Help & FAQs

Many long-distance shipments are network shipments, not direct shipments. Canada’s vehicle logistics system works much like an airline hub-and-spoke network: major cities such as Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver act as hubs, while smaller communities connect through them. A shipment from a smaller Ontario community to a smaller Alberta community may route through the Toronto hub, travel a rail or long-haul corridor, reach the Calgary hub, and only then move to its final destination.

Seamless does not mean direct. A direct shipment uses dedicated equipment with fewer transfers but at a higher cost (Hot-shot Direct service). A network shipment uses shared capacity, rail corridors, multiple terminals, and several carriers to achieve lower cost. The most efficient option is often not the one with the fewest handoffs, it is the one that leverages the strongest transportation corridors and existing capacity.

Your shipment may involve first-mile pickup, terminal staging, rail movement, truck transfer, destination processing, and final-mile delivery, with different carriers handling different legs. Throughout the process, status updates are gathered from carriers, rail providers, terminals, and dispatch teams and shared through your tracking page.

For a full explanation of how the national network operates, see How Canada’s Vehicle Logistics Network Really Works – And How MVS Connects the Pieces.

Not always. Affiliated carrier equipment is available only on select routes and depends on timing, vehicle type, trailer space, equipment availability, and the service you choose. Many shipments still move by independent carrier, rail, or a combination of transport providers. If affiliated-carrier service is important to you, ask your shipping representative whether it is available for your route.

Real-time GPS tracking is not provided to customers for security and logistics reasons.

Many trucks, trains, and transport systems have GPS or dispatch tracking, but exact shipment locations are generally restricted to dispatch teams. Sharing live locations publicly could create security risks for vehicles in transit.

Instead, MVS Canada provides verified status and location updates through your tracking page. These updates are based on information received from carriers, rail providers, terminals, and dispatch teams, then reviewed before being shared. This means tracking may not be instant, but it is intended to reflect the actual shipment status as accurately as possible.

There are also good reasons a moving dot on a map is less useful than it sounds. GPS accuracy can be affected by signal blockage from buildings, rail cars, enclosed trailers, terminals, and parking structures, so a live location can be delayed, approximate, or misleading. Location data is also sensitive: privacy principles under PIPEDA call for limiting collection of personal information and protecting it with appropriate safeguards, and vehicle logistics operates in a real security environment where broadcasting live operational locations could expose vehicles, carriers, and routes to risk. Verified tracking tells you what has actually been confirmed, dispatched, picked up, loaded, transferred, arrived, processed, released, or delivered, which is the information you can act on. See Real-Time GPS Is Overrated. Verified Tracking Is What Customers Actually Need.

All pickup, delivery, and transit times are estimates, not guaranteed arrival dates. Our Average Days are based on recent shipment history and include both wait time and transit time, but every shipment can vary depending on the route, mode of transport, terminal activity, carrier or rail capacity, and conditions at the time of shipping.

Vehicle shipping often involves multiple parties and moving parts, including carriers, rail companies, terminals, local pickup and delivery agents, drivers, and dispatchers. Delays can happen for reasons outside anyone’s direct control, including:

• Weather, storms, flooding, wildfires, or road closures
• Rail or terminal delays
• Mechanical issues or equipment breakdowns
• Holidays, reduced terminal hours, or long weekends
• Seasonal demand and limited carrier capacity
• Traffic, construction, detours, or highway restrictions
• Multi-leg transfers between trucks, rail, or terminals
• Vehicle readiness issues, missing keys, payment delays, or inaccessible pickup/delivery locations

For this reason, delivery estimates are not contractual deadlines. MVS Canada’s terms state that pickup, delivery, and transit times are estimates only and that MVS Canada and its carriers are not liable for delays caused by events beyond their control or for indirect costs related to delays.

This includes costs such as:

• Rental vehicles
• Hotel or accommodation expenses
• Missed work or lost income
• Missed appointments, flights, or business opportunities
• Loss of use of the vehicle
• Other expenses caused by a delayed pickup or delivery

We always recommend allowing extra buffer time, especially for relocations, work transfers, vehicle purchases, school moves, military moves, and other time-sensitive situations. If you have a firm deadline, let your shipping representative know before booking so they can explain the most realistic options for your route.

Rail shipping has stricter requirements because vehicles travel in shared, enclosed rail cars and are handled under railway safety, loading, and inspection rules. These rules help protect your vehicle, railway staff, and the other vehicles loaded in the same rail car.

The main restrictions include:

• Personal items are heavily restricted. Unless MVS Canada gives permission, only approved vehicle-related items may remain in the vehicle, such as tires, secured child seats, jumper cables, basic factory tools, the owner’s manual, emergency supplies, an ice scraper or snow brush, spare tire and tire-changing tools, and a car cover or bra. Rail rules do not allow the vehicle to be used like a moving container.
• The vehicle must be in good running condition. Standard rail service requires the vehicle to start, drive forward and backward under its own power, roll, steer, and brake safely. Rail loading areas are not equipped to handle non-running vehicles with winches, booster packs, or special recovery equipment.
• Brakes, battery, tires, and fluids must be ready for transport. The vehicle needs working foot brakes and parking brake, a strong battery, tires that hold air, proper fluid levels, and no leaks. Problems with any of these can make the vehicle unsafe to load, unload, or store at a terminal.
• Ground clearance, dimensions, and modifications must be declared. Low ground clearance, oversized tires, lifted suspension, dually wheels, body kits, spoilers, racks, canopies on pick up trucks or other aftermarket modifications can affect whether the vehicle can safely fit on the rail car or loading ramps. Vehicles with less than 6 inches of ground clearance or non-stock dimensions should be disclosed before booking.
• Loose, leaking, or unsecured items create risk. Rail cars carry multiple vehicles close together. Anything that shifts, leaks, breaks loose, or falls off can damage your vehicle, another vehicle, railway equipment, or loading staff.
• Access is limited once the rail car is loaded. After the rail car is sealed and in transit, the vehicle cannot be easily accessed for forgotten items, battery boosts, mechanical issues, alarms, or personal belongings.

These requirements are set by the rail carriers, terminals, and transport rules we must follow. If a vehicle or its contents do not meet rail requirements, it may be refused, delayed, moved by a different transport method, or subject to additional charges.

To ensure a fair and equitable process on a legitimate claim, you may be asked to obtain multiple estimates. Depending on the claim and carrier requirements, the final claim documentation may require up to 3 repair estimates. This is to ensure fairness and to confirm that the garage conducting the repair is not elevating prices or attempting to gouge anyone involved. The carrier paying for the repair has the right to refuse an estimate and request an estimate be completed elsewhere if they feel the one provided is unjust.

After your order is confirmed and processed, usually within one business day, your shipping representative will email your origin terminal address, hours of operation, and any special drop-off or access instructions.

Please do not drop off your vehicle until you have received your confirmed terminal instructions from MVS Canada.

We do not publish terminal addresses on our website because:

• Terminal locations can change as we update our carrier, rail, and partner network
• Some terminals have specific check-in, security, or access procedures
• Shared facilities may have rules about who can drop off or pick up
• Smaller-city terminals, towing yards, or meeting locations may be arranged based on the specific shipment
• We want to make sure you receive the correct location for your route, service type, and timing

For destination pickup, we will send the destination terminal pickup instructions once your vehicle has arrived, been unloaded, processed, and confirmed ready for release. Tracking may show that the vehicle has reached the destination area before it is actually ready to be picked up.

We can usually provide the destination postal code in advance, but not the exact pickup location until the vehicle is confirmed ready for release. This helps prevent customers from arriving before the terminal has processed the vehicle or before the release instructions are available.

If your order has been confirmed and you have not received your terminal information, contact your shipping representative. Order confirmation, payment instructions, and terminal details are usually sent the same business day or the next business day.

Enclosed transport is recommended when the vehicle needs more protection, better coverage, or gentler loading than standard open truck or rail service can provide.

You should consider enclosed transport if your vehicle is:

• High-value. Standard transport modes have lower insurable-value limits. Rail is limited to $35,000 CAD per vehicle, and open truck is limited to $65,000 CAD per vehicle. Enclosed transport includes automatic coverage up to $300,000 CAD, with higher coverage available for an additional fee if declared in advance.
• Classic, antique, older, or collectible. Standard modes have age-related coverage restrictions. Rail has major coverage restrictions for vehicles older than 6 years, and open truck has major coverage restrictions for vehicles older than 20 years. Enclosed transport is available for vehicles of any age and is often the best option for antiques, classics, restored vehicles, and collector cars.
• Low-clearance or modified. Most open trailers and rail transport require at least 6 inches of ground clearance for safe loading and unloading. Vehicles with less clearance, front splitters, body kits, lowered suspension, oversized wheels, or other modifications should be declared before booking. Enclosed trailers often use hydraulic lift gates or long low-angle ramps, which reduce the risk of undercarriage or bumper contact during loading.
• Exotic, luxury, rare, or sentimental. If the vehicle is difficult to replace, custom-built, restored, limited-production, or personally important to you, enclosed transport may be worth the added cost for the extra protection and handling.
• Not suitable for standard loading. Some vehicles cannot safely be driven up standard ramps due to condition, traction, modifications, horsepower, tires, or mechanical concerns. In some cases, enclosed transport may also be able to move a non-running vehicle if it can still roll, steer, and brake, depending on route and carrier availability.

Enclosed transport costs more than standard shipping because the trailers carry fewer vehicles, use specialized equipment, and provide a higher level of handling. MVS Canada’s enclosed service includes hard-sided trailers, soft tire straps, interior protection such as seat covers and floor mats, and drivers with 5+ years of experience.

For more detail, see Should I Ship My Car Enclosed?.

Payment is normally due when you submit your order. This allows us to confirm your booking and reserve space for your vehicle.

If you are booking well in advance of your pickup or drop-off date, payment can usually be arranged closer to your shipping date. Please discuss this with your booking representative before placing your order.

If you are not comfortable paying the full amount upfront, we may be able to accept a deposit instead, with the balance due before shipping. Your booking representative can explain the available options.

All payments must be made directly to MVS Canada. Terminals, drivers, towing companies, and other agents are not authorized to accept payment for your shipment.

Credit card payments may be subject to a processing fee. Your invoice or booking representative will confirm the accepted payment methods and any applicable fees before payment is processed.

Wait time is the time your vehicle waits before the next available departure. This can happen at the origin terminal, after a door pickup is scheduled, or at a transfer terminal during a multi-leg shipment. Your vehicle must also be ready to load, with keys available, able to roll, steer, and brake, and compliant with the personal-items policy for the selected shipping method.

Transit time is the time your vehicle spends actively moving between terminals, rail yards, trucks, or delivery points.

When we show “Avg. Days” on our Transit Times & Schedules page, it includes both wait time and transit time based on recent shipment history for that route. In other words:

Avg. Days = Wait Time + Transit Time

This gives a more realistic estimate than quoting transit time alone. A vehicle may only spend a few days physically moving, but still require additional time waiting for loading, unloading, transfer, rail departure, carrier availability, or final release.

Shipments are generally handled in queue, but not always on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Vehicle size, route, mode, trailer or railcar space, weight limits, transfer priority, and available capacity can all affect when a vehicle is loaded. Vehicles already in transit may also be prioritized onto the next leg to keep the network moving.

Booking one to two weeks in advance, completing payment and required information early, and making sure your vehicle is ready for loading can help reduce avoidable delays. Same-day booking or drop-off may be possible, but it can mean more time waiting for the next available departure.

