Military vehicle shipping in Canada is a specific type of car transport used by Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members relocating between bases during a posting. The process differs from civilian vehicle shipping in a few important ways: it connects to the federal Integrated Relocation Program (IRP), involves coordination with BGRS (Brookfield Global Relocation Services), and operates on timelines set by posting orders rather than personal preference. This guide explains how military vehicle shipping works in Canada, what costs the IRP covers, and what to look for when choosing a carrier for your posting move.
What Is Military Vehicle Shipping in Canada?
When a Canadian Armed Forces member receives a posting order, the federal government provides relocation benefits through the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP). Vehicle transport is one of the eligible expenses under IRP — meaning the cost of shipping your personally owned vehicle (POV) to your new posting location may qualify for full or partial reimbursement through BGRS.
The IRP doesn’t ship your vehicle for you. Instead, it reimburses you — or in some cases pays directly — for the cost of a civilian vehicle transport carrier moving your car from your current base location to your new posting. The reimbursement amount depends on your posting type, distance, and whether door-to-door service qualifies as the most economical option for your specific move.
This is an important distinction. You book the carrier yourself, pay for the service (or arrange direct billing where available), and claim reimbursement through BGRS. Understanding which costs are covered before booking prevents out-of-pocket surprises after the move.
IRP Vehicle Shipping Coverage: What CAF Members Need to Know
The IRP covers a range of relocation expenses for CAF members on an imposed restriction or full relocation posting. Vehicle shipping is typically covered when driving the vehicle to the new posting would be impractical — for example, when the distance is significant, the posting is across the country, or the member is deploying before their family relocates.
Posting types and coverage
Full relocation postings — When the entire family moves to the new posting, IRP typically covers the transport of one personally owned vehicle. Coverage is calculated based on the most economical transport option for your route.
Imposed restriction (IR) postings — When the member moves alone while the family stays behind, vehicle shipping is typically not covered for the member’s vehicle, since the family retains the vehicle. Specific coverage depends on individual circumstances — confirm with BGRS before booking.
Restricted postings (under two years) — Coverage levels may differ from standard full-relocation postings. Always verify your specific entitlement through BGRS before committing to a transport booking.
Documentation requirements
BGRS requires itemized invoices for vehicle transport claims. When booking with a carrier, request documentation that clearly shows the base rate, any fuel surcharges, insurance, and pickup and delivery addresses. Keep copies of all receipts — BGRS audits are common, and missing documentation delays reimbursement.
Door-to-door service may qualify for full reimbursement if it’s the most economical option for your move. In many cases, the additional cost of door-to-door over terminal-to-terminal is small enough that carriers can justify it as the economical choice — ask your carrier to document this in their invoice.
How Military Vehicle Shipping Works in Canada
The process for shipping your vehicle as part of a CAF posting follows the same basic steps as civilian car shipping, with a few additional considerations around timing and documentation.
Step 1 — Confirm your IRP entitlements with BGRS
Before booking anything, log into your IRP account through BGRS and confirm your specific vehicle transport entitlement for this posting. The coverage amount, eligible services, and documentation requirements vary by posting type and member circumstances. This step prevents booking a service that won’t be covered.
Step 2 — Get quotes from multiple carriers
Contact vehicle shipping carriers and request itemized quotes for your specific route. Provide your posting pickup address and delivery address — not just city names, since base locations and PMQ (Private Married Quarters) addresses affect route planning and gate access requirements.
Some carriers have experience specifically with CAF relocations and understand the documentation requirements for BGRS reimbursement. Ask whether they have provided IRP-compliant invoices for other military clients and whether they can accommodate posting-related schedule changes.
Step 3 — Book with flexible scheduling
Posting timelines shift. Operational requirements, housing delays at CFHA, and leave periods can all move your departure date. Choose a carrier who understands this reality and can reschedule pickup and delivery windows without penalty when posting dates change. Contact the carrier immediately when dates shift — most carriers work with CAF members on rescheduling if they receive reasonable notice.
Step 4 — Prepare your vehicle
Preparation requirements for military vehicle shipping are the same as civilian transport:
- Clean the vehicle inside and out before pickup for an accurate condition inspection
- Document existing damage with dated photographs from all angles
- Remove personal belongings — carriers are not responsible for contents and most insurance policies don’t cover items left inside
- Disable electronic toll devices to prevent charges during transit
- Keep fuel below a quarter tank
- Ensure the vehicle is in running condition, or advise the carrier in advance if it’s non-running
Step 5 — Conduct the pickup inspection carefully
At pickup, inspect the vehicle condition report (VCR) with the driver. Document any existing scratches, dents, or imperfections on the VCR before signing. This document is your protection if damage occurs during transport — any pre-existing condition noted protects both you and the carrier. Photograph the VCR form alongside the vehicle before the driver departs.
Step 6 — Inspect at delivery and submit BGRS claim
At delivery, compare the vehicle’s condition against the pickup VCR before signing the delivery form. Any new damage should be noted on the delivery VCR and photographed immediately. Report damage to the carrier within 24–48 hours according to their claims process.
Once delivery is complete and you have your itemized invoice, submit your vehicle transport claim through your BGRS portal with all supporting documentation.
Military Vehicle Shipping Costs in Canada
The cost of shipping a vehicle for a CAF posting follows the same factors as civilian vehicle transport: distance, vehicle type, and transport method. IRP covers certain relocation expenses, but vehicle shipping reimbursement depends on your posting type and distance.
