Car shipping from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Proper preparation ensures your vehicle arrives safely in Dallas. Start by giving your car a thorough wash—this makes it easier to document any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection. Remove or secure all personal belongings, as carriers typically don't cover items left inside the vehicle. Take out toll passes (like I-PASS), garage door openers, and any fragile or valuable items.

Check fluid levels and tire pressure, and make sure your battery is fully charged. If your vehicle has any mechanical issues, inform your carrier in advance. Remove or retract external accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna extensions that could be damaged during transit. Disable any alarm systems to prevent them from going off during transport.

Keep your gas tank between ¼ and ½ full—enough to load and unload the vehicle, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight. Finally, have a spare key ready for the driver, and take photos of your vehicle from all angles before shipping. For a complete walkthrough of the preparation process, check out our guide on how to ship a car, which covers everything you need to know before your Chicago to Dallas transport.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Chicago to Dallas. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all carriers in our network to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign your shipment, we verify that the carrier's insurance policy is current, valid, and in good standing.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transit, and unloading. When your carrier arrives for pickup, they'll provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate for your records. You'll also complete a vehicle condition report that documents any existing damage before transport begins.

While carrier insurance provides solid protection, you may want to review your own auto insurance policy as well. Some personal policies offer additional coverage during transport. Learn more about insurance requirements and documentation in our guide on auto transport insurance.

If you have questions about insurance coverage for your specific vehicle or situation, our team is happy to walk you through the details and provide documentation before your shipment begins.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Chicago at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though booking even earlier is ideal. The more lead time you provide, the better chance carriers have to coordinate efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading toward Dallas.

Booking early offers several advantages: you'll have access to more carrier options, potentially better pricing, and greater flexibility with your pickup window. During peak moving seasons (summer months and end-of-month periods), we suggest extending that timeline to 2-3 weeks to ensure availability.

That said, we understand plans don't always allow for advance notice. If you need expedited service, we can often accommodate last-minute requests within 2-5 days, though this may come with premium pricing and fewer carrier choices. To learn more about preparing for your shipment, check out our guide on how to ship a car.

The key is to contact us as soon as you know your moving timeline—we'll work with you to find the best solution for your schedule and budget.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our car shipping guide for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition.

When shipping your vehicle from Chicago to Dallas, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed auto transport. Understanding the differences helps you make the right decision for your vehicle and budget.

Open Auto Transport is the most common and economical option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier (the kind you see on highways carrying multiple cars). While your car is exposed to weather and road elements during the 900-mile journey, this method is safe, reliable, and used for the vast majority of vehicle shipments. It typically costs significantly less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides maximum protection by shipping your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications. If you're shipping a high-value vehicle that requires extra care, enclosed transport offers peace of mind.

Which should you choose? For most everyday vehicles, open transport is perfectly safe and the best value. Reserve enclosed transport for vehicles where the added protection justifies the higher cost. Want to learn more about the shipping process? Check out our guide on how to ship a car for detailed information on preparing your vehicle and what to expect during transport.

Yes! We absolutely offer door-to-door car shipping from Chicago, IL to Dallas, TX. This is our most popular service because it's designed for maximum convenience.

Here's how it works: when you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Chicago and your delivery address in Dallas. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location to pick up your vehicle and deliver it right to your doorstep in Texas. No need to drive to a terminal or meet at a far-off location.

That said, we do need to be realistic about accessibility. If your location has narrow streets, low-hanging trees, tight turns, or other restrictions that make it unsafe for a large car carrier, our driver will contact you to arrange a nearby alternative meeting spot. This might be a parking lot, gas station, or main intersection close to your address. Our carriers are professionals who handle these situations daily, and they'll work with you to find the most convenient solution possible.

For the Chicago to Dallas route—a straightforward interstate haul of roughly 1,000 miles—door-to-door service works smoothly in most cases. We've helped countless customers make this move hassle-free since 2012.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

See our car shipping guide to learn more about car shipping!