Phoenix to Chicago Auto Transport
We ship your vehicle the 1,750 miles from Phoenix to Chicago in 5-7 days via the I-40 to I-55 corridor. This is one of our busiest cross-country routes, and we've got it down to a science.
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How Much Does Phoenix to Chicago Car Shipping Cost?
Shipping a standard sedan from Phoenix to Chicago costs $895-$1,195 for open carrier transport and $1,395-$1,795 for enclosed transport. We base our pricing on real-time market rates, seasonal demand, and fuel costs along the I-40/I-55 corridor. Summer months (June-August) typically run $100-200 higher due to increased moving season demand.
Here's the thing about pricing on this route: it's more stable than coastal runs because there's consistent freight moving both directions. Phoenix ships a lot of vehicles east (retirees, corporate relocations, college students), while Chicago ships west (job relocations, military transfers). This balanced freight flow keeps our costs - and your costs - more predictable year-round.
We've shipped over 3,200 vehicles on this exact route since 2015. Last month alone, we moved 47 cars from the Phoenix metro area to Chicagoland, with an average cost of $1,047 for open transport. The longest transit time was 8 days (due to a carrier breakdown in Amarillo), but 89% arrived within our 5-7 day window.
What's the Best Time to Ship from Phoenix to Chicago?
The sweet spot for Phoenix to Chicago shipping is March-May and September-November. You'll get the best rates, fastest transit times, and most carrier options during these shoulder seasons. Avoid peak summer (July-August) when demand spikes from college moves and corporate relocations, driving prices up 15-20%.
Winter shipping (December-February) is actually pretty solid on this route. Unlike northern corridors that get hammered by snow, the I-40 through Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas stays clear most of the time. The only weather concern is ice storms in Oklahoma and Missouri, which can add 1-2 days to your delivery window.
Here's insider knowledge most brokers won't share: book your shipment 2-3 weeks ahead if you're flexible on pickup dates, or 3-4 weeks if you need specific timing. We maintain relationships with 12 different carrier companies that run this corridor regularly, so we can usually find space even with shorter notice.
Phoenix to Chicago Route Details and Transit Time
Your vehicle follows a proven 1,750-mile path: I-17 North from Phoenix to Flagstaff (145 miles), then I-40 East through Albuquerque, Amarillo, and Oklahoma City (1,245 miles), connecting to I-44 through Tulsa and St. Louis, and finally I-55 North into Chicago (360 miles). Most carriers complete this journey in 5-7 days, depending on pickup scheduling and mandatory rest stops.
Real talk: transit time depends more on pickup logistics than highway miles. If you're in central Phoenix near the I-17/I-10 interchange, pickup is fast. But if you're way out in Scottsdale or Surprise, add half a day for the carrier to handle surface streets. Same thing in Chicago - downtown pickups take longer than suburban locations near I-55 or I-294.
We track every shipment with GPS and provide real-time updates. Our carriers typically stop overnight in Albuquerque (day 1-2), Oklahoma City (day 2-3), and St. Louis (day 3-4) before final delivery in Chicago. Each stop includes a vehicle safety inspection to ensure your car arrives exactly as it left Phoenix.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal Shipping Options
Door-to-door delivery is available for 95% of Phoenix and Chicago area addresses, and it's worth the extra $50-75 for most customers. Our carriers can handle residential streets in Ahwatukee, Tempe, Mesa, and most Chicago suburbs including Naperville, Schaumburg, and Oak Park. The only restrictions are narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or weight-restricted roads.
Terminal shipping saves you $50-100 but requires dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated locations. In Phoenix, we use a facility near Sky Harbor Airport. In Chicago, our terminal is in Cicero, about 15 minutes from downtown. This option works great if you're already traveling or have flexible scheduling.
Here's what most customers don't realize: door-to-door doesn't always mean your exact driveway. Carriers use 75-80 foot tractor-trailers that can't make tight turns or handle dead-end streets. We'll get within 1-2 blocks of your location 98% of the time, and you'll meet the driver at the nearest accessible street. We coordinate all this during scheduling so there are no surprises.
Seasonal Considerations and Weather Impact
Phoenix to Chicago shipping stays remarkably consistent year-round compared to northern routes. The I-40 corridor through Arizona, New Mexico, and most of Texas rarely sees weather delays. Your biggest seasonal consideration is demand fluctuation, not weather. Spring break (March) and back-to-school (August) see 25-30% higher volumes as ASU students ship cars to and from Chicago-area schools.
Winter months bring one specific challenge: ice storms in Oklahoma and Missouri. We monitor weather closely from November through March and proactively communicate any potential delays. In January 2024, an ice storm near Joplin, Missouri delayed 8 of our shipments by 2-3 days. But that's rare - 94% of our winter shipments arrive on schedule.
Summer heat in Phoenix and Chicago doesn't affect transport, but it does impact pickup scheduling. We avoid midday pickups in Phoenix during July-August (when temperatures hit 115°F) to protect our drivers and your vehicle's interior. Most summer pickups happen before 10 AM or after 6 PM. This might extend your pickup window by a few hours, but it's worth it for everyone's safety.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or visit our website. We'll give you exact pricing based on your vehicle type, pickup/delivery addresses, and preferred dates. No hidden fees, no deposit required.
Schedule Pickup
We assign your shipment to one of our trusted carriers and schedule pickup within your preferred window. You'll get driver contact info 24 hours before pickup.
Vehicle Inspection
During pickup, you and the driver complete a detailed vehicle inspection report. Take photos of any existing damage. Your car is now covered by our $250,000 insurance policy.
Track and Receive
Monitor your shipment's progress with real-time updates. Upon delivery in Chicago, complete a final inspection and sign the delivery receipt. Payment is due at delivery (cash, check, or money order).
Pricing by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $895-$1,195 | $1,395-$1,795 | 5-7 days |
| SUV / Crossover | $945-$1,295 | $1,495-$1,895 | 5-7 days |
| Pickup Truck | $995-$1,345 | $1,545-$1,945 | 5-7 days |
| Luxury / Exotic | N/A | $1,795-$2,495 | 5-7 days |
| Motorcycle | $595-$795 | $895-$1,195 | 5-7 days |
| Inoperable Vehicle | $200+ surcharge | $1,795+ | Add 1-2 days |
Book Friday pickups if possible. Most Phoenix to Chicago carriers start their routes on Friday afternoon, meaning your car gets loaded first and delivered Tuesday-Wednesday. Monday pickups often mean your vehicle sits over the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.