Average days are estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing can change because of weather, road conditions, rail or terminal operations, holidays, seasonal volume, vehicle condition, route demand, and carrier availability.

The transit times and shipping schedules page explains that average days are calculated from recent shipments and include both wait time and transit time.

Terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door are the two main service options for vehicle pickup and delivery.

Terminal-to-terminal is usually the most economical option. You drop your vehicle off at one of our terminals or approved drop-off locations in the origin city, and pick it up from a terminal or approved pickup location in the destination city. In larger cities, terminals are often rail yards, transport yards, or commercial lots. In smaller cities or areas without a main terminal, the location may be a truck stop, dealership, towing yard, or another accessible commercial location.

Door-to-door means we arrange pickup and/or delivery at a residence, business, dealership, or another address you provide. This is more convenient, but it usually costs more because it requires additional local pickup or delivery service.

A true door-to-door delivery is most practical between dealerships or commercial locations, since large car-hauling trucks can usually access dealerships and commercial areas more safely. For residential addresses, a true driveway-to-driveway service can usually only be completed by a flatbed tow truck or a professional driving service handling the first or final mile between the residence and the nearest terminal or carrier-accessible location.

Large transport trucks often cannot legally or safely enter residential streets because of their size, turning radius, weight, overhead clearance, parking restrictions, low wires, trees, narrow roads, or local bylaws. If the address is not accessible, the vehicle may need to be picked up or delivered at a nearby commercial lot, wide street, truck stop, or other safe meeting point.

Some carriers use “door-to-door” to mean pickup or delivery at the closest accessible location for the transport truck. This can result in customers being asked by the driver to meet at a parking lot or truck stop. If MVS Canada requires you to meet the main transport truck for pickup or delivery, we will indicate that on your quote or confirm it with you before booking.

You can also combine service types. For example, you may choose terminal drop-off at origin and door delivery at destination, or door pickup at origin and terminal pickup at destination. Your shipping representative can help you choose the best option based on your route, budget, timing, and access requirements.

Open and enclosed transport describe how your vehicle is carried, protected, loaded, and secured during shipping.

Open transport uses a multi-vehicle car-hauler trailer, similar to the trucks used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships. It is the most common and usually the most economical way to ship a vehicle by truck. The vehicle is exposed to weather, road dust, salt, insects, and road debris during transit, so it may arrive dirty. Vehicles are typically secured with straps over the tires; on some older trailers, chains may be used to secure the vehicle frame.

Enclosed transport uses a hard-sided enclosed trailer, typically carrying fewer vehicles than an open carrier. It provides much greater protection from weather, road dust, salt, debris, and public view. Enclosed transport is often recommended for exotic, antique, classic, high-value, rare, low-clearance, or specialty vehicles. MVS enclosed trailers may include hydraulic lift gates or long low-angle ramps for lowered vehicles, soft tire straps instead of chains, and interior protection such as seat covers, steering wheel covers, and floor mats.

Enclosed transport costs more because the equipment is specialized, capacity is lower, and the handling is more careful. MVS Canada’s enclosed service page describes enclosed shipping as approximately 2× the standard shipping cost, depending on the shipment details.

In general:

A note on rail: Rail is a third option that doesn’t fit neatly into “open” or “enclosed.” Autorack rail cars are sealed on the roof but partially open on the sides for weight reasons, so rail vehicles are protected from large debris but can still get dusty.

Carrier insurance is important protection, but it is not unlimited. Coverage depends on the transport mode, vehicle age, declared value, carrier terms, deductible, exclusions, and whether optional coverage was purchased.

Common exclusions include:

• Acts of God or events beyond the carrier’s control, such as severe weather, hail, floods, storms, avalanches, derailments, strikes, labour disruptions, government action, fire, or similar events
• Normal wear and tear, including minor dings, chips, scratches, and road-debris marks
• Rock chips and small road-debris damage
• Auto glass and mirror damage, unless a specific optional coverage applies
• Mechanical or hidden issues, including engine, battery, alignment, frame, suspension, exhaust, undercarriage, wheels, tires, rims, or other components that are not inspected before shipping
• Underside damage, especially on low-clearance vehicles
• Interior damage or missing interior equipment, including stereo, entertainment, or navigation systems
• Personal items left in the vehicle, whether approved or not
• Loose, fragile, aftermarket, or exterior accessories, including certain antennas, roof racks, off-road lights, tire covers, soft tops, license plates, gas caps or gas doors, and similar items
• Damage caused by leaking fluids, including battery acid, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or other leaks
• Body kits, spoilers, low-hanging parts, or aftermarket modifications that crack, loosen, or come apart during transport
• Spare keys, service books, or loose items unless they are signed for and noted on the Bill of Lading, where applicable

For the complete and current list, please refer to our Open Transport Terms & Conditions and Enclosed Transport Terms & Conditions.

Personal property may not be left inside the vehicle unless we explicitly approved it in advance. Even when items are approved, they travel at the customer’s risk and are not covered by carrier insurance.

The following items are strictly prohibited inside the vehicle:

• Firearms or ammunition
• Flammable products, fuels, or explosives
• Narcotics, illegal drugs, or contraband
• Alcohol
• Jewelry, precious metals, furs, cash, or money
• Pets or live animals
• Plants
• Any other prohibited, illegal, dangerous, or restricted goods

If prohibited or unapproved items are found, the carrier may remove, confiscate, or dispose of them, and government authorities may be contacted where required. Improperly packed or unapproved personal items may also result in removal fees, delays, refusal of shipment, or charges for damage caused by those items. A minimum $200 CAD removal/disposal fee may apply in these situations.

Only limited vehicle-related items may be allowed, such as properly stowed tires, secured child seats, jumper cables, factory tools, the owner’s manual, emergency kit, snow brush, spare tire tools, or a car cover, and only if they meet the rules for your transport method.

When your vehicle arrives in the destination area, it is not always ready for pickup right away. Rail shipments must go through an unloading and release process before the vehicle can be collected.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. The rail car arrives in the destination area
   Your tracking may show that the vehicle has arrived, but the rail car may still be in a switching yard or waiting to be moved to the unloading terminal.
2. The rail car is moved to the unloading terminal
   This can take additional time depending on rail schedules, switching yard activity, terminal capacity, and staffing.
3. Vehicles are unloaded and processed
   Terminal staff unload the vehicles, check them in, and prepare them for release.
4. Release documents are processed
   The rail company, terminal, and MVS Canada must complete the required release steps before the vehicle can be picked up.
5. MVS Canada sends pickup instructions
   Once your vehicle is officially ready for release, we will send you the destination pickup instructions, including the terminal address, hours of operation, and any special pickup requirements.

The time between “arrived” and “ready for pickup” can range from a day to several days, depending on the terminal and rail schedule. Please do not go to the terminal until MVS Canada has confirmed that your vehicle is ready for release. This applies even if your tracking page, AirTag, GPS device, or built-in vehicle tracker shows that the vehicle is already in the destination city.

When you arrive for pickup, you or your authorized agent should bring:

• The vehicle’s VIN
• Government-issued photo ID matching the release person provided to MVS Canada
• Your MVS Canada order number, if available

Before signing for the vehicle or moving it, inspect it carefully. If you notice any possible transit damage, report it immediately to the person at the pickup terminal. Do not move the vehicle until the damage has been reviewed and documented. Make sure the damage is noted on the release form, Bill of Lading, or condition report, take clear photos, and contact MVS Canada right away.

Once the vehicle is signed for and removed from the terminal, it may be much harder to verify a damage claim. For more on why a tracker’s location is not the same as release status, see Real-Time GPS Is Overrated. Verified Tracking Is What Customers Actually Need.

If you notice possible transit damage at delivery or terminal pickup, do not move the vehicle and do not sign for it as received in satisfactory condition until the damage has been reviewed and documented.

Follow these steps before moving the vehicle from the delivery point:

1. Report the damage immediately to the person at the pickup terminal, the driver, or the delivery agent.

2. Do not move the vehicle until the damage has been looked at and documented.

3. Write the damage on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before signing. Be specific about the location and type of damage.

4. Take clear photos immediately, including close-ups of the damage and wider photos showing the vehicle’s overall condition.

5. Sign only after the damage has been noted on the paperwork.

6. Email MVS Canada right away with the photos and a written description of the damage.

Our damage-claim instructions state that new damage must be shown to the terminal or delivery person, noted on the paperwork, photographed before taking possession or driving away, and reported to us immediately.

If the vehicle is moved before the damage is documented, or if the Bill of Lading is signed without noting damage, the claim may be denied. Signing the Bill of Lading or inspection report without noting damage confirms the vehicle was received in satisfactory condition, and that moving the vehicle before photo documentation may invalidate the claim. Damage photos must also be submitted within 24 hours.

The Bill of Lading is not paperwork to rush through. In transportation claims, it commonly acts as a receipt for the vehicle and its condition and is often the best evidence of the terms of carriage. A clean signature can make a later claim very difficult, which is why noting damage on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before signing matters so much. See “Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered: What Canadians Should Know Before Shipping a Vehicle

Almost none. Rail shipments have the strictest personal-items rules, and your vehicle cannot be used to move household goods, luggage, or loose belongings.

Unless MVS Canada gives written permission in advance, only the following vehicle-related items may remain in the vehicle:

• Tires or winter tires, properly stowed
• Properly secured child car seats
• Jumper cables
• Basic factory tools that came with the vehicle
• Owner’s manual
• First-aid or emergency kit
• Ice scraper or snow brush
• Spare tire and tire-changing tools
• Car cover or front-end bra

Everything else must be removed before drop-off, including luggage, boxes, clothing, electronics, sports equipment, gifts, documents, valuables, household items, tools not related to the vehicle, and anything loose or unsecured.

Approved items must be safely stowed and must not block windows, interfere with the driver’s seat, pedals, steering, shifter, parking brake, or inspection process. Items must never be placed in the bed of a pickup truck.

Personal items are not covered by carrier or rail insurance. If unapproved items are found in the vehicle, the shipment may be refused, delayed, or require the items to be removed before the vehicle can move.

If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask your shipping representative before drop-off.

Once your order is confirmed, we’ll send you a payment email link with all available payment options and instructions.

We accept:

• Credit Card — Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Credit cards are processed online through a secure SSL-encrypted payment system through Bambora/Worldline. A 3% service fee applies to all credit card transactions.
• Direct Deposit — Available at any Bank of Montreal branch. Deposit instructions will be included in your payment email.
• Email Transfer — E-transfers can be sent in multiple payments if your bank has a daily sending limit.
• Wire Transfer — Contact our office or refer to your payment instructions for wire details.
• Certified Cheque — Contact our office for mailing instructions before sending payment.

Please do not send credit card details by email. All payments must be made directly to MVS Canada using the instructions provided. Terminals, drivers, towing companies, and other agents are not authorized to accept payment for your shipment.

Some services and vehicle details can change your quote because they affect carrier availability, loading requirements, handling time, insurance options, or the amount of space your vehicle takes.

