Shipping a Car From Illinois to Texas is a smart option for anyone who wants to avoid a long, exhausting drive. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car out of state, or helping a family member, professional auto transport can save time and reduce stress. It also helps protect your vehicle from unnecessary wear during the trip. With hundreds of miles between the two states, hiring a trusted shipping company makes more sense than hitting the road yourself. Still, not all companies offer the same service or price. That’s why checking Verified Movers reviews before you book is one of the best ways to find a reliable provider. In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect from the shipping process, how to prepare your vehicle, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why People Ship Cars From Illinois to Texas?
Illinois and Texas are separated by hundreds of miles, and the drive between them isn’t quick or easy. The distance from Chicago to Houston is about 1,080 miles. If you’re going to Dallas, you’re still looking at over 900 miles of road. That’s at least two full days behind the wheel, not counting rest stops or overnight stays. Long drives come with fuel expenses, hotel bills, food costs, and added wear on your vehicle. You also risk delays due to traffic, road work, or weather.
Shipping a car from Illinois to Texas with the help of interstate movers in Illinois helps avoid all of that. Instead of planning a long trip, you can book a flight and let experienced carriers handle the vehicle transport. This is a popular solution for people moving for work, college students heading to school, or families relocating for personal reasons. It also helps people who buy or sell cars across state lines. Many dealers and buyers in Texas purchase vehicles from Illinois and have them shipped directly to their doorstep. Auto transport is also common for military relocations and seasonal travel. Snowbirds who spend winters in Texas often ship their cars rather than drive. It saves time, prevents stress, and protects the vehicle during the move.
Types of Auto Transport Services
When shipping a car, you can choose from two main options.
Open Transport
Open transport is the most popular and budget-friendly way to ship a vehicle. Cars are moved on open-air trailers, usually stacked in two rows. This method is safe, quick, and easy to book. It’s the go-to choice for most people because it’s widely available and affordable. However, since the trailer is open, the vehicle stays exposed to weather, road dust, and other outside elements. Rain, wind, or debris can affect the exterior during the trip, though serious damage is rare. If you’re not shipping luxury cars, but standard one, and want to keep costs down, open transport is usually the best option.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport offers more security and protection during shipping. Vehicles are loaded inside a fully covered trailer, safe from road dust, weather, and outside exposure. This option is ideal for shipping classic cars, high-end, luxury, collectible ones, or cars that need extra care. While it costs more than open transport, many car owners prefer it for peace of mind. The vehicle remains untouched by sun, rain, or snow, and the enclosed trailer usually has added features like soft straps and hydraulic lifts. If your car is rare, valuable, or delicate, enclosed transport may be the right choice despite the higher price.
Door-to-Door and Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Another decision you’ll need to make when thinking about shipping a car from Illinois to Texas is between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping. There are many benefits of Door-to-door car shipping, which is the most convenient option. The transport company picks up your vehicle as close to your home or workplace as the truck can reach and delivers it near your new address. This saves time and effort, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule. Terminal-to-terminal shipping, on the other hand, requires you to drop off and pick up your car at specific transport hubs. It may cost a bit less, but it adds more steps to the process and can be less practical for many people.
How to Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company?
Choosing the right cross country movers Texas who offer auto transportation service takes research, but it’s worth the effort. Start early so you have time to compare options. Look for a company with several years of experience and strong customer reviews. Use trusted sources and directories to avoid scams. Always check if the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Ask for their MC number and confirm it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. This step helps ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate business.
Next, find out if the company is a carrier or a broker. Carriers own and operate their own trucks. Brokers coordinate between customers and transport companies. Both can work well, but transparency is important. If you choose a broker, ask for the name of the actual carrier who will move your vehicle. Make sure you can contact the driver or dispatch if needed.
Always request quotes from more than one company. Look closely at what’s included. The lowest price might seem attractive but could mean hidden fees or poor service. Read the fine print and ask for a complete breakdown of charges. That includes pickup and delivery fees, insurance, fuel surcharges, and extra services. Finally, confirm the company offers insurance coverage. Every licensed transporter must carry liability insurance. Ask for a copy of the policy and read what’s covered. You want to know what happens in case of damage. A trustworthy company won’t hesitate to provide proof of insurance and answer your questions clearly.
How Much It Costs to Ship a Car From Illinois to Texas?
The cost of shipping a car from Illinois to Texas depends on many factors. Distance is one. The longer the route, the higher the cost. But that’s not all. Here’s what what affects your car shipping costs and pay attention to it:
- Vehicle size and weight: Larger or heavier vehicles cost more to transport.
