Enclosed vehicle transport Ontario is the safest way to ship high-value, luxury, classic, or collector vehicles across the province and beyond. Unlike open carriers, enclosed auto transport protects vehicles from road debris, harsh weather, salt exposure, and public handling. As a result, owners of performance cars, exotic vehicles, and restored classics consistently choose enclosed transport when condition and security matter more than minimum cost.
Ontario’s climate creates unique risks for vehicle shipping. Snow, road salt, freezing rain, and highway gravel frequently damage vehicles during long-distance travel. Therefore, enclosed carriers have become the preferred solution for dealerships, collectors, and private owners who cannot risk exterior or mechanical damage during transit.
How Enclosed Vehicle Transport Works
Enclosed auto shipping uses a fully covered trailer designed specifically for vehicle protection. The carrier loads vehicles using lift gates or low-angle ramps, then secures them using soft straps attached to the wheels — never the suspension or chassis.
Unlike open transport, vehicles remain completely shielded throughout the trip. In addition, professional enclosed carriers operate under tighter scheduling and handling procedures.
Typical process:
- Pickup scheduled at residence, dealership, or storage facility
- Vehicle inspection and condition report completed
- Vehicle loaded into enclosed trailer
- Secured with wheel straps and padding protection
- Direct or consolidated transport route
- Delivery and final inspection at destination
Because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles, drivers monitor each unit closely. Consequently, handling risks drop significantly compared to standard car haulers.
Cost Factors for Enclosed Vehicle Transport Ontario
Enclosed shipping costs more than open transport, however the price reflects risk reduction, insurance coverage, and specialized equipment.
Major factors affecting pricing include distance, vehicle size, pickup accessibility, and scheduling flexibility.
Typical Price Ranges (Ontario Routes)
| Route | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Ottawa | $900 – $1,300 | 1–2 days |
| Toronto → Montreal | $1,100 – $1,600 | 2–3 days |
| Toronto → Vancouver | $3,200 – $4,800 | 7–10 days |
| Ottawa → Calgary | $2,800 – $4,200 | 6–9 days |
| GTA Local Delivery | $450 – $850 | Same/Next day |
Additional Cost Variables
| Factor | Effect on Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle height (SUV/Truck) | Higher trailer space required |
| Non-running vehicle | Requires winch loading |
| Rural pickup | Extended driver routing |
| Expedited shipping | Priority dispatch premium |
| Winter season | Higher demand & scheduling complexity |
Enclosed vs Open Car Transport (Comparison)
| Feature | Enclosed Transport | Open Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Weather protection | Full protection | No protection |
| Road debris exposure | None | High |
| Insurance coverage | Higher | Standard |
| Vehicle types | Luxury, exotic, collector | Everyday vehicles |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Risk level | Very low | Moderate |
| Recommended for winter | Yes | Not recommended |
For Ontario specifically, winter salt exposure alone can justify enclosed transport. Road salt causes corrosion on brake components, exhaust systems, and undercarriage metal within a single trip.
Step-by-Step Transport Process
Step 1 — Request a Quote & Provide Details
You submit the pickup location, delivery city, vehicle make and model, whether the car runs, and your preferred timeframe.
We review access conditions (driveway, street size, parking availability) and confirm whether the truck can safely reach your address or if a nearby meeting point is better.
You will receive a preliminary pickup window and a preparation checklist so you know exactly what to do before the driver arrives.
Step 2 — Scheduling & Carrier Assignment
We assign your shipment to a vetted enclosed carrier already moving along your route.
This is important — your vehicle is not waiting randomly for a truck; it is placed into a planned logistics route to reduce handling and delays.
You receive:
- estimated pickup window
- dispatch confirmation
- driver contact information
Step 3 — Vehicle Preparation (Before Pickup)
Before the driver arrives, please prepare the vehicle:
• Remove all personal belongings (carriers are not licensed to transport household goods)
• Leave approximately 1/4 tank of fuel
• Make sure the battery is charged
• Tires properly inflated
• Disable toll tags and parking passes
• Fold mirrors if possible
• Keep one key set available for the driver
We strongly recommend photographing the vehicle from all angles for your records.
If the vehicle does not run — inform us in advance so we bring the proper loading equipment (winch).
Step 4 — Pickup Inspection & Bill of Lading
At pickup, the driver performs a detailed inspection with you present.
The driver records the vehicle condition on the Bill of Lading (the official transport document) and takes photos before loading.
You review and sign the inspection report together.
This document protects both you and the carrier by confirming the vehicle’s condition prior to transport.
