ship car from illinois to south dakota
Illinois → South Dakota

Ship Car from Illinois to South Dakota

Shipping a vehicle from Illinois to South Dakota covers approximately 715 miles along the I-90 corridor, with a typical carrier transit time of two to three days. Whether you are relocating for work, purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, or coordinating a long-distance move, understanding the logistical steps is essential for a smooth experience. This guide covers everything you need to know, including current market costs, expected transit timelines, the booking process, how to verify your carrier, vehicle preparation tips, common shipping scenarios, and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Distance
715 mi
Transit time
2–3 days
Open carrier from
$800

How much does it cost to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?

For this 715-mile route, open transport typically ranges from $800 to $1075, while enclosed shipping generally costs between $1550 and $2050. Your vehicle will typically be in transit for two to three days. As a referral service, Ship Car Pros connects you with a vetted carrier from our network, and the quote we provide covers the entire journey from your door in Illinois to your final destination in South Dakota. There are seven primary factors that determine where your final price lands, including your specific pickup and delivery cities, the type of vehicle you are shipping, and the flexibility of your schedule. We will explore these pricing variables in detail below to help you understand how to manage your shipping budget effectively.

What factors affect car shipping cost?

Several variables influence the final rate for your shipment between Illinois and South Dakota. Beyond the baseline distance, these specific factors determine how carriers calculate your quote:

  • Vehicle dimensions and weight: Larger trucks and SUVs require more trailer space and increase fuel consumption.
  • Transport type: Selecting enclosed shipping provides premium protection but carries a higher price than standard open transport.
  • Pickup and delivery flexibility: A wider scheduling window allows carriers to optimize their routes, often reducing your cost.
  • Seasonal demand: High-traffic periods like summer or snowbird season naturally increase competition for available trailer space.
  • Route accessibility: Shipping between major metro areas is typically more affordable than arranging pickup or delivery in remote, rural locations.
  • Vehicle operability: Vehicles that cannot roll or steer under their own power require extra labor and specialized equipment to load.

Open vs. enclosed car transport: which should you choose?

Choosing between open and enclosed transport comes down to your vehicle's value and your specific requirements. Open transport is the industry standard, used for roughly 85% of all shipments. It is the same method dealerships use to move new inventory, making it a safe and reliable choice for daily drivers, sedans, and standard SUVs. With a typical cost around $894, it provides the most efficient balance of price and protection.

Enclosed transport, typically costing around $1710, offers a fully sealed environment that protects your vehicle from road debris, dust, and harsh weather. This is usually the right choice if you are shipping a high-value classic, a luxury exotic, or a custom build that must arrive in pristine condition. If your vehicle has very low ground clearance or a custom finish, the added protection of an enclosed trailer is well worth the premium.

Open carrier
$800–$1,075
Standard 7–10 car hauler.
Enclosed carrier
$1,550–$2,050
Sealed trailer for high-value vehicles.

How long does it take to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?

You can expect your vehicle to be in transit for two to three days for this 715-mile journey. While a direct drive takes about ten hours, professional carriers balance their daily progress against mandatory rest periods and the time required to safely load or unload other vehicles on their route. Most drivers cover roughly 400 to 500 miles on a typical day once they are on the road. Keep in mind that weather, traffic, and the specific pickup and delivery locations can shift your final arrival date. We will cover the finer details of how these variables impact your schedule and how to track your shipment in the following sections.

Which routes do carriers usually take?

For most shipments from Illinois to South Dakota, your carrier will prioritize the I-90 W corridor. This route provides the most direct path, cutting across the Midwest and into the South Dakota plains. Carriers typically begin by navigating out of Illinois' dense urban network-often dealing with heavy traffic around the Chicago area-before moving onto the more open stretches of I-90. While the terrain is largely flat and straightforward, drivers must remain vigilant for wind conditions as they move west. Throughout the journey, the carrier will stop at established freight hubs along the interstate, ensuring your vehicle stays on a consistent, well-traveled path all the way to its destination.

What can delay your shipment?

While most shipments move smoothly, several factors can shift your delivery timeline. The I-90 corridor is highly susceptible to severe winter storms and high winds, which can trigger statewide travel advisories or highway closures, particularly across the exposed plains of South Dakota. Additionally, if you are shipping a vehicle from an auction site like Copart or IAA, delays often occur if the required lot number, gate pin, or buyer number is missing. Finally, weekend pickup requests are frequently delayed until the following Monday, as carrier activity is lower on Saturdays and Sundays. These variables represent normal industry-wide logistical challenges rather than individual service issues.

