Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Orlando, FL
A 1,173-mile trip southeastbound, across six states, from Illinois to Florida: that is Chicago to Orlando. Allow 2–3 days after pickup, in line with roughly 23 hours of highway time. Demand is moderate, so pickup windows are usually easy to fill.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup in Chicago. 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. The nation's busiest rail and trucking crossroads, with I-55, I-90 and I-94 feeding most long hauls.
Delivery in Orlando. Trucks serving Orlando lean on I-4. Winter residents arriving or leaving Orlando drive seasonal demand. Central Florida tourism and relocation hub on I-4, very busy in snowbird season.
What Chicago to Orlando Costs
A sedan on an open trailer is priced at roughly $705–$995 on this lane, or $0.72 for each of the 1,173 miles. For a larger vehicle plan on $790–$1,115, and for enclosed carriage of a sedan plan on $1,020–$1,445 (about 45% above open). For scale, Philadelphia, PA to Jackson, MS is a similar 1,177-mile move at $705–$1,000. Ending in Tampa instead (86 mi from Orlando) is estimated at $720–$1,015. Going the other way, Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL prices the same.
| Trailer | Car Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $705–$995 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $790–$1,115 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $790–$1,115 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,020–$1,445 | High-value or low cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Timing and Seasonality
Southbound traffic into Orlando peaks from October to December, so book earlier in the fall and expect firmer prices. Snow in the northern tier of states can push dates back from December to February; spring and fall run smoothest. From June to November, tropical weather can force carriers to reroute near the coast, so leave a few spare days. Three weeks of lead time works well for 1,173 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Florida, afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season from June to November.
The Route and Corridor
Along the way the route touches Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. Kentucky: I-64, I-65 and I-75 meet around Louisville and Lexington. Expect lake-effect snow in the north in Indiana. Florida: I-95, I-75 and the tolled Florida's Turnpike carry most traffic. Indianapolis (IN), Louisville (KY) and Knoxville (TN) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there. Pickup is on Central time and delivery on Eastern time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Illinois, Indiana and Florida are built into carrier pricing.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $705–$995 fits most cars; enclosed at $1,020–$1,445 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Ask for a call-ahead. Request a heads-up the evening before the truck reaches Orlando.
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.