Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ
The Chicago–Scottsdale haul covers roughly 1,717 road miles heading west, across seven states, from Illinois to Arizona. Allow 3–5 days after pickup, in line with roughly 34 hours of highway time. Volume is middling, so most customers find a carrier without much waiting.
Timing and Seasonality
Winter residents heading to Scottsdale fill southbound trucks from October through December; reserve early. Snow in the northern tier of states can push dates back from December to February; spring and fall run smoothest. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 1,717 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Arizona, desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40.
What Chicago to Scottsdale Costs
Expect open transport for a standard sedan at $860–$1,200, which is about $0.60 per mile over 1,717 miles. For a larger vehicle plan on $965–$1,345, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $1,245–$1,740 (about 45% above open). Ending in Phoenix instead (18 mi from Scottsdale) is estimated at $865–$1,210. For scale, New York City, NY to Fort Worth, TX is a similar 1,664-mile move at $830–$1,165.
| Trailer | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $860–$1,200 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $965–$1,345 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $965–$1,345 | Bigger cars, same open trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,245–$1,740 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake in Illinois. In Colorado, I-70 climbs through the Rockies near the Eisenhower Tunnel while I-25 runs the Front Range. In Iowa, I-80 and I-35 are the backbone, with long open stretches. Metros near that straight-line path include Santa Fe (NM), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. Pickup is on Central time and delivery on Mountain time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Illinois and Kansas are built into carrier pricing.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. Chicago is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. 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 Scottsdale. Winter residents arriving or leaving Scottsdale drive seasonal demand. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area. Carriers typically arrive around I-17.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank is the usual advice for the trip to Scottsdale.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Chicago and again in Scottsdale, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Expect a rolling arrival. Over 1,717 miles the truck makes several stops, so give a flexible delivery day in Scottsdale.