Cross-border car shipping costs add up to more than the transport price. Whether you’re moving to Canada or the US, or buying a vehicle on the other side of the border, the total includes customs duties and taxes, insurance, paperwork, fuel, and even exchange rates. This guide explains each factor so you can budget for the full cost, not just the quote.
What is cross-border shipping to and from the US and Canada?
Cross-border shipping means moving a vehicle between the United States and Canada, with the transport and customs steps that involves. US Canada Auto Transport specializes in it. We provide detailed quotes based on your vehicle, shipping method and pickup and delivery locations, and help with the customs paperwork so your car meets US and Canadian requirements.
Our cross-border terminals (in the US and Canada)
If you need to ship a car between the USA and Canada, you can drop off or pick up your car at one of our locations below. Our main service is door-to-door shipping, but you can also use these terminals, which are dedicated to cross-border shipping between Canada and the USA.
| New Westminster Shipping Terminal 310 Stanley St New Westminster, BC V3M 5H2 | Great Falls Shipping Terminal 4825 53rd Ave SW Great Falls, MT 59404 |
| Ingersoll Shipping Terminal 129 Oakwood St Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J7 | Bellingham Shipping Terminal 4653 Guide Meridian Bellingham, WA 98226 |
| Lakewood Shipping Terminal 9393 Lakeview Ave SW Lakewood, WA 98499 | Redford Charter Twp Shipping Terminal 22520 W Warren Ave Redford Charter Twp, MI 48239 |
| Chanhassen Shipping Terminal 1591 Park Rd Chanhassen, MN 55317 | Lewiston Shipping Terminal 4890 Saunders Settlement Rd Lewiston, NY 14092 |
The total cost of shipping a car across the border
| Cost | Included in the shipping quote? |
|---|---|
| Transport (pickup, carrier, delivery) | Yes |
| Cargo insurance | Yes, with our company |
| Fuel surcharge | Sometimes, ask |
| Customs duty, surtax or tariff | No, paid at the border |
| GST and provincial tax (into Canada) | No |
| RIV fee (into Canada, vehicles under 15 years old) | No |
| Customs broker or bond fees | Depends on the shipment |
For typical transport prices by route, see cross-border car shipping rates.
Factors affecting cross-border car shipping costs
Here are the elements that affect what you’ll pay, so you can make informed decisions and manage your budget.
Distance and destination
Distance is the primary factor in the transport price. Destinations on busy routes, or near our terminals, usually cost less than remote or rarely served locations. For distance-based estimates, see our car shipping cost calculator.
Shipping method
Door-to-door shipping: we pick up and deliver at your addresses. It costs a little more, but saves you any extra travel.
Using our terminals: dropping off and collecting your car at one of our cross-border terminals, in New Westminster, Ingersoll, Bellingham, Lakewood, Great Falls, Redford Charter Township, Chanhassen and Lewiston, can lower the cost. You’ll need a valid booking number, the car must run, and personal items can’t be left inside. See the full addresses in our terminal list.
Vehicle size and weight
Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the carrier and cost more to ship. Give accurate dimensions for an accurate quote.
Customs duties and taxes
Each country sets its own duties and taxes. They’re mainly based on where the vehicle was built, its age and its value, not just the make and model. Into Canada, a US-built vehicle under 25 years old faces a 25% surtax (reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles), plus 5% GST and the RIV fee. Into the US, most vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff. Vehicles 25 years or older are largely exempt. See our tariffs page and Canadian vehicle import rules explained.
Shipping insurance
Insurance protects your vehicle against damage in transit. Every shipment with our company automatically includes cargo insurance coverage, and you can ask about extra coverage for a high-value vehicle.
Seasonal variations and demand
Prices rise in busy periods: summer relocations and the snowbird rushes, southbound from October to December and northbound from March to May. Shipping off-peak can save you money. See the snowbird auto transport cost guide.
Documentation and compliance
Missing paperwork can cause delays and storage fees. Cars leaving the US need the export filed and the original title at US Customs 72 hours ahead, and imports need their own forms. See our cross-border car shipping paperwork guide.
Fuel prices and currency exchange rates
Fuel prices can lead to surcharges, and exchange rates change what you pay in your own currency, especially if your quote is in US dollars and you earn in Canadian dollars, or the reverse. Ask which currency your quote uses, and plan accordingly.
Why choose US Canada Auto Transport
We offer open and enclosed transport, door-to-door and terminal service, included insurance and regular updates throughout the shipment. From coordination to delivery, we make cross-border vehicle transport straightforward for individuals and businesses. For more on what moves the price, read what affects cross-border car shipping prices, see our reviews, or get a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the total costs of shipping a car across the border?
The transport price, plus any duty or tariff, taxes (such as 5% GST into Canada), the RIV fee for vehicles imported into Canada, customs broker or bond fees where they apply, and any fuel surcharge. Exchange rates also affect what you pay in your own currency.
How are customs duties calculated?
Mainly on where the vehicle was built, its age and its value. Into Canada, a US-built vehicle under 25 years old faces a 25% surtax (reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles); into the US, most vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff. See our tariffs page.
Is insurance included in the shipping cost?
Yes. Every shipment with our company includes cargo insurance coverage. You can ask about extra coverage for a high-value vehicle.
Are quotes in US or Canadian dollars?
Ask your carrier which currency the quote uses. If you pay in a different currency from the one you earn in, exchange rate changes can raise or lower your real cost.
How do I keep cross-border car shipping costs down?
Book ahead, avoid the snowbird peaks, choose open transport, use a terminal if you can, and have your paperwork ready so there are no storage or delay fees.
Ready to Budget for Your Cross-Border Move?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your route, whether you’re moving within
Canada. We’ll explain the transport price and the border costs for your route and vehicle.
