Cross-border car shipping rates depend on more than distance. Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or moving a car for the season, understanding what goes into the rate, and what doesn’t, helps you budget accurately and compare quotes with confidence. This guide gives typical rates by route, explains how our terminals can lower your price, and covers the factors that affect every quote.
Typical cross-border car shipping rates by route
| Route | Typical rate (open transport, sedan) |
|---|---|
| Vancouver to Seattle (short run) | From about $500 |
| Ontario to nearby US states | About $700–$2,000 |
| Vancouver to Phoenix or Los Angeles | About $1,250–$1,800 |
| Ontario to Arizona | About $1,600–$2,400 |
| Toronto to Florida | About $1,800–$2,600 |
Enclosed transport typically costs 30 to 60 percent more, and SUVs, trucks and non-running vehicles cost more too. For more examples, see our car shipping cost calculator for Canada-US routes.
Lower your rate with our cross-border terminals
Our US Canada cross-border shipping terminals offer same-day drop-off and pickup for running vehicles with a valid booking number. Using a terminal instead of door-to-door service can lower your rate. Personal items can’t be left inside the vehicle, for safety and compliance reasons.
| Terminal | Address |
|---|---|
| New Westminster, BC | 310 Stanley St, New Westminster, BC V3M 5H2 |
| Ingersoll, ON | 129 Oakwood St, Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J7 |
| Bellingham, WA | 4653 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226 |
| Lakewood, WA | 9393 Lakeview Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 |
| Great Falls, MT | 4825 53rd Ave SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 |
| Redford Charter Twp, MI | 22520 W Warren Ave, Redford Charter Twp, MI 48239 |
| Chanhassen, MN | 1591 Park Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317 |
| Lewiston, NY | 4890 Saunders Settlement Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092 |
For more on how terminals work, see our tips for shipping cars to Canada.
Factors that influence cross-border car shipping rates
Here are the main factors behind every rate. For a detailed look at each one, read what affects cross-border car shipping prices.
1. Distance and destinations: the foundation of shipping rates
The farther the distance between pickup and delivery, the higher the rate. Destinations matter too: accessibility, local rules and demand in each area all affect the price. We ship between major cities and remote locations across both countries, with rates to fit different needs.
2. Type of vehicle: tailoring rates to your vehicle’s needs
Larger or heavier vehicles cost more because they take up more space on the carrier. Luxury or high-value vehicles may need special handling, which we offer for safe transport.
3. Shipping method: balancing cost and protection
Open transport is cost-effective and suits most vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects against the elements, which makes it ideal for high-value or classic cars. We offer both. See open vs enclosed car shipping costs.
4. Transportation timeframe: balancing urgency and affordability
Expedited shipping costs more; standard shipping is more affordable but takes longer. Season matters too: rates rise during the snowbird peaks, southbound October to December and northbound March to May. See the snowbird auto transport cost guide.
5. Customs and regulations: navigating the cross-border landscape
Each country has its own customs procedures, and getting them right avoids delays and extra charges. Cars leaving the US need the export filed and the original title at US Customs 72 hours ahead. Duties and taxes aren’t part of the shipping rate: into Canada, a US-built vehicle under 25 years old faces a 25% surtax (reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles) plus 5% GST; into the US, most vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff. See our tariffs page.
6. Insurance coverage: protecting your investment
Your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance during transport. Our team will explain the coverage and options for high-value vehicles, so you know exactly what’s protected.
7. Researching shipping companies: the US Canada Auto Transport advantage
Not every company offers the same service or cross-border expertise. Check licensing, customer reviews and track record. US Canada Auto Transport has been shipping across the border since 1985. See what customers say on our reviews page, and learn how to get the best quote.
Making informed decisions for a seamless journey
Understanding cross-border car shipping rates lets you make decisions that fit your needs and budget. Before you request a quote, consider the factors above and whether a terminal could save you money. For current rates, see our US-Canada car shipping cost guide, or get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical cross-border car shipping rates?
For a standard sedan on open transport, short runs like Vancouver to Seattle start around $500, Ontario to nearby US states typically cost $700 to $2,000, and long routes like Toronto to Florida about $1,800 to $2,600. Enclosed transport, larger vehicles and peak season cost more.
Are terminal rates cheaper than door-to-door?
Often, yes. Dropping off and collecting your car at a terminal can lower the rate, because the carrier doesn’t need to drive to residential addresses. You’ll need a valid booking number, and the car must run.
Do cross-border car shipping rates include duty and taxes?
No. Duties, surtax or tariffs, GST and the RIV fee are paid separately at the border. See our tariffs page.
Can I leave personal items in the car at a terminal?
No. Personal items aren’t allowed in vehicles dropped at our terminals, or in any shipped vehicle, for safety and customs reasons.
How can I get the lowest rate?
Book ahead, be flexible with dates, choose open transport, avoid the snowbird peaks, and consider a terminal instead of door-to-door.
