of mind throughout your shipment.

We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Chicago at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best results. However, booking earlier gives you more advantages.

Here’s why advance notice helps:

• Better carrier availability: Chicago is a major hub with frequent routes, but popular seasons (summer and early fall) fill up quickly
• Lower prices: More time allows carriers to plan efficient routes and bundle shipments, which can reduce your cost
• Flexible scheduling: You’ll have more pickup date options that work with your timeline

If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping with as little as 24-48 hours notice, though this typically costs more.

Bottom line: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for standard shipping, or contact us immediately if you have urgent needs. The earlier you schedule, the smoother your experience will be.

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.

The main difference between open and enclosed auto transport comes down to protection and price. Open transport uses an open-air trailer (like you see hauling cars on the highway) and is the most affordable option, costing significantly less than enclosed. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during transit, but it’s perfectly safe for most cars and is how roughly 90% of vehicles are shipped.

Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields your vehicle from the elements and road conditions. This option typically costs 50-60% more than open transport, but it’s worth considering if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom features or a high-value paint job.

For most Chicago car shipping needs, open transport works great and saves you money. But if your vehicle is worth over $100,000 or requires extra protection, enclosed is the way to go. Check out our complete open vs enclosed auto transport guide to help you decide which option is right for your situation.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas.

When you book your car shipment, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come directly to your home, office, or specified location in Chicago to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination address.

This service saves you time and eliminates the need to drive to a terminal. However, please note that in some Chicago neighborhoods with narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or strict parking regulations, the carrier may need to meet you at a nearby open area like a parking lot or main street. Our team will work with you to find the most convenient alternative if your exact address isn’t accessible for a large carrier truck.

Door-to-door service is included in most quotes at no extra charge, making it the most popular and convenient option for Chicago residents shipping their vehicles.

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!