Step 5 — Professional Loading
The vehicle is loaded into the enclosed trailer using:
- lift gate (for low cars)
- or low-angle ramps
Drivers secure the vehicle using soft wheel straps (never hooks attached to suspension or body panels).
Extra padding and wheel chocks may be used for exotic or collector vehicles.
After loading, the trailer is sealed and secured.
Step 6 — Protected Transit
Your vehicle travels inside a fully enclosed trailer protected from:
- road debris
- rock chips
- snow and ice
- rain and dust
- road salt corrosion
Because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, drivers make fewer stops and handling risk is significantly lower than open carriers.
You may request status updates at any time.
Step 7 — Delivery Coordination
Approximately 24–48 hours before arrival, the driver contacts you to schedule delivery.
If your street cannot accommodate a large truck, we arrange a nearby safe meeting point (wide parking lot, plaza, or commercial area).
You must be present — or authorize a representative — to receive the vehicle.
Step 8 — Delivery Inspection & Acceptance
At delivery, you inspect the vehicle with the driver and compare it to the original Bill of Lading.
After verification:
you sign the delivery report and the shipment is completed.
If someone else accepts the vehicle for you, they must be an adult with identification.
Helpful Tips
- Do not wash the car immediately before pickup in winter (water may freeze in seals)
- Inform us about alarms or immobilizers
- For exotic vehicles, provide starting instructions if needed
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
Metropolitan Logistics provides professional enclosed vehicle shipping throughout Ontario and across Canada. We coordinate door-to-door vehicle transport for private owners, dealerships, auction buyers, and collectors.
For standard relocations, seasonal moves, and everyday vehicles, you may also explore our full-service
Domestic car shipping Canada solutions, which include open and enclosed transport options across all provinces.
Our team helps customers choose the correct transport method depending on vehicle value, weather conditions, and travel distance — ensuring both safety and cost efficiency.
What Makes Our Service Different
• Licensed and vetted enclosed carriers
• Door-to-door pickup and delivery
• Experienced handling of luxury and collector vehicles
• Real-time shipment coordination
• Nationwide transport across Canada
• Assistance with dealership and auction pickups
We also coordinate interprovincial moves between Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, including long-distance transport routes.
Service Coverage in Ontario
We provide enclosed vehicle transport across the province, including major cities and surrounding areas.
| Region | Cities Covered |
|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area | Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham |
| Eastern Ontario | Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall |
| Southwestern Ontario | London, Windsor, Kitchener, Waterloo |
| Northern Ontario | Sudbury, North Bay, Thunder Bay |
We also arrange nationwide transport from Ontario to Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada.
Insurance, Liability & Vehicle Protection
One of the most common concerns customers have is safety and responsibility during transport. Enclosed vehicle shipping is specifically designed to minimize risk, but professional carriers also operate under strict insurance and inspection procedures.
Every enclosed transport shipment includes documented condition verification and carrier liability coverage.
What Protection Is Included
| Protection Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pre-transport inspection | Vehicle condition documented before loading |
| Bill of Lading | Legal transport agreement and condition record |
| Carrier cargo insurance | Coverage during active transit |
| Driver supervision | Limited access to vehicle during shipment |
| Enclosed trailer | Physical protection from environment |
The Bill of Lading is the most important document in vehicle transport. It records the condition of the vehicle at pickup and again at delivery. The delivery inspection is compared directly to this document.
When Responsibility Applies
The carrier is responsible for the vehicle only while it is in their possession — from the moment the driver signs the pickup inspection until the delivery inspection is completed.
This includes:
- loading
- transport
- unloading
It does not include mechanical failures, pre-existing issues, or items left inside the vehicle.
Why Enclosed Transport Reduces Claims
Damage claims are already rare in professional auto transport, however enclosed carriers reduce risk even further because:
- fewer vehicles per trailer
- controlled loading procedures
- lift-gate equipment for low cars
- protection from road debris and weather
- no exposure to road salt (important in Ontario winters)
Because of these factors, enclosed transport is the preferred option for collector, luxury, and high-value vehicles.
What You Should Do as the Owner
Before pickup, we recommend:
• Photographing the vehicle
• Noting existing scratches or chips
• Removing loose items
• Keeping one key set available
These steps help ensure a smooth inspection and delivery process.
Request a Secure Vehicle Shipping Quote
If you need enclosed vehicle transport within Ontario or across Canada, our team can arrange pickup from your home, dealership, or storage facility and coordinate safe delivery to your destination.
Metropolitan Logistics
📞 +1 (365) 829-5000
📩 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