Common price adjustments include:

• Door pickup or door delivery instead of terminal service. Door service may be handled by a smaller transport truck or flatbed tow truck, which can be more expensive. In some cities, we may also offer a driving service where your vehicle is driven to or from the terminal, which is usually more economical than sending a truck. Door service is not available in all locations and should be requested when quoting or booking.
• Enclosed transport, which is more expensive than open transport but may be recommended for exotic, classic, high-value, low-clearance, or specialty vehicles.
• Inoperable vehicles, when we’re able to accommodate them. Non-running vehicles usually require special handling and may only be available by enclosed trailer for an additional fee.
• Oversized or modified vehicles, including lifted vehicles, oversized tires, heavy-duty trucks, unusually wide vehicles, or vehicles over 7 feet tall. These may require special approval and can cost more because they may take up extra trailer space.
• Hot-shot Direct service, where a dedicated truck and trailer move only your vehicle. This is significantly more expensive than standard transport, often around 5× the regular shipping price, but may be available in many areas when faster or more direct service is needed.
• Deductible Buy-Down, an optional $50 program that eliminates the $750 deductible on eligible approved damage claims.
• Credit card payment, which is subject to a 3% service fee charged by the payment processor.

Please let us know about any special service requests, vehicle modifications, non-running issues, low ground clearance, oversized dimensions, or payment preferences at the time of quoting. We’ll include the correct options upfront so there are no surprises after booking.

Two optional coverage upgrades may be available at booking for eligible shipments:

1. Deductible Buy-Down — $50 CAD per vehicle
   This removes the standard $750 CAD deductible on valid damage claims for vehicles that are eligible for carrier insurance. It does not change the coverage limits or make excluded damage eligible; it simply removes the deductible if a covered claim is approved.
2. Improved Coverage — available on eligible standard truck/rail shipments
   Improved Coverage includes the Deductible Buy-Down benefit and adds protection for certain situations that are normally excluded under standard coverage, including:
   • Glass damage caused by vandalism
   • Loading and unloading accidents
   • Theft of the vehicle
   • Loss of key or fob
   • Valid damages that occur while the vehicle is waiting at a terminal
   • A rental vehicle while your damaged vehicle is being repaired

Improved Coverage is not available for enclosed transport shipments. Enclosed transport already offers higher base coverage and specialized handling, but it has its own terms, limits, and exclusions.

Optional coverage must be added before shipping. Ask your shipping representative for availability and current pricing for your route, vehicle, and transport mode. Our current terms list the Deductible Buy-Down at $50 per vehicle and describe Improved Coverage as including the buy-down benefit plus the added protections above; the terms also state that Improved Coverage is not available for enclosed transport.

A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is the unique code used to identify your vehicle. We need the VIN to make sure your booking, paperwork, tracking, and vehicle inspection all match the exact vehicle being shipped.

Most vehicles built for the North American market since 1981 have a 17-character VIN made up of letters and numbers. Some older vehicles, imports, trailers, or specialty vehicles may have a shorter or different identification number.

You can usually find the VIN in one of these places:

• On your vehicle registration or insurance documents
• On the dashboard near the windshield, visible from outside the vehicle
• On the driver’s-side door jamb, usually on the manufacturer’s sticker
• On dealership, auction, or ownership paperwork

Please enter the VIN exactly as shown. VINs do not use the letters I, O, or Q, so any similar-looking characters are usually the numbers 1 or 0.

A terminal is a designated commercial facility or approved location where vehicles are received, temporarily stored, loaded, unloaded, or released during the shipping process.

Terminals are used at the origin while vehicles wait for the next available truck, rail car, or transfer, and at the destination while vehicles are unloaded, processed, and made ready for pickup by you or your authorized agent.

Our terminal network includes several types of locations:

• Major-city terminals — In cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, terminals are often rail yards, transport yards, or large commercial lots. These locations handle much of our rail and long-haul truck volume and may be shared with other transport companies.
• Regional terminals — In smaller cities, terminals may be commercial lots, dealerships, towing yards, or facilities operated by trusted trucking partners.
• Approved meeting or staging locations — In towns where there is no dedicated terminal, the pickup or drop-off point may be a truck stop, dealership, parking lot, or another accessible commercial location. These are arranged based on route, carrier access, and safety.

Terminals are not MVS Canada offices and usually cannot answer questions about pricing, payment, scheduling, or tracking. All shipment questions and payments should be handled directly with MVS Canada.

A few important things to know:

• Do not drop off your vehicle until MVS Canada has confirmed your order and sent your terminal instructions.
• Terminal hours, procedures, and storage rules vary by location.
• Some rail terminals or security gates may not complete a condition report at drop-off, so you must document the vehicle yourself with high-quality photos.
• When picking up, you or your authorized agent should bring the vehicle’s VIN and government-issued photo ID matching the release name provided to MVS Canada.
• Tracking may show that your vehicle has arrived in the destination area before it is ready for pickup. Wait for release instructions from MVS Canada before going to the terminal.
• Most main terminals do not charge short-term storage, but some smaller-city terminals, towing yards, or third-party facilities may charge daily storage fees.
• Terminals provide temporary storage only and do not provide guaranteed insurance coverage while the vehicle is on their premises. We recommend keeping your own auto insurance active until the shipment is complete.

Large car-hauling trucks can only pick up or deliver where they can legally and safely operate. A true door pickup or delivery is usually easiest at dealerships, commercial properties, transport yards, or wide-access rural locations. Residential streets are often not suitable for large transport trucks because of size, turning radius, parking rules, road restrictions, and overhead clearance.

Common access issues include:

• Low-hanging trees, wires, signs, or overhangs
• Narrow streets, tight turns, cul-de-sacs, or steep driveways
• Residential areas with truck restrictions or no safe loading space
• Weight limits, road bans, or vehicle-class restrictions
• Parked cars or limited room to load and unload
• Gated communities, condos, apartments, or commercial properties with restricted hours
• Snow, ice, construction, or blocked access

If the main transport truck cannot reach your address, we may arrange one of the following:

• A nearby safe meeting point, such as a large parking lot, dealership, truck stop, or commercial area
• A flatbed tow truck for the first or final mile
• A professional driving service to move the vehicle between your address and the nearest terminal or staging location, where available
• Terminal drop-off or terminal pickup instead of door service

If we require you to meet the main transport truck at a nearby location, we will indicate that on your quote or confirm it with you before booking. We do not want customers surprised by a driver calling at the last minute and asking them to meet at an unplanned truck stop or parking lot.

Please tell us about any access concerns when booking. If access issues are discovered only after a truck has been dispatched, your shipment may be delayed and additional charges, such as a dry run, re-pickup, tow, driving service, or redelivery fee, may apply.

If you or your authorized contact are not available at the agreed pickup time, or if the vehicle is not ready to be loaded, the carrier may have to leave and reschedule. This can delay your shipment and may result in extra charges.

Your vehicle may be considered not ready if:

• The vehicle is blocked in, snowed in, or not safely accessible
• The keys, fob, alarm code, or special start instructions are missing
• The vehicle does not start, steer, roll, or brake as previously described
• The vehicle has undisclosed modifications, low clearance, oversized tires, or mechanical issues
• The pickup location is not accessible to the carrier due to narrow streets, low-hanging trees or wires, parking restrictions, gated access, or limited hours
• No one is available by phone when the driver is trying to coordinate pickup

If the carrier attempts pickup and the vehicle is not ready, a dry run fee or re-pickup fee may apply. In some cases, the carrier may have already reserved a specific spot for your vehicle on the trailer, and you may be responsible for costs associated with that missed pickup.

To avoid delays or extra fees:

• Confirm your pickup window with your shipping representative
• Make sure the vehicle is clean, accessible, and ready to load
• Clear snow, ice, or anything blocking access to the vehicle
• Have the key, fob, wheel-lock key, alarm code, and start instructions ready
• Make sure the vehicle condition matches what was provided at booking
• Tell us in advance about access issues, gated areas, building restrictions, or limited pickup hours
• Answer phone calls and return voicemails promptly during the pickup window

Drivers normally coordinate pickup by phone. They will not usually email to arrange a pickup time unless they have already discussed that with you by phone.

The same applies at delivery. You or your authorized agent must be available to inspect the vehicle, sign the condition report, and accept delivery. If no one is available, the vehicle may be taken to a terminal or held by the carrier, and storage, redelivery, or waiting-time fees may apply.

When your vehicle arrives at the destination, the delivery or pickup process depends on the service you booked.

1. You’ll be notified when the vehicle is ready
   For terminal pickup, MVS Canada will send confirmation that your vehicle is ready for release, along with the pickup address, hours, and instructions.

   Please note: even if tracking shows your vehicle has arrived in the destination city, it may not be ready for pickup yet. It still needs to be unloaded, processed, inspected, and released by the terminal.

   For door delivery, the carrier, driver, flatbed operator, or delivery agent will coordinate the delivery time with you directly, usually by phone.

2. Bring the required pickup information
   If you are picking up from a terminal, you or your authorized agent should bring:

   • The vehicle’s VIN
   • Government-issued photo ID
   • The MVS Canada order number, if available

   The name on the ID should match the release person provided to MVS Canada. Terminals may refuse to release the vehicle if the person picking it up is not authorized.

3. Inspect the vehicle before moving it
   Before signing anything or moving the vehicle, inspect it carefully. Walk around the vehicle and compare its condition to your origin photos. Check all sides, bumpers, hood, roof, trunk, glass, wheels, tires, and any areas where pre-existing damage was noted.

4. Report and document any damage immediately
   If you notice possible transit damage, do not move the vehicle. Report it immediately to the person at the pickup terminal, driver, or delivery agent and make sure the damage is reviewed and documented before you sign.

   Any new damage must be written on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before you accept the vehicle. Take clear photos of the damage before the vehicle is moved, then contact MVS Canada right away.

5. Sign only after the inspection is complete
   Once you sign the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report without noting damage, the vehicle is considered received in satisfactory condition. This can make a future damage claim very difficult or impossible.

If damage is discovered after the vehicle has been signed for or moved from the delivery location, the claim may be denied. This is why the final inspection must happen while the vehicle is still at the terminal, with the driver, or in the carrier’s possession.

In some cases, a vehicle may be delivered without someone present, but this must be arranged in advance and is done entirely at your own risk. If no one is present to inspect and sign for the vehicle, any damage claim will be void.

Critical: Once you sign the Bill of Lading without noting damage, you have legally accepted the vehicle in satisfactory condition and released MVS Canada and the carrier from any further responsibility for damage. Take the time to inspect carefully — once you sign, future damage claims become very difficult or impossible.

After you submit your booking online, here’s what to expect:

1. Booking received email
You’ll receive an email confirming that we have received your order request. This means your booking has been submitted to us, but it is not yet a final shipping confirmation and does not automatically lock in the price, service type, or transport method.

2. Order review
We’ll review your shipment details, including the route, vehicle information, requested dates, service type, and any special requirements. Order processing typically takes about one business day. If anything affects the price, timing, or transport method, we’ll contact you before confirming the order.

3. Order confirmation and shipping instructions
Once your order is confirmed, we’ll send your shipping instructions. For terminal service, this includes the terminal address, hours, and drop-off details. For door service, we’ll coordinate the pickup details or pickup window with you.

4. Payment email
Once your order is confirmed, we’ll also send a payment email with the available payment methods and instructions. Full payment is normally required before your vehicle ships, unless you have arranged a deposit or delayed payment with your booking representative.

5. Drop-off or pickup
When the vehicle is handed over, a condition report is completed. We strongly recommend taking and submitting at least 24 high-resolution photos at the time the vehicle is last in your possession.

6. Tracking begins
Once your vehicle is dispatched, tracking will be available through your tracking page. You’ll receive automatic email updates whenever the tracking information is updated.

Please do not drop off your vehicle until you have received your confirmed shipping instructions from us. We do not publish terminal addresses online as for most locations, they require notice of drop off in advance.

Be careful with the phrase “fully insured” – in vehicle shipping, “insured” is not the same as “covered for everything.” The phrase can be technically true while still leaving out the details that matter most: what is covered, what is excluded, who is liable, what deductible applies, what value limit applies, and which document controls the claim.