Popular Routes

Major city-to-city routes on the Illinois → South Dakota corridor.

FromToApprox. distanceTransit
Chicago, ILSioux Falls, SD~470 mi2-4 days
Rockford, ILPierre, SD~580 mi3-5 days
Round Lake Beach, ILHartford, SD~460 mi2-4 days
Peoria, ILRapid City, SD~730 mi3-5 days
Aurora, ILAberdeen, SD~570 mi3-5 days
Springfield, ILBrookings, SD~480 mi2-4 days
Joliet, ILWatertown, SD~510 mi3-5 days
Champaign, ILMitchell, SD~560 mi3-5 days
Naperville, ILYankton, SD~480 mi2-4 days
Bloomington, ILHuron, SD~540 mi3-5 days

How does shipping a car from Illinois to South Dakota work?

Shipping a vehicle from Illinois to South Dakota is a straightforward three-stage process: you request a quote, the carrier performs the pickup, and the driver handles the final delivery. First, you provide your route and vehicle details to receive an all-inclusive price. Once a carrier is assigned, a driver will coordinate the pickup at your specified Illinois address. Finally, the vehicle is transported along the I-90 corridor and delivered directly to your destination in South Dakota. You will inspect the vehicle at both ends to ensure everything arrives exactly as it started.

What happens between booking and pickup?

Once you confirm your booking, the focus shifts to securing the right driver for your specific route. Here is how that transition unfolds leading up to the day of pickup:

  1. Market Posting: We post your shipment to our private network, where vetted carriers review the route and load requirements.
  2. Carrier Assignment: A qualified carrier accepts your shipment and is formally dispatched to your Illinois location.
  3. Communication: You receive the carrier’s details, including the driver's name and contact information, so you have a direct line to the person moving your vehicle.
  4. Scheduling: The driver contacts your pickup representative to confirm a specific 1-to-3-day pickup window that fits their route.
  5. On-Site Inspection: On the scheduled day, the driver arrives at your door and conducts a thorough 21-point inspection, documenting the vehicle’s condition on the bill of lading before loading it onto the trailer.

What is a bill of lading (BOL)?

The bill of lading (BOL) is both a contract for transport and a formal condition report for your vehicle. At pickup, the driver performs a detailed, roughly 21-point inspection, documenting every existing scratch, dent, or mechanical issue on this document. You will review and sign this report before the car is loaded. When the driver arrives in South Dakota, they will repeat this inspection. You should always inspect your vehicle thoroughly in good daylight before signing the final BOL at delivery. Comparing the two reports side-by-side confirms the vehicle's condition throughout the journey and serves as your primary protection should any new damage occur during transit.

After delivery: registration and inspection in South Dakota

Once your vehicle arrives in South Dakota, you have 45 days to complete the title transfer and registration if you are a current resident who purchased the car out-of-state. New residents have 90 days to establish their registration. You must visit your local county treasurer’s office in person with your out-of-state title, a completed Application for Motor Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MV-608), proof of insurance, and your bill of sale. South Dakota does not require safety or emissions inspections for passenger vehicles, which simplifies the process. Be prepared to pay a 4% motor vehicle excise tax based on the purchase price or NADA value. For the most current forms and local office instructions, visit https://dor.sd.gov/individuals/motor-vehicle/.

Before closing your Illinois paperwork, remember that license plates belong to you, not the vehicle. Be sure to remove them upon sale or relocation, and file a Seller’s Report of Sale (Form VSD 703) to release yourself from future liability.

How do you verify a car transport company is legitimate?

Verifying that a carrier or broker is legitimate is the most important step you can take to protect your vehicle and your wallet. Start by checking their credentials on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Every legal transport company must have an active Motor Carrier (MC) number and a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. You can use these numbers on the FMCSA’s "SAFER" lookup tool to confirm their licensing status, safety rating, and insurance coverage. If a company cannot provide these numbers or refuses to share them, do not move forward.

A professional company will always provide a written agreement before taking any action. Be wary of any provider that demands a deposit or payment before a driver is actually assigned to your shipment. This is a common red flag; at Ship Car Pros, we only process a deposit once a carrier is confirmed and dispatched.

