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| Staff EditorForbes Home investigated 44 auto transport companies to assess the best car shipping companies in Illinois. We dug into customer reviews, service offerings, terms and conditions, insurance options and more, as well as prices for multiple vehicle shipping scenarios. To get a full picture, we also surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers.
Our team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use proprietary data and expert advice to inform our content, including the pros and cons of the top car shipping companies and tips for choosing the best company for you. You can read more about our editorial guidelines for the ratings below.
Featured Partners
1
Nexus Auto Transport
BBB Score
Excellent
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
Yes
2
Navi Auto Transport
BBB Score
Not Accredited
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
3
Montway Auto Transport
BBB Score
A+
States Serviced
50
International Shipping
No
If you’re deciding between the top car shipping companies in Illinois, it’s helpful to weigh factors such as cost, coverage areas and whether they ask for up-front payment. Don’t forget to review fine points like cancellation rules and any added perks that could make a difference.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | BEST FOR | ESTIMATE* | PRICE MATCHING | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.7    | Best Reliability | $800 - $1,100 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Customer Communication | $840 - $1,225 | Yes | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.5 | Best Discounts | $677 - $1,151 | Yes | On AmeriFreight's Website | |
| 4.5 | Best for Customization | $839 - $1,259 | No | On Montway Auto Transport's Website | |
| 4.4 | Best Pricing | $579 - $829 | Yes | From Participating Partners |
Best Reliability
Best Reliability
Direct Connect Auto Transport
Direct Connect Auto Transport took our top spot in Illinois for a few reasons, including its reliability and efforts toward trust with customers. This provider was one of the top companies for on-time delivery in Forbes Home’s customer survey (91%) and offers a damage-free guarantee. Luckily, 85% of customers in our survey were also happy with the state of their cars upon arrival. The service’s overall sentiments from customers are fairly good and its website promises accurate quotes and timely pickups.
We reached out to Direct Connect Auto for prices to ship a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Direct Connect phone reps quoted $800 for an open carrier and $1,100 for enclosed. When we ran the same scenario through Direct Connect Auto’s online calculator, the estimate came to $870 for open transport.
Services:
Forbes Home surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers about their experiences. We found there was a strong satisfaction rate among Direct Connect Auto Transport users, with 81% saying they would recommend the company to a family member or friend. Direct Connect Auto customers were equally positive about how easy it was to schedule service, with 82% saying they were satisfied with this part of the process.
Best Customer Communication
Best Customer Communication
NX Automotive Transport
NX Automotive Transport earned impressive marks with our methodology, with one of the most standout selling points being the company’s binding quotes. Along with the company’s wide network of more than 20,000 vetted carriers, NX offers competitive rates and service.
NX Automotive Transport extends a direct line to customers, allowing them to reach out via text during the transport process, leading 77% of NX customers who responded to our survey to say they were satisfied with communication while transporting their car.
We pulled together pricing details from NX Auto Transport for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata headed from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Interestingly, the online rate came in lower than what we were given by phone, $840 for open shipping if booked online versus $895 over the phone. For enclosed transport, the phone quote landed at $1,225 for this route.
Services:
We observed a mix of responses from NX Auto Transport customers in our survey of 1,600 people. For one, 89% of the company’s customers said they would ship their car another time, which was a bit higher than average, and the costs we saw from the company were around average. However, some metrics were a bit less positive, with only 20% of customers reporting that they were “very satisfied” with the ease of booking and scheduling, more than 12 percentage points lower than the overall average.
Best Discounts
Best Discounts
AmeriFreight
Who doesn’t love a good discount? AmeriFreight’s ability to offer discounts places the company on our list in Illinois. The company offers discounts for seniors, students, those in the military and those booking early, just to name a few. AmeriFreight also shares its commitment to optimizing its process to help customers save money and get the lowest price. This work showed in our survey, too, where 54% of AmeriFreight customers said they paid what they expected or even less.
