Shipping Cars To or From Port Of Chicago
Chicago is a leading metropolitan area that has amassed international acclaim for hosting people from all walks of life in its 77 distinct neighborhoods. Multiculturalism aside, this city is said to be one of the key players in America’s commerce and justifiably so. Not only does it boast of 29 fortune 500 companies, it also hosts America’s largest inland general cargo port- The Port of Chicago. The port has employed close to 7000 people and transports 19 million tons of cargo every year.
Cost & Time To Ship Your Car Examples
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Chicago to Indianapolis | $184 | 184 miles | 1 – 2 days |
| Port of Chicago to Kansas City | $381 | 509 miles | 2 – 4 days |
| Port of Chicago to Washington, D.C. | $525 | 700 miles | 3 – 5 days |
| New Orleans to Port of Chicago | $693 | 925 miles | 3 – 5 days |
| Miami Beach to Port of Chicago | $828 | 1381 miles | 4 – 6 days |
| Port of Chicago to Salt Lake City | $837 | 1396 miles | 4 – 6 days |
| Port of Chicago to Los Angeles | $1046 | 1744 miles | 5 – 7 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
Shipping Routes
The port of Chicago is situated at the mouth of Chicago River on Lake Michigan, and as a result, shipping cars to or from port of Chicago scales beyond the domestic borders.
Popular places that ship cars to port of Chicago
- Buenos Aires
- Yantian
- Chiwan
- Shekou
Popular places that ship cars from port of Chicago
- Lisboa
- Felixstowe
- Southampton
- Yantian
- Xingang
Be sure to use a shipping company that has nationwide and international coverage like A-1 auto transport.
Mode of Shipments
Shipping cars to or from Port of Chicago is done in one of two ways; Roll on Roll off (Ro Ro) or Container shipping. Ro-Ro is the standard carrier method where your car is loaded and unloaded off the shipping vessel by simply driving it. As a result, Ro-Ro is lowly priced and is what most clients opt for when shipping standard cars.
When shipping luxury cars that demand added protection, container is a more fitting option. This is an enclosed carrier method that involves securing and bracing your car inside a 20 ft. container before setting sail. While you may have to pay a bit more than you would for Ro-Ro, your car will be safe from harsh weather elements that could end up marginally devaluing your automobile.
Custom requirements
You will be required to have the following documents for the US customs to clear your vehicle for shipping at the port of Chicago
- Bill of lading. This is a legal document between you and your auto shipper detailing the make and model of your car, the address of your chosen auto shipper, and the year your vehicle was manufactured.
- A fully completed form HS-7 given by NHTSA.
- A form of photo identification like your passport/visa.
- Proof of vehicle ownership, e.g. bill of sale.
Port charges
After your vehicle safely arrives at the port of Chicago, it will be received by the port’s personnel and you will be charged for this service. You will also incur costs of clearing your vehicle with the border services and US customs. All the aforementioned costs are often included in the auto shipper’s quotation if you need a comprehensive breakdown.
Additional port requirements
Your undercarriage should be thoroughly cleaned pursuant to stipulation set by US Department of Agriculture. This is a safety measure meant to curb the transportation of dangerous pests in and out of the Windy City.
It’s only prudent that you rid your car of any personal belongings seeing as you run the risk of succumbing to theft or damage. What’s more, most shippers will not receive a car that holds personal belongings. Keep in mind that the entire contents of your vehicle ought to be declared to customs on entry so the fewer the vehicle contents, the faster the process.
Kindly reach out to us if you need any assistance shipping cars to or from port of Chicago.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
