Illinois to Texas Auto Transport
Ship Your Car from Illinois to Texas Safely, Quickly, and Affordably
Looking for reliable Illinois to Texas car shipping? Since 2010, Unlimited Auto Trans has successfully delivered thousands of vehicles between The Prairie State and The Lone Star State. Whether you’re moving to Austin, Dallas, or Houston—or shipping out of Chicago, Springfield, or Champaign—we provide fully insured, door-to-door auto transport with transparent pricing and experienced carriers.
Car Shipping From Illinois to Texas
Whether you’re moving from Chicago to Dallas or shipping a car from Springfield to Houston, our Illinois to Texas car shipping services are designed for safety, flexibility, and convenience. Choose the transport option that best fits your timeline and vehicle type:
- Open Auto Transport – The most popular and cost-effective choice for standard vehicles
- Enclosed Auto Transport – Ideal for luxury, exotic, or classic cars requiring added protection
- Expedited Car Shipping – For urgent pickups and deliveries when time matters most
Why Ship with Unlimited Auto Trans from IL to TX?
- Over 6,200 vehicles shipped between Illinois and Texas since 2010
- Well-versed in key shipping corridors like I-55, I-44, I-40, and I-35
- Trusted by families relocating, college students, military personnel, and auto dealerships
- Local pickup and delivery coverage from 60601 (Chicago) to 77001 (Houston) and everywhere in between
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
We assign a licensed, insured carrier to collect your vehicle at your convenience.
3. Track & Receive Your Vehicle
Your car is delivered safely to your Texas location with regular updates
Popular Illinois to Texas Routes, Costs and Transit Time
Our most requested Illinois to Texas car shipping routes stretch over 950–1,200 miles, depending on the origin and destination cities. Shipments travel through major interstates like I-55, I-44, I-40, I-30, and I-35, ensuring efficient, direct routes. Thanks to our nationwide network of vetted carriers, we provide smooth, on-time deliveries from large metro areas to small rural towns across both states.
Real Shipping Examples
Interstate Shipping Insights: Illinois to Texas
- Chicago → Dallas: Popular with professionals relocating for work in tech and finance
- Naperville → Houston: Frequent among families and healthcare workers moving to TX
- Springfield → Austin: Common for government and education-sector relocations
- Rockford → San Antonio: Often booked by military families and online car buyers
- Peoria → Fort Worth: Trusted by dealerships and seasonal snowbirds
Key Challenges in Illinois & Texas Auto Transport
- Urban Congestion: Major metros like Chicago, Dallas, and Houston may require strategic pickup/drop-off planning
- Suburban Access: Locations like Elgin, IL or Plano, TX are easily serviceable with minimal coordination
- Rural Routes: Smaller towns in southern IL or West Texas might have longer lead times but are fully covered by our carrier network
Major Highways Used for Illinois to Texas Car Shipping
- I-55 South: Connects northern IL (Chicago) to central routes through Missouri
- I-44 West & I-40 West: Facilitate mid-route transitions across Oklahoma
- I-35 South: Final stretch into key TX cities like Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio
Why choose Unlimited Auto Trans?
