US Canada Auto transport specializes in vehicle transportation across North America. It’s something that we have been doing since 1985. That makes us one of the biggest companies in the field. Over time, we have helped countless people transport their cars to destinations in the U.S, Mexico, Canada and elsewhere. We have a previous article in which we spoke about the cost of shipping from the United States to Canada. In this article, we take a look at the cost to ship a car across Canada. That is something that we can help you out with as well.
How much does it cost to ship a car from one place to another in Canada?
Canada is a huge place. In fact, most people are not aware that the Canadian landmass is bigger than that of the U.S. That fact is largely getting blurred, amidst current political tensions. With such a large landmass, getting a vehicle from one place to another within Canada can be a rather daunting task.
Shipping a car across Canada is a convenient way to transport your vehicle without the wear and tear of a long road trip. Whether you’re moving, buying a car from another province, or sending a vehicle to a family member, understanding the costs involved is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about car shipping costs in Canada, including key factors that influence pricing and a cost breakdown by route.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across Canada?
The cost of shipping a car across Canada varies depending on several factors, including distance, type of vehicle, shipping method, and seasonality. On average, you can expect to pay between $700 and $2,500 for standard auto transport across the country.
Here’s a general breakdown of estimated costs for different routes:
| Route | Distance (km) | Coût estimé (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto to Vancouver | 4,400 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Toronto to Calgary | 3,400 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Vancouver to Montreal | 4,600 | $1,600 – $2,500 |
| Edmonton to Toronto | 3,400 | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| Halifax to Vancouver | 6,000 | $1,900 – $2,800 |
| Montreal to Winnipeg | 2,200 | $900 – $1,800 |
| Ottawa to Edmonton | 3,500 | $1,200 – $2,100 |
Please note that these prices fluctuate based on shipping method, fuel prices, and demand. If you want to get the latest quote for shipping your car within Canada, get in touch with us and we will help you. We offer one of the most affordable auto shipping services in the whole of North America.
Factors That Determine Car Shipping Costs
Why is there such a variation in shipping cost from place to place within Canada. As you an see in the above table, the cost of shipping from Toronto to Calgary is between $1200 CAD and $2000 CAD. Meanwhile, costs to transport your car from Edmonton to Toronto, which is almost a similar distance, stands at between $1200 and $200.
So, what is it that determines shipping cost? Several factors influence the final cost of shipping a car across Canada. Here are the main elements that affect pricing:
1. Distance & Route
The longer the distance, the higher the cost. Transporting a car from one province to another incurs different fees based on road conditions, tolls, and fuel prices along the way. It’s something that is highlighted clearly in our table showing the cost to ship a car across Canada (above). In general, the longer the distance, the more you are going to have to pay.
2. Type of Transport (Open vs. Enclosed Carrier)
This is a huge consideration when it comes to shipping cost. In general you need to carefully consider how you wish to have your vehicle transported. The choice that you make will have a bearing on the shipping cost.
- Open Transport: This is the most affordable and common method. Most people prefer this option when it comes to transporting their cars from one place to the other. Vehicles are shipped on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris. For most vehicles, this method is actually the best option.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers protection from the elements but is significantly more expensive—often 30% to 60% more than open transport. With this option, your car is transported to its destination in a specialized, enclosed truck.
3. Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks take up more space and weigh more, leading to higher transportation costs. It’s another of the factors that end up contributing to the cost to ship a car across Canada.
4. Pickup and Delivery Location
Shipping costs are also going to be determined by whether or not shipping will be to a well travelled destination or to a rural area. The following plays a role when it comes to overall cost;
- Major Cities: Shipping between major metropolitan areas (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal) is cheaper due to higher demand and availability of carriers.
- Rural Areas: If your pickup or drop-off is in a remote location, expect higher costs due to longer detours and fewer transport options.
5. Seasonality
When do you wish to ship your car? Is it in winter or summer? Your choice in this regard also has a bearing on how much you will have to pay at the end of the day;
- Winter Months: Harsh weather conditions, road closures, and increased demand for enclosed shipping often lead to higher prices.
- Spring & Summer: Summer is the best time at which to ship your car from one place to the other. More availability of carriers can mean lower rates. Summer also reduces the need for enclosed shipping, which is more expensive.
