Shipping a Car from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL is a 1,737-mile northeastbound haul that runs across seven states, from Arizona to Illinois. That is around 35 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 3–5 days after dispatch. It is among the busier lanes we price, so carrier availability is usually good.
What Phoenix to Chicago Costs
Current estimates put open transport for a standard sedan at $870–$1,215, which is about $0.60 per mile over 1,737 miles. Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($1,260–$1,760), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $975–$1,360. The reverse corridor, Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ, comes in at $865–$1,210. For scale, Fort Worth, TX to Worcester, MA is a similar 1,830-mile move at $915–$1,280. Delivery to Milwaukee, 86 miles from Chicago, would be $870–$1,220.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $870–$1,215 | Standard choice for everyday cars |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $975–$1,360 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $975–$1,360 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,260–$1,760 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Prices shown are for a typical sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Phoenix. Carriers usually load around I-10 and I-17. Sun Belt hub on I-10/I-17 and the nation's top snowbird destination in winter. Drivers often use the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport area as a staging reference.
Delivery in Chicago. 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. Drivers often use the O'Hare International Airport area as a staging reference.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. Expect heavy mountain snow on I-70 and Front Range storms in Colorado. Expect high-elevation cold and strong spring winds in New Mexico. 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 Mountain time and delivery on Central time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Kansas and Illinois are built into carrier pricing.
Timing and Seasonality
Spring brings a rush of northbound cars from Phoenix, so lock in dates early between March and May. 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 1,737 miles. Across Arizona expect desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40; across Illinois, harsh winters and strong winds off the lake.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Phoenix and again in Chicago, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank is plenty for the trip to Chicago.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.