Moving a vehicle across the U.S.–Canada border requires more than just loading it on a truck. Between customs paperwork, import compliance, and carrier coordination, shipping a car from Canada to California involves multiple steps. With the right logistics partner, the process becomes simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Metropolitan Logistics specializes in cross-border vehicle shipping, providing full coordination for both personal relocations and dealer shipments. Whether you’re moving to California for work, selling a vehicle, or importing a collector car, our team handles all logistics from pickup to delivery.
How Car Shipping from Canada to California Works
Shipping a car internationally between Canada and the United States follows a structured logistics process designed for customs compliance and vehicle safety.
| Step | Process Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Booking & Quote | You provide your vehicle details, pickup location, and destination. We issue a full quote including transport mode and customs fees. |
| 2. Vehicle Pickup | Our driver collects your vehicle anywhere in Canada — from Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal — and transports it to a bonded facility. |
| 3. Customs Documentation | Metropolitan Logistics prepares export forms, EPA and DOT compliance paperwork, and ensures smooth border clearance. |
| 4. Cross-Border Transit | The vehicle is transported through authorized carriers with GPS tracking and secured handling. |
| 5. Final Delivery in California | Your car arrives in California — delivered to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or your designated address. |
Service Options for Cross-Border Vehicle Transport
Depending on your budget, car type, and urgency, we provide flexible shipping methods:
1. Enclosed Auto Transport
Premium protection for luxury, classic, and collector vehicles. The vehicle is secured inside a climate-controlled trailer.
2. Open Car Carrier
The most cost-effective method for standard cars and SUVs, using open multi-vehicle trailers commonly seen on highways.
3. Containerized Car Shipping
For long-distance or international moves. The car is loaded into a sealed ocean container — ideal for combined household relocations.
Key Benefits of Shipping with Metropolitan Logistics
- Licensed Cross-Border Carrier: Authorized by CBSA and U.S. Customs for vehicle transport.
- Customs Documentation Handled: Including EPA/DOT forms and commercial invoices.
- Door-to-Door Service: We manage every step — no terminal drop-offs required.
- Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive protection for high-value vehicles.
- Transparent Pricing: Fixed quote with no hidden fees or surcharges.
Common Routes for Car Shipping from Canada to California
| Origin City (Canada) | Destination City (California) | Estimated Distance (mi/km) | Typical Transit Time |
| Toronto, ON | Los Angeles, CA | 2,500 mi / 4,000 km | 6–8 days |
| Vancouver, BC | San Francisco, CA | 950 mi / 1,500 km | 3–5 days |
| Calgary, AB | San Diego, CA | 1,700 mi / 2,735 km | 5–7 days |
| Montreal, QC | Sacramento, CA | 2,700 mi / 4,350 km | 7–9 days |
Costs of Shipping a Car from Canada to California
The cost of car shipping depends on distance, vehicle size, and service type. However, typical rates for shipping a car from Canada to California range between $1,200–$2,500 USD for standard open transport, and $2,000–$3,800 USD for enclosed trailers or containerized shipments.
Main pricing factors:
- Route and distance
- Type of vehicle (SUV, sedan, truck, EV)
- Transport type (open, enclosed, containerized)
- Pickup and delivery accessibility
- Insurance and customs documentation
Cross-Border Compliance & Documents Required
When shipping a vehicle between Canada and the U.S., several forms and approvals are required:
- Bill of Sale / Proof of Ownership
- Vehicle Title (Original)
- Photo ID and Customs Declaration Form
- EPA Form 3520-1 (Environmental Protection Agency)
- DOT Form HS-7 (Department of Transportation)
Our customs team ensures every vehicle is properly cleared before entering the United States, reducing the risk of delays or fines.
Shipping a Car from California to Ontario, Canada
For clients importing vehicles into Canada, Metropolitan Logistics also offers northbound service. The process is similar, but with Canadian customs requirements and RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) inspection included.
| Step | Highlights |
| 1. U.S. Pickup | Car collected from any city in California. |
| 2. U.S. Export Documentation | Title validation and export authorization with CBP. |
| 3. Border Transfer | Seamless customs declaration and RIV processing. |
| 4. Delivery to Ontario | Final delivery in Toronto, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario. |
Why Choose Metropolitan Logistics
- Over a decade of experience in international auto shipping.
- Full coverage across North America.
- Direct coordination between U.S. and Canadian customs.
- Partnerships with bonded warehouses and trusted carriers.
- Dedicated customer service with real-time tracking and status updates.
Contact Us for a Quote
Simplify your cross-border car shipping process with Metropolitan Logistics — your trusted partner for Canada–U.S. vehicle transport.
📞 +1 (365) 829 5000
✉️ service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
👉 Request a Car Shipping Quote
