June 11, 2025

Avoiding The Hidden Costs of Car Shipping in Canada

Vehicle shipping might seem like a straightforward process. You pay the quote, arrange a pickup, and receive your car at its destination. However, anyone who has shipped a car across the country knows how tricky it can get, especially when you get blindsided by unexpected charges and service fees. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what is included in the cost to avoid any nasty surprises.

Destination and Fuel Costs

Since fuel prices change constantly, most shipping firms tack on a fuel surcharge. However, this is not always disclosed up front, particularly on quotation forms online. Depending on where you’re headed, especially if it’s rural or outside of the main transportation arteries, you may be charged extra for accessibility. Remote pickups or drop-offs which require the carrier to divert can also become costly quickly. Some organizations don’t charge for this until they’ve ascertained the exact address, so the first quote you receive may seem lower than the last one.

Terminal vs. Door-to-Door Delivery

Most people assume door-to-door shipping when shipping a car, but car shipping in Canada is not always at your front door. A lower upfront quote may mean terminal shipping, where you will pick up and drop your vehicle from designated terminals. Door-to-door delivery may be more convenient, but it often results in additional charges, especially if you’re in a dense city area or a location that’s difficult to access.

Insurance Coverage

Most reputable companies offer standard coverage as part of their shipping estimates. The coverage varies, however, as do deductibles. Some consumers may not be aware that some forms of damage, like interior scratches, aftermarket accessories, or undercarriage damage, will not be covered unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Always request all the insurance details. It’s not a good idea to assume your vehicle is adequately insured and then discover the window of claims is limited, or exclusions are extensive.

Costs of Storage and Schedule Delays

If your car needs to be dropped off before the carrier’s arrival or arrives early at the delivery location, you could be charged storage costs. Most carriers give a grace period, but anything over that could be assessed a per-day holding fee. In addition, vehicle shipping might be delayed due to weather conditions, route changes or detours, or multiple pickups and drop-offs on the way. Ensure you’re clear on the time logistics and what would happen if the schedules don’t align.

Prep Fees

When shipping a car, you may be required to remove all personal belongings from your vehicle, ensure the engine is running, and ensure the gas tank is below a certain level. If any of these conditions aren’t met, the company might refuse pickup or charge a prep fee. Additionally, leaked fluid, dead batteries, or aftermarket additions like lowered suspensions can complicate the process and your bill even more. These may not be included in initial estimates but will arise under physical inspections before your car is shipped.

Transparency Is Key

The key to avoiding surprise charges is transparency and clear communication about the vehicle’s history, your requirements, and the shipping destination. Businesses that provide explicit quotes without those open-ended “there may be additional charges” added on are the ones you want in your corner.

At Able Auto Transport, we take every step with you before booking to ensure your auto shipping experience is as affordable and trouble-free as possible. When car shipping in Canada, nobody wants a surprise, and with us, you don’t get any!