Shipping Your Car During a Long-Distance Move
Ship or Drive? Making the Decision
For moves under 1,000 km (like Montreal to Ottawa or Montreal to Toronto), driving your car makes clear sense. But for cross-country moves of 3,000 km or more—Montreal to Calgary, Vancouver, or Edmonton—the math changes. Factor in 4–5 days of driving, $800–$1,200 in fuel, $400–$800 in hotels, meals, and wear on your vehicle (oil change, tire wear, potential repairs).
Auto transport services typically cost $1,000–$1,500 for routes under 2,000 km and $1,500–$2,500 for cross-country distances (4,000+ km). When you add up the true cost of driving—fuel, accommodations, food, lost workdays, and vehicle wear—shipping often comes out comparable or even cheaper, especially for longer routes.
Auto Transport Options
Open-carrier transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open multi-car trailer alongside 6–10 other vehicles. It's the same method dealerships use to ship new cars across the country. Costs run 20–30% less than enclosed transport, with typical transit times of 5–10 days for cross-country routes.
Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer, protecting your vehicle from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. This is the right choice for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or anything you'd prefer not to expose to the elements. Expect to pay $2,000–$3,500 for cross-country enclosed shipping. Rail transport via CN or CP is another option for east-west routes, often priced between open and enclosed carrier rates.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Before handing your car to a transport company, wash it thoroughly and document its condition with dated photos—every scratch, dent, and ding. Remove all personal belongings (most carriers prohibit items in the vehicle, and insurance won't cover personal property). Leave only about a quarter tank of fuel to reduce weight.
Planning Your Move?
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Disable any toll transponders (like the A25 in Montreal or Highway 407 in Toronto) to avoid phantom charges during transport. Ensure your battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and there are no fluid leaks. Provide the carrier with one set of keys and keep a spare.
Choosing an Auto Transport Company
Verify that the transport company carries adequate cargo insurance (minimum $100,000) and is licensed by the relevant provincial or federal authority. Read reviews from recent customers and ask for proof of insurance before booking. Be wary of brokers who quote extremely low prices—they may be passing your vehicle through multiple subcontractors, increasing the risk of delays and damage.
Book your auto transport 3–4 weeks in advance for standard service, or 6+ weeks during peak season (June–August). Up & Out coordinates vehicle shipping alongside household moves, so your car and belongings can arrive in sync. Contact us for a bundled quote.
