Pickup Location
Delivery Location
Pickup Date
Vehicle Size

How Car Shipping Works   

An individual shipping an SUV and a dealer moving inventory get the same Automoves Standard of care. What changes is the equipment, routing, and handling, all customized to meet your specific needs.

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Shipment Flow

The Automoves Process

Every vehicle we ship follows a similar process, regardless of service type.

01

Enter your details

Tell us where your vehicle is, where it needs to go, what type of vehicle it is, and when you'd like it moved.

02

Get a quote.

If you use our car shipping cost calculator, you receive an instant estimate of your vehicle shipping cost.

03

Book your shipment.

Once you're ready, we lock in your pickup and delivery windows and assign a carrier. Nothing is booked until you confirm.

04

Book your shipment

Our driver inspects and documents the vehicle's condition before loading. You receive a copy of the condition report.

05

In-transit tracking

Follow your shipment in real time through Automoves ONE. Status updates, ETAs, and delivery confirmations are all accessible without needing to call.

06

Delivery and sign-off

A final inspection at drop-off confirms the vehicle's condition matches the pickup report. You review, sign off, and you're done.

How It Works

How Fleet Vehicle Transport Works

Route planning. Multi-drop, multi-origin, and single-corridor shipments are all planned around your delivery locations. We design routing for efficient vehicle distribution.

Load consolidation. For high-volume moves, we group shipments along common corridors to lower per-unit cost and tighten timelines.

Factory to dealer. Factory to dealer transport includes coordination with assembly plants and port facilities. Vehicles are delivered lot-ready.

Fleet logistics support. Enterprise clients and OEMs get dedicated coordination for scheduling, routing, and reporting through Automoves ONE.

Learn more about Fleet Vehicle Transport →
Fleet vehicle transport
How It Works

How Auto Transport for Dealerships Works

Volume coordination. For bulk car shipping, we plan multi-vehicle loads to reduce your per-unit cost. Single units are matched to the next available carrier on that route.

Pickup and delivery. Terminal-to-terminal car shipping is the most cost-effective option for dealers with multiple lots. Door-to-door is available when you need it.

Auction pickups. We coordinate directly with auction lots on your behalf, including release procedures and pickup scheduling.

Recurring shipments. Dealers who ship regularly get priority scheduling and volume-based pricing. We structure wholesale car transport around your operational calendar.

Learn more about Auto Transport for Dealerships →
Dealer transport
How It Works

How Enclosed Car Transport Works

Specialized carriers. Your vehicle is assigned to a fully enclosed trailer. For low clearance car transport, we use trailers with hydraulic lift gates.

Premium handling. Our white glove car transport services includes premium tie-downs, single-vehicle or limited-capacity trailers, and indoor loading where available.

Detailed documentation. Condition reports are more thorough for luxury car transport, exotic car transport, and classic car shipping. Every mark is recorded.

Airport service. Our airport luxury car transportation services handle vehicle moves to and from airports for clients who need their car waiting on arrival.

Learn more about Enclosed Car Transport →
Enclosed car transport
How It Works

How Auction Car Shipping Works

Auction lot coordination. Our auction pickup services include working directly with the lot on release procedures, gate times, and paperwork.

Vehicle condition assessment. We need to know if the vehicle rolls, steers, and brakes. This determines the equipment we assign for pickup and loading.

Pickup scheduling. We coordinate with the auction house on your behalf. Once the vehicle is released, we schedule pickup around lot availability and your preferred timeline.

Delivery and inspection. Your auction vehicle is inspected and documented at both pickup and delivery. You confirm the condition against the report and sign off.

Learn more about Auction Car Shipping →
Auction car shipping
How It Works

How Salvage Car Shipping Works

Vehicle condition assessment. We need to know the full extent of the damage. Are there missing parts, fluid leaks, or structural damage? This determines the equipment and handling required.

Winch and specialty loading. Salvage vehicles are loaded using winch car transport or hydraulic lift gates. Vehicles with broken suspension, seized brakes, or flat tires are handled regularly.

Insurance yard pickup. We coordinate directly with insurance yards, collision centers, and salvage lots on release procedures, gate access, and paperwork.

Documentation. Every salvage vehicle is inspected and documented before loading, regardless of condition. Title status does not affect our ability to ship.

Learn more about Salvage Car Shipping →
Salvage car shipping
How It Works

How Personal Car Shipping Works

Transport options. You choose between open carrier and enclosed carrier. We'll recommend the best fit based on your route and vehicle.

Pickup and delivery. Door-to-door car shipping and terminal-to-terminal car shipping are both available. Door-to-door is more convenient. Terminal-to-terminal is more affordable.

Snowbird moves. For snowbird car delivery, we coordinate seasonal routes with regular departure schedules heading south and back.

Used car purchases. Bought a vehicle from another province? Used car delivery follows the same process. Just provide the seller's address as your pickup location.

Learn more about Personal Vehicle Shipping →
Personal car shipping
How It Works

How Vehicle Storage Works

Storage options. We offer indoor, climate controlled vehicle storage at our Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton facilities. Short term and long term options are available.

Intake and inspection. Your vehicle is inspected and documented on arrival. Battery tender service is connected to maintain charge throughout the storage period.

Local pickup and delivery. Free local pickup and delivery is included. You can also drop your vehicle off at the facility or use our valet service.

Secure environment. Your vehicle stays in a monitored, climate controlled facility with 24/7 security. No weather exposure, no lot damage.

