Car shipping from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ

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 journey from Chicago to Phoenix is straightforward but important. Start by removing all personal belongings from the interior—carriers are licensed to transport vehicles, not household items, and these aren't covered by transit insurance. Take out toll passes, garage door openers, and any fragile or valuable items.

Give your car a quick wash before pickup. This makes it easier to document any pre-existing scratches or dents during the inspection. Speaking of which, take photos of your vehicle from all angles as a record of its condition.

Remove or secure any exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or custom antennas that could get damaged during transport. Make sure your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full—enough to drive on and off the carrier, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.

Check that your battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and there are no fluid leaks. The driver will need to drive your vehicle onto the trailer, so it must be in running condition. If you're using enclosed car shipping for extra protection, the same preparation steps apply.

Finally, make sure you have a spare key ready for the driver and that you or an authorized person will be available at both pickup in Chicago and delivery in Phoenix. For more detailed preparation tips, check out our Cross Country Vehicle Transport Guide.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Chicago to Phoenix. 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 and valid for the entire duration of your transport.

This coverage protects your vehicle against damage caused by accidents or carrier negligence while in transit. You'll receive a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up, giving you peace of mind for the 1,700-mile journey from Chicago to Phoenix.

While carrier insurance provides solid protection, we recommend checking with your personal auto insurance provider as well. Some policies offer additional coverage during transport. For more details about insurance requirements and documentation, visit our guide on valid insurance for car shipping.

If you have questions about coverage or need to see insurance documentation before booking, our team is happy to walk you through the details and ensure you feel confident about your vehicle's protection during transport.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Chicago at least 1-2 weeks in advance, though earlier is always better. Booking with more notice gives carriers time to plan efficient routes and bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading toward Phoenix, which can help reduce costs.

If you're shipping during peak seasons—like winter months when snowbirds head south, or summer when families relocate—consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. These busy periods see higher demand on the Chicago to Phoenix route, and carriers fill up quickly. Our snowbirds guide offers helpful tips for seasonal shipping.

For last-minute needs, we can often accommodate pickups within 3-5 days, but you'll have fewer carrier options and may pay premium rates. The key is flexibility—the more advance notice you give us, the more options we can provide for both open car shipping and enclosed car shipping methods.

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 Phoenix, you'll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed carriers. Here's what sets them apart:

Open Auto Transport is the most popular and economical option. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer (the same kind you see hauling cars on the highway). While your car is exposed to weather and road debris during the 1,700-mile journey, this method is safe, reliable, and costs significantly less. Most vehicles—including everyday sedans, SUVs, and trucks—ship this way without issue. Learn more about open car shipping and what to expect.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service typically costs 50-60% more than open transport. It's the smart choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with custom paint or modifications where even minor exposure risk is unacceptable.

Which Should You Choose? For most standard vehicles, open transport offers excellent value and protection. Consider enclosed car shipping if your vehicle is worth over $100,000, has significant sentimental value, or requires showroom condition upon arrival. The Chicago-to-Phoenix route is well-traveled year-round, so both options are readily available with competitive pricing.

Yes, we offer door-to-door car shipping from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ. This is our most popular service option because it maximizes convenience for our customers.

Here's how it works: when you book your shipment, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Chicago and delivery address in Phoenix. Our assigned carrier will come directly to these locations to load and unload your vehicle. This means you won't need to drive to a terminal or meet the carrier somewhere across town.

That said, large car carriers need adequate space to maneuver safely. If your street has low-hanging trees, tight turns, or narrow access, the driver may ask to meet you at a nearby accessible location like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is rare, but when it happens, the driver will coordinate with you to find the most convenient alternative spot within your neighborhood.

Most residential areas in both Chicago and Phoenix accommodate door-to-door service without issue. Our team will discuss any potential access concerns when you book, so there are no surprises on pickup or delivery day.

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!