What Sets Us Apart
Upfront Flat Rates
No hidden fees or surprise charges
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
Personalized updates at every step
Top-Rated Carriers Only
Fully licensed, insured, and vetted transporters
Flexible Pickup Options
From major cities to rural ZIPs
Nationwide Coverage
Coast-to-coast service for any destination
Upfront Flat Rates
No hidden fees or surprise charges
Dedicated Shipping Coordinators
Personalized updates at every step
Top-Rated Carriers Only
Fully licensed, insured, and vetted transporters
Flexible Pickup Options
From major cities to rural ZIPs
Nationwide Coverage
Coast-to-coast service for any destination
Types of Vehicles We Ship from Illinois to Texas
Whether you’re shipping a family car or a high-end collectible, we ensure safety, speed, and specialized handling:
- Sedans, coupes, hatchbacks
- SUVs, crossovers, vans
- Pickup trucks, lifted vehicles
- Classic cars and motorcycles
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids — with battery protection and low-clearance loading
Car Brands We Ship from Illinois to Texas
From standard daily drivers to exotic luxury brands, we handle all makes and models with the appropriate equipment and care:
- Electric Vehicles: Tesla, Lucid, Rivian — with secure port and battery handling
- Luxury Brands: Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Porsche
- Domestic & Imports: Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan
- Special Handling: Salvage or inoperable vehicles, enclosed transport for collectors
Our Clients in Illinois and Texas
We serve individuals, families, businesses, and institutions across both states, including:
- Families relocating from Naperville to Houston or Champaign to Dallas
- Military personnel stationed between Scott AFB (IL) and Fort Hood (TX)
- College students attending UIUC, DePaul, UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Rice University
- Dealerships, online auto buyers, and antique car collectors
Popular Auto Events in IL & TX
- Chicago Auto Show (Chicago, IL) – The largest and longest-running auto show in North America
- Texas Auto Show (Dallas, TX) – Premier showcase during the State Fair of Texas
- Lone Star Street Rod Association State Run (San Marcos, TX) – Gathering of vintage car enthusiasts
- Springfield Route 66 Festival (Springfield, IL) – Popular for classic car parades and displays
Cross-State Trends: Why People Ship Cars from IL to TX
Illinois residents often ship cars to Texas for job relocations, warmer climate living, and education. Texans, on the other hand, buy vehicles from Illinois markets due to pricing or vehicle availability.
Top 5 Reasons People Ship Cars from Illinois to Texas
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Get an Instant Illinois to Texas Car Shipping Quote
Planning to ship a car from Illinois to Texas? Rates typically range from $950 to $1,450, depending on factors like your vehicle type, transport method, ZIP codes, and the time of year. All quotes are upfront, customized, and all-inclusive — no hidden charges, no surprises at pickup or delivery.
Estimated Price & Time Frame
- Cost Range: $950 – $1,450
- Transit Time: 4–7 business days
(Final pricing depends on vehicle size, pickup/delivery locations, transport type, and seasonal fluctuations.)
Whether you’re shipping a sedan from Chicago (60601) to Dallas (75201) or a lifted truck from Elgin (60120) to Houston (77001), our experienced dispatchers will match you with the most reliable and cost-effective carrier for your route.
Factors Affecting Price
- Vehicle Type: Oversized, lifted, or inoperable vehicles may require more space or special equipment
- Transport Method
- Open auto transport is budget-friendly and ideal for most personal vehicles
- Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury, exotic, or classic cars
- Pickup & Delivery ZIP Codes
- Urban hubs like Naperville (60540) or Dallas (75201) are more accessible and may cost less
- Remote areas like Waukegan, IL (60087) or Laredo, TX (78040) may have longer lead times or higher costs
- Seasonal Demand
- Summer relocations and winter snowbird moves may impact pricing and carrier availability
- Early booking during peak seasons is highly recommended for best rates and availability
Expert Seasonal Tips for Auto Transport from Illinois to Texas
Best Times of Year to Ship
- Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the most favorable seasons for Illinois to Texas car shipping. These months offer mild temperatures, steady carrier availability, and fewer weather-related delays.
- Summer (June–August): A high-demand season due to family relocations, student moves, and job changes. Expect limited availability and slightly higher pricing—especially in cities like Chicago, Dallas, and Houston.
- Winter (December–February): Snow and ice in northern Illinois (e.g., Rockford, Peoria) can delay pickups. However, most of Texas remains accessible, making southbound shipping feasible with proper planning.
Events That May Impact Your Schedule
- Chicago Auto Show (February): The largest auto show in the U.S. can lead to a spike in enclosed transport demand in IL.
- Texas State Fair & Auto Show (September–October): Held in Dallas, this event increases demand for enclosed trailers.
- College Move-Ins (August): High traffic near universities like UIUC, DePaul, UT Austin, and Texas A&M may affect pickup/drop-off access.
- Holiday Season (Late November–December): Limited driver availability and weather-related disruptions are common—especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What Slows Things Down?