Here are realistic 2026 estimates for common CAF posting routes using standard open transport for a family sedan:
| Posting Route | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ottawa → Gagetown | ~$800–$1,000 | Short-haul Atlantic route |
| Toronto → Winnipeg | ~$950–$1,250 | Prairie posting move |
| Ottawa → Edmonton / Cold Lake | ~$1,400–$1,800 | Long-haul western posting |
| Halifax → Esquimalt (Vancouver Island) | ~$1,600–$2,100 | Coast-to-coast move |
| Kingston → Valcartier (Quebec City) | ~$700–$900 | Eastern Canada posting |
| Trenton → Comox (BC) | ~$1,500–$2,000 | Cross-country base move |
Enclosed transport — relevant for higher-value vehicles or mountain routes in winter — adds approximately 30–50% to these estimates.
Door-to-door service may qualify for full reimbursement if it’s the most economical option. On most Canadian posting routes, the cost difference between terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door is small enough that door-to-door is justifiable under IRP — confirm with BGRS for your specific posting.
Shipping a Second Vehicle During a Posting
The IRP typically covers transport of one personally owned vehicle for a full relocation posting. If you need to transport a second vehicle — for example, a family with two cars — the second vehicle is an out-of-pocket expense not covered by IRP.
Check with BGRS regarding IRP coverage for multiple vehicle transport during your posting. In certain circumstances — EFMP families, remote postings with limited transit options — exceptions may be granted. These are rare but worth confirming before booking a second vehicle at personal expense.
For second vehicles, the same carrier can typically provide a discounted rate when shipping two vehicles on the same posting route simultaneously. Ask about multi-vehicle pricing when requesting quotes.
What to Look for in a Military Vehicle Shipping Carrier in Canada
Not every car transport company is equally suited to CAF relocation moves. These factors separate carriers who handle military moves effectively from those who don’t.
Experience with BGRS documentation. The carrier needs to provide an itemized invoice that meets BGRS reimbursement requirements. Ask directly whether they have handled IRP claims and whether they can format invoices to BGRS specifications.
Flexible rescheduling policy. Posting dates change. A carrier who charges full cancellation or rescheduling fees when operational requirements shift your departure is the wrong choice for a military move. Confirm the rescheduling policy in writing before booking.
National route coverage. CAF bases span the country — Esquimalt on the west coast, Gagetown in New Brunswick, Cold Lake in Alberta, Borden in Ontario. Your carrier needs genuine national coverage, not just the Toronto–Vancouver corridor.
Base and PMQ access. Some military bases have gate access requirements for civilian vehicles. A carrier familiar with CAF moves will have managed base gate procedures before and can coordinate delivery directly to PMQ addresses.
Insurance clarity. Understand exactly what the carrier’s liability covers, what the claims process looks like, and whether the coverage amount matches your vehicle’s value. For high-value or newer family vehicles, supplemental insurance may be worth the additional cost.
Metropolitan Logistics provides car shipping across Canada including posting moves between major CAF bases, with itemized invoicing, flexible scheduling, and national route coverage across all provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military pay for vehicle shipping in Canada? The federal Integrated Relocation Program (IRP), administered by BGRS, covers vehicle transport costs for eligible CAF members on full relocation postings. Coverage depends on posting type, distance, and whether door-to-door service qualifies as the most economical option. Confirm your specific entitlement through BGRS before booking.
How do I claim vehicle shipping costs through BGRS? Book a vehicle shipping carrier, pay for the service, and retain the itemized invoice. Submit the invoice through your BGRS relocation portal along with any supporting documentation required for your posting type. Ensure the invoice clearly itemizes the base rate, fuel surcharges, insurance, and delivery addresses.
How long does military vehicle shipping take in Canada? Transit times depend on your posting route. Short routes — Ottawa to Gagetown, Kingston to Valcartier — typically take 3–5 business days. Long-haul routes — Halifax to Esquimalt, Ottawa to Cold Lake — take 8–12 business days. Door-to-door service reduces total time compared to terminal-to-terminal options.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle as part of my CAF posting? Yes. Non-running vehicles require specialized loading equipment — typically a winch — and carry a surcharge of CAD $300–$500 over standard rates. Advise the carrier at the time of booking that the vehicle is non-running so the appropriate equipment and driver are scheduled.
What if my posting date changes after I’ve booked vehicle shipping? Contact your carrier immediately. Most carriers experienced with CAF moves will adjust pickup and delivery windows without penalty when given reasonable notice. Confirm the rescheduling policy before booking — it should be in writing in your service agreement.
Can I ship personal items inside the vehicle during a posting move? No. Most vehicle transport carriers explicitly prohibit personal items inside the vehicle during transit, and carrier insurance policies do not cover contents. Remove all personal belongings before pickup. The only exceptions are typically the spare tire, jack, and standard emergency kit.
The Bottom Line
Military vehicle shipping in Canada is a standard vehicle transport service with one additional layer: IRP coverage through BGRS that may reimburse some or all of your costs. The process works best when you confirm your IRP entitlement before booking, choose a carrier with experience handling military moves and BGRS documentation, and build flexibility into your timeline for posting date changes.
Metropolitan Logistics provides car shipping across Canada with national route coverage, itemized invoicing suitable for BGRS claims, and flexible scheduling for posting moves between CAF bases.
Request a quote or call +1 (365) 829 5000 — tell us your posting route, vehicle details, and timeline, and we’ll provide an itemized quote ready for BGRS submission.
Related reading:
- How Much Does Vehicle Shipping Cost in Canada? 2026 Price Guide
- How Car Shipping Works in Canada
- Enclosed Vehicle Transport Ontario
- Car Shipping Services Canada