A few key distinctions:
• Insurance vs. carrier legal liability. Carrier coverage is often liability-based, meaning a claim may depend on showing the carrier was legally responsible, the damage happened while the vehicle was in the carrier’s care, and the loss is not excluded by the contract, Bill of Lading, or policy. That is different from all-risks, no-fault coverage.
• Multiple parties may be involved. A shipment can include a broker or arranger, a motor carrier, a rail provider, a terminal, a local pickup or delivery agent, and your own insurer, each with a different role. MVS Canada arranges transportation; the physical carrier or rail company provides the underlying coverage and liability rules.
• The fine print decides. Deductibles, maximum insurable values, vehicle-age restrictions, personal-item exclusions, claim deadlines, and Bill of Lading requirements all shape what is actually recoverable.

Before booking with any shipper, ask: Who physically transports the vehicle? Who provides the underlying coverage? What is the maximum insurable value and deductible? What is excluded? What must be written on the Bill of Lading at delivery? How quickly must damage be reported? If a company cannot answer these clearly before you book, that’s a warning sign.

For the full breakdown, see “Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered.

Even with careful planning, vehicle shipments can be delayed by factors outside our control. Our posted Avg. Days are based on recent shipment history and include both wait time and transit time, but they are still estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing can vary because of weather, road conditions, terminal operations, rail operations, capacity, and overall shipping volume.

Common causes of delays include:

• Weather and road conditions — snowstorms, ice, extreme cold, flooding, wildfires, avalanche control, road closures, and severe weather can slow trucks, delay rail movement, or make loading and unloading unsafe. In winter, extreme cold can also affect train equipment, truck fuel systems, vehicle batteries, and loading ramps.
• Holiday and seasonal schedules — terminals, rail ramps, carriers, and local pickup/delivery partners may have reduced hours around statutory holidays, long weekends, and the mid-December to mid-January holiday period.
• Rail and terminal operations — rail cars may wait for switching, unloading, inspection, or release. Terminals can also experience congestion, limited staffing, or delays moving vehicles between transport legs.
• Multi-leg routing — many long-distance shipments move by local truck, terminal, rail or long-haul truck, destination terminal, and final-mile delivery. Each handoff can add wait time before the next departure.
• Carrier routing — open transport trucks usually carry multiple vehicles and may stop for other pickups and deliveries along the route, especially on indirect or lower-volume lanes.
• Capacity and equipment availability — trailers and rail cars have fixed space and weight limits. Larger SUVs, pickups, lifted vehicles, duallys, oversized vehicles, or special-handling units may wait longer until the right equipment or load configuration is available.
• Mechanical issues or accidents — carrier breakdowns, equipment issues, or accidents are uncommon, but they can require recovery, inspection, reassignment, or waiting for the next available departure.
• Labour disruptions or government restrictions — strikes, labour disputes, road bans, border issues, emergency restrictions, or other events affecting carriers, terminals, rail operators, or highways can delay shipments.
• Customer-side delays — missing payment confirmation, incorrect contact details, missing keys, personal items that are not allowed, an inaccessible pickup or delivery location, or a vehicle that is not ready, not running, or not as described can delay loading or delivery.
• Door pickup or delivery scheduling — residential pickup or delivery may require a flatbed tow truck or driving service for the first or final mile, which adds another scheduling step.

When delays happen, we work with the carrier, terminal, or rail provider to get the shipment moving as soon as practical. We’ll provide updates when confirmed information is available, but not every delay results in an immediate tracking update.

The best way to reduce avoidable delays is to book early, complete payment and required details promptly, make sure the vehicle is ready to load, follow the personal-items policy, and tell us about access issues, vehicle modifications, or mechanical concerns before pickup or drop-off. For more winter-specific preparation tips, see Shipping Your Vehicle in Winter Conditions.

Autorack railcars, also called auto carrier railcars, are specialized railcars designed to transport vehicles by train. They are commonly used to move cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and other passenger vehicles over long distances.

Unlike a regular freight car, an autorack has multiple internal levels, or decks, so vehicles can be loaded above and below each other without touching. The most common types are bi-level railcars, often used for taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks, and tri-level railcars, often used for standard-height cars. A typical autorack may carry roughly 10–15 vehicles, depending on the vehicle sizes and railcar configuration, though some specialized railcars can carry more.

Autorack railcars are enclosed or semi-enclosed with a roof, side panels, and end doors. This gives vehicles more protection than an open transport truck, but it is not the same as enclosed truck transport. The railcar sides may have ventilation or perforated metal panels, so dust, moisture, or fine road/rail debris can still enter during transit. For vehicles that are very low-clearance, exotic, classic, high-value, or require maximum protection, enclosed truck transport may be a better option.

Vehicles are driven slowly onto and off the railcar using loading ramps. Once loaded, they are secured in place so they do not move during transit. On MVS Canada rail shipments, vehicles are secured using a specially designed wheel chock system; only the tires contact the securing equipment, and the vehicle is not strapped or chained to the railcar.

Because vehicles travel together inside shared railcars, rail shipments have stricter rules than some truck shipments. Vehicles must be in good running condition, have working brakes, proper tires, a charged battery, and meet clearance and size requirements. Personal items are also heavily restricted; only approved vehicle-related items may remain inside.

Autorack railcars are one reason rail can be an efficient and cost-effective option for long-distance vehicle shipping. They allow many vehicles to move together between major terminals, especially on high-volume routes such as Toronto to Vancouver. Depending on your route, your shipment may move by rail only, truck only, or a combination of truck and rail.

Certain vehicle types, conditions, and modifications must be disclosed before booking. If important details are missing or inaccurate, your shipment may be delayed, refused, re-quoted, moved by a different transport method, or subject to additional charges.

Please tell us in advance if any of the following apply:

• Non-running or inoperable vehicles — including vehicles that cannot start, drive forward and backward under their own power, roll, steer, brake, or be safely loaded without special equipment. Undisclosed non-running vehicles may result in additional charges of at least $300 CAD, plus any towing, storage, or equipment costs required to complete the shipment.
• Vehicles with low ground clearance — including sports cars, lowered vehicles, body kits, front splitters, or vehicles with less than 6 inches of clearance.
• Oversized vehicles — including vehicles taller than approximately 7 feet, lifted trucks, oversized tires, dually wheels, extended body kits, unusually wide vehicles, or anything that may take extra trailer space.
• Modified vehicles or exterior accessories — including ladder racks, light bars, snorkels, roof tents, truck caps, oversized mirrors, aftermarket bumpers, spoilers, canopies on pick up trucks or other non-factory parts. All aftermarket features should be disclosed before booking.
• Vehicles with special start or operating procedures — including push-button start, fob-only ignition, immobilizer codes, alcohol interlocks, hidden kill switches, alarm systems, manual transmissions, special shift procedures, or parking-brake instructions.
• Electric vehicles — please disclose that the vehicle is electric and confirm charge level. EVs must have at least a 75% battery charge before shipping.
• Older, classic, project, high-value, imported, right-hand-drive, or specialty vehicles — vehicle age, value, condition, and purpose can affect the recommended transport mode, pricing, loading requirements, and insurance coverage.

We may also request photos, dimensions, ground-clearance measurements, vehicle value, condition details, or other information before confirming the best transport method.

Vehicle shipping involves many independent parties — carriers, rail companies, terminals, drivers, weather, and infrastructure. The following are situations that can affect your shipment but are outside our direct control:

• Weather, road, and rail conditions — snow, ice, flooding, wildfires, road closures, freezing rain, severe heat
• Acts of God and force majeure — earthquakes, avalanches, rockslides, washouts, fires, expropriations
• Strikes, lockouts, and labour disputes — affecting carriers, terminals, ports, or rail operators
• Government actions — searches, seizures, regulatory restrictions, border processing
• Mechanical failures and equipment availability — at the carrier or rail level
• Rail switching and routing schedules — once a rail car is part of a longer freight train, its movement is governed by rail company schedules
• Customer-side delays — vehicles not ready for pickup, undisclosed conditions discovered at loading, unreachable receiver at delivery

When delays happen for any of these reasons, we work with the carrier to resolve them as quickly as possible and reach out with updates. Per our terms, MVS Canada and our carriers are not liable for indirect costs that result from delays.

Damage that is deemed to be the result of driver negligence, or essentially any damage that could have been avoided, would be deemed legitimate. Some examples would be a driver backing into your vehicle while in the yard, a ramp being mistakenly lowered onto the roof of your vehicle, or a strap that wasn’t sufficiently tightened and allowed the vehicle to move while in transit, causing damage.

During a claim review, MVS Canada compares Point of Origin photos, condition reports, carrier photos, terminal records, and customer damage photos to determine where the damage first appears in the transport timeline. If the evidence indicates the damage occurred while the vehicle was in a carrier’s possession and the damage is not excluded under the Terms & Conditions, the claim may proceed through the carrier’s claim process.

A few rules govern what happens to your vehicle at terminals on either end of the trip:

• Origin terminals hold your vehicle from drop-off until the carrier collects it for the main leg of the journey. Wait time depends on route and capacity.
• Destination terminals hold your vehicle until you or your designated agent picks it up. Prompt pickup is in your interest — extended storage may trigger relocation fees.
• Terminals do not guarantee insurance coverage. Standard carrier insurance applies during transit on a truck or rail car. Time spent waiting at a terminal typically falls outside that coverage. Improved Coverage (available on open transport) extends protection to terminal wait times.
• MVS Canada is not liable for loss, theft, or damage that occurs while your vehicle is at a terminal. Keeping your own auto insurance active during the entire shipment is the broadest protection.
• Storage windows vary by terminal. If your vehicle is approaching the end of the standard storage window at the destination, we’ll reach out so you can arrange pickup or alternative storage in time.

Yes. We strongly recommend keeping your own auto insurance active for the entire shipment, including any time your vehicle is waiting at an origin terminal, destination terminal, storage yard, or staging location.

Your own insurance may help in situations where carrier insurance does not apply, such as:

• Terminal waiting time — terminals provide temporary storage but do not guarantee insurance coverage while vehicles are on their premises.
• Excluded damage — items such as glass, mechanical issues, undercarriage concerns, weather-related damage, or other exclusions may not be covered by carrier insurance.
• Older vehicles — rail and open-truck coverage have age-related restrictions, so older vehicles may have limited or no carrier coverage depending on the transport mode.
• Personal belongings — personal items are not covered by carrier insurance and should not be left in the vehicle unless we give permission in advance.
• Comprehensive risks — theft, vandalism, fire, weather, or other risks may be handled differently under your personal auto policy, depending on your insurer.

Maintaining your own coverage during a shipment costs little and adds a meaningful safety net.

Your personal policy is a separate layer of protection from carrier or rail coverage, and what it responds to depends on your province, insurer, coverages purchased, deductible, and exact policy wording. Some optional coverages, such as Specified Perils, Comprehensive, Collision/Upset, or All Perils, may include perils related to the transport carrying your vehicle, but this varies. Before the vehicle moves, ask your broker or insurer specifically: Is the vehicle covered while transported by truck, train, ferry, or ship? Does coverage apply while it waits at a terminal or storage yard? What deductible and exclusions apply? See “Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered: What Canadians Should Know Before Shipping a Vehicle.

If you use a third-party tracking device (such as an AirTag) in your vehicle during shipment, disclosure to MVS Canada is required. This protects everyone involved — the vehicle, the carrier, and other vehicles on the same load.

