Preparing your vehicle for transport from Illinois to Texas is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and anything in the glove compartment or trunk. Carriers aren’t insured for personal property.

Clean your car: Wash both inside and outside so you can easily spot any damage during inspection.

Check fluids and battery: Make sure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and coolant. Ensure your battery is charged.

Remove or secure loose parts: Take off bike racks, spoilers, or any custom accessories that might get damaged. Fold in side mirrors if possible.

Document everything: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup.

Keep keys ready: Have at least one working key available for the driver.

For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely in Texas.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Illinois to Texas. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your car ships, 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 insurance covers your vehicle throughout the entire journey from Illinois to Texas. You can ship with confidence knowing your car is protected every mile of the way.

We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Illinois at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading to Texas.

Why book early? Popular routes like Illinois to Texas fill up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and early fall). Booking ahead helps you:

• Secure better rates
• Get priority scheduling
• Avoid last-minute rush fees
• Have more carrier options

If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping with 1-7 days notice, though this costs more. For the best experience and pricing, book as early as you know your moving dates.

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 for most cars, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris during the trip from Illinois to Texas.

Enclosed transport costs about 50% more but offers complete protection. Your car travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, dust, and debris. This is perfect for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.

Most people choose open transport for everyday vehicles. Pick enclosed transport if your car is worth over $75,000 or has sentimental value you can’t replace. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details on making the right choice for your Illinois to Texas move.

Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Illinois to Texas. We pick up your vehicle from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.

How it works: When you book your Illinois to Texas car shipment, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you at both locations, making your move as easy as possible.

In some cases, large trucks cannot access certain streets due to low bridges, narrow roads, or HOA restrictions. If this happens, our driver will arrange to meet you at a nearby safe location like a shopping center or gas station. We always work with you to find the most convenient spot possible.

This service saves you time and hassle compared to dropping off and picking up your car at terminals. Most customers moving from Illinois to Texas choose door-to-door service for the added convenience during their relocation.

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!