How Are Cars Shipped Between the USA and Canada? (Complete Guide)

If you’ve bought a vehicle in the US to bring to Canada — or you’re moving one the other direction — you’re probably wondering how cross-border car shipping actually works. This guide walks through how vehicles are transported between the two countries, what it costs, how long it takes, and what to expect. US Canada Auto Transport has been moving vehicles across the border since 1985.

How Professional Car Shipping Works

The most common and practical way to move a vehicle between the USA and Canada is with a professional auto transport company. Rather than driving the vehicle yourself across the border and navigating customs paperwork on your own, a transport company handles the entire process — pickup, customs documentation, the border crossing, and delivery to the destination address.

Vehicles are moved using specialized auto carriers — the multi-vehicle trucks you’ve likely seen on the highway. Because these carriers transport several vehicles at once, the cost per vehicle stays affordable compared to other shipping methods.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

When shipping with an auto carrier, you have two options:

• Open Transport — Your vehicle is transported on an open carrier. This is the most common and cost-effective method, and it’s the same way new vehicles are delivered from manufacturers to dealerships.
• Enclosed Transport — Your vehicle is transported in a fully enclosed trailer, protected from weather and road debris. This is the preferred choice for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles.

Why Most People Use a Shipping Company Instead of Driving

You can drive a vehicle across the border yourself, but it means meeting all import and export requirements on your own, handling the customs paperwork at the border, and absorbing the time, fuel, wear, and travel costs of a long one-way drive. For most people, professional shipping is faster, less stressful, and removes the risk of getting the border documentation wrong.

The biggest advantage of using a company like ours is that we handle the customs paperwork on your behalf. Cross-border vehicle import regulations are detailed, and getting them right is where experience matters.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Between the USA and Canada?

Shipping cost depends on several factors — the distance, the size of the vehicle, the pickup and delivery locations, the time of year, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Because every shipment is different, the best way to know your cost is to request a quote with your specific origin and destination. We provide a clear, all-inclusive quote with no hidden fees.

How Long Does Shipping Take?

Transit times are typically 7–14 days depending on the route and conditions. Because this is a door-to-door service, drivers coordinate multiple pickups and deliveries along the route, and factors like weather and border timing can affect the final schedule. We’ll give you an estimated timeframe when you book and keep you updated throughout.

What to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Method

• Cost — What’s your budget? Open transport is the most affordable option for most vehicles.
• Convenience — Door-to-door service means your vehicle is picked up and delivered without you having to coordinate terminal drop-offs.
• Protection — For high-value or collector vehicles, enclosed transport offers added protection.
• Timing — Book at least two weeks in advance for the most scheduling flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a car in both directions — USA to Canada and Canada to USA?

Yes. We handle cross-border shipments in both directions and manage the customs requirements for each.

Do you handle the customs paperwork?

Yes. We prepare and handle the customs documentation for the border crossing so you don’t have to navigate it yourself.

Is door-to-door service available?

Yes. We pick up from your origin address and deliver to your destination address across all US states and Canadian provinces.