The Top Questions for Auto Transport Companies for USA-Canada Shipments

Knowing the right questions to ask an auto transport company is the best way to choose a reliable one for shipping your vehicle between the USA and Canada. The answers tell you whether the company is licensed and insured, what you’ll really pay, and whether it can handle the border.

Below are the 15 questions to ask, with what a good answer sounds like for each, plus the questions only a cross-border company can answer. US Canada Auto Transport has been shipping vehicles across the border since 1985.

Understanding the basics of auto transport

Before you start asking questions, it helps to understand the basics, so you can make sense of the answers.

Types of auto transport services

• Open transport: The most common and economical option. Your vehicle rides on an open carrier, exposed to the elements.
• Enclosed transport: Extra protection in a fully enclosed trailer, ideal for high-value or classic cars. It typically costs 30–60% more.
• Door-to-door vs. terminal: Door-to-door picks up and delivers at your addresses, while terminal service means you drop off and collect at a terminal. Our overview of the types of car transport services compares them all.

Cost factors

Distance, open or enclosed transport, vehicle size, and the season all affect the price. Get a detailed quote that shows all potential charges.

15 questions to ask an auto transport company

1. What are your licensing and insurance credentials?

Make sure the company is properly licensed and insured. A licensed auto transport company must carry the required insurance and meet safety rules.

A good answer: In the US, the carrier gives you its USDOT and MC numbers, which you can check on the FMCSA’s SAFER website. In Canada, carriers operate under the federal Motor Vehicle Transport Act and are licensed by their province under the National Safety Code (NSC). The company explains its cargo insurance coverage and limits.

2. What is the estimated delivery time?

Delivery times depend on distance, weather, the season, and border timing.

A good answer: A realistic window, usually about 7 to 14 days for a cross-border shipment, with updates if anything changes. Be wary of a guaranteed date.

3. What are the costs involved?

Ask for a detailed quote that shows:

• Base rate: the transport price.
• Additional fees: fuel surcharges, tolls, or special handling.
• Deposit and payment terms: what’s due and when.
• Extra charges: for oversized or non-running vehicles, or remote addresses.

A good answer: A clear breakdown of what’s included, plus what you’ll pay separately at the border, such as duty and GST.

4. How do you handle vehicle inspection?

A careful inspection before loading protects you if there’s a dispute later.

A good answer: The driver inspects the car with you at pickup and records any existing damage on the bill of lading, which you both sign. The same check happens at delivery. Our guide to car shipping contracts explains the bill of lading.

5. What is your cancellation policy?

Plans change, so know the terms before you book.

A good answer: A clear written policy that explains any fees and when they apply, for example, after a carrier has been assigned.

6. How will you keep me updated?

You’ll want to know where your car is and when it will arrive.

A good answer: Regular updates from pickup through the border crossing to delivery, and a contact you can reach at any time. We keep you updated throughout every shipment.

7. What are your payment options?

Check which payment methods are accepted and when payment is due.

A good answer: Clear, secure options. We accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, postal money orders, and major credit cards, with a signature on file for credit card payments.

8. What is your customer service like?

Ask how to reach the company and how quickly it responds.

A good answer: Named contacts, quick replies, and plenty of positive reviews. You can read our customer reviews to see how we handle cross-border moves.

9. What happens in case of an emergency or delay?

Ask how the company handles breakdowns, weather, and border delays.

A good answer: A clear plan, prompt communication, and a realistic new delivery estimate.

10. Do you have references or reviews?

Past customers are the best guide to a company’s reliability.

A good answer: Plenty of recent reviews, ideally from customers who shipped across the border.

11. How do you handle different vehicle types?

Ask whether the company has experience with your vehicle:

• Luxury and exotic cars: often shipped enclosed.
• Classic cars: extra protection and careful loading.
• Non-running vehicles: need a winch and usually cost more.
• Motorcycles: need specialized equipment. We ship motorcycles through our sister company, AA Motorcycle Shipping.

A good answer: Specific experience with your type of vehicle and the right equipment for it.

12. How do you handle customs and import/export rules?

Shipping between the USA and Canada means meeting both countries’ customs rules. Our list of US-Canada customs documents shows what each direction needs.

A good answer: The company explains the paperwork for your direction and helps you prepare it: the AES export filing and the title at US Customs 72 hours before the crossing for cars leaving the US, Form 1 into Canada, or the US import forms going south. It also tells you which duties and taxes apply. Check the current tariff rates too.

13. What is your policy on modifications and personal items?

Ask how modifications are handled, and whether anything can stay in the car.

A good answer: Lowered or modified vehicles are flagged in advance so the right equipment is used. All personal items must be removed, because they aren’t insured and can cause problems at customs.

14. How do you keep my vehicle safe in transit?

Ask how the vehicle is secured and handled.

A good answer: Trained drivers, proper tie-downs, condition checks at pickup and delivery, and cargo insurance included.

15. How do you handle disputes and claims?

If something goes wrong, you need a clear process.

A good answer: A written claims process, a clear time frame, and support throughout. Our guide to handling insurance claims after cross-border shipping walks through the steps.

Questions only a cross-border company can answer

If you’re shipping between the US and Canada, also ask:

• Who files the US export, and by when do you need my title?
• What will I pay at the border, separate from your quote?
• What happens, and who pays, if my car is held at customs?
• Is your price in US or Canadian dollars?
• Do you have terminals near the border I can use to save money?

Why choose US Canada Auto Transport?

At US Canada Auto Transport, we’ve focused on cross-border vehicle transport since 1985. We’re licensed and insured, offer open, enclosed, door-to-door, and terminal options, and keep you updated throughout. We’re happy to answer every question on this list before you book.

Takeaway

Choosing the right auto transport company for USA-Canada shipments comes down to asking the right questions and listening for clear, specific answers. For a full checklist, read our guide on how to choose the right auto transport company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask an auto transport company?

Ask about licensing and insurance, delivery time, the full cost and what’s not included, the inspection and bill of lading, cancellation, updates during transit, payment, how they handle your vehicle type and, for cross-border moves, who files the export paperwork and what’s paid at the border.

How do I check an auto transport company’s license?

For a US carrier, look up its USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA’s SAFER website. For a Canadian carrier, ask for its National Safety Code (NSC) number or provincial registration, such as a CVOR certificate in Ontario.

Is duty included in an auto transport quote?

No. The quote covers the transport. Duty, GST, and other government charges are paid separately at the border.

Can I leave personal items in my car during auto transport?

No. Remove all personal items. They aren’t insured and can cause problems at customs.

What payment methods does US Canada Auto Transport accept?

We accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, postal money orders, and major credit cards. For credit card payments, we require a signature on file.