Chicago to San Diego Auto Transport
Our Illinois Auto Transport network of car hauling carriers service Chicago to San Diego on a weekly basis. We only work with bonded, fully insured experienced and carriers that provide secure and reliable service at reasonable rates. Car transport rates and schedules depend on many factors that are not factored in by online quotes. The result is hidden costs and delays. The best way to receive accurate Chicago to San Diego auto shipping quotes and pick-up/drop-off schedules is to call 1-800-590-6492 or complete the form on this page. The quick links below will help you understand everything involved with shipping your auto.
How To Ship An Auto From Chicago to San Diego
Step One: Gather all relevant information about your Chicago to San Diego auto transport requirements, such as the vehicle's year, make, and model, as well as the pick-up and delivery locations. Then fill out the form on this page or give us a call at 1-800-590-6492 to get up to 10 quotations from our auto transport partners. Choose the most cost-effective alternative and call or email the transportation business.
Step Two: After selecting one of our quotes, work with your auto transport professional to plan shipping, finalize logistics, and make the initial payment whenever you're ready. Payments can be set up to meet your specific requirements.
Make sure to plan ahead of time for your car pick-up and delivery. Autos are frequently shipped in a multi-vehicle carrier, which may necessitate additional days if the driver must drop off other vehicles along the way. Your shipping specialist will be able to iron out the specifics in order to satisfy your delivery requirements.
Please notify the broker or carrier if your vehicle has been customized in any way. Raising or lowering the car, as well as custom wheels, tires, rims, spoilers, and other accessories, may increase the vehicle's length, width, height, and/or weight, affecting the cost of transportation. We also offer enclosed shipping and a variety of other services for specialist vehicle transport, including door-to-door service, if you have an antique car or a special care vehicle.
Step Three: Getting your auto ready for shipping by cleaning out all of your personal stuff, and don't intend on shipping the automobile with any household or personal items in it. This is for your safety, as the insurance that covers your vehicle while it is being transported does not cover personal belongings inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the added weight may increase the cost of shipping the car. Leave one or two windows cracked open, and the car should only have about a quarter tank of gas.
The driver who picks up the car will inspect it and make a note of any dents, scratches, or dings. Ensure that the vehicle is clean enough for you and the driver to see any potential damage. When shipping, loading, or unloading, disconnect or remove any toll pass or anti-theft devices that could pose problems for the driver.
Step Four: You must be available for vehicle pick-up and delivery. Arrange to hand over your car to the driver and accept it when it arrives. If this isn't possible, you can choose someone else, but the transportation business will need both their and your details. You or the person you appoint to accept the vehicle must sign off on the delivery inspection and be able to settle any outstanding obligations (if there is an outstanding balance).
We've safely and securely relocated thousands of cars, and we can help you with yours car shipping as well. To receive up to 10 free Chicago to San Diego no-obligation auto transport quotes, call us right away or fill out the form on this page.
6 Factors That Impact Chicago to San Diego Auto Transport Rates
One: Distance and Location. These are two of the key determinants of auto transport costs. It makes sense that the cost of transporting your car across the country will be far more than the cost of sending it from Chicago to Los Angeles. The other elements are the places your vehicle will be picked up and dropped off. You should anticipate a higher fee if your pick-up and/or drop-off points are out in the middle of nowhere. Unless the middle of nowhere is close to a significant interstate. The same holds true for pick-up and drop-off points that are in crowded places, like downtown San Diego. Sometimes finding a location that is more convenient for the driver to get to with the broker or carrier can assist lower the cost of shipment.
