Moving to Chicago
For more than a hundred years Chicago has been a city Poles move to for family, friends and work. Many people assume that since it lies on Lake Michigan, a container can get there by ship. In practice it cannot, and that is the first thing we explain when preparing a quote. Moves to Chicago combine an Atlantic crossing with a rail journey of several days. In Wrocław we pack and load your belongings, and clearance and delivery to your home in Illinois are handled by our partner from the FEDEMAC network.
Why the container travels to Chicago by train
Large container ships do not enter the Great Lakes – the locks on the St Lawrence Seaway are too small for them, and navigation stops in winter. Chicago, however, is the largest rail hub in North America. The container arrives at an East Coast port, most often New York and New Jersey, Baltimore or Norfolk, and is sometimes routed via Montreal. There it is loaded onto a rail wagon and travels to a rail terminal near Chicago.
| Leg | Means of transport | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| Wrocław – Hamburg or Bremerhaven | lorry or rail | 1–3 days |
| Europe – US East Coast | ship | approx. 2 weeks |
| port – rail terminal in the Chicago area | train | approx. 3–6 days |
| terminal – home | partner's truck | on a date agreed with you |
Customs clearance can take place at the port of arrival or only in Chicago, if the container travels on in bond. The choice depends on the route set by the shipping line. The whole move usually takes a few weeks longer than one to New York.
A house in the suburbs or a flat in the city
Suburbs
Niles, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Schaumburg – houses with a garage and driveway. Here a larger truck can often pull up, sometimes even the whole container, which shortens unloading.
City
Apartments in downtown high-rises and two- and three-storey houses in the north-west neighbourhoods. High-rise buildings require a lift booking, while in older ones everything is carried up the stairs.
Winter and delivery dates
Chicago winters can be harsh: frost, strong winds off the lake and snowstorms delay rail traffic and deliveries. If you have a choice, plan delivery between spring and autumn. When shipping in winter we protect equipment sensitive to low temperatures and warn you that the delivery day may shift. Also remember that electronics brought in from the cold into a warm house should be left for a few hours before switching on.
Documents and preparation
- CBP Form 3299 and an inventory in English describing each box,
- ISF data sent before the ship is loaded in Europe,
- a passport with visa or a green card, and your address in Illinois,
- cleaned garden tools, bikes and camping equipment,
- no food from Poland – not even cured meats or home-made preserves.
We can prepare the quote on site in Wrocław or from a video of your home. If some of your belongings are to follow later, we will keep them in our storage. We describe the general rules for bringing goods into the States on our moving to the USA page.
Chicago – frequently asked questions
How long does a move from Wrocław to Chicago take?
Usually seven to eleven weeks from packing to delivery. The most variable parts are waiting for the ship and the transfer to rail.
Does rail transport increase the cost?
Yes, the rail leg and terminal charges are added to the voyage. With a shared container the difference is split among several shippers.
Can you deliver to Indiana or Wisconsin?
Yes, our partner also serves towns in neighbouring states. The delivery cost depends on the distance from the terminal.
Can I send my belongings to family before I fly out myself?
Clearance of household effects usually requires the owner to be in the USA or to provide their entry documents. It is safest when the container arrives after you have landed.
Planning a move to Chicago
We will price the voyage, the rail leg and delivery to your door – the quote is free.
Free quote