Additionally, the car shipping company doesn’t need a deposit until a carrier is assigned, and you can cancel without a charge until that time, too. We also noticed that its site is transparent, with discount and cost estimate info available right on the page, which we always like to see.
Learn More: AmeriFreight Review
To get a sense of pricing for AmeriFreight, we gave the company a sample car shipment of a 2021 Hyundai Sonata that we were moving from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). For this journey, enclosed transport was quoted to cost $1,151, and open transport was $677. We got the same quotes no matter if we called or filled out an instant online quote form.
Services:
When we surveyed 1,600 people who had shipped their cars recently, AmeriFreight received good feedback. For example, 90% of customers who worked with the company said their cars arrived on time, which was above average. Another 32% said they found obtaining a quote to be “very easy.”
Best for Customization
Best for Customization
Montway Auto Transport
Montway made our list because of its well-rounded car shipping services. The company can work with a wide range of vehicle shipping requirements in Illinois, including motorcycle shipping and shipping for car resellers. The company can also help with expedited car shipping for those on a strict timeline.
And it appears the company takes the journey seriously from start to finish, as 32% of customers in our survey said they were “very satisfied” with the ease of booking and scheduling their vehicle shipment, which was right on average. In the end, 89% reported that they would recommend the company to friends or family.
However, one thing we should note: If you’re paying by card, the company will charge you for the full amount when a carrier takes on the shipment. If you’re paying cash, the payment will be broken up into two payments, with one due on arrival.
Learn More: Montway Auto Transport review
We reached out to Montway to get quotes for a sample route involving transporting a 2021 Hyundai Sonata from Brooklyn, New York (11202), to Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Over the phone, enclosed shipping was $1,100, which was a bit higher compared to a $1,259 online quote. For open shipping, our team was quoted $839 via a phone representative.
Services:
In our nationwide survey of recent car shipping customers, Montway emerged as a trusted pick among respondents. Roughly 89% said they’d feel confident pointing friends or family toward the company, which speaks volumes about its overall reputation.
That said, pricing feedback was more mixed. On average, Montway customers reported spending $1,427 per shipment, slightly above the industry-wide average of $1,390. Since factors like distance and your starting point in Illinois can shift your rate, it’s always smart to check pricing across multiple providers before committing.
Best Pricing
Best Pricing
A-1 Auto Transport
Affordability is a major motivating factor for car shipping customers, with 42% of those in our survey naming it as their No. 1 priority, so it’s no shock that a car shipper like A-1 Auto Transport that keeps affordability at the forefront made our list in Illinois. The company had some of the lowest rates on our list, and its average price came in roughly $30 cheaper than average in our customer survey.
Other ways that it focuses on affordability are its lack of an upfront deposit requirement and its offer of full insurance coverage for your car. With international service and shipping for things like yachts, heavy equipment and RVs, there are plenty of opportunities to get a great price for a variety of customers. That may be why 36% of those we surveyed said they would be “very likely” to recommend A-1 to friends and family.
As part of our pricing review, we pulled sample estimates from A-1 Auto Transport to move a 2021 Hyundai Sonata between Brooklyn, New York (11202), and Charlotte, North Carolina (28105). Notably, phone rates were more competitive than online. For open transport, we were quoted $579 by phone and $625 online. Enclosed shipping was estimated at $829.
Services:
When we surveyed 1,600 car shipping customers, those who have worked with A-1 seemed fairly pleased with its service, particularly when it came to cost. For instance, 45% of customers said they paid exactly what the company had quoted, which was tied for the highest percentage for that metric of any company. A-1 customers also scored it above average for transparency of pricing and fees. As for other metrics, the company performed around average, with 88% of customers saying the company delivered their car on time, for example, which was consistent with the average for all companies.
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Moving a vehicle can feel like a major task; a complex process, so it’s worth the effort to spend time checking key details before choosing a carrier. Doing so helps you decide whether it’s a good fit.
