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You want to ship a car somewhere in Canada and you need to know what it’s going to cost. The short answer: it depends on a few things, including route, season, and transport type.

What Affects Car Shipping Cost in Canada

Distance

Distance is the biggest factor. A shipment within the same province costs less than a cross-country move. But it’s not a straight per-kilometre calculation. Longer routes actually have a lower cost per kilometre because the carrier’s fixed costs (loading, unloading, fuel surcharges, paperwork) get spread over more distance.

Route Popularity

High-traffic corridors like Toronto to Montreal or Toronto to Calgary have more frequent carrier departures. More supply means more competitive pricing. Less common routes like Moncton to Winnipeg run less frequently, which can push the price up.

Transport Type

Open transport is the standard and the most affordable option. Enclosed transport, where your car rides in a fully covered trailer, costs more. The premium is worth it for luxury or classic vehicles, but for most daily drivers, open transport does the job.

Time of Year

Summer and fall are the busiest seasons for car shipping in Canada. Relocations, online car purchases, and snowbird shipments all peak during these months. Higher demand means higher prices. If your timeline is flexible, shipping in the off-season is usually the cheapest window.

How to Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote

Averages and estimates are a starting point, but they’re not quotes. A real quote is based on your specific pickup and delivery locations, your vehicle’s year, make, and model, and your preferred transport type.

Be skeptical of quotes that seem too low. Some brokers quote below market rate to win your booking, then struggle to find a carrier willing to move the car at that price. The result is delays, last-minute price increases, or both.

A carrier like Automoves quotes based on our own trucks and schedules. That means the price we give you is the price you pay. No middleman adjustments.

Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping Cost

Open transport is cheaper because the carrier fits more vehicles per load. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles heading the same direction. It’s the same method dealerships use to move inventory.

Enclosed transport costs more because fewer cars fit per trailer and the equipment costs more to operate. Choose enclosed if you’re shipping a luxury vehicle, a classic car, or something you want extra protection for. For everything else, open is the standard.

Does Vehicle Type Affect Car Shipping Cost?

At Automoves, we charge the same price for a full-size SUV as we do for a sedan. Factors that do affect cost are route and transport type. However, pickup trucks do cost more to ship than sedans and SUVs.

Some carriers do charge extra for larger vehicles, so it’s worth asking when you compare quotes. If a carrier quotes you more for an SUV, ask why. Some have a legitimate reason based on trailer configuration. Others just add a markup because they can.

How to Reduce Your Car Shipping Cost

Book early. Last-minute shipments cost more because the carrier has fewer load-planning options. The more lead time you give, the better the rate.

Be flexible on dates. If you can offer a pickup window instead of a fixed date, it’s easier for the carrier to fit you into an existing load. That flexibility often translates to a lower price.

Ship in the off-season. If your move isn’t time-sensitive, the quieter months are typically the cheapest period for car shipping in Canada.

Request a quote early and compare based on your specific route. Pricing varies by corridor and season, so a quote tailored to your move is always more accurate than general advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Cost in Canada

Ready to find out what car shipping costs on your route?

If you need to ship a vehicle anywhere in Canada and want a firm price, not a vague estimate, receive a free quote from Automoves today to get started!