With 136,664 trucking businesses operating across Canada as of December 2022, finding the right vehicle transport services provider can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Whether you’re relocating for work, purchasing a car from another province, or managing a fleet of vehicles, knowing the 9 key insights below will help you make the right decision when shipping your vehicle:
Table of Contents
Shipping your vehicle to and from any province in Canada can be a little challenging due to vast distances, difficult weather situations, and especially if you’ve not dealt with car carriers before.
So to ensure you know exactly what you want and no auto carrier can take advantage of you, read the 9 key insights below:
Choosing the right transport services for your car requires understanding the various shipping methods available across Canada.
| Transport Type | Capacity | Best For |
| Open Carrier | 6-10 vehicles | Standard vehicles |
| Enclosed Transport | 3-5 vehicles | Luxury/Classic cars |
| Rail Transport | Up to 20 vehicles | Long-distance moves |
Rail transport is an economical choice for long distances. It often requires terminal-to-terminal service, so you may need to arrange additional transportation to your destination.
| Feature | Open Carrier | Enclosed Transport | Rail Transport |
| Capacity | 6-10 vehicles | 1-2 vehicles | Up to 20 vehicles |
| Cost | Low | High | Lowest for long distances |
| Protection | Basic | High | Moderate |
Open carrier and enclosed transport are the main methods for moving vehicles across Canada. Here’s what you need to know:
Although rail transport is sometimes economical and faster, most Canadians prefer road transportation via car haulers, not just vehicles. This is because of the door-to-door convenience, higher insurance coverage, and ability to stay in contact with the carrier to ensure you’re at home when he arrives. These benefits are not present with rail transport. Here’s a small graph to show you the size and impact of road transportation in Canada:
Source: Transport Canada
This data demonstrates that domestic trucking is a major stakeholder in transport volume and revenue share.
You can opt for added convenience or cost savings:
When looking into car transportation services Canada, having an idea of the costs can save you money. Let’s explore what affects your pricing.
| Route | Price Range (CA$) |
| Vancouver to Toronto | $2,000-2,300 |
| Vancouver to Ottawa | $2,200-2,400 |
| Halifax to Calgary | $2,400-2,600 |
| Edmonton to Toronto | $1,800-$2,000 |
Transport Services vary greatly in price based on several key factors. Vehicle transport costs depend on your choices and timing.
The vehicle transport services industry sees price changes throughout the year. You should consider these variable factors when planning:
Canadian weather significantly impacts vehicle transport services throughout the year.
Winter transport across Canada requires careful planning and patience. Delivery times can stretch up to 2-3 weeks longer than usual. Transport companies often increase rates by 15-30% from November through March.
| Season | Average Delivery Time | Price Impact |
| Summer (May-Sept) | 5-7 days | Standard rates |
| Winter (Nov-March) | 7-14 days | +15-30% |
Road closures frequently occur along major routes like the Trans-Canada Highway. The Rogers Pass in British Columbia often closes during heavy snowfall.
Vehicle preparation becomes crucial during winter months. Transport companies require specific measures:
| Preparation Task | Winter Requirement | Summer Requirement |
| Fuel Level | 1/4 tank (winter-grade) | 1/8 tank |
| Battery Check | Required | Optional |
| External Accessories | Must remove all | Can leave weather-resistant items |
You’ll need to book winter transport at least three weeks in advance. Carriers prioritize weather-ready vehicles during severe conditions. Remember to obtain transport insurance that covers weather-related delays.
Choosing reliable auto transport services requires careful evaluation of several key factors.
Vehicle Transport Services companies should have at least five years of experience. Transport Vehicle Canada providers must maintain proper licensing in each province.
Car transportation services Canada must provide comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Level |
| Cargo Insurance | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| Liability Coverage | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
Vehicle Transport offers various shipping options to meet different needs.
For instance, a classic 1969 Mustang should always use enclosed transport for protection.
Car Transportation timing varies based on distance and service level.
| Route | Standard Delivery | Express Service |
| Toronto to Vancouver | 7-10 days | 4-6 days |
| Montreal to Calgary | 5-7 days | 3-4 days |
Car transportation costs should be clearly outlined before booking.
To give you an idea of the costs, Vancouver to Toronto’s standard transport typically costs $1,800-$2,200 CA$.
Transport Services should provide comprehensive communication channels.
Every car needs specific handling during long-distance transport.
For instance, vehicle transport through Quebec may require specific compliance with French documentation.
Proper vehicle preparation ensures your vehicle’s safe and smooth transport.
