Cheap Illinois Car Shipping Companies

Do you need to transport your car to or from Illinois? We understand how time consuming this task can be. In this article we’ll answer all questions, talk about best Illinois car shipping companies, rates, cost and shipping preparations. But let’s start with you should even consider moving to Illinois.

Illinois is a state in the midwestern region of the United States. It is a mid-sized state, with a population of about 12 million. The capital city is Springfield, and its largest city is Chicago. According to 2014 data, Illinois ranks as the fifth-most populous state in the U.S., with over 9 million residents within its borders. More than 50% of Illinois’ population lives within 90 miles of Chicago. It is the sixth-most populous state in the Midwest, and among the most-educated states in the nation. The state’s economy is largely dependent on manufacturing, transportation, and tourism. Chicago is a global city and one of the world’s leading business centers. Illinois has many world trade centers with partners overseas.

Our customers commonly fall into one of the below categories:

• Individual relocates to a new city or is moving a car for a family member
• Vehicle purchased on eBay or bought at auction
• Transport of antique in enclosed carrier
• Move vehicle from dealer to dealer

The transportation process can be confusing for customers who have not moved a vehicle before.  We are transparent and make everything easily understandable.

According to the Department of Transportation, 98% of carriers that physically move your vehicle operate two trucks or less.

The carriers rely on brokers to fill their truck, which usually hold about 10 vehicles.  Brokers research the average price range vehicles have moved on a trip similar to yours.  We can share a screenshot of prices with you at your request.

Brokers post your job to the national carrier board, Central Dispatch.  Carriers look for the highest paying trips on their route.  We will assist you in finding a carrier at the lowest possible price.  Carriers typically can offer door-to-door transport.  Before your vehicle is loaded, you will note any preexisting damages on an important document, the “Bill of Lading.”

By law, carriers are not allowed to transport vehicles with any personal belongings inside.

Illinois is one of the most important and popular state to ship a car. It’s located right in the middle if the USA which makes this state a sweet spot not only for truckers but also for customers, since they don’t need to spend a fortune to ship their vehicles here.

Let’s check the average car shipping rates on major routes.

The following are some major cities in the Illinois state:

1. Chicago

This is the third-largest city in the United States. It is located in northeastern Illinois and the City of Chicago is the center of the urban area. The city contains about 3.6 million residents, with over 9 million people in its metropolitan area. Chicago is known for its skyscrapers and broad shoulders. It was once an industrial force, but after the 1960s, many businesses moved out to other states and overseas. Today, Chicago is a global city centering finance, commerce, industry, technology and culture.

2. Springfield

This capital city is found in Sangamon County on the Illinois River bluffs along Lake Springfield. It was founded on August 19th,1831 by John Calhoun (senator) and was originally named Kaskaskia. Springfield grew rapidly in the mid 1800s as Illinois was the fifth fastest-growing state in the nation. The city of Springfield became the capital of Illinois in 1839 and was renamed to honor Abraham Lincoln’s hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. The city is known as a manufacturing hub and home to a $200 billion annual economic output.

3. Peoria

This is an industrial city located on the south waterway of Illinois’ banks of river Illinois River, at the confluence with Peoria River and Peoria Bayou. It is a center for the U.S. corn industry and had been the world’s largest corn producer as recently as 1995–1996, with more than 50% of all U.S. corn exports passing through the city. Peoria’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, and factory employment is declining there because of the mechanization of agriculture.

4. Aurora

This city is located close to the MCI Airport, where many people like to travel in this state of Illinois. It is a satellite city of Chicago. The city was named after Aurora daughter of a white settler named Joseph Schoolcraft. The population density of the city was 1,192.5 people per square mile (449.8/km2). There were 511,144 housing units at an average density of 902/sq mi (352/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 67.14% White, 23.94% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 1.70% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 5.05% from other races, and 2.20% from two or more races. 10.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

5. Joliet

Joliet is the largest city in Will County and the third-largest in the state. Five of Illinois’ six largest cities are within 15 miles of Joliet. The city is located on the Fox River, which provides ample water transportation into and out of Joliet. Joliet is well known as a hub for wind power generation, since it was at one time home to many General Electric turbines.