- Shipping method: Enclosed transport costs more than open.
- Pickup and delivery locations: Remote or hard-to-reach areas may raise the price.
- Season: Summer and early fall are busy times. Prices rise due to high demand.
- Fuel prices: When fuel prices go up, so does the cost of transport.
- Speed of delivery: If you need express service, expect to pay more.
On average, the cost of shipping a car from Illinois to Texas ranges from $800 to $1,300. Open transport for a standard car might fall on the lower end. Enclosed transport or expedited delivery increases the price.
How Long the Shipping Process Takes?
The time it takes to ship a car from Illinois to Texas depends mostly on distance, but other factors also affect the schedule. In most cases, delivery takes between two to five days once your vehicle is picked up. However, the pickup process itself can take an additional one to three days depending on your exact location, the company’s availability, and your booking time. If you live in a rural area or request service during a busy season, such as summer or early fall, expect some delays. Road construction, weather, and unexpected mechanical issues may also slow things down. Reliable companies will give you a realistic window for both pickup and delivery. They should also offer updates throughout the process so you’re not left guessing. Some even provide GPS tracking or real-time communication with the driver. Clear communication and accurate timing are signs you’ve chosen a dependable auto transport provider.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping?
Getting your car ready for transport is an important step that many people overlook. Proper preparation helps avoid delays, damage, or extra fees. It also protects both you and the transport company during pickup, transit, and delivery. Follow these practical steps before handing over your vehicle. Each task takes only a few minutes but plays a big role in making the process go smoothly.
- Wash your car: Dirt can hide scratches, dings, or paint chips. A clean car makes damage easier to spot during the inspection.
- Document your car’s condition: Take clear, timestamped photos of all sides. Focus on any existing dents, scuffs, or other imperfections.
- Remove personal items: Take out everything from the interior, trunk, and glove box. Transporters are not responsible for anything left inside the vehicle.
- Leave gas at a quarter tank: A quarter tank is enough for loading and unloading. More than that adds weight and isn’t necessary.
- Disable alarms and toll tags: An active alarm can go off during transport and create problems. Remove toll tags to avoid unwanted charges.
- Check for leaks: Inspect under the car for oil, coolant, or transmission fluid. Fix leaks before shipping. A leak may cause your car to be rejected.
- Lock the car after loading: Once the vehicle is on the trailer, there’s no need to access it. Locking it adds extra security during the trip.
Following this checklist reduces the chance of problems and gives you peace of mind. Carriers appreciate when customers prepare their vehicles ahead of time. It shows you care about the process and helps everything stay on track.
What to Expect During Pickup and Delivery?
When it’s time for pickup, the process starts with a vehicle inspection. The driver will examine your car and record its current condition on a document called the Bill of Lading. This includes notes about scratches, dents, or any visible damage. You’ll review the details, sign the form, and keep a copy for reference. This document is important—it helps you prove if new damage occurs during transport.
Next, the driver loads your car onto the transport truck. If you’ve chosen door-to-door service, they’ll come as close to your home or workplace as possible. If the truck can’t access your street, you’ll meet at a wider area nearby, like a parking lot or service station.
Once the vehicle arrives at the destination, the delivery process follows the same steps. The driver will perform another inspection and compare it with the original record. You’ll check the car closely for any signs of damage. If anything looks different, take pictures right away and write down the issues on the final paperwork before signing. This protects your claim rights.
Common Mistakes People Make
Some people skip research and go with the first quote they find. Others forget to check for insurance coverage. Many don’t prepare their car properly. These mistakes can cause delays, damage, or extra fees. Take time to read the fine print. Ask questions if anything seems unclear. A good company will explain the process and answer your concerns. Don’t rely only on phone quotes. Request written estimates. That way, you have proof if anything changes later.
Advantages of Professional Auto Transport
Professional auto transportation helps people save time and energy. You don’t have to drive across states. You avoid road risks, traffic, and long hours behind the wheel. Shipping also helps protect your vehicle from wear and tear. Long drives can lead to tire damage, oil buildup, and other mechanical issues. It’s also more convenient. You can plan your move or trip without worrying about driving days on end. Your car arrives while you focus on other things.
Let Professionals Handle the Drive
Shipping a car from Illinois to Texas is easy when you understand the process. Choose a trusted company, prepare your vehicle, compare quotes and don’t forget to read all documents. These steps protect your car and save you time. Use auto transport to avoid a long, tiring trip. Let professionals handle the drive. That way, your vehicle arrives safe, and you can focus on the bigger picture.