Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ is a 1,728-mile westbound route that runs across seven states, from Illinois to Arizona. That is around 35 hours of driving at car-hauler speeds; our transit estimate is 3–5 days after dispatch. This is a high-volume lane for us, so quotes tend to arrive quickly.
The Route and Corridor
A carrier on this lane works through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Arizona: I-10 and I-40 cross long desert stretches with few services. Missouri: I-70, I-44 and I-55 run through St. Louis and Kansas City, with hilly Ozark sections. In Illinois, I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area. Santa Fe (NM) sit close to the corridor, which is why trucks often add or drop vehicles there. Pickup is on Central time and delivery on Mountain time, so a driver's call can come an hour off your clock. Toll roads in Illinois and Kansas are built into carrier pricing.
What Chicago to Phoenix Costs
Over 1,728 miles, an open-trailer sedan runs $865–$1,210 ($0.60 per mile). SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($970–$1,355); enclosed sedan transport is $1,255–$1,755, roughly 45% more than open. Going the other way, Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL is estimated at $870–$1,215. For scale, Seattle, WA to Wichita, KS is a similar 1,708-mile move at $855–$1,195. Ending in Scottsdale instead (18 mi from Phoenix) is estimated at $860–$1,200.
| Service | Vehicle | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $865–$1,210 | Budget-friendly default |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $970–$1,355 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Open | Minivan | $970–$1,355 | Taller, heavier vehicles |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $1,255–$1,755 | High-value or low cars |
Estimates are for a standard sedan; actual quotes vary with pickup and drop-off points, condition and season.
Pickup and Delivery Details
Pickup 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. Trucks working Chicago lean on I-55, I-90 and I-94.
Delivery in Phoenix. Phoenix is a seasonal-resident destination, so fall and spring bring surges of traffic. Sun Belt hub on I-10/I-17 and the nation's top snowbird destination in winter. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the usual reference point for staging in the area.
Timing and Seasonality
Winter residents heading to Phoenix fill southbound trucks from October through December; reserve early. Lake-effect and winter storms in the northern states can delay pickups from December through February. Desert heat rarely stops trucks, but midday loading can be hard, so early-morning pickups are common. Three weeks of lead time works well for 1,728 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Arizona, desert heat above 110°F in summer and snow near Flagstaff on I-40.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Vet the carrier. Check the MC number on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and get insurance terms in writing before paying a deposit.
- Inspect at both ends. Walk around the car with the driver in Chicago and again in Phoenix, and note anything on the bill of lading.
- Keep the tank low. About a quarter tank is plenty for the trip to Phoenix.