Does shipping an SUV cost more than shipping a car?

Not with every carrier. At Automoves, pricing is based on route and transport type, not vehicle size. An SUV costs the same to ship as a sedan on the same route. Confirm pricing structure when comparing quotes from other carriers.

Can I ship a lifted or modified SUV?

Yes, but let the carrier know about modifications when you book. Significant lift kits or oversized tires may require specific positioning on the trailer. Factory-spec SUVs fit standard carriers without any issues.

Should I choose open or enclosed transport for my SUV?

Open transport works for most SUVs. Enclosed is recommended for luxury or high-value SUVs where you want extra protection from road debris and weather during transit.

SUV Shipping in Canada: What SUV Owners Need to Know

May

Posted by Jason Malshan

Category:

Moving

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Shipping an SUV works the same as shipping any other vehicle. Your cost doesn’t go up because you drive an SUV. Here’s what you actually need to know before booking.

SUVs being loaded onto a trailer for SUV shipping in Canada.

Does SUV Shipping Cost More Than Shipping a Sedan?

No. At Automoves, we don’t charge extra based on vehicle size. Whether you’re shipping a Honda Civic or a Chevrolet Tahoe, the price is based on your route and transport type, not the size of your car.

Some carriers do charge a size premium, so this is worth confirming when you get quotes. But it’s not an industry standard and it’s not something you should accept as a given.

Can Any Car Carrier Handle an SUV?

Yes. Standard open carriers are built to transport a range of vehicle sizes, from compact sedans to full-size SUVs and trucks. Your RAV4, Explorer, Tahoe, or 4Runner all fit on a standard trailer without special arrangements.

The exception is heavily modified SUVs. If yours has a significant lift kit or oversized tires that push the height well beyond factory specs, let the carrier know when you book. They may need to position your vehicle on a specific deck to clear height restrictions.

What to Do Before Shipping Your SUV

Remove roof racks, cargo boxes, and antenna toppers. These aren’t size-related surcharges, but they can get damaged during transit and they make loading tighter than it needs to be. Taking them off takes five minutes and avoids a headache.

Clean out the interior. Carriers aren’t insured for personal belongings left inside the vehicle. If you leave things in the car, you’re doing so at your own risk.

Make sure it starts and the battery is charged. The driver needs to drive it on and off the trailer.

Open vs Enclosed Transport for SUVs

Open transport is the standard for SUV shipping. It’s how dealerships move inventory and how most people ship everyday vehicles. Your SUV is built for the road, so a few hours on an open trailer isn’t going to hurt it.

Enclosed transport makes sense if you’re shipping something high-value like a Range Rover, a classic Bronco, or a luxury SUV you want extra protection for. But for a daily driver, open is the right call.

Frequently Asked Questions About SUV Shipping

Shipping your SUV shouldn’t be complicated

Shipping your SUV shouldn’t be complicated, and it shouldn’t cost you more just because of the vehicle you drive. Receive a free quote from Automoves today to get started.