Shipping a Car from Chicago, IL to Savannah, GA
Chicago, IL to Savannah, GA is a 912-mile southeastbound route that runs across seven states, from Illinois to Georgia. Allow 2–3 days after pickup, in line with roughly 18 hours of highway time. This lane sees steady, moderate demand.
Timing and Seasonality
Snow in the northern tier of states can push dates back from December to February; spring and fall run smoothest. Start getting quotes roughly three weeks ahead for a move of 912 miles. Across Illinois expect harsh winters and strong winds off the lake; across Georgia, hot summers and the occasional ice event around Atlanta.
What Chicago to Savannah Costs
Over 912 miles, an open-trailer sedan runs $545–$775 ($0.72 per mile). SUVs and pickups usually add about 12% ($610–$870); enclosed sedan transport is $790–$1,125, roughly 45% more than open. Delivery to Charleston, 91 miles from Savannah, would be $540–$765. A comparable-length trip, Austin, TX to Denver, CO (919 mi), is priced at $550–$780.
| Transport Type | Vehicle | Estimated Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sedan / Coupe | $545–$775 | Lowest cost, most common |
| Open | SUV / Truck | $610–$870 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Open | Minivan | $610–$870 | Larger vehicles, same trailers |
| Enclosed | Sedan / Coupe | $790–$1,125 | Luxury, classic and low-clearance cars |
Figures assume a standard sedan; your quote depends on exact addresses, condition and season.
The Route and Corridor
The direct line between the two cities crosses Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. South Carolina: I-95, I-26 and I-85 meet the coast and the Upstate. Illinois: I-80, I-90, I-94 and I-55 all pass through the Chicago area. In Tennessee, I-40, I-65, I-24 and I-75 meet around Nashville and Knoxville. Metros near that straight-line path include Indianapolis (IN), Louisville (KY) and Lexington (KY), although the actual interstate routing may bend around them. 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 and Indiana are built into carrier pricing.
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 sits on busy trucking corridors, which helps with availability. The main approaches to Chicago are I-55, I-90 and I-94.
Delivery in Savannah. A working port in the Savannah area means customs and terminal release can affect timing for some vehicles. Historic coastal city with a major deepwater auto port on I-16/I-95. The nearest major airport, Hilton Head International Airport, is a common landmark for meeting a driver.
Practical Tips for This Lane
- Choose the trailer deliberately. Open at $545–$775 fits most cars; enclosed at $790–$1,125 suits luxury, classic or low cars.
- Mention port status. If the car arrives from or leaves through a port near Savannah, say so when you request quotes.
- Be flexible on the date. A three-day pickup window lets dispatchers slot your car into a load heading southeast.