Required documentation:

• A copy of the device owner’s driver’s licence with current address.
• A utility bill with current address (if the licence address isn’t current).
• If the device owner doesn’t have a driver’s licence, a copy of the shipper’s licence instead.

Undisclosed tracking devices found inside a vehicle may be removed or disposed of by the carrier and may not be returned. For the full tracking device policy and how it interacts with our online tracking.

The following fees may be applied if specific conditions or rules are not met. They exist to cover real costs the carrier or terminal incurs, and are detailed in our terms and conditions:

Because location is not the same as status, and “arrived” does not mean “ready.”

An AirTag, GPS tracker, or built-in vehicle app may show your vehicle in the destination city while the vehicle still needs to be moved from a switching yard to the unloading terminal, unloaded, inspected, checked in, processed, and officially released. Release documents must be completed before the vehicle can be picked up, and the time between “arrived” and “ready for pickup” can range from a day to several days.

Please do not go to the terminal just because your tracker shows the vehicle is there. Your device is not the official shipment status, MVS Canada tracking and pickup instructions are. Many terminals are shared commercial facilities, rail yards, or secured locations, not retail storefronts, and they usually cannot answer questions about pricing, payment, scheduling, or tracking. Wait for MVS Canada to confirm the vehicle is ready for release and send your pickup instructions.

A useful tracking update is not a dot on a map, it is a confirmed milestone that tells you what is happening and when to act. For more, see Real-Time GPS Is Overrated. Verified Tracking Is What Customers Actually Need.

No. It’s important to check the health of your car’s battery before shipping, as it will be sitting for a long period of time on a truck, train or at a terminal.

Any weather related events or events deemed ‘An act of God’ are not covered under carrier insurance. This would hold true in the event of flooding, storms, etc.

As an industry standard, MVS Canada and our carrier partners do not mechanically inspect vehicles prior to the shipping process. Inspections are only of the vehicle’s exterior. Mechanical functions, hidden or internal components, undercarriage systems, electrical systems, exhaust, mufflers, battery function, alignment, frame, suspension, engine tuning, wheels, tires, and rims are listed as coverage exceptions or are not feasible to inspect during the initial vehicle survey.

Carrier or rail insurance is included for eligible vehicles while they are being transported, subject to the transport mode, vehicle age, declared value, deductible, exclusions, and the terms and conditions of the shipment.

MVS Canada operates as a transportation broker, which means we arrange your shipment with the carrier, rail provider, or transport partner best suited to your route. The carrier or rail company physically transporting the vehicle provides the underlying insurance coverage. We assist with the shipment and help coordinate the claim process if needed, but the carrier’s insurance policy and liability rules apply.

Coverage limits depend on the transport mode:

Vehicles valued above the standard limit for the selected mode must be declared before shipping. Additional coverage may be available for an extra fee, depending on the mode, route, vehicle, and carrier.

Please note that insurance does not cover every vehicle, every type of damage, or every stage of the shipment. For example, terminals provide temporary storage but do not guarantee insurance coverage while a vehicle is waiting on their premises. We strongly recommend keeping your own auto insurance active for the full shipment, including terminal wait time.

Optional coverage programs may be available at booking, including the $50 Deductible Buy-Down, which removes the $750 deductible on eligible valid damage claims.

For high-value, older, classic, or low-clearance vehicles, enclosed transport is usually the best option because it offers higher standard coverage, gentler loading, and protection from road and weather exposure.

Remember that ‘insured’ is not the same as ‘covered for everything.’ Coverage here is provided by the carrier or rail company and is generally liability-based, which is different from all-risks, no-fault coverage. Always ask what is covered, what is excluded, what deductible and value limit apply, and what must be documented at delivery to preserve a claim. See “Fully Insured” Does Not Always Mean Fully Covered: What Canadians Should Know Before Shipping a Vehicle.

Quotes are valid for 14 days from the date they are issued. If you book and your shipment is scheduled to begin within that 14-day window, the quoted price is generally locked in for the standard service, route, and vehicle details quoted.

If you book farther in advance — for example, several weeks or a few months before your preferred shipping date — the price may change before your vehicle ships. Carrier rates, rail costs, fuel prices, seasonal demand, and route availability can change over time. In these cases, we will review the rate and send a revised quote approximately two weeks before your order start date if an adjustment is needed.

Your quote may also change if the shipment details change after booking, including:

• Adding door pickup or door delivery
• Changing the pickup or delivery location
• Switching from open to enclosed transport
• Shipping a different vehicle than originally quoted
• Providing incorrect vehicle size, condition, or modification details
• The vehicle being inoperable or not as described at pickup
• Adding optional services, such as Deductible Buy-Down

We will discuss any required price adjustment with you before applying additional charges.

For vehicles shipped by rail, CP Rail will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than six years, determined by Car Year Date. Because older vehicles tend to have general wear and tear already apparent prior to shipping, our ability to insure them to full value is not possible.

For vehicles shipped by open truck, the carrier will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than twenty years, determined by Car Year Date.

Rail-related claims are subject to the rail carrier’s coverage rules, vehicle age limits, maximum insurable value, and loading/unloading limitations set out in the Terms & Conditions.

Coverage limits may vary by transport mode. Under the current Open Shipment Terms & Conditions, the maximum insurable value is $35,000 CDN per vehicle when shipped by rail and $65,000 CDN per vehicle when shipped by open truck.

Similar to mechanical functions, since there is no inspection of the underside of vehicles prior to shipment, undercarriage systems and components are listed as coverage exceptions or are not feasible to inspect during the initial vehicle survey.

The following items are strictly prohibited from being in the vehicle at the time of shipping; guns, ammunition, flammable products, explosives, narcotics, alcohol, jewelry, precious metals, furs, money, pets, plants and contraband. The shipper (the customer) agrees that the carrier may confiscate and/or dispose of said items with no remuneration and the appropriate Government authorities will be contacted. MVS Canada and its carriers are not liable for loss or damage to said personal items.

No. Claims cover damage to the vehicle only. We do not issue compensation for rental vehicles during this time.

Dings, chips, and minor scratches are listed as coverage exceptions under the Open Trailer / Train Transport Terms & Conditions. As vehicles are exposed to the elements during transport, rocks and road debris can sometimes cause minor damage beyond the reasonable control of MVS Canada or the driver of the transport vehicle. These can happen any time of year and are mostly caused by loose stones or gravel being elevated from the roadway by a passing vehicle.

Larger dents, impact damage, or damage that may have been caused by carrier handling should be reviewed separately based on the available photos, condition reports, and carrier records.

Once your order number has been issued, you can track your shipment online through the MVS Canada tracking page at mvscanada.ca/tracking.

To log in, you’ll need:

• Your order number
• The last four digits of the phone number used on your booking

Each time your tracking page is updated, you’ll receive an automatic email notification, so you do not need to check the tracking page manually every day. Tracking updates may include your vehicle’s general status, approximate location, estimated timing, or the next major step in the shipment.

Please note that tracking is not real-time GPS. It is based on verified updates received from carriers, rail providers, terminals, and dispatch teams. For more detail, see Tracking Your Vehicle With MVS.

Verified tracking focuses on confirmed milestones – order confirmed, dispatched, picked up, loaded, in transit, transferred, arrived, unloaded and processing, released and ready for pickup, delivered – because those are the updates that tell you what is actually happening and when to act. See Real-Time GPS Is Overrated. Verified Tracking Is What Customers Actually Need.

We aim to provide a tracking update at least once every five business days. You may see updates more often when your vehicle is loaded, transferred, arrives at a terminal, is released, or reaches another major step in the shipment.

Tracking updates are not always instantaneous. MVS Canada works with a network of carriers and requests shipment updates in batches, which allows us to track many vehicles efficiently and then relay verified information to customers.

If you do not see a new update every day, it does not necessarily mean your vehicle is delayed or sitting still. Your shipment may still be moving, waiting for the next confirmed scan, carrier update, rail update, terminal release, or dispatch confirmation.

Our team continues monitoring shipments between tracking updates and will contact you if something requires your attention.

Shipping time depends on your route, transport method, vehicle, service type, and available capacity when your vehicle is ready to move.

We use average transit times based on recent shipment history for many popular routes. These averages are shown as “Avg. Days” on our Transit Times page and are calculated using recent shipments on that lane. “Avg. Days” means the total of:

• Wait time — how long your vehicle waits to depart after it is ready at the correct origin location, usually the main terminal, or after a door pickup has been scheduled.
• Transit time — how long your vehicle spends moving between terminals, rail yards, trucks, or other transfer points.

The clock starts when your vehicle is ready to ship at the correct origin location and meets standard loading requirements, including keys available, vehicle able to roll/steer/brake, proper ground clearance/loadability, and compliance with the personal-items policy for the selected transport method. If you choose residential pickup or delivery, an extra local step may be needed to move the vehicle to or from the main terminal.

Many long-distance shipments are multi-leg moves. Your vehicle may travel by local truck, rail, long-haul truck, or a combination of methods, and it may pass through more than one terminal before reaching the destination. Each transfer can add wait time before the next available departure.

Average days are guides, not guarantees. Actual timing can vary because of:

• Route volume and carrier or rail capacity
• Whether the route uses truck, rail, or both
• Terminal wait times and transfer points
• Vehicle size, weight, modifications, or loadability
• Door pickup or delivery scheduling
• Weather, road closures, rail delays, holidays, or seasonal demand
• Payment status, missing information, or vehicle condition issues

Booking one to two weeks in advance, completing payment and required information early, and making sure the vehicle is ready to load can help keep your shipment moving. Same-day booking or drop-off may be possible, but your vehicle may spend more time waiting for the next available departure.

For the most accurate estimate ask your shipping representative for the current average on your route. Enclosed transport, oversized vehicles, remote locations, and special service requests may not follow the posted averages on our website.

The claims manager will open a file and request reports from all carriers and drivers involved. This can sometimes take weeks to acquire all reports, review and confirm damage, and have you (the customer) obtain damage estimates. From start to finish, some claims can even take months to resolve, depending on the nature of the damage and which carriers are involved.

Your shipping price is based on the details of your route, vehicle, service type, and the carrier or rail options available at the time of shipping. The main factors include:

• Pickup and delivery locations — major-city terminals are usually more economical than smaller towns, remote areas, or door service.
• Distance and route availability — cost is affected by how often trucks or rail service operate on that route, not just mileage.
• Vehicle size and weight — compact cars usually cost less than large SUVs, vans, pickup trucks, or heavy-duty vehicles.
• Vehicle condition — non-running, modified, oversized, lifted, or low-clearance vehicles may require special handling or equipment.
• Transport method — truck, rail, or a combination of both, depending on the route.
• Service type — terminal-to-terminal is usually less expensive than door pickup or door delivery.
• Trailer type — open transport is generally more affordable than enclosed transport.
• Season and demand — pricing can change during busy moving seasons, winter weather, and high-demand periods.
• Fuel costs — fuel prices at the pump can affect carrier, rail, and overall transport costs.

In general, the most affordable option is terminal-to-terminal shipping between major-city terminals. For example, if you’re shipping from Kitchener, ON to Canmore, AB, the most economical option is usually to drop off at our Greater Toronto Area terminal and pick up at our Calgary terminal, instead of adding door service at both ends.

Please note that if you book well in advance — especially more than 14 days before the vehicle actually ships — the price may change before your shipping date if carrier rates, fuel costs, rail costs, or route availability change.

Once your order is confirmed, your shipping representative will send the terminal address, hours of operation, and drop-off or pickup instructions. Please follow those instructions carefully and only drop off after your order has been confirmed.