Finally, look beyond their own website for third-party feedback. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaint history and visit independent platforms like Transport Reviews to see how other customers rate their actual experience. If a company has no verified history or their reviews are exclusively generic, it is safer to look for a more established partner. Taking these few minutes to verify credentials ensures you are working with a legitimate, accountable service.

How do I prepare my car for shipping?

Preparing your vehicle for transport helps ensure a smooth inspection process and protects your belongings during the journey. While our carriers handle the heavy lifting, taking these simple steps before the driver arrives will keep your shipment on schedule:

  • Wash the exterior: Cleaning the car makes it much easier for both you and the driver to accurately document any pre-existing scratches or dents on the bill of lading.
  • Photograph the vehicle: Take clear, dated photos from all four sides, including the roof and interior, to serve as a record of its condition.
  • Declutter the interior: Remove all personal items, toll tags, and parking permits, keeping only the 100-pound maximum of belongings allowed by carrier insurance.
  • Limit fuel: Keep your gas tank at approximately one-quarter full to reduce the vehicle's overall weight while still ensuring enough fuel for loading and unloading.
  • Disable alarms: Turn off any security systems to prevent the alarm from triggering during transit.
  • Share quirks: Leave a note for the driver regarding any known mechanical issues, such as a battery quirk or a specific way to operate the parking brake.

Following these steps allows your driver to focus entirely on the secure loading and transport of your vehicle.

Specialty shipments from Illinois to South Dakota

Certain shipments require specialized logistics beyond standard vehicle transport. Whether you are managing professional auction acquisitions, relocating a non-running vehicle, or coordinating a multi-car move for your family, these scenarios involve unique requirements that fall outside typical door-to-door transit. The following sections detail the specific documentation and equipment needed to handle these specialty shipments between Illinois and South Dakota, ensuring your vehicle remains secure and compliant with all industry and facility regulations throughout the transition.

How do you ship a car bought at Copart or IAA auction?

Shipping a vehicle purchased from an auction facility like Copart or IAA requires more preparation than a standard residential pickup. Because these locations are highly secure and operate on strict schedules, the driver cannot simply show up. To facilitate the release of your vehicle, you must provide your transport coordinator with three specific pieces of documentation: the unique lot number, the gate pin, and your buyer number. Additionally, you must ensure that your payment to the auction house is fully processed and that you have received a release authorization. Because the carrier must coordinate their arrival with the auction yard’s specific appointment system, these shipments often take one to three days longer to arrange than a normal residential pickup. Having your paperwork ready immediately upon booking is the single most effective way to avoid unnecessary delays and keep your vehicle moving toward its destination.

How do you ship an inoperable car?

If your vehicle is inoperable, it requires more than a standard drive-on loading process. Carriers must use a winch to pull the car onto the trailer safely. For this to work, the vehicle must still be able to roll, steer, and brake effectively. If the tires are locked or the steering is seized, the vehicle cannot be safely loaded, and you should notify us immediately to discuss specialized equipment options. Because inoperable vehicles take more time and specialized gear to manage, this service adds a surcharge to the standard transport rate. Always disclose the exact condition of your vehicle upfront so we can dispatch the right equipment.

How do you ship multiple cars at once?

If you are relocating a household or managing a fleet, shipping multiple vehicles together is often the most efficient strategy. When you book two or more cars for the same route, you generally qualify for a multi-vehicle discount, which lowers the per-vehicle cost compared to individual shipments. Because carriers have limited trailer space, consolidating your vehicles allows them to optimize their load, which often results in a more streamlined transit experience. While most standard trailers can accommodate several vehicles at once, larger moves may occasionally require a split shipment if the total count exceeds the capacity of a single carrier. Coordinating these as one order ensures everything stays on the same schedule.

Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it from Illinois to South Dakota?

Deciding whether to ship your vehicle or drive it yourself is a balance of immediate out-of-pocket costs versus the value of your time. For a 715-mile trek from Illinois to South Dakota, a non-stop drive takes roughly 10 hours and 30 minutes, though most people break this into a two-day trip to avoid extreme fatigue.

If you choose to drive, your primary expenses include fuel, potential vehicle wear, and at least one night of lodging. Using the current AAA driving cost metrics, you can expect to spend approximately $620 for the journey. This includes roughly $500 in per-mile vehicle operating costs and $120 for a hotel stay.

