How Shipping a Vehicle Works in Canada
Shipping a vehicle for the first time? Here’s what to expect. MVS Canada handles vehicle shipments to almost any destination in the country, matching your car with a licensed and insured carrier from our Canada-wide network.
With over 30 years of combined industry experience, our team plans every shipment from pickup to delivery. Transport insurance is included with every shipment, and you can track your vehicle online the whole way.
Ready to get started? Request a free quote and an MVS Canada agent will walk you through your options.
The Vehicle Shipping Process, Step by Step
Shipping a vehicle involves a handful of straightforward steps:
1. Request a free quote. Share your pickup and delivery locations, plus your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
2. Book your shipment. An MVS Canada agent confirms the details and matches you with a licensed, insured carrier.
3. Prepare your vehicle. Clear out personal belongings, note any existing damage, and make sure it’s ready for pickup.
4. Choose your method and service. Pick a transport method and either door-to-door pickup or terminal drop-off.
5. Track your shipment. Follow your vehicle’s progress online as it travels to its destination.
6. Receive your vehicle. At the delivery address, or by picking it up at the terminal.
Vehicle Shipping Methods, Explained
The right method depends on your vehicle, your route, and your budget. Here’s what we offer:
Open Transport
Moves your vehicle on a carrier exposed to the weather, the same type used to deliver new vehicles to dealerships.
Enclosed Transport
Shields your vehicle inside a covered trailer, offering extra protection for classic, luxury, or other high-value vehicles.
Rail Transport
Moves your vehicle inside a rail car built specifically for vehicles, though it isn’t available to every area.
Flatbed Shipping
Your vehicle rides on a flatbed trailer or truck-bed, best suited to shorter distances.
Tow Truck Shipping
Your vehicle is towed directly by a tow truck, another option for shorter distances.
Door-to-Door Service
A driver picks up and delivers your vehicle directly to the address you choose.
Terminal-to-Terminal Service
Drop off and collect your vehicle at one of our terminals in major cities across Canada.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Vehicle
What happens between requesting a quote and delivery?
Once you request a quote, an MVS Canada agent confirms your pickup and delivery details and matches you with a licensed, insured carrier. From there, your vehicle is picked up, transported by the method you’ve chosen, and delivered to your door or a nearby terminal, with online tracking the whole way.
Which vehicle shipping method should I choose?
It depends on your vehicle and your budget. Open transport works well for most everyday vehicles, enclosed transport suits classic or high-value cars, and rail, flatbed, or tow truck options can fit specific routes and distances. Explore our shipping options to see what’s available for your vehicle.
What’s the difference between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping?
Door-to-door service has a driver pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to the addresses you choose. Terminal-to-terminal service means dropping off and collecting your vehicle at one of our terminals in major cities across Canada, which can suit a more flexible schedule.
Is my vehicle insured throughout the shipping process?
Yes. Every shipment with MVS Canada includes transport insurance, and your vehicle travels with a licensed and insured carrier from our network the entire way. You can learn more about our insurance and licensing before you book, so you can ship with confidence.
Do I need to prepare my vehicle before it ships?
Yes. Clear out personal belongings, note any existing damage, and make sure your vehicle is ready for pickup. Your MVS Canada agent will let you know if anything else is needed based on the transport method and service you’ve chosen.
How do I start the vehicle shipping process?
Request a free quote online or by phone, and share your pickup and delivery locations along with your vehicle’s year, make, and model. An MVS Canada agent will follow up with pricing and help you choose the right method for your shipment.