Before using vehicle transport services, ensure your car meets these conditions:
Most car transportation services require vehicles to be empty of personal belongings:
Keep records of your vehicle’s condition to address disputes if any arise:
Active security systems can delay the transport of vehicles. Follow these steps:
Tip: Write down instructions such as, “Press the lock button three times to disable the alarm.”
Ensure your vehicle meets all operational requirements:
| Checklist Item | Details | Example |
| Tire Pressure | Inflate tires to manufacturer-recommended PSI. | Honda Civic: 32 PSI front |
| Fluid Levels | Check and refill brake, power steering, coolant, and antifreeze during winter. | Use antifreeze to ensure the engine fluids don’t freeze |
| Battery Charge | Ensure the charge is nearly full so it doesn’t run out during the transit. | Use a multimeter to confirm the charge. |
Thorough preparation ensures compliance with transport services and safeguards your vehicle during transportation.
Before trusting a transport company to deliver your vehicle, you need to know its condition. This guide walks you through the essential inspection steps before pickup and after delivery.
Start with a detailed wash of your vehicle. A clean car makes damage easier to spot. Walk around your vehicle in good lighting, preferably outdoors during daylight hours.
| Area to Check | What to Look For | Common Issues |
| Exterior Body | Scratches, dents, paint chips | Door dings, parking lot damage |
| Glass | Cracks, chips, scratches | Windshield stars, wiper marks |
| Wheels | Rim damage, tire condition | Curb rash, uneven wear |
| Undercarriage | Leaks, damage | Oil spots, scrape marks |
Your photo documentation needs to be thorough and clear. Think like an insurance adjuster – every angle counts. Here are some considerations:
The delivery inspection is just as crucial as the pickup inspection. Your attention to detail here protects your interests. So before you sign the delivery document, make sure to:
Stay calm if you spot new damage. Follow these steps to protect your rights:
Remember: You’re not being difficult by doing a thorough inspection. You’re being smart and protecting your investment. Take your time and document everything – it’s your right as a customer.
Understanding delivery schedules and planning routes effectively ensures smooth vehicle transportation across Canada’s vast landscape.
| Route | Estimated Transit Time | Peak Season Considerations |
| Vancouver – Toronto | 8-10 days | Add 2-3 extra days |
| Edmonton – Toronto | 6 days | Add 1-2 extra days |
| Halifax – Vancouver | 15-18 days | Add 3-4 extra days |
Weather significantly impacts transport schedules across Canadian provinces. Winter months between November and March often require flexible planning.
Transport companies utilize major highways like the Trans-Canada Highway. Alternative routes sometimes become necessary due to unexpected circumstances.
Professional carriers constantly monitor weather forecasts and road conditions. They adjust routes when needed to ensure safe, timely delivery.
Understanding insurance protects your investment when using vehicle transport services across Canada.
| Coverage Type | Standard Protection | Premium Protection |
| Damage Coverage | Up to $100,000 | Up to $250,000 |
| Claims Processing | 7-14 days | 3-5 days |
Professional car transportation companies maintain comprehensive insurance policies for safe delivery.
Insurance claims require prompt reporting for efficient processing. Most carriers require notification within 24 hours of delivery.
| Claim Type | Reporting Window | Required Documents |
| Visible Damage | 24 hours | Photos, Inspection Report |
| Hidden Damage | 72 hours | Mechanic Report, Photos |
| Total Loss | Immediate | Police Report, Photos |
Ask the company about their communication protocols once you book shipping. A good auto shipper will make sure their customers are in the loop throughout the process with regular updates during events such as:
The carrier should be available by phone to get live updates. The company will provide you with the number to call and request the transit status.
Don’t let the hassles of auto transport overwhelm you – Canadian Car Shipping simplifies the entire process with our years of experience and a nationwide network of trusted carriers.
Our dedicated team handles every detail, from initial quote to final delivery, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote for worry-free vehicle transportation across Canada, backed by our commitment to offering top-notch service and customer satisfaction.
With over 25.7 million vehicles registered across Canada as of 2023, shipping cars between major…
Bringing a vehicle from USA to Canada has become increasingly common, particularly given that a…
Online tools like car shipping cost calculators provide a convenient way to estimate vehicle transportation…
The global online auction market industry is set for remarkable growth, expected to surge from…
Thousands of vehicles cross the border from the United States into Canada each year. Whether…
With over 1 million Canadian snowbirds flocking to the United States annually, shipping a vehicle…