Cross-border car shipping rates depend on more than distance. Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle or moving a car for the season, understanding what goes into the rate, and what doesn’t, helps you budget accurately and compare quotes with confidence. This guide gives typical rates by route, explains how our terminals can lower your price, and covers the factors that affect every quote.
Typical cross-border car shipping rates by route
| Route | Typical rate (open transport, sedan) |
|---|---|
| Vancouver to Seattle (short run) | From about $500 |
| Ontario to nearby US states | About $700–$2,000 |
| Vancouver to Phoenix or Los Angeles | About $1,250–$1,800 |
| Ontario to Arizona | About $1,600–$2,400 |
| Toronto to Florida | About $1,800–$2,600 |
Enclosed transport typically costs 30 to 60 percent more, and SUVs, trucks and non-running vehicles cost more too. For more examples, see our car shipping cost calculator for Canada-US routes.
Lower your rate with our cross-border terminals
Our US Canada cross-border shipping terminals offer same-day drop-off and pickup for running vehicles with a valid booking number. Using a terminal instead of door-to-door service can lower your rate. Personal items can’t be left inside the vehicle, for safety and compliance reasons.
| Terminal | Address |
|---|---|
| New Westminster, BC | 310 Stanley St, New Westminster, BC V3M 5H2 |
| Ingersoll, ON | 129 Oakwood St, Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J7 |
| Bellingham, WA | 4653 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA 98226 |
| Lakewood, WA | 9393 Lakeview Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 |
| Great Falls, MT | 4825 53rd Ave SW, Great Falls, MT 59404 |
| Redford Charter Twp, MI | 22520 W Warren Ave, Redford Charter Twp, MI 48239 |
| Chanhassen, MN | 1591 Park Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317 |
| Lewiston, NY | 4890 Saunders Settlement Rd, Lewiston, NY 14092 |
For more on how terminals work, see our tips for shipping cars to Canada.
Factors that influence cross-border car shipping rates
Here are the main factors behind every rate. For a detailed look at each one, read what affects cross-border car shipping prices.
1. Distance and destinations: the foundation of shipping rates
The farther the distance between pickup and delivery, the higher the rate. Destinations matter too: accessibility, local rules and demand in each area all affect the price. We ship between major cities and remote locations across both countries, with rates to fit different needs.
2. Type of vehicle: tailoring rates to your vehicle’s needs
Larger or heavier vehicles cost more because they take up more space on the carrier. Luxury or high-value vehicles may need special handling, which we offer for safe transport.
3. Shipping method: balancing cost and protection
Open transport is cost-effective and suits most vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects against the elements, which makes it ideal for high-value or classic cars. We offer both. See open vs enclosed car shipping costs.
4. Transportation timeframe: balancing urgency and affordability
Expedited shipping costs more; standard shipping is more affordable but takes longer. Season matters too: rates rise during the snowbird peaks, southbound October to December and northbound March to May. See the snowbird auto transport cost guide.
5. Customs and regulations: navigating the cross-border landscape
Each country has its own customs procedures, and getting them right avoids delays and extra charges. Cars leaving the US need the export filed and the original title at US Customs 72 hours ahead. Duties and taxes aren’t part of the shipping rate: into Canada, a US-built vehicle under 25 years old faces a 25% surtax (reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles) plus 5% GST; into the US, most vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff. See our tariffs page.
6. Insurance coverage: protecting your investment
Your vehicle is covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance during transport. Our team will explain the coverage and options for high-value vehicles, so you know exactly what’s protected.
7. Researching shipping companies: the US Canada Auto Transport advantage
Not every company offers the same service or cross-border expertise. Check licensing, customer reviews and track record. US Canada Auto Transport has been shipping across the border since 1985. See what customers say on our reviews page, and learn how to get the best quote.
Making informed decisions for a seamless journey
Understanding cross-border car shipping rates lets you make decisions that fit your needs and budget. Before you request a quote, consider the factors above and whether a terminal could save you money. For current rates, see our US-Canada car shipping cost guide, or get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical cross-border car shipping rates?
For a standard sedan on open transport, short runs like Vancouver to Seattle start around $500, Ontario to nearby US states typically cost $700 to $2,000, and long routes like Toronto to Florida about $1,800 to $2,600. Enclosed transport, larger vehicles and peak season cost more.
Are terminal rates cheaper than door-to-door?
Often, yes. Dropping off and collecting your car at a terminal can lower the rate, because the carrier doesn’t need to drive to residential addresses. You’ll need a valid booking number, and the car must run.
Do cross-border car shipping rates include duty and taxes?
No. Duties, surtax or tariffs, GST and the RIV fee are paid separately at the border. See our tariffs page.
Can I leave personal items in the car at a terminal?
No. Personal items aren’t allowed in vehicles dropped at our terminals, or in any shipped vehicle, for safety and customs reasons.
How can I get the lowest rate?
Book ahead, be flexible with dates, choose open transport, avoid the snowbird peaks, and consider a terminal instead of door-to-door.
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