At terminal drop-off:

• Bring one working key or fob, plus any special start, alarm, immobilizer, or access instructions.
• Make sure the vehicle is clean, accessible, and ready for transport.
• Take at least 24 high-resolution photos at the time of drop-off, while the vehicle is still in your possession.
• Include clear photos of all sides, bumpers, roof, hood, trunk, wheels, tires, existing damage, and at least one photo showing the terminal or origin location in the background where possible.
• Upload or send your photos according to the instructions provided by MVS Canada.

At some terminals, especially rail terminals, security or gate staff may check in the vehicle but are not authorized to complete a condition report. In these cases, your photos are the main record of the vehicle’s condition at origin. If a condition report cannot be completed at drop-off, or if you drop off after hours where permitted, you must document the vehicle yourself with high-quality photos. Failure to complete a condition report or provide proper photos may affect or prevent a future damage claim.

If you do not want to complete the drop-off inspection and photo documentation yourself, ask your shipping representative about arranging door pickup by flatbed tow truck. In that case, the tow operator can complete the condition report, take photos, and deliver the vehicle to the rail terminal.

At terminal pickup:

You or your authorized agent should bring:

• The vehicle’s VIN
• A valid government-issued photo ID
• The order details, if available

The name on the ID should match the release person provided to MVS Canada. Terminals may refuse to release the vehicle if the person picking up is not authorized or cannot provide proper identification.

Before leaving the terminal, inspect the vehicle carefully. If you notice any possible transit damage:

1. Report it immediately to the person at the pickup terminal.
2. Do not move the vehicle until the damage has been reviewed and documented by terminal staff.
3. Make sure the damage is noted on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before signing.
4. Take clear photos of the damage before the vehicle is moved.
5. Report the damage to MVS Canada right away and submit photos as soon as possible.

Once the vehicle is signed for and removed from the terminal, it may be much harder to verify a claim. Signing the release without noting damage may confirm that the vehicle was received in satisfactory condition.

Important: Terminals provide temporary storage but do not offer guaranteed insurance coverage while your vehicle is on their premises. We recommend keeping your own auto insurance active for the entire shipment, including any time your vehicle waits at a terminal.

Rail is an important part of many long-distance shipments in Canada, especially between major hubs such as Toronto and Vancouver. Depending on your route, your vehicle may move by rail only, truck only, or a combination of truck and rail. Not every city pair has direct rail service, so some shipments include local truck or driving service to connect your vehicle to the nearest rail terminal.

Vehicles shipped by rail travel in specialized enclosed rail cars. These rail cars are enclosed over the roof and partially enclosed on the sides, which helps protect vehicles from large road debris and weather exposure. Each rail car can hold roughly 10–15 vehicles, depending on vehicle size and load configuration.

Here’s the typical rail shipment flow:

1. Drop-off or first-mile pickup
   You drop your vehicle at the origin rail terminal, or we arrange door pickup where available. If door pickup is from a residence, the vehicle may be moved to the rail terminal by flatbed tow truck or driving service.
2. Origin inspection and photos
   At some rail terminals, security or gate staff may not be authorized to complete a condition report. You must take at least 24 high-quality photos at the time of drop-off or pickup to document the vehicle’s condition. If a condition report cannot be completed, your photos become the main origin record and may be required for any future damage claim.
3. Wait time before loading
   Once your vehicle is ready at the correct origin location, it waits for the next suitable rail departure. Loading depends on route volume, railcar availability, vehicle size and weight, transfer priority, and available capacity. Vehicles are generally staged in queue, but loading is not always strictly first-come, first-served.
4. Loading onto the rail car
   When space is available, trained rail terminal staff load the vehicle and secure it in place. Rail vehicles are typically secured using wheel chocks, so only the tires contact the securing equipment; the vehicle is not strapped or chained.
5. Rail transit
   The rail car is added to a freight train and moves between major terminals and switching yards. Once clear of switching yards and urban congestion, rail can be a fast, reliable, and cost-effective way to move vehicles long distances.
6. Destination arrival and processing
   When the rail car reaches the destination terminal, the vehicle must be unloaded, checked in, processed, and released before it can be picked up. Tracking may show the vehicle has arrived in the destination area before it is ready for pickup.
7. Release and pickup
   MVS Canada will send the destination pickup instructions once the vehicle is confirmed ready for release. You or your authorized agent should bring the VIN and government-issued photo ID matching the release name provided to MVS Canada.

Rail shipments follow MVS Canada’s Average Days system, which includes both wait time and transit time based on recent shipment history for that route. Average days are estimates, not guarantees, and can change due to rail operations, terminal delays, weather, holidays, vehicle size, route volume, or capacity.

Personal items are very restricted for rail shipments. Unless MVS Canada gives permission, only approved vehicle-related items may remain in the vehicle, such as tires, secured child seats, jumper cables, basic factory tools, the owner’s manual, emergency supplies, an ice scraper or snow brush, spare tire and tire-changing tools, and a car cover or bra.

For more on why rail is often a strong option for long-distance shipping, see Top 3 Reasons to Ship Your Car by Train.

Canada’s freight rail system is dominated by two national Class I railways, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), which form the long-haul backbone of finished-vehicle distribution across the country, while trucks provide first-mile and final-mile service.”
Plus closing link: “To see how rail fits into Canada’s broader hub-and-spoke vehicle logistics system, see How Canada’s Vehicle Logistics Network Really Works.

Open transport is a standard, proven way to move vehicles by truck and is the most common truck-shipping method in Canada. Vehicles are loaded onto multi-vehicle car-hauler trailers and are usually secured with tire straps, although some older trailers may use chains to secure the vehicle frame.

Because the trailer is open, your vehicle is exposed to normal road and weather conditions during transit. This is important to understand before choosing open transport.

What to expect with open transport:

• Road dust and grime — Vehicles shipped long distance by open trailer will usually arrive dirty and may need a wash. This is normal and does not mean the vehicle was damaged.
• Weather exposure — Vehicles may be exposed to rain, snow, sun, wind, temperature changes, road salt, and seasonal conditions while in transit.
• Winter salt and gravel — During winter shipments, vehicles may arrive with salt, slush, and road grime on the exterior and underside. We recommend washing the vehicle, including the underside, soon after delivery when weather allows.
• Minor stone chips or small road-debris marks — These are rare, but they can happen when a vehicle is exposed to highway conditions. MVS Canada’s damage-claim guidance states that rock chips, scratches, small dents from road debris, and auto-glass chips or breaks are generally not covered by carrier insurance for open and rail transport.
• Weather-related damage exclusions — Weather events or “acts of God,” such as hail, storms, flooding, and similar events, are generally not covered by carrier insurance.
• Undercarriage exposure — Open transport exposes the underside to the same road environment the vehicle would face if driven. Since the underside is not inspected before shipping, undercarriage claims are generally not covered.

For most everyday vehicles, open transport is a practical and cost-effective option. The exposure is similar to what the vehicle would experience if it were driven the same distance, except the mileage is not being added to the odometer.

If your vehicle is high-value, classic, exotic, freshly restored, low-clearance, or if you want to avoid weather, salt, dust, and road-debris exposure as much as possible, enclosed transport is the better option.

For door service, we coordinate a pickup or delivery window directly with you. Please give us at least 3–5 days’ notice for door pickup so we can arrange the right type of service for your location.

Door pickup or delivery may be handled in one of three ways:

• Flatbed tow truck or smaller transport truck — commonly used for residential pickup or delivery, especially when the main transport truck cannot safely or legally access the address.
• Driving service — a professional driver drives your vehicle to or from the nearest terminal or staging yard. This is often more economical than sending a truck and may be available in select cities, including Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton. Your vehicle must be safe, legal, and roadworthy to drive, and you should leave enough fuel for the trip.
• Large transport truck — usually only possible at dealerships, commercial locations, rural properties, or wide-access areas where the truck can safely load and unload.

For residential addresses, true door-to-door service is usually completed by flatbed tow truck or driving service for the first or final mile. Large car-hauling trucks are often too large for residential streets because of turning radius, road restrictions, low trees, overhead wires, parked cars, or limited loading space.

After residential pickup, your vehicle is usually taken to a terminal or staging yard, then loaded onto a rail car or long-haul transport truck for the main part of the journey. For residential delivery, the reverse usually applies: the vehicle arrives at a terminal or staging yard, then is delivered by flatbed, driving service, or another approved local method.

At pickup or delivery, you or your authorized agent must be available by phone, provide or receive the keys, inspect the vehicle, and complete the required handoff paperwork. Drivers normally coordinate timing by phone, so please answer calls and return voicemails promptly during the pickup or delivery window.

Door service is not available at every address. If the address is not accessible, we may need to arrange a nearby safe meeting location, such as a commercial lot, dealership, truck-accessible road, or terminal. If we require you to meet the main transport truck instead of providing true residential pickup or delivery, we will indicate that on your quote or confirm it with you before booking.

Documenting your vehicle properly at origin is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself in the rare event of a damage claim.

Please take at least 24 high-resolution photos when the vehicle is last in your possession — at terminal drop-off, door pickup, dealership release, commercial handoff location, or when meeting the truck driver. Do not take the required origin photos earlier at home unless your shipment starts with door pickup at your home. Photos should be taken at the handoff location, uploaded through the tracking page, and taken in enough detail to show all exterior surfaces.

Your photos should:

• Be taken at your phone or camera’s highest quality setting
• Be taken from no more than about six feet away
• Be sent or uploaded in original size, not cropped, compressed, resized, or reduced
• Show all sides of the vehicle, bumpers, hood, roof, trunk, windshield, wheels, tires, and any existing scratches, dents, chips, rust, or other damage
• Include close-ups of any pre-existing damage
• Show the origin location in at least one photo where possible, such as the terminal, dealership, or pickup location in the background

The vehicle must be clean and free of snow, dirt, or debris that could hide its condition. Vehicles that are snow-covered or excessively dirty may not be insured for hidden scratches, dents, or damage. Our terms also state that failure to take the required photos, follow the photo guidelines, or properly document the vehicle at origin may result in future damage claims being denied.

Photos must be uploaded through your tracking page using the “Upload Photos” button. If a condition report cannot be completed at drop-off, such as at some rail terminals or after-hours locations, your photos become the main record of the vehicle’s condition at origin.

For the complete photo guide and 24-photo diagram, see How to Take Photos of Your Vehicle Before Shipping.

You can cancel your booking at any time, but cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by email to info@mvscanada.ca. We do not accept or honour cancellations made by phone only, because a written request creates a clear record for both you and MVS Canada.

If your cancellation is urgent, you may call us during business hours to let us know, but the cancellation request must still be emailed.

Cancellation fees depend on the status of your order at the time it is reviewed:

• Before dispatch or carrier assignment: No cancellation fee. Any payment made is refunded in full, except for any applicable payment processing fee.
• After dispatch or carrier assignment: A $200 CAD cancellation fee applies, plus any carrier, terminal, towing, storage, or service fees already incurred. Any remaining balance is refunded.
• After payment has been processed: A $25 CAD processing fee may apply.

Please note that tracking may not always show immediately when a vehicle has been assigned, dispatched, or moved behind the scenes. If you email a cancellation request after hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, we may not review it until the next business day. During that time, the order status may change, and cancellation fees may apply based on the confirmed status when we verify the order with our dispatch team, carrier, or terminal.

Refunds are normally processed on the Wednesday following confirmation of the cancellation.