The city’s population was 37,834 at the 2010 census, down from 38,646 at the 2000 census. In 2015 it was estimated that the population might rise to 45,000 due to more high-tech industries moving into town and new housing development projects.

6. Elgin

The Elgin city is located on the Fox River, east of Interstate-90 and north of the Illinois-Wisconsin border. It is part of a region known as The Quad Cities that also includes Moline, Rock Island, and Davenport. The city was founded in 1836 by the Illinois & Michigan Canal’s founder Robert R. McCormick, who named it after his hometown of Elgin in Scotland. It has been home to seven leading compositions by Stephen Foster: “Old Folks at Home,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Hard Times Marching Along,” “Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?” and “Dixie.

7. Waukegan

This city is located on Lake Michigan, south of Chicago and Rockford. Land was purchased from a Native American tribe in 1834. Waukegan was incorporated as a village on April 17, 1847, and became a city on February 22, 1919. It is the second-largest city in the Northern Illinois region, behind only Chicago. Waukegan is a major seaport for paperboard and disposable dinnerware. The Waukegan metropolitan area population was 89,324 (2010 census estimate) and has a total area of 30.4 square miles (78 km2).

8. Rockford

Located on the Rock River, Rockford is the county seat of Winnebago County. At an estimated population of 103,926 (2010), it is the fourth most-populous city in Illinois, behind Chicago, St. Louis, and Peoria. Rockford was founded at a natural crossing of the river and was originally inhabited by indigenous people. The city is one of several in northern Illinois named after Rockford, Illinois.

Why people relocate to Illinois

1. Unlimited job opportunities

This state has good jobs because of its huge market and good salaries. The state has many outsourcing companies and manufacturing companies that help in employment of people. Illinois is profitable for those who want to work.

2. Good education system

This state offers excellent education from elementary, junior high, and high school graduation onward. It is the second largest public school system in the nation in terms of student enrollment, eighth according to SAT average scores, or fifth for average college graduation rates. Education is one of the factors that motivates people to relocate to Illinois.

3. Affordable housing

The cost of living in this state is affordable. In many cities, the average rent for an apartment is $600-700 while the average cost of a three bedroom house costs $250-350. This makes the state very attractive to those who want to relocate and settle in with their families.

4. Lower crime rate

Crime rate in Illinois is lower than other states. The state has been ranked as the sixth safest state for over six years by CQ Press crime rates and third lowest murder rate by CQ Press in 2013 statistics (the highest was Vermont).

5. Good transportation systems

In Illinois, there are several modes of transportation available to people. The state has a good highway system with several federal and state highways. The CTA and Metra rail services cover Chicago and suburban areas while the city is served by mass transit buses (the Chicago Transit Authority) on local, express and BRT lines.

6. Some of the best hospitals in Illinois at your service

This state works hard to ensure that the healthcare system is effective enough to meet the needs of people who live in Illinois. Because of this, the state has very many hospitals that offer top services at affordable prices to its citizens who may need them in case of accidents or injuries.

7. Illinois is very beautiful

The two major cities, Chicago and Springfield are known for their cultural, entertainment and financial activities. Some of the sights to be enjoyed include the Lincoln Park overlooking the skyline of downtown Chicago, Christ Redeemer of Sainte Marie among many others. Illinois is also one of the best states for recreation with a lot of national parks available such as Starved Rock National Park, Shawnee National Forest and many other little towns that are rich in culture.

You might think that … car shipping process is hard and can be overwhelming. But good news are that it’s not that hard and won’t take lots of time to prepare. Here is a simple … auto transport guide to prep your vehicle for car shipping and steps you need to take to ship your vehicle.

• Get quotes from auto transport companies.

You will need to indicate your pickup and delivery locations (it’s ok if you don’t have the exact delivery address yet, simply indicate approximate zip code of the area), year/make/model of your vehicle, desired shipping date, type of the trailer.