Learn more about Vehicle Storage →
Vehicle storage
How It Works

How Fleet Vehicle Transport Works

Route planning. Multi-drop, multi-origin, and single-corridor shipments are all planned around your delivery locations. We design routing for efficient vehicle distribution.

Load consolidation. For high-volume moves, we group shipments along common corridors to lower per-unit cost and tighten timelines.

Factory to dealer. Factory to dealer transport includes coordination with assembly plants and port facilities. Vehicles are delivered lot-ready.

Fleet logistics support. Enterprise clients and OEMs get dedicated coordination for scheduling, routing, and reporting through Automoves ONE.

Learn more about Fleet Vehicle Transport →
How It Works

How Auto Transport for Dealerships Works

Volume coordination. For bulk car shipping, we plan multi-vehicle loads to reduce your per-unit cost. Single units are matched to the next available carrier on that route.

Pickup and delivery. Terminal-to-terminal car shipping is the most cost-effective option for dealers with multiple lots. Door-to-door is available when you need it.

Auction pickups. We coordinate directly with auction lots on your behalf, including release procedures and pickup scheduling.

Recurring shipments. Dealers who ship regularly get priority scheduling and volume-based pricing. We structure wholesale car transport around your operational calendar.

Learn more about Auto Transport for Dealerships →
How It Works

How Enclosed Car Transport Works

Specialized carriers. Your vehicle is assigned to a fully enclosed trailer. For low clearance car transport, we use trailers with hydraulic lift gates.

Premium handling. Our white glove car transport services includes premium tie-downs, single-vehicle or limited-capacity trailers, and indoor loading where available.

Detailed documentation. Condition reports are more thorough for luxury car transport, exotic car transport, and classic car shipping. Every mark is recorded.

Airport service. Our airport luxury car transportation services handle vehicle moves to and from airports for clients who need their car waiting on arrival.

Learn more about Enclosed Car Transport →
How It Works

How Auction Car Shipping Works

Auction lot coordination. Our auction pickup services include working directly with the lot on release procedures, gate times, and paperwork.

Vehicle condition assessment. We need to know if the vehicle rolls, steers, and brakes. This determines the equipment we assign for pickup and loading.

Pickup scheduling. We coordinate with the auction house on your behalf. Once the vehicle is released, we schedule pickup around lot availability and your preferred timeline.

Delivery and inspection. Your auction vehicle is inspected and documented at both pickup and delivery. You confirm the condition against the report and sign off.

Learn more about Auction Car Shipping →
How It Works

How Salvage Car Shipping Works

Vehicle condition assessment. We need to know the full extent of the damage. Does the vehicle roll, steer, and brake? Are there missing parts, fluid leaks, or structural damage? This determines the equipment and handling required.

Winch and specialty loading. Salvage vehicles are loaded using winch car transport or hydraulic lift gates. No stress on damaged components. Vehicles with broken suspension, seized brakes, or flat tires are handled regularly.

Insurance yard and collision facility pickup. We coordinate directly with insurance yards, collision centers, and salvage lots on release procedures, gate access, and paperwork.

Documentation. Every salvage vehicle is inspected and documented before loading, regardless of condition. Title status does not affect our ability to ship.

Learn more about Salvage Car Shipping →
How It Works

How Personal Car Shipping Works

Transport options. You choose between open carrier and enclosed carrier. We'll recommend the best fit based on your route and vehicle.

Pickup and delivery. Door-to-door car shipping and terminal-to-terminal car shipping are both available. Door-to-door is more convenient. Terminal-to-terminal is more affordable.

Snowbird moves. For snowbird car delivery, we coordinate seasonal routes with regular departure schedules heading south and back.

Used car purchases. Bought a vehicle from another province? Used car delivery follows the same process. Just provide the seller's address as your pickup location.

Learn more about Personal Vehicle Shipping →
How It Works

How Vehicle Storage Works

Storage options. We offer indoor, climate controlled vehicle storage at our Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton facilities. Short term and long term options are available.

Intake and inspection. Your vehicle is inspected and documented on arrival. Battery tender service is connected to maintain charge throughout the storage period.

Local pickup and delivery. Free local pickup and delivery is included. You can also drop your vehicle off at the facility or use our valet service.

Secure environment. Your vehicle stays in a monitored, climate controlled facility with 24/7 security. No weather exposure, no lot damage.

Learn more about Vehicle Storage →
Shipment standards
Shipment Standards

What's Included in Every Shipment

Every vehicle we ship follows a similar process, regardless of service type.

In-transit insurance.

Digital condition reports at pickup and delivery.

Real-time tracking through Automoves ONE.

Dedicated support by phone, email, text, or live chat.

Ready to ship your vehicle?

Get a quote, request a callback, or visit one of our terminals.

Request a callback
Common Questions About Car Shipping

It depends on route and distance. Shipments between neighbouring provinces typically take 3 to 5 days. Cross-country moves can take a week or more.

The cost of shipping cars depends on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and time of year. A short-haul move between neighbouring provinces will cost less than a cross-country shipment. Request a quote with your details for an exact number.

Yes. Dealer to dealer auto transport is one of our most common services. We handle single-unit transfers and bulk moves between dealership locations across Canada.

Yes. You can ship a financed vehicle as long as you're the registered owner or have authorization from the lienholder. The financing status doesn't affect our ability to transport it. Car shipping charges remain the same regardless of ownership structure.

View all FAQs