How to transport vehicles across country is one of the most common questions Canadians face when relocating, buying a car remotely, or moving between provinces. Driving thousands of kilometers across Canada may seem simple, however distance, weather, mileage depreciation, and travel costs often make professional vehicle transport the smarter option.
Canada’s geography creates unique transport challenges. Long routes such as Toronto to Vancouver or Montreal to Calgary expose vehicles to extreme weather changes, road debris, and heavy highway mileage. Therefore, organized vehicle shipping has become the preferred solution for families, dealerships, and online vehicle buyers.
How Vehicle Transport Works in Canada
Professional auto transport companies coordinate pickup, loading, long‑distance trucking, and delivery using specialized car carrier trailers. Instead of driving the vehicle yourself, a licensed carrier moves it along scheduled transport routes across provinces.
The process typically includes:
- Booking and scheduling pickup
- Vehicle inspection documentation
- Loading onto a transport carrier
- Long-distance interprovincial transit
- Delivery and final inspection
Most shipments are door‑to‑door depending on truck accessibility. If streets are narrow or restricted, delivery is arranged at a nearby safe meeting point.
Transport Methods Available
There are two primary ways to ship a vehicle across Canada.
Open Carrier Transport
Open transport is the most common and cost‑efficient method. Vehicles are transported on a multi‑car trailer similar to dealership delivery trucks. This option works well for everyday vehicles and relocations where cost matters more than maximum protection.
Enclosed Carrier Transport
Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from road debris, snow, rain, and salt exposure. It is recommended for luxury cars, classic vehicles, collector cars, and low‑clearance performance vehicles.
Because Canadian winters include salt and freezing conditions, enclosed shipping is often preferred for higher‑value vehicles even for domestic routes.
Cost Factors for Cross‑Country Vehicle Transport
Pricing depends primarily on distance, route demand, vehicle size, and time of year.
Typical Canada Route Costs
| Route | Average Cost (CAD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Vancouver | $2,000 – $3,200 | 7–10 days |
| Montreal → Calgary | $1,800 – $2,900 | 6–9 days |
| Toronto → Halifax | $1,500 – $2,400 | 5–8 days |
| Ottawa → Edmonton | $2,200 – $3,300 | 7–9 days |
| Vancouver → Winnipeg | $1,600 – $2,500 | 5–7 days |
What Affects Price
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Distance | Primary pricing factor |
| SUV or truck size | Higher carrier space required |
| Remote pickup | Routing surcharge |
| Non‑running vehicle | Special equipment needed |
| Expedited shipping | Priority dispatch cost |
| Winter season | Higher demand |
Open vs Enclosed Transport Comparison
| Feature | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Weather exposure | Yes | No |
| Road debris | Possible | Protected |
| Recommended for daily vehicles | Yes | Optional |
| Recommended for luxury/classic cars | Not ideal | Best option |
| Winter suitability | Moderate | Excellent |
Step‑by‑Step Car Shipping Process
Step 1 — Get a Quote (What We Need From You)
Share the pickup city, destination city, vehicle make/model, and whether the vehicle runs and drives. Include your preferred shipping window (exact date or a flexible range). This information lets us confirm the correct carrier type (open vs enclosed), trailer clearance for low vehicles, and the most efficient lane for your route.
Step 3 — Confirm Pickup and Delivery Access (Door-to-Door vs Meeting Point)
Cross‑country carriers use large trucks, so access matters.
- If your address fits a trailer safely, we schedule door‑to‑door.
- If streets are narrow or restricted, we arrange a nearby meeting location (wide parking lot or commercial area) to avoid delays and damage risk.
Step 4 — Vehicle Prep Checklist (Simple, but Important)
Before pickup, please:
- Remove personal items (carriers are not licensed to move household goods)
- Disable toll tags (407/ETR, etc.) and parking passes
- Leave about 1/4 tank of fuel
- Charge the battery and ensure tires hold air
- Fold mirrors if possible
- Take photos of all sides for your records If the vehicle is non‑running, tell us in advance so we dispatch a truck with winch loading.