In comparison, open transport for this route typically costs around $894. While driving is lower on paper, it does not account for the personal cost of your time, the stress of navigating highway traffic, or the physical toll of a long-distance haul. When you ship, you avoid the fatigue of a two-day trip and the logistical headache of coordinating overnight stops. You also keep your vehicle’s odometer from climbing by over 700 miles, which helps preserve its resale value. The right choice depends on whether you prefer the savings of a self-drive or the convenience and time-efficiency of having a professional carrier handle the journey for you.

Ship itDrive it
Total cost$800–$1,075 all-in~$501 (fuel + lodging + meals)
Your time0 hours~12 hrs driving + overnight
Wear & tearNone715 mi added; ~$0.10/mi depreciation
RiskInsured in transitPersonal liability + fatigue

For most Illinois → South Dakota shipments, ship is the better value once time and depreciation are counted.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from Illinois to South Dakota?

The cost to ship a vehicle between Illinois and South Dakota typically ranges from $800 to $1075 for open transport and $1550 to $2050 for enclosed shipping. Your exact price depends on several factors, including the specific pickup and delivery locations, the size and weight of your vehicle, and the current market demand. Giving a wider, flexible pickup window of four to seven days can often help you secure a rate closer to the lower end of these ranges.

How long does it typically take to move a vehicle from Illinois to South Dakota?

The typical transit time for this 715-mile route is two to three days. Although the non-stop driving time is approximately ten and a half hours, professional carriers must adhere to federal hours-of-service regulations, which limit daily driving distances for solo operators. Factors such as weather conditions along the I-90 corridor, traffic congestion in urban areas, and the time required for the driver to safely load and unload other vehicles on the trailer can influence the final delivery date.

What is the difference between open and enclosed trailer shipping for this route?

Open transport is the industry standard for 85% of vehicles, keeping your car on a multi-vehicle trailer exposed to the elements for a lower price. Enclosed transport provides a fully sealed, covered trailer that protects your vehicle from road debris, dust, and harsh weather. This premium option is typically reserved for high-value classic cars, luxury vehicles, or custom builds that require pristine arrival conditions, and it generally costs about 1.6 to 1.8 times more than standard open transport.

When is the deposit paid when shipping a vehicle with Ship Car Pros?

The deposit is only charged to your credit or debit card once a carrier has been formally assigned to your shipment and dispatched. Before this point, you may provide your payment information to secure your place in the process, but no funds are collected. Once the carrier is confirmed, the deposit is processed, and the remaining balance for the transport is paid directly to the driver at the time of delivery using cash, certified check, or other accepted methods.

Is my vehicle covered by insurance while it is being transported?

Yes, every carrier moving vehicles on U.S. roads is required to carry cargo insurance, which provides bumper-to-bumper coverage during transit. This insurance typically covers the vehicle from the moment it is loaded onto the trailer until it is delivered to your final destination. While coverage amounts vary by carrier and trailer type, this policy is standard across the industry and is designed to protect your vehicle against damage throughout the entire duration of the trip.

Can I request a weekend pickup or delivery for my car transport?

While carriers often perform deliveries on weekends, pickups during this time are significantly less reliable. Carrier activity is generally lower on Saturdays and Sundays, which means a Friday booking is frequently not picked up until the following Monday or Tuesday. If you require a weekend pickup, keep in mind that it may take longer to find a driver willing to accommodate that specific window compared to a weekday shipment.

What happens if I receive multiple quotes from different brokers for the same shipment?

If you submit your shipment details to multiple brokers, your car will appear as multiple identical listings on the shared national loading board. Carriers often view this as a sign of competition and may bid the price up, causing you to effectively bid against yourself. This behavior can lead to longer wait times and higher costs. It is much more effective to work with a single provider to ensure your shipment is presented professionally and attractively to the carrier network.

What is a bill of lading and why is it important for the inspection process?

The bill of lading is a vital document that serves as both your transport contract and a formal condition report. At pickup, the driver performs a 21-point inspection to document existing scratches, dents, or mechanical issues, and you sign it to confirm the vehicle's state. This inspection is repeated at delivery. Comparing these two documents side-by-side allows you to identify any new damage that occurred during transit and is the primary evidence used for any insurance claims.