Two: Auto Transport Service Options. There are many possibilities for shipping cars. The most popular choices are top loading, guaranteed pick up, and open vs. enclosed options. Top loading a vehicle refers to loading a vehicle on the top level of an open-air car transporter. With this choice, there is a little more protection against road debris and the possible issue of fluid leakage from upper deck vehicles onto lower deck vehicles. This choice is typically more expensive as well. The purpose behind guaranteed pick up is that the carrier will come up to pick up your car at the time you've specified in the contract. Usually, this alternative is more expensive. For “open” shipping. Your car is loaded on an open-air trailer when it is shipped. The cost is nearly always less expensive, but your car is vulnerable to weather and road debris. For enclosed shipping, your car will be transported in an enclosed trailer with complete weather and road debris protection. Shipping that is enclosed always costs much more.
Three: Weight and size of your vehicle. Vehicles come in a wide range of sizes, weights, and forms, all of which have an impact on the cost of transporting a vehicle. More space is necessary for larger vehicles. Similarly, because carrier trucks have weight constraints, a heavier car will cost you more. Extra-large automobiles, both in terms of size and weight, necessitate unique shipping arrangements, which add to the overall cost of transporting a vehicle. Also please remember that if your vehicle has been modified, it will require special handling and shipping. This can affect how much it will cost to ship the car. Lifting or lowering a car can change its height, therefore the car shipping company will need to adjust the transport trailer levels to take your non-standard vehicle height into account.
Four: Pickup and Delivery Dates. Cost is usually the main factor when shipping a vehicle with pickup and delivery dates coming in a close second. The fastest car shipping service will typically cost more than a standard auto transport service. This is because rapid pickup and delivery require careful route planning, which can ultimately cost you more to ship your auto. However, if you're very flexible with your pickup and delivery dates, the carriers can organize the delivery according to the most efficient route planning which will lower your shipping rate.
Five: Vehicle Condition. An automobile's condition is determined by whether it can be driven or not. An inoperative car will require additional equipment for loading and unloading. As a result, the car shipping service will charge you more for shipment. As not all trailers have the appropriate equipment to handle inoperable vehicles. Failure to inform the broker/carrier that the vehicle is inoperable at the time of booking may result in your car not being picked up.
Six: Time of Year. Like many other businesses, auto shipping has its high and low seasons. In the high season, auto transport is in demand, while low season demand is significantly lower. It stands to reason; higher demand means higher shipping cost. Summer is the high demand time of year and winter is the low demand time. Snowbirds leaving the cold weather in the fall and returning in the springtime can also have an impact on demand for the southern routes. Auto transport during the winter months is usually less expensive, but rates can increase during the holidays.
Below are some of the Chicago to San Diego auto transports we have recently completed.
- 2012 Audi R8 from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2014 Toyota Camry from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2017 Toyota Accord from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2018 Nissan Juke from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2017 Toyota Highlander from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2020 Chevrolet Traverse from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2021 Audi A6 from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2016 Jeep Compass from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2022 Lincoln Navigator from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
- 2014 Infiniti FX35 from Houston, TX to San Diego, CA
The Do's and Don'ts For Chicago to San Diego Auto Shipping
DO: Create a plan in advance. The time it takes to pick up your car could take up to five days, and the time it takes to move it will be dictated by the distance between the pickup and destination locations. If you need the car sent urgently, go with expedited shipping.
DO: Get an auto shipping price before you decide to drive your automobile a long distance. Car transportation is often less expensive than you might think, and it's far more efficient than scheduling a long drive to your destination.
DO: Make sure to include as much info as possible about the state of your automobile. Let the transportation company know if there's a secret to starting it or if the parking brake isn't working so they can manage your car's problems during pickup and drop off. Because of the way inoperable vehicles must be loaded and unloaded, shipping them will be more expensive.
DO: Take into account how you'll pay the auto shipper. Paypal, credit cards, cash, debit cards, and other forms of payment are accepted, though paying in cash will save you a lot of money.
DON'T: Nothing illicit should be transported in the car. At state boundaries, vehicles will be examined, and things such as firearms, animals, and narcotics will be forbidden, in addition to household items.
DON'T: Don't forget to remove all of your personal possessions from the automobile. While auto transport insurance will cover potential losses or accidents, the more goods you have in the automobile, the heavier it'll become. It will be more expensive to transport your vehicle if you have more items in it, therefore get rid of them! Household objects are likewise prohibited from being transported by truck, according to DOT regulations.
