Car shipping from Phoenix, AZ 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.

Preparing your vehicle for the journey from Phoenix to Chicago is straightforward. Here are the essential steps:

Clean Your Vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document any existing damage with photos. A clean car also helps the carrier inspect it properly at pickup.

Document the Condition: Take clear photos of all sides of your vehicle, including close-ups of any existing scratches or dents. This protects you in the unlikely event of transit damage.

Remove Personal Items: Carriers are not insured to transport personal belongings inside your vehicle. Remove toll passes, garage door openers, and any loose items from the interior. Check the trunk and glove compartment too.

Check Fluid Levels and Battery: Ensure your car has enough fuel (about a quarter tank) and that the battery is charged. The carrier needs to load and unload your vehicle, so it must be in running condition.

Disable Alarms: Turn off any car alarms to avoid issues during transport. The carrier won't have access to deactivate them if they go off.

Secure or Remove Accessories: Retract or remove antennas, fold in side mirrors, and take off any custom spoilers or bike racks that could be damaged during transit.

Provide a Key: Have a spare key ready for the driver at pickup. They'll need it to load your vehicle onto the carrier.

For more comprehensive preparation tips and what to expect during the shipping process, check out our Cross Country Vehicle Transport Guide. If you have questions about vehicle shipping insurance coverage, we're happy to walk you through what's included.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport from Phoenix to Chicago. 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 your shipment begins, 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 the carrier arrives to pick up your car, they'll provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate for your records. You'll also complete a detailed vehicle inspection report that documents your car's condition before transport.

While carrier insurance provides solid protection, we recommend reviewing your personal auto insurance policy as well. Some policies offer additional coverage during transport. For more details about insurance requirements and what's covered, check out our guide on vehicle shipping insurance.

If you have any questions about insurance coverage for your Phoenix to Chicago shipment, our team is happy to walk you through the details and provide documentation from your assigned carrier.

We recommend scheduling your pickup service from Phoenix at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best results. However, booking earlier—ideally 3-4 weeks ahead—gives you more flexibility and often better pricing.

Here's why early booking matters: carriers traveling the Phoenix to Chicago route need to fill their trucks efficiently. When you book ahead, dispatchers have more time to match your vehicle with other shipments heading in the same direction, which keeps costs down and ensures smoother scheduling.

That said, if you're in a time crunch, we can still help. Check out our Expedited Car Shipping Services for faster pickup options—though these typically come at a premium.

Peak season tip: During busy moving periods (May-September) and winter months when snowbirds migrate, book even earlier if possible. The Phoenix to Chicago corridor sees heavy volume during these times, so carriers book up quickly.

Bottom line? Post your shipment as soon as your moving dates are confirmed. Early birds get more carrier options, better rates, and less stress.

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

Open Auto Transport is the most popular and economical option. Your car travels on an open-air trailer (the same type you see hauling cars on highways). It's fully exposed to weather and road conditions during the roughly 1,700-mile journey. This method works great for everyday vehicles and is typically what most people use. You'll save money while still getting reliable, insured transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport provides maximum protection inside a covered trailer. Your vehicle is shielded from weather, road debris, and dust throughout the entire trip. This option typically costs 40-60% more than open transport, but it's worth considering for classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any car with custom paint or modifications. The extra cost buys you peace of mind and protection from the elements.

Which Should You Choose? For most standard vehicles, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. However, if you're shipping a high-value or collectible vehicle, the additional investment in enclosed transport protects your asset. Consider your vehicle's value, condition, and your comfort level with exposure to road conditions when making your decision. You can learn more about pricing differences in our cost to ship a car guide.

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

Here's how it works: When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Phoenix and your delivery address in Chicago. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your location to load your vehicle and deliver it right to your door in Chicago—no need to drive to a terminal or meet at a warehouse.

Important to know: In some cases, large car carriers (which can be 70-80 feet long) may not be able to navigate narrow residential streets, tight cul-de-sacs, or areas with low-hanging trees and power lines. If your location presents any access challenges, the driver will contact you to arrange a convenient nearby meeting spot, such as a shopping center parking lot, gas station, or main intersection. This happens in a small percentage of shipments and is always coordinated in advance for your convenience.

Our team will communicate with you throughout the process to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery experience on this popular Phoenix to Chicago route.

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!