- Winter Storms & Ice (IL): Snow in northern Illinois can delay loading, especially in suburbs and rural areas.
- Urban Traffic & Access Restrictions: Congestion in Chicago, Dallas, and Austin may require alternate meeting points or flexible delivery schedules.
- High Demand for Expedited/Enclosed Transport: During major events or holidays, specialty carriers may be overbooked.
- Remote ZIP Codes: Hard-to-reach locations like Waukegan, IL (60087) or Laredo, TX (78040) may require longer lead times or incur additional fees.
Tips for Avoiding Delays and Peak Rates
- Book Early: Secure your spot at least 2–3 weeks in advance during peak periods (summer, holidays, event season).
- Be Flexible: Offering a 2–3 day pickup window helps match you with a reliable carrier faster.
- Consider Metro Pickup/Drop-Off: If you’re in a rural ZIP code, meeting your driver in a major city like Chicago, Springfield, Dallas, or Austin can reduce wait times and costs.
Car Shipping Laws & Regulations in Illinois and Texas
Vehicle Registration & Title Requirements
- Illinois: Before shipping your vehicle out of Illinois, make sure the registration is current and that there are no unresolved liens on the title (unless your lender authorizes the transport). If you’re selling your car to a Texas buyer, the title must be properly signed over prior to pickup.
- Texas: If you’re relocating to Texas permanently, the state requires that you register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You’ll need the following:
- A valid out-of-state title
- Texas auto insurance from a TX-licensed provider
- Proof of identity and a Texas residential address
- Completed Form 130-U (Application for Texas Title and/or Registration)
- A Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) from a certified TX station
Emission Standards
- Illinois: Emissions testing is required in several counties, especially in the Chicago metropolitan area. Vehicles from 1996 or newer may need to pass an OBD-II emissions test before being transferred or sold. Check with the Illinois EPA if you’re planning to register the vehicle after transport.
- Texas: Emissions testing is enforced in 17 urban counties, including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth. If you’re shipping a vehicle into one of these areas, ensure it meets Texas emissions standards. A valid inspection and emissions test is required before registration in those zones.
Transport Regulations
- Insurance Coverage: All vehicle shipments with Unlimited Auto Trans are handled by USDOT-licensed, fully insured carriers. There is no need to purchase separate shipping insurance — it’s included in your price quote.
- Permits & Truck Access:
- Downtown Chicago and major Texas cities like Austin and Houston may have restricted zones where large auto transport trucks cannot legally enter or park.
- In such cases, our team coordinates safe, compliant drop-off points nearby (e.g., open parking lots or rest areas) to ensure smooth delivery while following city regulations and HOA rules.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Illinois to Texas 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 Reminders
- Illinois:
- No emissions paperwork is required for vehicles being shipped out of state, but ensure registration is current before transport.
- If you’re returning to Illinois after delivery, double-check that your license plates and insurance are valid.
- Texas:
- For vehicles being permanently registered in Texas, prepare the following:
- Properly signed out-of-state title
- Texas auto insurance from a licensed provider
- Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) from a certified TX inspection station
- Completed Form 130-U (Application for Title and/or Registration)
- For vehicles being permanently registered in Texas, prepare the following:
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Illinois to Texas Auto Transport
How much does it cost to ship a car from Illinois to Texas?
The average cost to ship a car from Illinois to Texas ranges from $950 to $1,450. Pricing depends on your vehicle type, transport method (open or enclosed), exact ZIP codes, and seasonality.
How much does it cost to transport a car in Texas?
Within Texas, local transport usually costs $300 to $700, depending on the route and distance between cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio. Longer in-state routes or enclosed transport options may cost more.
How long does it take to get from Illinois to Texas?
Transit times from Illinois to Texas are typically 4 to 7 business days. Factors like weather, carrier availability, rural pickup/delivery locations, and seasonal demand may affect delivery time.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
The cheapest option isn’t always the best. At Unlimited Auto Trans, we combine affordable flat-rate pricing with licensed, insured, and top-rated carriers, so you don’t sacrifice quality for cost. We never charge hidden fees and offer flexible pickup options to fit your needs.
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.