DON'T: Don't automatically assume that the cheapest auto transport is the best. In some cases, you may need to purchase insurance separately; before making a decision, be sure you obtain a written estimate for moving your vehicle (including insurance charges).
DON'T: Don’t forget to completely fill out the Bill of Lading (BOL), sign it, and save it. This is a pre-shipment and post-delivery inspection document for auto transport. You and your driver must complete the BOL before releasing your vehicle. This form will be used to certify that your vehicle was not damaged during shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about your Chicago to San Diego Auto Transport
Where will my car be picked up and delivered?
We provide door to door service if the pick-up and/or drop-off locations are accessible by the transporting vehicle. We can also make arrangements for the vehicle to be picked up or dropped off at a convenient location for you.
Do I have to be present when you pick up or deliver my vehicle?
Yes (or a designated person) must present for pick up of your vehicle. An inspection is performed and a contract bill of lading must be signed. The same applies to drop-off.
Can you guarantee a pick up and delivery date?
Our drivers and our network of shippers make every attempt to deliver your auto on the scheduled date. However, due to weather conditions or other unpredictable or uncontrollable circumstances this date may not always be able to be met; if this happens you will be given a status update as soon as we are aware of the delay or usually within 24 hours of the expected delivery date.
What is an oversize fee?
Some vehicles are much larger than traditional passenger vehicles. Some full size Sport Utility Vehicles fall into this category. Due to the larger dimensions, these vehicles take up the more space and may result in additional fees. Please contact us to get a free quote for oversized vehicles
How do I prepare my vehicle?
Please do not fill the gas tank prior to shipping, remove all personal items from your vehicle, repair any chips and/or cracks in your windows and during the winter please make sure your vehicle is ready for changing weather conditions.
Four Things You Need to Know About Completing A Bill of Lading
Number One: The pickup and delivery locations are the first things to check or complete on the Bill of Lading (BOL). Also, make sure the information on your vehicle is correct. Make, model, and year, the VIN, license plate number, and color must be included on the BOL. Speak with the driver if any of this information is inaccurate. Also, it's not a bad idea to have your vehicle's current milage from the odometer documented on the BOL.
Number Two: Always accurately complete your BOL. Prior to releasing your auto to the driver, both you and the driver will inspect your vehicle to document any preexisting damage. Damage includes but is not limited to dents, scratches, cracked, broken windshields, etc.. Before and after delivery, you must inspect your automobile. Occasionally, the driver will hand you two separate bills of lading. You'll use the same one at other occasions. You should fill it out twice in either case.
Number Three: The BOL is the primary form used to document the state of your vehicle prior to transport. It isn't, however, the sole option. Another approach is to snap photographs of your vehicle and email (with a copy of the BOL) them to both the broker and the carrier. It's difficult for a driver to contest a cracked windshield at delivery when you have photos without the crack at pickup. The email should be sent as soon as your vehicle is picked up.
Number Four: Reviewing and understanding the shipping terms and conditions for your Chicago to San Diego auto transport is the final and equally crucial section of the BOL. It's critical to read all the terms and conditions on the BOL, particularly if the transport was booked through a third party or broker. The terms and conditions for the broker and the actual transport firm that is shipping your vehicle are most likely different. Make that the payment method on the BOL is acceptable. If you have any questions, speak with the driver or immediately contact your broker.
Helpful Links
Check here to find current traffic conditions in Chicago and in San Diego.
Check here to find current weather conditions in Chicago and in San Diego.
Check the standing of a broker or carrier with the California Better Business Bureau. Search using the company's name.
Check you auto carrier's status with the Department of Transportation. A US DOT number identifies carriers operating in interstate commerce. Verify your auto carrier's DOT Number here. The MC number identifies a carrier who transports regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. Verify your auto carrie's MC Number here.
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