1,700 miles · 3–5 days in transit
Moving from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
A classic snowbird corridor that has turned into a year-round lane as more of the moves became permanent rather than seasonal.
- About 1,700 miles of driving
- Typical transit: 3–5 days
- Direct — no transfer between carriers
- Auto transport on the same schedule
What this move looks like
Chicago high-rises require a reserved freight elevator and a certificate of insurance. On the Phoenix end, summer heat shortens the working day considerably.
The lane runs roughly 1,700 miles, which puts it at 3–5 days in transit once the truck is loaded. That figure comes from federal hours-of-service limits, not from optimism — a driver can only legally cover so much ground in a day, and the delivery window follows from that.
Chicago high-rises are strict: reserved freight elevator, certificate of insurance, and often a hard cutoff time. Downtown loading also needs a permit for a truck over a certain length.
Both ends of this move
Chicago to Phoenix: common questions
What does the Chicago to Phoenix move depend on?
High-rise access — reserved freight elevators, insurance certificates — is the Chicago cost variable. Beyond that, weight and distance: 1,700 miles puts this in long-haul territory rather than a regional run. Long distance moves start at $1,800 for a studio or one-bedroom, but a starting rate is not a quote — the number that binds is a written estimate against your actual inventory, and it is free.
How long does the Chicago to Phoenix move take?
Plan on 3–5 days in transit once the truck is loaded. That comes from the 1,700 miles and from federal hours-of-service limits on how far a driver can legally go in a day. We give you a delivery window and narrow it as the truck gets closer, rather than inventing an exact hour a week out.
Will my shipment be transferred to another company on the way?
No. The crew that loads in Chicago works for the same company that delivers in Phoenix. United Relocation is a licensed motor carrier — brokers cannot promise this, because they sell your job to whichever carrier bids on it.
What should I expect on the Phoenix end?
From June through September, crews start at dawn and stop by early afternoon. Anything wax-, candle- or vinyl-based should ride in a climate-controlled section, not a standard trailer. October through April is peak inbound; summer dates are easier to get but harder to work.
Get a quote for Chicago to Phoenix
We already run this lane. Tell us your dates and how much there is, and we will price the actual move.