Shipping a car from Canada to Albania has become increasingly popular among expatriates, importers, and returning Albanians looking for high-quality vehicles. With Canada’s strict automotive standards, vehicles tend to be well-maintained, rust-protected, and reliable—making them a great choice for import to Southeastern Europe.
People choose to export vehicles for various reasons:
- Permanent relocation or return migration
- Car resale or dealership business
- Sending a vehicle to family members
- Importing rare or luxury models unavailable locally
Albania’s growing auto market welcomes imports, especially from Western countries where emissions and safety standards are high. Let’s explore how the process works from start to finish.
Is Ro-Ro Shipping Available from Canada?
Unlike Europe or the U.S., Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is not available from Canada for routes to Albania or most of Southern Europe.
Ro-Ro requires specialized terminals and regular sailings, which Canadian ports currently don’t operate for the Balkans region.
Therefore, the only practical and secure option for shipping your vehicle from Canada to Albania is container shipping.
Metropolitan Logistics provides exclusive container shipping services, giving you the flexibility to include personal items and enjoy full protection during transit.
Cost to Ship a Car from Canada to Albania
The cost of car shipping from Canada to Albania depends mainly on the port of departure, container type, and vehicle size.
Factors Affecting Pricing
- Port of origin (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax)
- Container size (20ft or 40ft)
- Shared vs. dedicated container
- Transport distance within Canada
- Insurance coverage
- Customs and port fees in Albania
Example Price Breakdown
| Service | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Inland transport (Toronto → Montreal Port) | 400–650 |
| Container shipping (Montreal → Durrës) | 2,200–3,400 |
| Insurance coverage (1.5–2% of value) | 150–400 |
| Albanian port/customs clearance | 600–900 |
| Total Estimated Range | $3,200–$5,200 CAD |
💡 Tip: Metropolitan Logistics provides all-inclusive quotes covering inland pickup, export documentation, and delivery to port — so you avoid surprise costs.Container Car Shipping – The Reliable Option to Albania
Container shipping is the gold standard for car transport from Canada to Europe. It’s ideal for:
- Personal relocations
- Dealership or business exports
- Luxury, electric, or collector vehicles
- Shipments requiring additional cargo inside the container
How Container Shipping Works
Your vehicle is securely loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container, fastened with specialized straps and wheel locks.
Each car is protected against external elements, vibration, and moisture throughout the voyage.
Metropolitan Logistics offers:
- Dedicated container shipping (one vehicle per container)
- Consolidated container shipping (shared with other vehicles for lower cost)
Benefits of Container Car Shipping
- ✅ Highest protection from weather and theft
- ✅ Flexible scheduling and more frequent departures
- ✅ Ability to include household goods or spare parts
- ✅ Full tracking and photographic documentation
With container shipping, your car remains untouched until it reaches Durrës Port, where our Albanian partner agents handle customs and delivery.
Documentation Required for Export & Import
Smooth documentation ensures no delays or penalties during shipping.
Required Canadian Export Documents
- Original vehicle title or registration
- Bill of sale (proof of purchase)
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Canada Border Services export declaration (B13A)
- Power of attorney (if a third party manages the export)
Albanian Import Documents
- Bill of lading (issued by Metropolitan Logistics)
- Proof of purchase and payment
- Customs import declaration (via Durrës Customs)
- Emission compliance (EU equivalent)
- Owner’s ID or passport
Our team assists you with every step — from preparing Canadian paperwork to forwarding documentation for Albanian authorities.
Transit Time and Port Routes
Average transit time from Canada to Albania is 25–40 days, depending on vessel schedules and transshipment points.
Most routes include:
- Montreal → Antwerp (Belgium) → Durrës
- Halifax → Piraeus (Greece) → Durrës
Metropolitan Logistics monitors each container in real-time, providing clients with status updates throughout the journey.
Customs Duties, VAT, and Excise in Albania
Car import taxes in Albania depend on vehicle value, engine size, and age.
| Tax Type | Rate | Applied On |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 10% | CIF Value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) |
| VAT | 20% | CIF + Duty |
| Excise Tax | Based on engine size & fuel type | Variable |
Example:
If the declared CIF value is $22,000 CAD, total taxes may reach approximately $6,600 CAD.
Metropolitan Logistics provides clients with accurate cost estimates before shipment to help you plan your import budget.
How Metropolitan Logistics Simplifies the Process
Step-by-Step Assistance
Metropolitan Logistics handles everything from pickup to delivery, including:
- Inland transportation to the nearest port
- Container loading and professional securing
- Export documentation & customs clearance in Canada
- Real-time tracking updates
- Coordination with customs brokers in Albania
- Delivery assistance to your preferred city (e.g., Tirana, Vlorë)
Real Advantages of Working with Us
- 🟢 Licensed & Insured: Full compliance with Canadian and international shipping laws.
- 🟢 Global Network: Partnerships with trusted European agents.
- 🟢 Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs or unexpected port fees.
- 🟢 Customer Support: Dedicated shipping coordinators for every client.
Metropolitan Logistics isn’t just a freight forwarder — it’s your end-to-end vehicle shipping partner.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Overseas Shipping
Before loading, our team inspects and secures your vehicle with precision.
Here’s your personal checklist:
- Clean the car (interior & exterior).
- Remove personal items and valuables.
- Ensure fuel tank is below ¼ full.
- Disconnect alarm systems.
- Check tire pressure and battery charge.
- Document the vehicle’s condition (photos recommended).
Insurance and Safety Measures
Every shipment handled by Metropolitan Logistics is insured and professionally secured.
We offer:
- Total Loss Coverage: Protection in case of full loss.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes damage from handling, loading, or natural events.
Clients receive full insurance documentation prior to departure — ensuring complete peace of mind during the transit.
Delivery and Pick-up in Albania
Once your car arrives in Durrës, you can:
- Pick it up personally after customs clearance, or
- Request door-to-door delivery to cities like Tirana, Shkodër, or Vlorë.
Metropolitan Logistics partners with trusted Albanian agents to assist with on-ground logistics, customs procedures, and local delivery.
Tips to Save on Shipping Costs
- Book early to secure lower rates.
- Share container space to reduce costs.
- Choose the closest port (Montreal often cheapest).
- Request an all-in-one quote from Metropolitan Logistics — no hidden extras.
- Ship during off-peak months to benefit from seasonal discounts.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Shipping a car from Canada to Albania requires expertise, reliability, and strong global coordination — and that’s where Metropolitan Logistics delivers unmatched value.
With secure container shipping, professional export handling, and seamless coordination through Durrës Port, we make international car transport simple and stress-free.
Ready to ship your vehicle from Canada to Albania?
Contact Metropolitan Logistics today for a free 👉 no-obligation quote:
📞 +1 (365) 829-5000
✉️ service@metropolitanlogistics.ca