MVS Canada also reserves the right to cancel an order at our discretion. This is rare and usually relates to safety, capacity, carrier availability, inaccurate shipment details, or circumstances outside our control. If MVS Canada cancels your order, you will receive a full refund.

Once you’re ready to book, you can submit your order online using the booking form link included in your emailed quote. You can also book online without a quote by completing the booking form with your shipment details.

Bookings are completed online because the shipper must review and accept the terms and conditions before the order can be submitted. If you need help, you can call us at (888) 756-7447 during business hours and a shipping representative can walk you through the process. Phone bookings are only completed in limited cases, such as when there is a technical issue preventing online submission.

To book your shipment, we’ll need:

• Pickup and delivery cities, including full addresses if you are requesting door pickup or delivery
• Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN
• Your preferred shipping window
• Your contact information
• The name and phone number of anyone authorized to drop off or pick up the vehicle on your behalf
• Any special vehicle details, including modifications, low ground clearance, oversized tires, lifted suspension, alarms, kill switches, alcohol interlock, push-button start, fob-only ignition, special start codes, or anything else that may affect loading or unloading

After your booking is submitted, we’ll review the order details and contact you if anything needs to be clarified before your shipment is confirmed.

If you book more than 14 days before your shipping date, your rate may need to be re-confirmed closer to your order start date. If pricing changes due to carrier rates, rail costs, fuel costs, demand, or route availability, we’ll send a revised quote before your shipment moves.

The best way to reduce your shipping cost is to choose the most efficient route and service type for your move. In most cases, the lowest-cost option is terminal-to-terminal shipping between major city terminals, especially when rail service is available.

Ways to save include:

• Use major-city terminals whenever possible. Our main car shipping hub cities include Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver. Major terminals usually have more frequent service and better pricing.
• Drive the vehicle to the closest major terminal yourself. For example, if you live in Hamilton, ON and are shipping to Vancouver, dropping off at our Toronto terminal can avoid the added cost of moving the vehicle from Hamilton to Toronto.
• Pick up from a major destination terminal. Choosing terminal pickup instead of door delivery can reduce the final cost, especially if the destination is a smaller town, rural area, or remote location.
• Ship by rail when available. Rail is often the lowest cost-per-kilometre option, but it is only available between certain cities. Routes that require truck-only service, especially to remote locations, are usually more expensive.
• Choose open transport instead of enclosed transport. Open transport is the standard and more economical option for most vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more and is usually reserved for exotic, classic, high-value, low-clearance, or specialty vehicles.
• Avoid expedited or Hot-shot Direct service unless needed. Faster or dedicated service costs significantly more than standard shared transport.
• Be flexible with your timing. More flexible pickup and delivery windows can make it easier to use the most economical carrier or rail option.
• Ship multiple vehicles together. If you are moving 5 or more vehicles, we may be able to offer a volume discount.
• Provide accurate vehicle details. Oversized, lifted, modified, very heavy, or unusually tall vehicles can cost more because they may take up extra trailer space.

For a deeper breakdown, see The Cheapest Way to Ship a Car which explains how vehicle size, service type, rail availability, major terminals, and remote locations affect pricing.

Vehicles are released only to the person named on the booking or to an authorized agent the customer has provided to MVS Canada in advance. Terminals may refuse to release a vehicle if the person picking it up is not listed on the order or cannot provide proper identification.

To pick up a vehicle, you or your authorized agent should bring:

• Government-issued photo ID matching the release name provided to MVS Canada
• The vehicle’s VIN
• The vehicle year, make, and model
• The MVS Canada booking or order number, if available

Please wait until MVS Canada confirms that the vehicle is ready for pickup before going to the terminal. Tracking may show that the vehicle has arrived in the destination area before it has been unloaded, processed, and released.

At pickup, inspect the vehicle carefully before signing any release form, Bill of Lading, or condition report. If you notice possible transit damage, report it immediately to the person at the pickup terminal. Do not move the vehicle until the damage has been reviewed and documented. Take clear photos, make sure the damage is noted on the paperwork, and contact MVS Canada right away.

Until pickup, the terminal holds the vehicle temporarily on your behalf. Terminals do not provide guaranteed insurance coverage while vehicles are stored on their premises, so we recommend keeping your own auto insurance active and picking up promptly once the vehicle is released.

If a vehicle remains at a destination terminal beyond the standard pickup window, the terminal may charge storage fees or relocate the vehicle to longer-term storage at the customer’s expense. Any storage, relocation, removal, or related fees caused by delayed pickup are the customer’s responsibility. MVS Canada will make reasonable efforts to contact you when your vehicle is ready or approaching a storage deadline, but prompt pickup is strongly recommended.

Yes. Someone should be present at both pickup and delivery to complete the vehicle handoff properly.

At pickup, you or your authorized agent must be available to:

• Inspect the vehicle and complete the condition report, where applicable
• Take the required origin photos
• Provide the key or fob
• Provide any special start, alarm, immobilizer, or access instructions
• Confirm the vehicle is ready and accessible for transport

At delivery, you or your authorized agent must be available to:

• Inspect the vehicle before it is moved from the delivery location
• Note any possible damage on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before signing
• Receive the key or fob
• Sign for and accept delivery

The person present can be you or someone you authorize in advance. Please provide their name and phone number to MVS Canada before pickup or delivery.

In some cases, a vehicle may be delivered without someone present to receive it, but this must be arranged in advance and is done entirely at your own risk. If no one is present to inspect the vehicle and sign for delivery, any damage claim will be void.

Yes — and it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of choosing a transport mode.

Standard open trailers and rail cars use ramps with an angle of incline, and vehicles need a minimum of 6 inches of ground clearance to load and unload safely without the front bumper, air dam, or undercarriage scraping. Vehicles with less than 6 inches of clearance must be declared at booking so we can confirm whether open transport will work for your specific vehicle, or whether enclosed is the safer choice.

For reference, here are the ground clearances of some common vehicles:

• Nissan Sentra — 6.4″
• BMW 3-Series — 6.3″
• Subaru Legacy — 6.0″
• Toyota Corolla — 5.6″
• VW Jetta — 5.5″
• Hyundai Elantra — 5.3″
• Honda Civic — 5.0″
• Ford Focus — 4.8″
• Porsche 911 — 4.4″

Even within these clearances, the lowest point of the vehicle matters more than the published number — front splitters, aftermarket body kits, exhaust components, and aerodynamic add-ons can reduce effective clearance.

If your vehicle is borderline, three options can sometimes make open transport work:

• Raise suspension with larger tires, coilovers, or air ride if the vehicle has these adjustments.
• Remove aftermarket body kits, splitters, or aerodynamic add-ons that reduce clearance below the chassis.
• Use a vehicle’s “transport mode” if equipped — many newer performance vehicles have a setting that raises the suspension for shipping.

For a full breakdown of the angles involved in loading low-clearance vehicles, see Why Does Ground Clearance Matter? and The Important Angles of Car Shipping.

We do not offer formal price matching, but if you have received a lower quote from a reputable, established vehicle shipping company, send it to us and we’ll review it. If the service is comparable, we’ll let you know whether we can match or improve the price.

When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing the same details, including:

We do not typically run seasonal sales or promotional discounts. Pricing can change throughout the year based on fuel costs, route demand, carrier and rail capacity, weather, and overall shipping volume.

The main discounts available are usually for multi-vehicle shipments, especially if you are shipping several vehicles at the same time. Contact us with the shipment details and we’ll let you know whether volume pricing is available.

The lowest quote is not always the best option. A very low price may come with slower service, limited communication, unrealistic transit estimates, or fewer service options, so it’s important to compare the full value of the shipment — not just the number on the quote. For more on comparing quotes from different shippers, see Choosing the Best Car Shipping Company and How to Compare Car Shipping Quotes.

When you book with MVS Canada, you are responsible for making sure the vehicle is accurately described, properly prepared, accessible, and ready to ship.

At booking, you must:

• Provide accurate pickup and delivery details
• Provide the correct year, make, model, VIN, and vehicle value
• Disclose modifications, low clearance, oversized dimensions, non-running issues, leaks, weak batteries, poor tires, alarms, special start procedures, or anything else that could affect loading
• Declare if the vehicle is electric, imported, right-hand-drive, high-value, older, classic, modified, or not in standard running condition
• Provide names and phone numbers for anyone authorized to release or receive the vehicle
• Disclose any third-party tracking device, such as an AirTag, and provide any required documentation

Before pickup or drop-off, you must:

• Make sure the vehicle is clean enough to inspect
• Remove personal items, valuables, prohibited items, and unapproved belongings
• Remove or secure loose parts, fragile accessories, low-hanging parts, and non-permanent exterior racks
• Confirm the vehicle can start, drive forward and backward, steer, roll, and brake safely, unless otherwise approved
• Leave the required key or fob, attached securely if more than one key is provided
• Provide any alarm, immobilizer, start, shift, or operating instructions
• Ensure an internal-combustion vehicle has at least 1/4 tank of fuel, with no more than 1/2 tank recommended
• Ensure an electric vehicle has at least 75% charge
• Check fluids, battery, tires, mirrors, and make sure the vehicle is not leaking
• Take and submit at least 24 high-quality origin photos through your tracking page

If a condition report cannot be completed at origin, such as at some terminals or after-hours drop-offs, your photos become the main record of the vehicle’s condition. Failure to complete a condition report or provide proper photos may affect or prevent a damage claim. Vehicles that are snow-covered, dirty, or otherwise difficult to inspect may not be insured for hidden scratches, dents, or damage.

At pickup or delivery, you must:

• Be available by phone during the pickup or delivery window
• Ensure the vehicle is accessible and not blocked, snowed in, or parked somewhere the carrier cannot safely reach
• Have keys, fobs, access devices, and special instructions ready
• Arrange an authorized agent in advance if you cannot be present
• Bring the vehicle’s VIN and government-issued ID when picking up from a terminal

At delivery or terminal pickup, you must:

• Inspect the vehicle carefully before signing anything
• Report any possible damage immediately to the driver, delivery agent, or terminal staff
• Do not move the vehicle until any possible damage has been reviewed, photographed, and documented
• Note all damage on the Bill of Lading, release form, or condition report before signing
• Report damage to MVS Canada immediately and submit photos within 24 hours
• Follow the claim process in Insurance, Coverage & Damage Claims

At all times, you are responsible for:

• Paying all required fees before shipping or release, unless written payment arrangements have been approved by MVS Canada
• Keeping your own auto insurance active during the full shipment, including terminal wait time
• Following the personal-items and prohibited-items rules
• Providing accurate information and responding promptly if MVS Canada, a carrier, terminal, or driver needs to contact you

Accurate information is the best way to avoid delays, extra charges, refused loading, insurance issues, or problems at delivery.

Yes. You can authorize another person to act on your behalf at pickup, drop-off, or delivery. This can be a friend, family member, dealership contact, coworker, or another trusted person.

To authorize someone, please provide their first and last name and phone number when booking, or contact MVS Canada before the scheduled pickup or release. Terminals, carriers, and drivers may refuse to release the vehicle to someone who has not been authorized in advance.

Your authorized agent should bring:

• Government-issued photo ID matching the name provided to MVS Canada
• The vehicle’s VIN
• The vehicle year, make, and model
• The MVS Canada booking or order number, if available
• Any keys, fobs, codes, or special instructions needed to operate the vehicle, if they are dropping it off or releasing it

Your designated agent has authority to release the vehicle, hand over or receive the keys, inspect the vehicle, approve applicable charges, accept delivery, and sign the Bill of Lading or condition report on your behalf.

