Florida to Illinois Auto Transport
Trusted Car Shipping From The Sunshine State to The Prairie State – Delivered Safely & On Time
Planning a move from Florida to Illinois? Whether you’re relocating, buying or selling a vehicle, or sending a car to family, Unlimited Auto Trans provides a seamless and reliable solution.
With over 10,000 vehicles shipped between FL and IL since 2010, our service is built around safety, transparency, and affordability.
Car Shipping From Florida to Illinois
Shipping a car from Florida to Illinois involves more than just crossing state lines—it’s about reliability, timing, and choosing a service that fits your specific needs. Whether you’re based in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale, and need delivery to Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, or anywhere across The Prairie State, Unlimited Auto Trans has you covered.
We offer flexible auto transport options designed to accommodate your timeline, budget, and vehicle type:
- Open Car Transport – The most economical and widely used option.
- Enclosed Car Transport – Best for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
- Door-to-Door Service – We pick up and drop off your vehicle at the addresses you provide, no terminals needed.
How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process
1. Get a Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery info, vehicle type, and preferred date. No commitment.
2. Schedule Your Pickup
Choose a convenient date and location anywhere in Florida.
3. Track & Receive Your Vehicle
Stay updated in real-time until delivery at your Illinois destination.
Popular Florida to Illinois Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Real Shipping Examples
Common Routes & Highways
Our most frequently traveled lanes between Florida and Illinois include:
- Miami → Chicago
- Orlando → Naperville
- Tampa → Rockford
- Jacksonville → Springfield
- Fort Lauderdale → Peoria
Our carriers primarily operate along major interstate corridors such as:
- I-75 through Florida, connecting north via I-24 and I-57 into Illinois
- I-10 westward to I-65, leading to I-80/I-90 toward the Chicago area
City-Specific Shipping Information and Challenges
- Miami, FL: A bustling metro with heavy port activity, Miami requires advance coordination due to traffic congestion and limited downtown truck access. Nearby areas like Doral or Hialeah are preferred for smoother pickups.
- Orlando, FL: Conveniently located near I-4 and the Florida Turnpike, Orlando offers flexible pickup windows. Theme park traffic can cause local delays during peak travel seasons.
- Tampa, FL: Accessible via I-275 and I-75, Tampa is a reliable hub for open or enclosed transport. As a coastal city, be mindful of storm-related disruptions between June and November.
- Jacksonville, FL: One of the largest cities by area in the U.S., Jacksonville offers multiple access points via I-95 and I-10. Long distances between neighborhoods may slightly affect pickup logistics.
- Fort Lauderdale, FL: With close proximity to Miami and access to I-95, Fort Lauderdale is well-suited for both standard and high-end auto transport. Downtown pickups may require alternate meeting locations.
- Chicago, IL: Chicago’s dense urban core can present access issues for large carriers due to parking restrictions and one-way streets. Suburbs like Cicero or Oak Park often serve as convenient hand-off points.
- Naperville, IL: Located near I-88 and I-355, Naperville is ideal for enclosed or open delivery. Known for its residential layout, pickups are typically smooth outside of school traffic hours.
- Rockford, IL: A key stop on I-90, Rockford is carrier-friendly with minimal congestion. Winter weather from December through March may occasionally slow deliveries.
- Springfield, IL: Illinois’ capital city offers flexible scheduling, though coordination near government buildings or events may require lead time.
- Peoria, IL: With direct access via I-74, Peoria is a frequent drop-off location. Construction and bridge repairs can temporarily affect local traffic flow.
Rural Area Considerations
For rural Florida towns (e.g., Okeechobee, Brooksville) or remote parts of Illinois (e.g., Carbondale, Galesburg), additional time and costs may apply due to limited carrier access. If possible, opt for pickup or drop-off locations near major highways like US 231, I-55, or I-57 to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
Shipping a vehicle from Alabama to Colorado requires more than just a truck — it requires a team that knows the route, the process, and your priorities.
What Sets Us Apart
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
We work around your schedule
Flat Rate Pricing
No hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or surprise costs.
Dedicated Shipping Coordinator
A single point of contact from booking to delivery.
Fully Insured Transport
Every vehicle is protected by carrier insurance.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
We work around your schedule
Nationwide Carrier Network
Thousands of vetted, licensed, and bonded carriers.
Types of Vehicles We Ship from Florida to Illinois
We can ship nearly any vehicle, including:
- Standard vehicles: Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans
- High-value vehicles: Luxury, exotic, or antique cars
- Recreational vehicles: Motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides
- Specialty units: Inoperable, oversized, or modified vehicles
Our Clients in Florida and Illinois
- Military families relocating between Florida bases and Illinois facilities
- University students at UF, FSU, or UCF moving to attend UChicago or UIUC
- Auto dealerships restocking inventory across state lines
- Digital car buyers purchasing from platforms like Carvana, eBay Motors, or dealerships
- Seasonal travelers and snowbirds shipping vehicles north for summer or south for winter
Notable Events & Local Insights
Florida:
- High-volume snowbird relocations during April–May and October–November
- Orlando Classic Car Show draws enclosed shipping needs every winter
- Spring auto auctions in Miami and Fort Lauderdale increase seasonal demand
Illinois:
- Chicago Auto Show (February) – spike in luxury and exotic vehicle transport
- College move-ins in Champaign and DeKalb during August and January
- Holiday season relocations around Thanksgiving and Christmas require early bookings
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from Florida to Illinois
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant Florida to Illinois Car Shipping Quote
Wondering how much it costs to ship your car from Florida to Illinois? At Unlimited Auto Trans, we offer transparent pricing tailored to your vehicle, location, and delivery timeline—no guesswork, no hidden fees.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $950 – $1,350
- Transit Time: 4–6 business days
Final pricing depends on total mileage, vehicle type, transport method (open vs enclosed), and seasonality.