6. Shipping Speed (Standard vs. Expedited)
If you wish to have your car delivered fast, you will have to pay more for the privilege. Usually operators wait for carriers to be full before leaving to a destination. If you wish to jump the queue, you will have to pay. In general, the following holds true;
- Standard Shipping: Typically takes 7-14 days and is the most affordable.
- Expedited Shipping: Costs significantly more but can reduce transit time to 3-5 days.
7. Additional Fees and Insurance
Additional fees and insurance also has a bearing on shipping cost;
- Custom Insurance: Most shipping companies include basic coverage, but additional insurance may be needed for high-value vehicles.
- Fuel Surcharges: If fuel prices rise, expect higher shipping costs.
- Storage Fees: If the vehicle cannot be picked up on time, storage charges may apply.
Why Hire a Car Shipping Company for Cross-Canada Transport?
Now that we have shown you the cost to ship a car across Canada, it’s time to look at the motivation. Isn’t it better to simply drive your car across the country from one point to the other? Wouldn’t that be cheaper?
We have already noted that Canada is a vast country. It’s bigger than the United States. Driving a car from one province to another isn’t always practical. Whether you’re relocating, buying or selling a vehicle, or avoiding wear and tear, hiring a professional car shipping company can be a smart choice. Here’s why:
1. Saves Time and Effort
A cross-country road trip can take days or even weeks, depending on the route. Shipping your car allows you to travel more conveniently—whether by plane or other means—without spending long hours behind the wheel. If you have ever embarked on an especially long trip, you will know how draining that can be.
2. Avoids Unnecessary Mileage and Wear
Long-distance driving puts strain on your vehicle, leading to depreciation, increased maintenance costs, and potential breakdowns. Shipping ensures your car arrives in top condition.
Imagine have to drive from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in the east and Whitehorse in Yukon. That’s a distance of about 8700 km. Driving that long cannot be good for your vehicles. It’s better to have the vehicle put on a carrier for delivery at the destination.
3. Ideal for Relocations and Job Transfers
If you’re moving for work or personal reasons, having a car shipped allows you to focus on settling into your new home without the added stress of a long road trip. In fact, a large part of the people who hire our services for inland shipping within Canada are moving for this very same reason.
4. Safe and Secure Transport
Shipping companies offer enclosed and open transport options to protect vehicles from road hazards, weather conditions, and unexpected incidents. Insurance coverage provides additional peace of mind.
5. Cost-Effective for Long Distances
When you factor in fuel, accommodation, food, and potential vehicle repairs, a long-distance drive can be costly. In many cases, shipping a car is a more affordable alternative. It’s something that you need to take into account when planning your journey.
6. Convenient for Snowbirds and Seasonal Travelers
Many Canadians escape harsh winters by heading to warmer regions. Car shipping services allow snowbirds to have their vehicle transported safely without the hassle of a long drive.
Tips to Save on Car Shipping in Canada
We all want to make savings, right? If you’re looking to reduce costs when shipping a vehicle, consider these tips:
- Book in Advance: Last-minute shipping is more expensive. Plan at least 2-4 weeks ahead.
- Choose Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: If you can drop off and pick up your car at a terminal, it can be cheaper than door-to-door delivery.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Avoid peak seasons like winter holidays when demand spikes.
- Compare Quotes: Get multiple estimates from different auto transport companies. You can start by getting a quote from US Canada Auto Transport. We are one of the best companies when it comes to auto transportation within Canada.
- Choose for Open Transport: Unless your car requires extra protection, open shipping is the most budget-friendly option.
Finding the Best Car Shipping Company
When choosing a car shipping company, consider these factors:
- Reputation & Reviews: Check online ratings and customer feedback. US Canada Auto Transport has some of the best reviews that you will be able to find out there. Check out what people have been saying to us on Google.
- Licensing & Insurance: Ensure the company is registered and offers adequate insurance. That offers you protection in the event that something happens while your car is being transported across Canada.
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid companies with hidden fees. There are many of those out there. (We are not one of them).
- Tracking & Communication: A good company will provide tracking options and clear communication throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we provided you with a comprehensive look at the cost to ship a car across Canada. The experience can, for good reason, be stressful. A car is usually among a person’s most expensive possessions. When getting it shipped, you need to make sure that you are using a reputable company such as USCAN Auto Transport.