Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
Moving a car from Chicago to New Orleans means about 994 miles southbound, through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. Transit after dispatch is about 2–3 days (20 hours of driving, plus stops). This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana. In Louisiana, I-10 crosses the long Atchafalaya Basin bridge and I-20 runs across the north. In Kentucky, I-64, I-65 and I-75 meet around Louisville and Lexington. Illinois: I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. The nation's busiest rail and trucking crossroads, with I-55, I-90 and I-94 feeding most long hauls. Chicago is a freight crossroads, so there is usually a truck passing through. Trucks working Chicago lean on I-55, I-90 and I-94.
Delivery in New Orleans. New Orleans has port activity, so imported or exported vehicles may need extra release time. Mississippi River port city on I-10/I-610 with hurricane-season risk and tight historic streets. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area.
What Chicago to New Orleans Costs
Over 994 miles, an open-trailer sedan runs $595–$845 ($0.72 per mile). Enclosed shipping adds about 45% ($865–$1,225), while SUV and truck surcharges bring open pricing to $665–$945. Delivery to Baton Rouge, 78 miles from New Orleans, would be $580–$825. For scale, Denver, CO to Houston, TX is a similar 1,036-mile move at $620–$880.
| Service | Car Type | Typical Price | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $595–$845 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $665–$945 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $665–$945 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $865–$1,225 | Maximum protection from weather and debris |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 994 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Louisiana, hurricane-season exposure and heavy rain.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near New Orleans, say so when you request quotes.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Chicago and again in New Orleans, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Be flexible on the date. A five-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading south.