Here are helpful pointers for selecting the best car shipping company in Illinois.
One of the biggest factors that can make a difference to both your overall experience and budget is the type of carrier you choose: open or enclosed. There are benefits and drawbacks to both, so the right pick will depend on individual needs.
Open transports are the most popular way to ship cars. When comparing options, the first thing you’ll notice about choosing open-air trailers is that they are far less expensive than enclosed carriers. It’s also generally easier to schedule service as there are more open transporters in use. The trade-off is that your car is exposed to the elements during shipping.
Despite higher costs, enclosed carriers are often preferred by customers who want more security for their vehicle, particularly for antique or high-end vehicles. Fewer vehicles are loaded onto an enclosed carrier and they remain protected while en route. Some companies offer greater insurance coverage for enclosed carriers.
Checking customer reviews for car shipping companies can highlight relevant information and potentially raise a few concerns. To get the most out of reviews, be sure to read them critically (meaning you should consider the one- and five-star reviews but also pay attention to the middle ground).
For the most helpful reviews, search for recent comments from people in Illinois. Also, be aware of trends within reviews: Are there repeated comments about customer service? Poor communication?
Finally, consider how the provider responds to feedback. A commitment to quickly addressing customer reviews is a good sign.
Before signing anything, read the fine print. It’s where you’ll find details like cancellation rules, which matter because some companies add penalties if you cancel late.
You’ll also want to look for coverage guarantees if something goes wrong, such as delays. For instance, a provider that offers a damage-free pledge might provide a rental car if it fails to deliver on that promise.
Insurance is another critical factor. Every U.S. car shipper is legally required to carry liability insurance, which kicks in if the transporter causes damage. They also need cargo coverage to safeguard against handling issues. Before you book, confirm if those minimums are in place, and if you want extra assurance, ask about add-on policies.
Some amount of tracking is basically a given during the car shipping process. But the accuracy of GPS tracking or status updates is another factor that can change among companies: Some offer instantaneous location updates while others may just report last check-in points.
Beyond GPS tracking, it’s good to know if you can get in touch with the carrier. The driver will likely have your phone number to coordinate a delivery, but will you have theirs? Or are questions entirely directed through customer service?
Issues can arise when your car is making its journey, so ensuring its condition when it departs and arrives at its destination is crucial. Look for companies that perform inspections before and after your car is loaded and unloaded onto the truck. Many companies will have you sign off on their notes on the car’s condition on departure and arrival and even take photos. It’s always good to take your own notes as well or to ask for copies.
If damage does happen, don’t panic. Be sure to inspect your vehicle thoroughly when it arrives, and don’t sign anything until you’re sure all the damage has been written down. From there, contact the vehicle shipper to find out how to file a claim.
No matter where you’re shipping a car from, or where it’s headed, your carrier still has to follow nationwide regulations. Because of that, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires every legit shipper to carry both a USDOT number and an MC (Motor Carrier) number.
Before you book, it’s smart to confirm these details so you can verify the company is operating legally. You can also use them to check the company’s safety record through the FMCSA website. It’s a simple step but one that can help you avoid risky providers and feel more confident about your choice.
A reputable auto shipping company should understand the unique demands of moving a car in Illinois and across the country. It’s smart to check how they verify carrier experience, making sure those behind the wheel know how to handle the challenges of cross-country hauling.
Choosing between working directly with a carrier or going through a broker can influence your car shipping experience. While 59% of customers told Forbes Home they preferred a shipper in our survey, most respondents actually used a broker.
That said, there are many reasons why customers would choose a broker. Choosing a broker gives you access to a larger network of carriers, which can mean less expensive car shipping. A broker also can help you find the right company that fits your specific requirements. Make sure you carefully research all parties involved before booking.