• Compare shipping quotes

Make no mistake – prices you are getting are just quotes (estimates). All prices are a subject of drivers confirmation. While some companies will claim prices are total and final – most probably they will change. Simply because the market is fluctuating and drivers can ask for more/less depending on the current marketplace situation.

• Research your top picks and check their reviews

Make your own research. Google “company name” reviews to check online feedback about the companies you are thinking to hire. Check BBB, Google reviews and Transportreviews. DO NOT place orders with companies that have a lot of negative feedbacks and bait and switch alerts on their online accounts. Most probably these companies will offer the lowest prices.

• Read the contract

Yes, you have to read the contract to be prepared for things that might happen during the transportation process. Things like damage, delays, extra charges, wrong delivery locations do occur – it’s better to be prepared.

• Request drivers insurance once the carrier is assigned.

Your vehicle is insured by the carriers insurance, not by the company you signed the contract with. You have to request the insurance of the company that will actually pickup your vehicle. Take a closer look at cargo insurance and insurance deductibles.

• Set up pickup date for Friday and get a day off from the job if necessary

Driver might be late because he needs to pickup 7-8 more cars within one day. It’s better to have some free time to realise your car whenever the driver is nearby. DO NOT FORGET to sign and get the copy of the Bill of Lading from the driver on pickup and delivery locations.

Driving conditions in Illinois

1. Drivers

They are not aggressive and often get into accidents. They have a record of some of the biggest bad drivers in the country. They are known to operate vehicles while under the influence.

2. Roads and Highways

The state has done a lot when it comes to road development but most roads are not very good, especially in rural areas and you may find yourself driving on dirt roads for long distances, especially when you are traveling during inclement weather conditions. The state does have a lot of traffic rules that you should obey as failure to do so will get you into trouble with law enforcement officers and court fines which can be very expensive compared to what you will see in other states.

3. Traffic

Illinois has lots of traffic jams every day. The freeways can get very congested at peak hours, particularly on weekends and major holidays. Some of the freeways may be closed due to accidents or weather conditions such as snow, ice and high winds. The speed limits are 35 miles an hour in urban areas and 55 miles an hour on rural highways.

4. Cars in Illinois

All cars pass inspection and emissions tests. Car radios must be at least 6 inches from the driver’s shoulder; all people under 18 must wear a seat belt when riding in the front seat; children 14 and younger must ride in a car seat or booster seat.

In conclusions, Illinois is a wonderful state that promises many opportunities for all and is perfect for those who want to relocate, settle and grow and contribute to the growth of the state.

Can we pack our vehicle with personal belongings?

Packing a few small items in the trunk of your vehicle is acceptable. However, please be advised that anything you decide to pack in the trunk is not covered by the auto insurance and is completely at your discretion. 

Are there any hidden fees?

NO. You do not pay us anything until after your car is dispatched to a carrier, you always have full control on the final price of your transport. 

Why should I provide my credit card information in advance?

The reason we take your credit card information is to secure your reservation with the transportation company. We do not charge your credit card until after your vehicle is dispatched to a carrier. 

Is my vehicle insured?

Yes! We only work with carriers that are fully licensed insured and bonded. Certificate of insurance is available upon request. 

Do I have to be present at the pick-up / destination?

Either you or an authorized person that you select must be at both locations to sign for the pick-up / delivery. This ensures that your vehicle is delivered in the same condition that it was picked up in. If someone else will be at the delivery, you must make sure they have the proper payment available at the time of delivery. 

What are the acceptable Payment Methods?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover for the down payment when your car is dispatched to a carrier. The balance is due to the driver in full upon arrival of the delivery via Cash, Cashiers Check or Postal Money Order. Though not recommended, some transports require full payment by credit card. In this situation there will be a 5% merchant’s fee added to the total of your transport cost for this convenience. 

Are Checks Acceptable?

YES. Please send us your check prior to pick-up so we can be sure it clears the bank. No deliveries will be made on any vehicles if the checks do not clear.