Chicago to Miami Auto Transport
We'll get your vehicle from Chicago to Miami in 4-6 days across 1,380 miles of I-65 and I-75. This is one of our busiest snowbird routes, and we've perfected the timing down to the day.
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Why Chicago to Miami Takes 4-6 Days
Look, this isn't rocket science, but there's more to transit time than just driving hours. The actual drive time from Chicago to Miami is about 22 hours if you never stopped. But car carriers don't work like that.
Here's the real timeline: Day 1 is pickup and local deliveries in the Chicago area. Your carrier might grab 3-4 other vehicles before hitting I-65 south. Days 2-3 are the long hauls through Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and into Georgia. Day 4 typically includes Atlanta-area deliveries, then the final push into Florida. Days 5-6 cover Miami-Dade deliveries, which can take forever because of traffic.
Weather rarely delays this route. The biggest slowdowns? Atlanta traffic and Miami's insane delivery logistics. We've seen carriers sit in Miami traffic for 3 hours just to deliver one car. That's why we always quote 4-6 days instead of promising miracles.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Chicago to Miami
Open carrier transport handles 95% of Chicago to Miami shipments. It's reliable, affordable, and perfectly safe for regular vehicles. Your car rides on a standard auto hauler - the same trucks you see delivering cars to dealerships. Weather exposure is minimal on this route.
But here's when you need enclosed auto transport: luxury cars over $75,000, classic vehicles, or anything you can't replace. We shipped a 1967 Shelby GT500 from Chicago to Miami Beach last month in our enclosed carrier. The owner paid $1,850 but got white-glove service and zero weather exposure.
The pricing difference is significant - about $450-$650 more for enclosed. But consider this: your 2019 Honda Accord doesn't need enclosed transport. Your grandfather's restored Camaro absolutely does. We'll tell you straight which option makes sense for your specific vehicle.
Seasonal Demand: Snowbird Season Changes Everything
October through March is snowbird season, and it completely transforms Chicago to Miami pricing. We're talking about 40% higher rates during peak months because everyone wants the same thing: escape Chicago winter in Florida. Demand spikes hardest in November and February.
Here's the insider knowledge: book your snowbird shipment by September 15th for November delivery. Wait until October, and you'll pay premium rates plus longer wait times. We've seen customers pay $1,200 in November for the same shipment that cost $800 in August. The carriers know demand is guaranteed, so prices reflect that.
Summer is the sweet spot for Chicago to Miami shipping. Rates drop 25-30% from June through September because most snowbirds are heading north. If you're relocating permanently or don't need winter timing, summer shipping saves serious money. We shipped a Lexus RX350 last July for $765 - the same trip cost $1,050 in February.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal Delivery Options
Door-to-door delivery works great for most Chicago to Miami shipments. In Chicago, carriers can usually get within 2-3 blocks of your location unless you're in a narrow alley or gated community. Miami pickup and delivery is trickier because of dense neighborhoods and parking restrictions.
Here's what works in both cities: single-family homes with street parking, office complexes with large parking lots, and most suburban neighborhoods. What doesn't work: downtown Chicago high-rises, Miami Beach condos with height restrictions, and anywhere a 75-foot truck can't safely maneuver.
Terminal service is your backup option. In Chicago, we use terminals in Schiller Park and Alsip. Miami terminals are in Medley and Opa-locka. You'll save $50-$75 on terminal service, but you're driving to industrial areas for pickup and delivery. Most customers prefer paying the extra for door-to-door convenience unless they're already familiar with the terminal locations.
College Student Car Shipping: Chicago to Miami Universities
University of Miami students from Chicago make up about 15% of our fall bookings on this route. Peak shipping times are late August for fall semester and early January for spring semester. We know the UM campus delivery procedures, and yes, we can deliver directly to the Coral Gables area.
Here's how college shipping works differently: parents book the shipment but students handle delivery coordination. We require both parties on the paperwork to avoid confusion. Most students want delivery the weekend before classes start, which creates demand spikes. Book college shipments 3-4 weeks early to guarantee timing.
Florida International University and Miami Dade College students also use our Chicago route regularly. The process is identical - just different delivery neighborhoods. We've delivered cars to Sweetwater, Kendall, and Homestead for students attending various Miami-area schools. Real talk: college students are some of our most organized customers because they have to be.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Call us or use our online calculator. We'll give you exact pricing based on your vehicle type, pickup location, and delivery timeline. No games, no deposits required upfront.
Schedule Pickup
We assign a licensed carrier and provide pickup window (usually 1-3 days). You'll get driver contact info 24 hours before pickup. Inspect your vehicle and take photos before loading.
Track Your Shipment
Your car travels I-65 south through Indiana, Kentucky, then I-75 through Tennessee and Georgia into Florida. Most carriers make the trip non-stop except for mandatory rest breaks and fuel stops.
Miami Delivery
Carrier calls when they're 2-4 hours out from Miami area. Final inspection, payment to driver (cash or certified funds), and you're done. Total transit time: 4-6 days from Chicago pickup.
Pricing by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $750-$950 | $1,200-$1,450 | 4-6 days |
| SUV / Crossover | $850-$1,050 | $1,350-$1,600 | 4-6 days |
| Pickup Truck | $800-$1,000 | $1,300-$1,550 | 4-6 days |
| Luxury / Exotic | N/A | $1,500-$2,200 | 4-6 days |
| Motorcycle | $500-$650 | $750-$950 | 4-6 days |
| Inoperable Vehicle | $150+ surcharge | $200+ | Add 1-2 days |
Carriers refuel at the Flying J in Tifton, Georgia - about 2 hours north of the Florida border. If you want a status update, ask your driver to check in from Tifton. That means you're getting Miami delivery within 6-8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.