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| TRANSPORT TYPE | AVERAGE COST RANGE | AVERAGE COST PER MILE |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $550 - $1,600 | $0.60 - $1.10 |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,000 - $2,450 | $0.90 - $1.70 |
Overall, we found that shipping a car costs around $1,150 on average. This estimate is similar to what our survey respondents reported, which was an average cost of $1,390. However, your costs can really vary based on many different factors, as we saw a wide range between $550 and $2,450 in our research. Enclosed shipping, for example, will tend to make your quote higher (an average of $1,000 to $2,450) than closed shipping (averaging around $550 to $1,600).
As always, we recommend getting your own quote for your unique car shipping journey. However, the estimates below can get you started.
| ILLINOIS TO:* | ESTIMATED MILEAGE** | OPEN TRANSPORT | ENCLOSED TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, Florida | 1,062 miles | $635 - $1,170 | $955 - $1,805 |
| Houston, Texas | 1,084 miles | $650 - $1,190 | $1,815 - $3,425 |
| Los Angeles, California | 2,015 miles | $1,210 - $2,215 | $1,815 - $3,425 |
| Kansas City, Missouri | 511 miles | $305 - $560 | $460 - $870 |
| Des Moines, Iowa | 333 miles | $200 - $365 | $300 - $565 |
Car shipping quotes from Illinois can vary quite a bit, and not just from company to company. A handful of key factors can shift your price depending on your location, vehicle, timing and more. Here’s what to look for.
Our team surveyed 1,600 recent car shipping customers to gain a better understanding of their experiences and uncover emerging trends. The vast majority of respondents said they would use a vehicle transport company again, even though individual experiences varied widely.
The average distance shipped in the Midwest was 947, closely aligning with the national average of 969 miles.
The primary factor driving customers in Illinois to select a particular car shipping company was affordability. Among respondents from the Midwest, the most frequent issue was pricing transparency, with about one-third wishing the pricing and process had been explained more clearly. The next most common suggestion for improvement was explaining the vehicle shipping process in more detail at 31%.
Also, while the typical peak shipping season runs from spring through early fall, the busiest period for shipments in the Midwest was surprisingly between November and January—this timeframe was chosen by 31% of customers.
To determine the best car-shipping company, the Forbes Home editorial team reviewed 44 major companies, taking into account attributes such as in-house consumer sentiment analysis, a survey of 1,600 car shipping customers, pricing, services and features, nationwide availability and more.
You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates car shipping companies on our detailed methodology page.
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Start by asking for the company’s USDOT and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Using these numbers, you can look up the company on the FMCSA website to verify its registration, safety record and complaint history. It’s also helpful to check customer reviews on trusted platforms like the BBB or Google and ask for referrals from others in Illinois who’ve shipped a vehicle recently.
Tracking options aren’t the same everywhere. Some auto shippers include precise GPS tracking, while others stick to driver contact details so you can check in. Before you book, confirm what’s available so you know what to expect during the move.
How long it takes to ship a car from Illinois to another location will hinge on a few different factors, including the length of the trip, the route and the company itself. As a general estimate, short trips from Illinois to a nearby state a few hundred miles away can take a matter of days, while cross-country trips can take more than a week. International trips can take even longer, especially when your car is traveling by boat. We recommend asking any company you’re considering how long you can expect the journey to take. While they probably won’t be able to give you a guarantee, they can give you an estimate more tailored to you.
Legitimate car shipping companies include insurance coverage while shipping a vehicle, but the terms of the protection can vary. If you review the details and determine you need more coverage, you may be able to add-on coverage via the carrier or with your insurance company. That said, if you are driving the vehicle immediately before or after shipping it, you will need your own liability coverage.
As a writer for Forbes Home since 2021, Emily specializes in writing about home warranties, solar installations, car transportation and moving companies. With a background in journalism and experience as a three-time homeowner, Emily uses deep research and insights to cover a variety of topics.
Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's previously worked at sites like Talking Points Memo, Insider, Delish, Angi and HomeAdvisor. She has a passion for lifestyle topics and has extensive experience researching and reporting on topics that will help make your house a home.
