Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO is a 312-mile heading southwest haul that runs through Illinois and Missouri. A carrier needs about one day on the road at the usual 500 miles a day, and we estimate 1–2 days in transit once the car is loaded. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
Timing and Seasonality
Nothing seasonal dominates this lane; late spring through early fall is usually easiest for a standard-rate carrier. Start getting quotes roughly two weeks ahead for a move of 312 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Missouri, severe spring storms and winter ice.
What Chicago to St. Louis Costs
Over 312 miles, an open-trailer sedan runs $350–$370 ($1.15 per mile). Because the trip is short, fixed costs dominate and the per-mile rate climbs. SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($390–$415); enclosed sedan transport is $510–$535, roughly 45% more than open. A comparable-length trip, El Paso, TX to Tucson, AZ (315 mi), is priced at $350–$370. Delivery to Springfield, 83 miles from St. Louis, would be $350–$370.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Price Range | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $350–$370 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $390–$415 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $390–$415 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $510–$535 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches Illinois and Missouri. In Illinois, I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area. In Missouri, I-70, I-44 and I-55 run through St. Louis and Kansas City, with hilly Ozark sections. Springfield (IL) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. The main approaches to Chicago are I-55, I-90 and I-94. Chicago is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. The nation's busiest rail and trucking crossroads, with I-55, I-90 and I-94 feeding most long hauls.
Delivery in St. Louis. The nearest major airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver. St. Louis sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability. The main approaches to St. Louis are I-44, I-64 and I-70.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $350–$370 fits most cars; enclosed at $510–$535 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Compare nearby pickup points. Moving the handoff a short drive from Chicago can change the price on a 312-mile lane.