Chicago to Phoenix Car Shipping (I-55 • I-44 • I-40 Corridor Guide)
Moving a vehicle from Chicagoland to the Valley? This guide covers the proven carrier path (I-55 → I-44 → I-40 → I-17/I-10), realistic pickup windows, seasonality (Midwest winters vs. desert heat), loading tips, and how to secure the best match.
Quick take: ~1,750–1,820 miles depending on ZIPs; typical 4–6 days in transit once loaded, with a 1–3 day pickup window (season & flexibility dependent).
Fast Facts
| Item | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary route | I-55 → I-44 → I-40 → I-17/I-10 | St. Louis & OKC/TUL pass-throughs are common |
| Distance | ≈ 1,750–1,820 miles | Varies by pickup in Chicagoland & drop in Phoenix metro |
| Transit time | 4–6 days after loading | Driver hours, weather, and stops drive cadence |
| Pickup window | 1–3 days | Mid-week (Tue–Thu) usually matches faster |
| Seasonality | Winter: Midwest snow; Summer: AZ heat | Monsoon storms (Jul–Sep) can add buffers |
| Trailer types | Open • Enclosed | Enclosed recommended for high-value/low-clearance vehicles |
Why Chicago ↔ Phoenix Stays Active
- Relocations: Snow-to-Sun Belt moves, retirees, job shifts.
- Dealer trades & auctions: Regular Midwest↔Southwest flows.
- Seasonality: Winter pushes South/West; late spring returns.
Result: steady posting on dispatch boards—flexible windows and mid-week pickups often secure stronger offers.
Timing & ETAs
- Pickup: 1–3 day window is standard; exact-day requests limit options.
- Line haul: Most carriers cover ~400–550 mi/day on this lane.
- Delivery: Door-to-door where access allows; otherwise, a nearby wide lot.
Pricing Factors
- Dates & flexibility (2–3 day window beats rigid dates)
- Vehicle profile (size/weight, running status, ground clearance)
- Access (downtown curbs/garages vs. suburbs/industrial)
- Trailer type (enclosed adds protection & cost)
- Add-ons (top-load, strict timing windows)
Pickup & Delivery Tips
Chicagoland Pickup
- Downtown/Loop: Height/curb limits—meet at surface lots when needed.
- Suburbs (DuPage/Lake/Will): Easier staging, faster loading.
- Winter: Snow & parking bans may shift meet points.
Phoenix Metro Delivery
- Phoenix/Scottsdale: HOA/complex access—share codes in advance.
- East Valley (Mesa/Tempe/Chandler): Broad arterials ease unloading.
- Heat: Afternoon temps can affect scheduling—morning slots help.
Pre-Transport Checklist
- Photos at pickup; remove toll tags & loose accessories.
- ~¼ tank fuel; battery charged; no leaks; parking brake works.
- Disclose non-running/low clearance up front.
- Have keys, gate/building codes, and release/receive contact.
Get a Direct-to-Carrier Quote
We place vetted carriers on this lane daily. Call 646-290-6718 or email dispatch@autoshippinghub.com with:
- Pickup & delivery ZIP codes
- Vehicle year/make/model
- Earliest ready date & flexibility (1–3 day window)
- Open vs enclosed preference
