Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
Ship from Chicago and the car covers about 659 miles heading southwest to Little Rock, through Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. A carrier needs about two days on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 1–2 days in transit once the car is loaded. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. Carriers usually load around I-55, I-90 and I-94. Drivers often use the O'Hare International Airport area as a staging reference. The nation's busiest rail and trucking crossroads, with I-55, I-90 and I-94 feeding most long hauls.
Delivery in Little Rock. Little Rock is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. Carriers typically arrive around I-30 and I-40. Arkansas capital at the I-30/I-40 crossing, midway between Dallas and Memphis.
What Chicago to Little Rock Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $495–$725, which is about $0.93 per mile over 659 miles. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($555–$810); enclosed sedan transport is $720–$1,050, roughly 45% more than open. Ending in Memphis instead (140 mi from Little Rock) is estimated at $430–$630. A comparable-length trip, Philadelphia, PA to Columbia, SC (622 mi), is priced at $465–$685.
| Transport Type | Car Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $495–$725 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $555–$810 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $555–$810 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $720–$1,050 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Nothing seasonal dominates this lane; late spring through early fall is usually easiest for a standard-rate carrier. Two weeks of lead time works well for 659 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Arkansas, hot humid summers and occasional ice storms.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. In Arkansas, I-40 and I-30 cross at Little Rock. Illinois: I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area. Metros near that straight-line path include Springfield (IL) and St. Louis (MO), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Chicago and again in Little Rock, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $495–$725 fits most cars; enclosed at $720–$1,050 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank keeps weight down for the trip to Little Rock.