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How to Ship a Car from Chicago to Los Angeles: A Guide

How to Ship a Car from Chicago to Los Angeles: A Guide

Shipping a car across the country can seem daunting, especially when you’re transporting it from a major city like Chicago to the sprawling streets of Los Angeles. Whether you’re moving, selling a car, or simply avoiding a long road trip, finding the right method to ship your vehicle efficiently and safely is essential.

With over 50 years of experience in shipping vehicles, Dealers Choice Auto Transport has established itself as the go-to service for safe, reliable auto transport. We pride ourselves on delivering vehicles securely and punctually while maintaining open communication with our customers every step of the way. Let’s explore the best practices and what you need to know when shipping your car.

Why Ship a Car from Chicago to Los Angeles?

There are many reasons people choose to ship a car across the country, including convenience, vehicle protection, and time-saving benefits. Here are a few common reasons:

  1. Relocation: Are you moving from Chicago to Los Angeles for work, school, or family? Transporting your car allows you to fly to your new location without enduring a 2,000+ mile road trip.
  2. Vehicle Purchases and Sales: If you’ve sold a car to a buyer on the other coast or purchased a vehicle online, shipping ensures a hassle-free transaction and delivery.
  3. Avoiding Wear and Tear: Long-distance driving subjects your car to road damage, increased mileage, and potential breakdowns. Shipping your vehicle keeps it in pristine condition.
  4. Leisure or Seasonal Moves: Whether you’re a snowbird traveling between homes or someone taking an extended vacation, shipping your car eliminates the hassle of driving long distances.

No matter your reason, shipping a car from Chicago to Los Angeles is a practical solution to ensure your vehicle arrives safely.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Method

When it comes to shipping a car, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages depending on your needs. The two most common methods for shipping vehicles are open transport and enclosed transport.

Open Transport

Open transport is the most commonly used method to ship a car from Chicago to Los Angeles and is the more affordable option. Cars are loaded onto a carrier that typically holds 7-10 vehicles and is open to the elements. This type of shipping is ideal for standard cars, trucks, and SUVs that don’t require any extra protection from the weather.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective: Since it is the most widely used shipping method, it tends to be cheaper.
  • Availability: Open carriers are readily available, making scheduling easier.

Cons:

  • Exposure to the elements: Your vehicle is exposed to the weather and road debris, though damage is extremely rare.

Enclosed Transport

For luxury, classic, or exotic cars that need extra protection, enclosed transport is the premium choice. Your vehicle will be shipped inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from weather conditions and potential hazards on the road.

Pros:

  • Full protection: Enclosed carriers protect vehicles from rain, snow, wind, and road debris.
  • Ideal for high-value vehicles: If your car is rare or expensive, this method ensures maximum protection.

Cons:

  • Higher cost: Enclosed transport can be more expensive than open transport, sometimes up to 50% more.
  • Limited availability: There are fewer enclosed carriers on the road, so scheduling can take longer.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we offer both open and enclosed transport options, depending on your budget and the level of protection your vehicle requires.

What is the Cost to Ship a Car from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Several factors influence the cost of shipping a car from Chicago to Los Angeles, including distance, vehicle size, shipping method, and time of year. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 to ship a standard vehicle between these two cities.

Factors That Impact the Cost:

  1. Distance: The distance from Chicago to Los Angeles is roughly 2,000 miles, which makes this one of the longer domestic shipping routes. The longer the distance, the higher the shipping cost.
  2. Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles, such as trucks, SUVs, and vans, take up more space and are heavier, leading to higher shipping costs.
  3. Transport Method: As mentioned earlier, enclosed transport is significantly more expensive than open transport.
  4. Seasonality: Shipping prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year. Peak moving seasons, such as summer, tend to have higher shipping rates due to increased demand.
  5. Expedited Shipping: If you need your car shipped faster than the standard time frame, you can opt for expedited shipping at an additional cost.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we are transparent with our pricing and work to provide competitive rates that fit your budget.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment

Once you’ve selected your shipping method and scheduled your transport, you’ll need to take a few steps to prepare your car for the journey. Proper preparation ensures a smooth shipping process and reduces the risk of delays or complications.

Clean Your Car

Before shipping, make sure your car is clean inside and out. A clean car makes it easier to inspect for any existing damage during the pre-shipping inspection.

Document Existing Damage

Take photos of your car from multiple angles and document any existing scratches, dents, or other damage. This will serve as evidence in case of any disputes regarding damage during transport.

Remove Personal Belongings

Auto transport companies are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. For insurance and safety reasons, remove all valuables and personal belongings before shipment.

Check Tire Pressure and Fluid Levels

Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure and that your car’s fluids are topped off. This ensures your vehicle is in proper working condition upon arrival.

Disable Alarm Systems

To avoid any issues during transit, disable any alarm systems in your vehicle that could go off during the shipping process.

Provide Spare Keys

Your shipping company will need a set of keys to move your vehicle on and off the carrier. Provide them with a spare key to avoid the risk of losing your primary set.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Shipping a car from Chicago to Los Angeles typically takes 7 to 10 days, depending on road conditions, weather, and the specific route the carrier takes. Factors such as traffic and construction can also impact transit time, but most carriers will provide you with a window for both pickup and delivery.

Pickup and Delivery Windows

When scheduling your car shipment, remember that carriers often operate with pickup and delivery windows rather than exact times. This flexibility allows for delays or unforeseen circumstances that may arise on the road.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we keep you informed throughout the process, offering tracking updates and communicating any potential delays so you’re never left in the dark.

Insurance and Liability

Another important factor when shipping your car from Chicago to Los Angeles is understanding the insurance coverage provided by your carrier. All reputable auto transport companies are required to carry liability insurance, which covers damages to your vehicle during transit.

Check Your Coverage

Before shipping, ask your carrier for proof of their insurance and review what is and isn’t covered. Some personal auto insurance policies also offer coverage for vehicle transport, so it’s worth checking with your insurer.

At Dealers Choice Auto Transport, we prioritize safety and make sure your vehicle is fully covered during transit. We’re happy to provide all the necessary documentation to ensure you feel secure throughout the process.

Why Choose Dealers Choice Auto Transport?

With over 50 years of experience, Dealers Choice Auto Transport has established a reputation for excellence in the car shipping industry. We take pride in our track record of delivering vehicles safely, efficiently, and on time, and our team is always available to answer any questions or concerns.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • 50+ Years of Experience: We’ve been in the business long enough to understand the complexities of vehicle transport and how to get it right every time.
  • Safe and Secure Transport: Whether you choose open or enclosed transport, we guarantee your vehicle will be handled with care.
  • Customer Support: We keep an open line of communication from the moment you book your shipment until your car is delivered.
  • Full Range of Services: In addition to personal vehicles, we offer heavy hauling, heavy equipment, and freight shipping services.

Get Started with Dealers Choice Auto Transport

Shipping a car from Chicago to Los Angeles doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right company, you can enjoy a stress-free process and peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in good hands. Whether you’re moving, buying, or selling a car, Dealers Choice Auto Transport has you covered with our reliable and professional car shipping services.

Contact us today at Dealers Choice Auto Transport to get a free quote and start planning your car shipment. With our experience and dedication, we’re here to ensure your car arrives safely and on time.