Whether you’re shipping a compact sedan from Orlando to Springfield, or a large SUV from Miami to Chicago, we’ll match you with the best carrier at the best value.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type – Larger, inoperable, or modified vehicles require more carrier space and resources.
- Transport Method – Open transport is cost-effective, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-value vehicles.
- Pickup & Delivery Locations – Urban areas like Tampa or Chicago are easier and cheaper to access. Rural or hard-to-reach areas may increase costs.
- Seasonal Demand – High traffic during summer moves or winter snowbird relocations can affect both availability and price.
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from Florida to Illinois
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the most efficient times. Florida and Illinois both enjoy milder weather, fewer storms, and steady carrier availability.
- Summer (June–August) tends to see rate spikes and longer wait times due to peak moving season, especially around college move-ins in cities like Gainesville, Chicago, and Champaign.
- Winter (December–February) brings weather-related delays in northern Illinois cities like Rockford, Peoria, and Chicago, with icy roads and snow slowing down carriers.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- Chicago Auto Show (February) – A spike in enclosed auto transport demand for exotic and luxury cars.
- College Move-Ins (August & January) – Seasonal congestion near University of Illinois, Florida State University, and University of Miami can delay deliveries.
- Snowbird Season (October–November & April–May) – Thousands of retirees relocate between IL and FL, increasing demand and reducing carrier availability.
- Holiday Travel (late November & December) – Slower transit times and limited driver availability during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What Slows Things Down?
- Weather – Tropical storms in Florida (June–November) and snowstorms in Illinois (December–March) can both disrupt carrier schedules.
- Urban Congestion – Downtown areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Chicago Loop may have tight loading zones and restricted truck access.
- Rural Routes – Deliveries outside of major cities, like Ocala, FL or Carbondale, IL, may take extra coordination and time.
- Event Traffic – Major sports events, college activities, and state fairs can complicate pickup and drop-off schedules.
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early – Reserve your spot at least 2–3 weeks ahead during busy months.
- Be Flexible – The more flexible you are with pickup/delivery dates, the more options (and better prices) carriers can offer.
- Choose Terminal-to-Terminal (if needed) – For rural or tight-access locations, meeting at a nearby city terminal (e.g., Orlando, Springfield) can speed things up and save you money.
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in Florida and Illinois
Understanding the legal and logistical requirements when shipping a vehicle between Florida and Illinois can save you time and hassle. Below are key laws and regulations to be aware of when preparing your car for transport or registering it in the destination state.
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- Florida: Before shipping, make sure your vehicle is currently registered in Florida and free of active liens. If you’re selling the vehicle and shipping it to a buyer in Illinois, the title must be properly signed over before pickup.
- Illinois: Vehicles permanently relocated to Illinois must be registered within 30 days of establishing residency. The Illinois Secretary of State requires:
- A valid, out-of-state title
- Proof of Illinois residency
- Completed Form VSD 190 (Application for Title & Registration)
- Tax and fee payment upon registration
- Odometer disclosure for newer vehicles
Emission Standards
- Florida: Emissions testing is not currently required statewide, though certain urban areas may have local clean-air ordinances.
- Illinois: Illinois enforces mandatory emissions inspections in key counties, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will (Chicago metro).
Vehicles must pass the Illinois EPA emissions test to receive valid registration in those counties.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance: All auto shipments through Unlimited Auto Trans are fully insured and handled by carriers that are USDOT and FMCSA licensed. No additional insurance is needed by the customer.
- Permits & Truck Access: Our dispatch team ensures full compliance with truck route restrictions in cities like Chicago and Miami, where commercial vehicle access may be limited. If needed, we coordinate drop-offs at nearby safe zones or commercial lots for smooth delivery.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Florida Car Shipping
Vehicle Shipping Checklist
- Clean Your Car (Inside & Out)
- Remove Personal Items
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues
- Disable Alarms
- Check Tire Pressure & Battery
- Document the Condition
- Keep Fuel Tank 1/4 Full
State Specific Notes
- Florida Pickups: If you’re located in gated communities, downtown districts, or near congested areas like Miami Beach, your carrier may request to meet at a nearby open lot or safe access point.
- Illinois Deliveries: Downtown Chicago and other high-traffic zones may have truck restrictions, especially during rush hours. Our dispatchers will help coordinate the most convenient and compliant delivery location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Florida to Illinois Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Illinois?
On average, car transport from Florida to Illinois costs between $950 and $1,350. Pricing depends on factors like vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), pickup and drop-off locations, and the time of year.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to PA?
The cost to ship a car from Florida to Pennsylvania typically ranges from $900 to $1,300, depending on the distance and specific locations (e.g., Miami to Philadelphia vs. Tampa to Pittsburgh). Transit time is usually 4–6 business days.
What is the most cost-effective way to transport a car?
Open carrier transport is the most budget-friendly and widely used method for standard vehicles. It’s safe, efficient, and ideal for most types of cars. For high-end, classic, or luxury vehicles, enclosed transport offers added protection—at a higher cost.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
While pricing can vary, the cheapest option doesn’t always mean the best. Unlimited Auto Trans offers competitive rates with zero hidden fees, plus dedicated support, real-time tracking, and fully insured carriers. We focus on value, not just price—ensuring peace of mind from Florida to Illinois.
At Unlimited Auto Trans, we provide safe and on-time car transport at competitive prices. Ship your car stress-free, knowing we’re licensed, bonded, and insured.
From passenger cars to SUVs, motorcycles, and even luxury cars, we can ship nationwide.
Use our calculator for a free instant quote today.
Book online or call us toll-free at
(888) 278-9855.