Step 5 — Pickup Inspection and Bill of Lading (Your Protection)
At pickup, the driver completes a condition report and documents existing marks (chips, scratches, dents). You review and sign the Bill of Lading, which is the legal transport document. It records the vehicle’s condition at pickup and becomes the reference point for delivery inspection.
Step 6 — Loading and Securement
The driver loads the vehicle using ramps or a lift‑gate when needed. They secure the vehicle using wheel straps and positioning blocks to prevent movement during transit. For low‑clearance cars, drivers use low‑angle loading methods to protect bumpers, lips, and exhaust components.
Step 7 — Cross‑Country Transit and Updates
Your vehicle moves along scheduled interprovincial lanes. Transit time depends on distance, weather, and lane demand. We coordinate the move so the vehicle stays on a planned route rather than sitting idle. You can request progress updates during transport.
Step 8 — Delivery Scheduling and Final Inspection
The driver contacts you before arrival to confirm the delivery time and location. At delivery, you inspect the vehicle and compare its condition to the pickup report on the Bill of Lading. After you confirm everything matches, you sign the delivery portion and the shipment is complete.
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
Metropolitan Logistics coordinates nationwide vehicle shipping across Canada using licensed and insured carriers. We manage transport for relocations, dealership transfers, and online vehicle purchases.
Customers looking for domestic relocation vehicle shipping can explore our vehicle transport service available across all provinces.
Our dispatch team monitors shipments and ensures safe pickup and delivery timelines.
Service Advantages
• Door‑to‑door transport
• Licensed carriers
• Nationwide coverage
• Dealer and auction pickups
• Flexible scheduling
Service Coverage Across Canada
We ship vehicles between all major Canadian regions.
| Region | Major Routes |
|---|---|
| Ontario ↔ British Columbia | Toronto ↔ Vancouver |
| Quebec ↔ Alberta | Montreal ↔ Calgary |
| Ontario ↔ Atlantic Canada | Toronto ↔ Halifax |
| Prairies | Winnipeg ↔ Edmonton |
When Shipping Is Better Than Driving
Many customers first consider driving the car themselves. However, long cross‑country trips in Canada involve more than just fuel. A multi‑day drive adds mileage, exposes the vehicle to weather and highway debris, and often includes hidden expenses that are easy to underestimate.
What Actually Happens During a Long Drive
On routes like Toronto to Vancouver or Montreal to Calgary, a driver typically travels 3,500–4,500 km. During that trip the vehicle is exposed to:
- rock chips from highways
- temperature swings (especially in the Prairies and Rockies)
- rain, snow, and road salt
- tire and brake wear
- increased engine wear
For newer or financed vehicles, this mileage alone can noticeably reduce resale value.
Typical Self‑Driving Expenses
| Expense | Approximate Cost (CAD) |
| Fuel | $700 – $1,200 |
| Hotels (3–5 nights) | $450 – $900 |
| Food | $200 – $400 |
| Tire and maintenance wear | $200 – $600 |
| Added depreciation from mileage | $800 – $2,000+ |
When combined, the real cost of a long road trip often matches or exceeds professional vehicle transport.
Why Shipping Is Often the Safer Choice
Professional vehicle shipping eliminates the risks of a long-distance drive. Instead of putting thousands of kilometers on the odometer, the car travels on a carrier designed specifically for transport.
Shipping is usually the better option when:
- you are relocating between provinces
- you purchased a vehicle remotely
- the car is newer or financed
- the vehicle is luxury, classic, or low mileage
- you want to avoid winter driving conditions
Rather than spending several days on the road, the vehicle arrives without added wear, weather exposure, or travel fatigue.
Request Vehicle Shipping Assistance
If you are planning a relocation, buying a vehicle remotely, or moving between provinces, we can arrange secure pickup and delivery anywhere in Canada.
Metropolitan Logistics
📞 +1 (365) 829-5000
📩 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
