July 22, 2022

Can I Ship My Vehicle with Stuff in It? And Your Other Vehicle Shipping FAQs Answered

When you need to transport a car over long distances, a vehicle transport service is the simplest, most cost-effective way. But vehicle shipping can be a complex process, and the services offered by various carriers can vary.

To help you on your journey, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked question vehicle shipping questions.

Q: Can I ship my car with stuff in it?

A: In most cases, the answer is no, you cannot load your vehicle up with personal items before shipping. There are two reasons why. Firstly, a vehicle transport company’s insurance will not cover personal items moved in your vehicle, including theft or damage caused by shipping these items.

Secondly, loading your car with moving boxes or other items adds to the weight. Vehicle shipping quotes are calculated based on the make and model of your car; extra weight means added costs.

However, some carriers may be willing to make exceptions if you inform them beforehand.

Q: Do I need insurance to have my car shipped?

A: You do not need to have personal auto insurance when using a vehicle transport company to move your car, but it’s highly recommended. Insurance coverage is included when you use a vehicle shipper. And while having your own insurance will not reduce your shipping rate, having it will provide peace of mind that you have protection for issues not covered by the shipper’s insurance.

Q: Does a vehicle need to be run to be transported?

A: Shipping damaged or otherwise non-operable cars often occurs in the vehicle shipping industry. Loose parts that could fall off during transit and leaking fluids need to be taken before transport, and you’ll need to let the car shipping company know the vehicle’s condition when requesting your quote (there may be extra charges for this service).

Q: How much does vehicle shipping cost in Canada?

A: Several variables help determine your vehicle shipping rate, including car make and model, location, distance, and even what time of year you’re shipping. For local moves, budget a few hundred dollars; for regional or national moves, the average cost of vehicle shipping can range from $700 up to $2,500.

Q: Can my car be picked up at my house?

A: Municipalities often have different by-laws on the size of trucks allowed to use residential roads. When you are booking your vehicle transport, an agent will be able to look up by-laws in your area and determine whether door-to-door shipping is available; if not, they’ll arrange to pick you up from a convenient location nearby.

If you still prefer door-to-door transport, you can consider booking with a smaller, enclosed trailer. The cost of this type of shipping will be significantly more than with a large open-air carrier.

Q: How long does it take to ship a car from Ontario to BC?

A: Vehicle shipping from Ontario to BC can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks.

Long-distance moves on a large transport carrier typically take longer than if you were going to drive yourself. That’s because large open-air carriers normally transport between 8 and 10 vehicles at once, with multiple pick-ups and drop-off locations along the way.