Relocating a family from somewhere like Chicago, IL to Naples or Miami, Florida takes a bit of work. You’re looking at roughly a 1,400-mile drive, and that is just one way. If you have to make multiple trips for the pets, furniture, and being present for closing the sale on your home, it’s going to be expensive.
A much simpler solution is to use Florida to Illinois car shipping. That helps you out by having the entire situation coordinated by a professional team who understands Midwest winter weather, frequent Florida rains, and how to get your specific vehicle weight and size across state lines efficiently.
Here’s an overview of the shipping rates you can expect and what to be aware of during transport on different common routes.
How Much Does Florida to Illinois Car Shipping Cost?
Around 200,000 people move to the great state of Illinois each year. A good portion of these transplants come from Florida to escape the heavily tourist areas or severe summer humidity. The difference is what you’ll end up paying in pricing compared to the rest of those relocating families.
A compact Toyota sedan or similar-sized vehicle costs a lot less than an oversized Ford F-350 when traveling from Naples to Rockford in an enclosed trailer. The specific Florida to Illinois car shipping rates you’ll get in a quote are based on:
- The total distance between your pickup and your delivery
- What delivery options you choose, like open, enclosed, or expedited shipping
- The make, model, size, and weight of your vehicle
- Whether your car is operable or not
- What the current fuel prices are
- If there are any specific location concerns (narrow streets, rural dirt road, etc.)
- The time of year (seasonal weather and demand)
- Carrier availability along the more common routes
It’s best to establish your auto transport FL to IL quote as early as you can. Shoot for 2 to 3 weeks before the goal pickup date. Use the free shipping cost estimator from Nexus Auto Transport to get a good idea of how much you’ll need to budget long before you contact any company for details.
Average Florida to Illinois Car Shipping Costs
Route |
Distance |
Estimated Open Carrier Price |
Estimated Enclosed Carrier Price |
Delivery Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Miami to Chicago |
1,381 miles |
$900–$1,150 |
$1,400–$1,600 |
3–4 days |
Jacksonville to Springfield |
~1,000 miles |
$800–$1,050 |
$1,300–$1,500 |
2–4 days |
Tampa to Schaumburg |
~1,200 miles |
$850–$1,100 |
$1,350–$1,550 |
3–4 days |
Orlando to Joliet |
~1,160 miles |
$825–$1,075 |
$1,325–$1,525 |
3–4 days |
Palm Beach to Glenview |
~1,340 miles |
$875–$1,125 |
$1,400–$1,600 |
3–4 days |
Auto transport FL to IL estimates are based on data from the date of this article. Your quote may vary based on several factors, including current carrier availability, the season, and other market conditions.
Popular Florida to Illinois Auto Transport Routes
The route your Florida to Illinois car shipping takes also makes a big difference in final price and timing. It’s not a straight line along I-95. You’ll likely need to use I-75 through Georgia and then connect to other major corridors in Tennessee, Kentucky, or Indiana.
Common Auto Transport FL to IL Routes
Route |
Approximate Distance |
Typical Route Demand |
|---|---|---|
Miami to Chicago |
1,380–1,400 miles |
Very High |
Orlando to Chicago |
1,150–1,200 miles |
Very High |
Tampa to Chicago |
1,170–1,220 miles |
High |
Jacksonville to Chicago |
1,050–1,100 miles |
High |
Orlando to Springfield |
1,050–1,100 miles |
Moderate-High |
The reason the route matters is congestion. You could be buying a Corvette at a South Florida dealership and have it shipped to Naperville, but run into heavy traffic from college move-in week in the Midwest or seasonal traffic to see the leaves change around southern Illinois.
For example, Florida sees anywhere from 800,000 to 1.5 million snowbirds every season. That means you could get stuck behind a long line of people moving back north in the late spring. The timing of your shipment plays a big role in your price. Try to be flexible when you’re moving a car from the Sunshine State to the Land of Lincoln. The more you can buffer your pickup and delivery windows with extra time, the easier it will be to book at a lower rate.
