Car shipping from Miami, FL to Chicago, IL

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 a smooth vehicle transport from Miami to Chicago. Start by giving your car a thorough wash—this makes it easier to document any existing scratches or dents during the pre-shipment inspection. Remove all personal belongings, toll passes, and fragile items from the interior, as carriers typically don't insure these items during transit.

Check that your vehicle is in good working 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 and provide a working key to the carrier. Remove or secure any exterior accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers that could be damaged or come loose during transport.

Document your vehicle's condition with photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. This creates a clear record for comparison when your car arrives in Chicago. Make sure you have valid insurance and understand what coverage your carrier provides.

For complete preparation details and helpful tips, check out our comprehensive guide on how to ship a car. Taking these simple steps protects your vehicle and helps avoid delays during pickup and delivery.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Miami to Chicago. At Sakaem Logistics, we require all 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 will remain valid throughout the entire journey.

This insurance protects your vehicle against damage that may occur during loading, transport, and unloading. You'll receive a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate before your vehicle is picked up, giving you peace of mind for the 1,300-mile trip. Learn more about coverage requirements in our guide on valid insurance for car shipping.

While carrier insurance provides solid protection, it's important to document your vehicle's condition with photos before shipping. This creates a clear record in the unlikely event you need to file a claim. Our team is here to answer any questions about insurance coverage for your Miami to Chicago shipment.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Miami at least 5-7 days in advance, though booking 1-2 weeks ahead gives you the best chance of securing competitive rates and flexible pickup windows.

Here's why earlier is better: carriers often bundle multiple vehicles heading in the same direction to maximize efficiency. When you book further out, your shipment can be added to routes already planned for the Miami-to-Chicago corridor, which typically results in faster pickup and lower costs. Last-minute bookings (within 2-3 days) are possible but may come with premium pricing and limited carrier availability.

Peak seasons—like summer months and snowbird migration periods (October-November and March-April)—see higher demand for this route, so adding extra lead time during these windows is smart. If you're flexible on your exact pickup date, mention that when booking; it helps carriers coordinate more efficiently and can save you money.

Need help planning your shipment timeline? Check out our guide on how to ship a car for a complete breakdown of the process from start to finish.

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

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer alongside other cars, similar to what you see delivering vehicles to dealerships. While your car is exposed to weather and road debris during the 1,300+ mile journey, open transport is perfectly safe for most vehicles and typically costs 40-60% less than enclosed options.

Enclosed Transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer, shielding your vehicle from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint work. The added protection comes at a higher price—expect to pay 50-70% more than open transport for the Miami to Chicago route.

Which Should You Choose? For most everyday vehicles, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. Consider enclosed trailer shipping if your vehicle is valued over $100,000, is a collector's item, or has irreplaceable custom features. Both methods are fully insured, giving you peace of mind regardless of which option you select.

Yes! We offer door-to-door car shipping from Miami, FL to Chicago, IL for maximum convenience. When you book your shipment with Sakaem Logistics, we'll ask for your preferred pickup address in Miami and delivery address in Chicago. Our assigned carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to these locations whenever possible.

In some cases, large car carriers may face restrictions due to narrow streets, low-hanging trees, tight turns, or local traffic regulations. If your location isn't accessible for an 80-foot trailer, don't worry—the driver will contact you to arrange a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center parking lot or gas station. This is standard practice in the industry and ensures your vehicle is handled safely.

Our door-to-door service takes the hassle out of shipping your car over 1,300 miles from Miami to Chicago. You won't need to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a terminal—we bring the service to you. For more details on the shipping process, check out our guide on how to ship a car.

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!