Top Reasons to Ship Your Car Instead of Driving It
Driving your vehicle across the country sounds simple, until you add up the cost, the time, and the wear it puts on your car. For most Canadians relocating, snowbirding, or buying a vehicle from another province, choosing to ship your car with a professional auto transport company is often more practical than driving it yourself.
Below are the top reasons to ship your car instead of driving it, along with what to expect when you request a free quote with MVS Canada.
Why Ship Your Car Instead of Driving It?
Shipping your car protects it from added mileage and wear, saves you the cost of gas, meals, and hotels on a long drive, and gets your vehicle to its destination without using your own time off work. For most Canadians moving a car more than a few hours away, shipping costs less and involves far less hassle than driving.
Save Money
A long drive adds up fast once you factor in fuel, meals, hotels, and time away from work. Shipping your car often costs less overall than driving it yourself.
Protect Your Vehicle's Value
Every extra kilometre on the odometer lowers resale value and adds wear to the drivetrain. Shipping keeps your mileage, and your car’s condition, exactly where you left it.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
One carrier moving several vehicles at once produces less emissions per vehicle than each car being driven separately. It’s a simpler way to move your vehicle with a lighter environmental impact.
Save Time
Flying to your destination takes hours, not days. Skip the multi-day drive and let a professional carrier handle the trip while you get back to your routine sooner.
Ship with Confidence
MVS Canada’s licensed and insured carrier network, online vehicle tracking, and terminals in major cities across Canada mean your vehicle is handled carefully from pickup to delivery.
Is it cheaper to ship my car than to drive it?
For most long-distance moves, yes. Shipping avoids the cost of fuel, meals, hotels, and missed workdays that come with a multi-day drive, while also protecting your car from extra mileage and wear. The exact cost and transit time depend on distance and vehicle type, so request a free quote for an accurate comparison.
Does shipping my car reduce wear and tear?
Yes. Every kilometre you drive adds mileage and puts stress on tires, brakes, and the drivetrain. When your vehicle travels on a carrier instead, it arrives with the same mileage it had at pickup, helping preserve its condition and resale value.
Is shipping a car more environmentally friendly than driving it?
Generally, yes. A single carrier can move several vehicles at once, producing less emissions per vehicle than if each car were driven separately over the same distance. Consolidated transport is a simpler way to relocate a vehicle with a smaller environmental footprint.
What's the difference between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping?
Door-to-door shipping picks up and delivers your vehicle at the addresses you choose. Terminal-to-terminal service has you drop off and collect your vehicle at a secure terminal instead. Both options are available through our shipping services, depending on your schedule and budget.
Is my vehicle insured while it's being shipped?
Yes. Every shipment with MVS Canada moves through a licensed and insured carrier network, with transport insurance included as part of the service. You can track your vehicle online from pickup through to delivery.
How do I get a quote to ship my car?
Getting a shipping quote is quick and doesn't require any commitment. Request a free quote online with your vehicle details, pickup location, and destination, and a member of our team will follow up with your options and next steps.