Weather Creates Challenges at Both Ends of the Route
Weather will impact your Florida to Illinois car shipping rates. Going from heavy rains and hurricane season in Florida to heavy winters and sudden hailstorms along the way to Illinois matters. Even an experienced carrier can run into a heavy storm now and then.
It helps to work with a provider that can connect you to a massive network of available carriers. Nexus Auto Transport maintains a working relationship with hundreds of professional drivers who offer everything from luxury auto shipping inside protected trailers to open truckloads that offer a family moving from Sarasota to Chicago a better price.
With over 500,000 successful deliveries, including some during the heaviest winter weather Illinois has to offer, you can count on Nexus to match you to the best-fit carrier. Learn more by reading our guide on car shipping for all your answers.
How to Save Money on Florida to Illinois Car Shipping
Always begin with your total distance. That, and the type of vehicle you’re shipping, are hard facts you cannot change. Next, try to vary your delivery and pickup windows. Let the shipping specialist you work with know if you’re willing to have 2-3 days on either side of the shipment. That gives the carrier more ability to meet your needs, and they’ll be willing to lower their prices.
Other good tactics to keep in mind include:
- Using open vehicle transport, as this is the most popular and lowest cost (unless you’re shipping a luxury vehicle that needs added protection from road debris and weather).
- Ship an operable vehicle whenever you can. Hiring a carrier that has specialty equipment for an inoperable car is possible, but it will cost slightly more.
- Be sure to communicate any car modifications or special needs ahead of time so there are no changes in your pricing upon pickup.
- Book during slower seasons when the roads are more open and carriers lower prices to fill up any available space on trucks (usually late fall, winter, or early spring).
- Ask about any available discounts for military members, students, first responders, teachers, and if you pre-pay ahead of time.
You should also keep in mind that not all deliveries can be door-to-door if you have a gated community, narrow streets, or construction at the end of your block. In that case, the carrier will agree to meet you at a nearby shopping mall or pavilion.
What Happens During Your Florida-to-Illinois Shipment?
Your vehicle will be picked up in Florida after you’ve agreed to a quote and booked auto transport FL to IL. You’ll want to clean the car inside and out, remove any personal items, and take photos or videos before pickup. If you can, check for any leaking fluids and get your gas tank to about ¼ full (20% to 50% charge of an EV battery).
The carrier will arrange pickup at your specific location. They’ll go over a pre-shipment inspection and then fill out a Bill of Lading for you to sign. You’ll use that same paperwork for the post-delivery inspection in Illinois. It’s how you can compare if any damage has been done, which is pretty rare with Nexus.
Along the route from Florida to Illinois, you’ll be able to check in on the status of your vehicle through Nexus. In some cases, the carrier may provide a specific phone number for calls, texting, or live updates. Should anything delay the order, call your Nexus point of contact or let the carrier know so you can get an update quickly.
Plan Your Florida to Illinois Auto Transport Around the Route
Florida to Illinois car shipping rates depend on a lot more than two ZIP codes. You may save a lot of money on a February shipment from Jacksonville to Springfield using an open carrier compared to the same route in April for an enclosed delivery.
Do your best to schedule your transport as early as you can. Work with Nexus to match your vehicle's needs to the carrier’s experience and expertise, and you should have no issues. Whether you’re moving from Patrick Space Force Base to Scott Air Force Base or relocating for a new job in Chicago, using a professional team like Nexus ensures your car arrives where you want, when it's needed.
FAQs
How does the weight of personal items inside the vehicle affect the final shipping rate between Florida and Illinois?
You’ll find most carriers ask you to remove any personal items. That’s because their cargo insurance won’t cover such objects, and any added weight increases the use of fuel along the route.
Are there seasonal discounts available specifically for military members or students relocating to Illinois?
It depends on the carrier you select. Nexus Auto Transport offers discounts for military members, first responders, teachers, and students relocating to Illinois. Always ask before you agree to any booking so you can save a bit of money.
What happens to the shipping schedule if severe winter weather impacts Midwestern interstate routes?
Safety is always a priority. If there’s snow, hail, ice, or extreme weather that delays your delivery, you should receive an update online or through the carrier’s preferred contact method. Customer service is essential with Nexus, so don’t be afraid to ask questions if needed.
