Car shipping from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL

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.

Preparing your vehicle for the Chicago to Miami route is straightforward but important. Start by removing all personal belongings, toll passes (like I-PASS), and any fragile items from the interior. Carriers typically aren't insured for personal items, and loose objects can shift during the 1,300+ mile journey.

Clean your car inside and out before pickup—this makes it easier to document any existing scratches or dents during the inspection. Take photos from multiple angles as a precaution. Remove or secure any custom accessories like spoilers, bike racks, or antenna toppers that could be damaged in transit.

Make sure your vehicle is in good running condition with about a quarter tank of gas (enough to load and unload, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight). Disable any alarm systems to avoid issues during transport, and provide a working key to the driver.

For a complete step-by-step checklist and additional tips, check out our guide on how to ship a car. If you're transporting a luxury or classic vehicle on this route, you might also want to consider enclosed car shipping for added protection against road debris and weather.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Chicago to Miami. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all our carriers 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, transport, and unloading. When your carrier arrives for pickup, they'll provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate and conduct a thorough vehicle inspection with you, documenting the condition before transport begins.

While carrier insurance provides solid protection, some customers choose to purchase additional coverage for high-value or classic vehicles. You can learn more about your coverage options in our guide to auto transport insurance. If you have specific questions about insurance for your Chicago to Miami shipment, our team is happy to walk you through the details and provide documentation before your vehicle ships.

We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Chicago to Miami at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though booking earlier is always better. The more notice you give, the more time carriers have to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction—which can help keep your costs down.

If you're shipping during peak seasons (summer months, holidays, or snowbird migration periods), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Chicago winters can also create scheduling challenges, so extra lead time helps carriers work around weather delays.

That said, we understand that plans change. If you need expedited service, we can often accommodate last-minute requests, though you may have fewer carrier options and potentially higher rates. For the best experience and pricing, post your shipment as early as possible—it gives you more flexibility and better matches with quality carriers on the Chicago to Miami route.

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 car from Chicago to Miami, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed carriers. Understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your vehicle and budget.

Open Auto Transport is the most common and economical option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer (the same type you see hauling cars on highways). While your car is exposed to weather and road conditions during the 1,200+ mile journey, this method is safe, reliable, and used for about 90% of all vehicle shipments. It's perfect for everyday vehicles and offers the best value.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides premium protection by shipping your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and dust. This option typically costs 50-60% more than open transport but is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications. Learn more about enclosed car shipping options.

Which Should You Choose? For most standard vehicles, open transport offers excellent protection at a reasonable price. However, if you're shipping a high-value vehicle or simply want maximum peace of mind for the Chicago to Miami route, enclosed transport is the safer investment. Consider your vehicle's value, condition, and your budget when making your decision.

Yes! We offer door-to-door car shipping from Chicago, IL to Miami, FL. This is our most popular service because it makes shipping your vehicle as convenient as possible.

When you book your shipment with Sakaem Logistics, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Chicago and your delivery address in Miami. Our assigned carrier will come directly to these locations to load and unload your vehicle—whether that's your home, workplace, or another address you specify.

In some cases, large car carriers may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging trees, narrow roads, or tight turns. If your location presents any transportation restrictions or safety concerns, don't worry. Your driver will contact you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot, such as a shopping center parking lot, gas station, or other easily accessible area. This happens occasionally but is always handled smoothly to ensure your vehicle gets picked up and delivered on time.

Our door-to-door service is included in your quote at no extra charge, making it an easy and stress-free way to ship your car the 1,380 miles from Chicago to Miami.

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!