In a country as vast as Canada, moving between cities and provinces can seem daunting, especially with the added stress of transporting a vehicle.
Whether you plan to drive yourself or enlist the help of a professional shipping company, ensuring safe delivery, speed, and reliability is a crucial consideration.
Among the various options, the most recommended method for transporting your car to a new city is using an auto transport service in Canada. Although it can be expensive, it guarantees safer delivery and ensures that your car is in expert hands.
For somewhat more affordable options, you can ask someone to drive your car or choose to drive it yourself. Regardless, there are many challenges involved with asking yourself how to move a vehicle to a different city.
Let’s discuss all the methods of transporting your car in detail.
4 Best Ways to Transport a Vehicle When Moving to a Different City in Canada
It’s true that Elbert Hubbard wrote, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
The reasons for relocation can vary, including moving long distances for a job, education, military moves, or simply personal reasons. Packing your belongings along with a valuable asset like a car is stressful, and we understand that.
In Canada, transporting a car across provinces presents a common challenge: driving long distances. From navigating provincial licenses to assessing delivery windows, there’s a lot to keep in mind.
But here’s how you can make the most of this!
Let’s explore the best ways to move your vehicle without much hassle.
1. How to Transport Your Vehicle with a Car Shipping Company
Your ongoing worry about how to transport a car to another city diminishes when you look for a reliable auto transport or car shipping service. This is the most effective way to transport your car, given that the provider you choose is transparent with pricing and services.
Most vehicle and auto transport companies in Canada transport your car in either an open-air container or an enclosed truck. Your final shipment cost depends on the type you choose, the weight of your car, and the distance traveled.
Before hiring a professional car shipping company, ensure thorough research to check its legitimacy.
How to Research a Good Car Shipping Company
Moving your car to a new city should not be stressful, especially not with a fraudulent car transport company.
To determine if your auto transport provider is reliable, research their address, website, and online reviews. You can also verify whether they are licensed and possess the Motor Carrier Safety Fitness Certificate for driving on Canadian highways.
Types of Car Shipping: Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal
Another significant factor to consider while researching your auto transport company is to confirm the types of shipping they do.
Door-to-door shipping allows you to have your car delivered right to your doorstep. While this shipping method saves you time, it can be somewhat expensive.
Conversely, terminal-to-terminal auto transport places you in charge of pickup and drop-off at designated terminals. This method saves fuel costs for the shipping company, making it a cost-effective option.
5 Tips for Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Now that you have decided to ship your car through an auto hauler, it is time to prepare your car for shipping.
- Wash your car
Every auto transport undergoes a thorough inspection of your car. To avoid last-minute delays, wash your car diligently and note down damages, dents, or scratches prior to their arrival.
- Capture Quality Pictures of Your Car and Odometer
After your car wash, ensure you take high-quality pictures from all angles so your shipper can include the correct details on the Bill of Lading. Additionally, before handing your asset to a complete stranger, you may want to take a picture of your odometer for your reference.
- Remove Accessories
Your car accessories are removable and fragile. Be sure to safely detach all luggage racks, ski racks, spoilers, and antennas. You can secure them properly with suitable packing materials and moving supplies, such as packing tape or shrink wrap.
- Disable Alarms
Disabling your alarms is the most important step to take before shipping your car in a container. Since your vehicle will be transported alongside others, the last thing you want is for your alarm to go off.
- Check the Fuel Level
Remember, your car needs to be driven by the shipper before and after the trailer. So, aim to maintain a 1/4th tank of fuel before your auto haulers arrive. If you opt for a door-to-door shipping, aim for more.
Please note: Keep an extra key or fob for your vehicle so the auto transport company can securely load and unload it from the trailer.
2. Hire Skilled Drivers for Your Car Transportation
The second most effective method for transporting your vehicle from point A to point B is to hire a private driver who will handle the task for you.
Most auto transportation companies also provide personal driver services, or you can find dependable private drivers through websites that specialize in car relocation services nationwide.
This way, you can confirm if they are screened and have years of experience. To book the service, make sure to do your research in advance, as the drivers may not always be available to transfer your car.
This method is convenient and keeps your car safe from open-air containers. However, hiring a personal driver can be somewhat more expensive than car shipping.
3. Request Someone to Drive
One of the most convenient and affordable ways to transfer your car is to ask someone you know to drive it for you. That person can be a friend, a neighbor, or a part-time college student.
This arrangement saves significantly on relocation costs. Asking someone to drive for you is an ideal option when moving within Ontario. However, the risks associated with this option include potential traffic collisions or accidents, as the driver is not a professional.
In such cases, it is mandatory to track your car and have car insurance.
4. Be Your Own Chauffeur
The classic and simplest way to move your car to a new city is to drive it yourself. While this option may sound intimidating, it offers peace of mind when ensuring your car’s safe relocation.
If you are moving locally, such as within Toronto or Vancouver, consider driving your car yourself, as it poses no significant challenges.
However, if you plan to move from Toronto to Vancouver, transferring your car should be your least pressing concern.
Plan to hire a professional moving company to pack, load, and unload your belongings first, so you can relocate your car later without worrying about the rest of your things.
Conclusion: How Can I Transport My Car to Another City?
Planning a move to a different city or country is an arduous process. Adding your car can create additional stress. Among many options, you might relocate your car using an auto transport company, ask a friend to drive it, or drive it yourself.
When selecting a car shipping service, remember to check their reviews and insurance, and prepare your car before they arrive. When hiring a professional, ensure you have a larger budget, as it can be an expensive option. On the other hand, when you drive it yourself, it is important to note that you should drive only shorter distances. Ultimately, transporting a valuable asset like your car should be done with care and expertise.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to move a car across Canada?
The average cost to ship a car in Canada ranges between $450 and $2,000. The cost depends on the shipment you prefer, how far you relocate, and the weight of the car. More luxurious cars cost more.
2. What is the cheapest way to transport a car?
The cheapest way to transport your car is through an open-air container. It is a carrier that transports multiple vehicles together, making it an affordable shipping service compared to enclosed trucks. Also, opt for a terminal-to-terminal delivery, compare multiple quotes, and book your service beforehand to save costs on car relocation.
3. How can I pack my belongings and transport a car when moving long distances?
If you are looking for an affordable option, DIY packing is the best solution. However, if you drive your car yourself or have excess items, consider hiring a moving company. They obtain the best moving boxes and packing materials that do the job efficiently. Moreover, this arrangement allows you to relocate your car and focus on its safe delivery while they pack your belongings.
