February 7, 2025

How to Choose a Reliable Vehicle Shipping Company in Canada

After your home, your vehicle is probably your largest investment, and this can make choosing a vehicle shipping company extremely challenging. Most people in Canada start their search for a vehicle shipping company online, and Google will immediately return dozens of results for carriers in your area. But what separates a good vehicle shipping company from a great one, and how can you narrow down your options?

Why The Vehicle Shipping Company You Choose Matters

When you shop for name-brand appliances, there is very little difference between the products offered at one retailer versus another. Unfortunately, the same is not true of vehicle transport companies.

Six Things to Keep in Mind When Comparing Vehicle Transport Companies

To avoid any nasty surprises, it’s best to shop for a vehicle shipping company in Canada the same way you would hire a contractor by evaluating their experience, expertise, service, and reputation.

Cheapest Isn’t Usually Best

For many people comparing products or services online, it often comes down to a matter of price. However, unlike choosing groceries, cost should not be the sole basis for choosing a transport company, and there are a few reasons why this is true. Overhead aside, it costs roughly the same for one transport company to ship 10 cars from Ontario to Calgary as another as the biggest difference in your shipping quote will stem from the level of service, reliability, and customer support provided by the company. While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it’s important to consider why that company is offering a cheaper rate, what you’re sacrificing for that lower price, and any extra fees the company might be trying to bury in the fine print.

Experience and Expertise

First and foremost, you want to find a vehicle shipping company with a proven track record of across-Canada shipping (if that is your route). Logistically, there is a significant difference between shipping a car from Quebec to Ontario versus Ontario to Alberta, and if you choose a company without the experience and infrastructure to handle these long-distance moves, you could wind up with delays, damage, or unexpected costs.

Insurance Coverage

In addition to having a commercial business license, it’s important to make sure the vehicle shipper you’re considering has the right insurance coverage to guarantee the safety of your vehicle.

There are three types of coverage a reputable transport carrier will have, and they should be able to provide you with details of this coverage when asked. First is Commercial General Liability coverage, which protects the company in case of accidents or damage during transport. The second is Liability coverage, which protects the company from claims arising from accidents or damages caused during the move. Finally, you want to choose a vehicle transport carrier that has Motor Truck Cargo coverage; this is the coverage that will protect your vehicle in the event of damage or theft while in transit.

Customer Service

A great vehicle shipping company should make you feel valued as a customer. Their offices should be easily reachable and have transparent communication, answer your questions promptly, and keep you updated throughout the shipping process. A clear sign that a company lacks professionalism and reliability is if you have to constantly chase them down for information.

Clear Terms and Conditions

Steer clear of companies with vague contracts or hidden fees. Everything should be laid out in writing, and even better, the contents of the contract should be verbally communicated to avoid confusion related to vague wording or legalization.

Positive Reviews

Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or online forums. While it is getting more challenging to distinguish real customer feedback from fake reviews there are still third-party resources like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau that can offer unbiased insight into a company’s track record with customers.