Please choose someone you trust. At delivery or terminal pickup, your agent must inspect the vehicle carefully before signing and before moving the vehicle. If there is any possible transit damage, they should report it immediately to the terminal staff or driver, make sure it is documented on the paperwork, take photos, and contact MVS Canada right away.

Once your authorized agent signs for and accepts the vehicle, the vehicle is considered received on your behalf.

Yes. You may use a third-party tracking device, such as an AirTag, GPS tracker, or built-in vehicle tracking system, for extra peace of mind. However, you must disclose the device to your MVS Canada representative before shipping. This helps us address privacy, safety, and carrier concerns for your vehicle, the driver, and any other vehicles in the same load.

If you have a tracking device in the vehicle, we may require:

• A copy of the device owner’s driver’s licence with current address
• A current utility bill if the address on the licence is not up to date
• If the device owner does not have a driver’s licence, a copy of the shipper’s licence instead

Important things to know:

• Your device is not the official shipment status. MVS Canada tracking and pickup instructions are the official source for your shipment.
• GPS signals may be blocked or distorted. Rail cars and enclosed trailers can interfere with GPS signals, causing inaccurate, delayed, or intermittent locations.
• “Arrived” does not mean ready for pickup. After a vehicle reaches the destination area, it still needs to be unloaded, inspected, processed, and released. You must wait for pickup instructions from MVS Canada before going to the terminal.
• Undisclosed devices may be removed or disposed of. If a tracking device is found in a vehicle without prior disclosure, we may not be able to recover or return it.
• Do not place the device anywhere that interferes with vehicle operation, safety, inspection, loading, or unloading.

Disclosure matters for more than policy reasons. Modern iOS and Android devices can alert drivers, terminal workers, and other parties when an unknown Bluetooth tracker appears to be moving with them. You may see your device as ‘my tracker in my vehicle,’ but someone else in the transport chain may experience it as an unknown tracking device travelling with them, which is a genuine privacy concern even when the tracker is innocent. Disclosing the device in advance protects everyone involved. Treat your tracker as a backup tool for peace of mind, not the official shipment record. See Real-Time GPS Is Overrated. Verified Tracking Is What Customers Actually Need.

Sometimes, yes — but it depends on the modification, the vehicle’s dimensions, and whether it can be loaded safely on a standard open carrier.

All modifications must be disclosed when you request a quote or place your booking. This includes lifted suspension, oversized tires, dually wheels, extended body kits, lowered suspension, aftermarket bumpers, roof racks, ladder racks, light bars, truck bed caps, snorkels, roof tents, oversized mirrors, canopies on pick up trucks, or anything else that changes the vehicle from stock. MVS Canada’s terms define oversized vehicles to include lifted suspensions, oversized tires, dually wheels, extended body kits, and exterior aftermarket additions, and state that undeclared modifications may result in extra costs, delays, refusal, or a change in transport method.

Lifted trucks and SUVs can often move by open transport, but total height is the main concern. Vehicles over approximately 7 feet tall may not be accepted on standard equipment or may require special routing, different equipment, or additional trailer space, which can affect the price.

Oversized tires, dually wheels, canopies, and larger-than-stock dimensions should be declared before quoting. These details may change how the vehicle fits on the trailer and may affect the final price or available transport mode.

Lowered vehicles or vehicles with less than 6 inches of ground clearance usually require extra review and may need enclosed transport. Most open trailers and rail equipment require at least 6 inches of clearance to load and unload safely, and enclosed trailers are recommended for low-clearance vehicles because many have lift gates or low-angle loading equipment.

External accessories should be removed where possible, especially anything loose, fragile, oversized, or likely to catch wind. Damage to certain accessories, roof racks, off-road lights, soft tops, or the underside of low-clearance vehicles may not be covered.

If you are unsure whether your vehicle qualifies for open transport, send clear photos to your shipping representative before booking. For modified vehicles, we may ask for the vehicle’s height, width, ground clearance, tire size, photos of the exterior and interior, and details about the vehicle’s condition. Based on that information, we can confirm whether open transport is suitable or whether enclosed transport is the safer option.

Yes. Most shipments can be rescheduled with advance notice, especially if your vehicle has not yet been dropped off, picked up, assigned, or dispatched.

Rescheduling keeps your order active and updates your drop-off, pickup, or shipping window. Cancelling ends the order entirely.

Before the vehicle is dispatched, rescheduling is usually straightforward. Once a carrier, rail space, terminal movement, or local pickup/delivery service has been arranged, changes may be more limited and could result in additional charges, delays, storage fees, or the need to cancel and re-book. If a carrier has already been dispatched, the after-dispatch cancellation fee may apply.

If you booked more than 14 days before your original shipping date and your shipment is moved further into the future, your rate may need to be re-confirmed. Carrier rates, rail costs, fuel prices, demand, and route availability can change over time. We’ll let you know about any price change before applying it.

To reschedule, contact your shipping representative by email or phone as soon as you know your new dates. Please wait for updated shipping instructions before dropping off your vehicle or making final pickup arrangements.

Yes. For time-sensitive shipments, MVS Canada may offer Hot-shot Direct service in many areas.

With Hot-shot Direct, a dedicated truck and trailer are used to move your vehicle, instead of using standard shared transport where vehicles may wait for available capacity or move through multiple terminals. This can reduce wait time, transfers, and carrier routing delays.

The trade-off is cost. Hot-shot Direct is significantly more expensive and can be approximately five times the cost of standard shipping, so it is usually used for high-value, urgent, or time-critical moves rather than everyday shipments.

Availability depends on the route, timing, vehicle type, pickup and delivery locations, and carrier capacity. If you have a firm deadline, ask your shipping representative whether Hot-shot Direct is available for your route and what the cost would be.

Yes. Many details can be updated after booking, especially before your vehicle has been assigned to a carrier, dropped off, or dispatched. The earlier you contact us, the more flexibility we usually have.

We can typically update:

• Shipper or receiver contact details, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses
• Authorized contacts, such as the person allowed to drop off, release, receive, or pick up the vehicle on your behalf
• Pickup or delivery addresses within the same city or nearby service area
• Vehicle condition notes, including modifications, low ground clearance, mechanical issues, alarms, special start instructions, or access concerns
• Timing preferences, where possible, depending on carrier and terminal availability

Changes that may affect your price, timing, or service availability include:

• Changing the pickup or delivery city
• Switching between terminal service and door service
• Adding or removing door pickup or delivery
• Changing from open to enclosed transport
• Updating the vehicle type, size, condition, or operability
• Making changes after the vehicle has already been dispatched or is in transit

Once a carrier, terminal, rail spot, or local pickup/delivery service has been arranged, changes may be limited and could result in additional charges, delays, storage fees, or rescheduling.

To request a change, contact your shipping representative as soon as possible by email or phone. We’ll confirm whether the update can be made and let you know if it affects the price or schedule.

When you book a shipment with MVS Canada, you agree to the terms and conditions that apply to your transport mode:

• Open transport bookings are governed by our Open Transport Terms & Conditions.
• Enclosed transport bookings are governed by our Enclosed Transport Terms & Conditions.

These documents set out the complete legal agreement between MVS Canada and the customer, including jurisdiction (Nova Scotia), liability limits, claim procedures, and the role of the carrier in transporting your vehicle. We recommend reviewing them at the time of booking — and reaching out to your shipping representative with any questions before the vehicle ships.

MVS Canada is a transportation broker and logistics arranger. We coordinate vehicle shipments through licensed and insured motor carriers, rail providers, terminals, and transport partners. We also have access to affiliated car-hauling equipment through a related carrier company on select routes.

This gives customers the benefit of broker flexibility, national reach, and additional carrier capacity where available. Your vehicle may move by affiliated carrier, independent carrier, rail, local pickup/delivery provider, or a combination of transport methods. The carrier of record for each transport leg is identified on the Bill of Lading or applicable shipping document.

Rather than operating a single fleet on every route, MVS coordinates shipments through Canada’s national vehicle logistics network, the same system of ports, railways, automotive compounds, terminals, and regional carriers that moves thousands of new and used vehicles every day. See How Canada’s Vehicle Logistics Network Really Works.

Damage to windshields, other auto glass, or mirrors is listed as a coverage exception under the Open Trailer / Train Transport Terms & Conditions. Glass and mirrors can become damaged for various reasons out of our control. As vehicles are exposed to the elements during transport, the following factors can cause glass or mirror damage:

• Rocks and road debris
• Weather conditions and temperature changes
• Faulty installation
• Prior condition and pre-existing damage
• Movement and vibration of the vehicle on the trailer or in the railcar

Yes. Vehicle age can affect both the transport mode available and whether carrier or rail insurance applies.

The key age limits are:

This means that an older classic, antique, collector vehicle, or restoration project may be shipped at the customer’s own risk if it moves by rail or open truck, depending on its age, condition, season, route, and carrier approval. Our current terms state that CP Rail will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than 6 years, and open-truck carriers will not be liable for complete loss or damage to vehicles older than 20 years.

If you are shipping an older vehicle and want full coverage, enclosed transport is the recommended option. Enclosed transport can insure vehicles of any age, provides higher standard coverage, and is designed for classic, antique, high-value, rare, and low-clearance vehicles.

If your vehicle is older, modified, high-value, not used as a daily driver, in rough condition, or has a low battery or mechanical concerns, please tell us when requesting your quote. We may ask for photos, vehicle value, odometer reading, mechanical condition, dimensions, or ground-clearance details to confirm the safest and most appropriate transport mode.

Terminals provide temporary storage while vehicles wait to be loaded, transferred, unloaded, or picked up. They do not provide guaranteed insurance coverage while your vehicle is on their premises.

Standard carrier or rail coverage generally applies while the vehicle is in the carrier’s possession or actively being transported, subject to the terms, exclusions, vehicle age, vehicle value, and mode of transport. However, time spent waiting at an origin or destination terminal may fall outside that coverage. MVS Canada’s terms state that terminals do not guarantee insurance coverage and that MVS Canada is not liable for loss, theft, or damage that occurs while a vehicle is stored at a terminal.

We strongly recommend:

• Keeping your own auto insurance active for the entire shipment, including any time the vehicle waits at an origin or destination terminal
• Taking the required high-quality photos at drop-off or pickup before the vehicle is moved
• Inspecting the vehicle carefully before leaving the destination terminal
• Reporting any possible damage to the terminal staff before moving the vehicle, then contacting MVS Canada right away
• Picking up your vehicle promptly once it is released, since extended storage may result in storage, relocation, or removal fees

Optional coverage programs may be available at booking. The Deductible Buy-Down costs $50 per vehicle and removes the $750 deductible on eligible valid damage claims. Improved Coverage, when available, includes the Deductible Buy-Down and may allow valid claims for damage that occurs during waiting time at a terminal. Improved Coverage is not available for enclosed transport shipments.

Yes. All quotes are provided in Canadian dollars and include applicable taxes, unless your quote clearly states otherwise.

The applicable GST or HST is calculated based on your shipment details and included in the quoted total. Your final invoice will show the shipping charge, tax amount, and total price for your records.

If your shipment details change after quoting — such as adding door pickup or delivery, enclosed transport, oversized vehicle handling, or other optional services — the final price may be updated, and any applicable taxes will be included in the revised total.

For special situations, such as cross-border shipments, dealership billing, business accounts, or tax-exempt customers, your shipping representative can confirm how taxes apply before booking.

Any items shipped inside vehicles are done so at your own risk, and cannot be covered under carrier insurance. MVS Canada is not liable for loss or damage to said personal items.