December 16, 2024

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from Toronto to Edmonton Using a Car Hauler?

Edmonton is calling, and the people living in some of Canada’s most expensive communities are listening. Nearly 40,000 Ontarians made the move to Alberta in 2023, and that trend has continued in 2024.

One thing many people are surprised to learn when hiring movers for their long-distance move is that many — most, in fact — don’t transport vehicles. The reason is simply that the trucks used to move your boxes and furniture weren’t designed to transport a car; for that, you need specialized hauler services.

Open Vs. Closed Car Hauler to Edmonton

One of the most significant cost considerations when evaluating car hauler services is the type of transport you’re looking for. Vehicle shippers typically offer two types of service: open carrier and enclosed trailer.

Open Carrier

Open carriers are the most common form of vehicle transport. These large, open trailers can accommodate up to 10 cars and allow haulers to maximize their loads. As a customer, opting for this type of service has several advantages. First, because open trailers are more readily available, you have more flexibility in choosing a service provider and your pickup and delivery dates. Open carrier haulers are also more affordable. Because these large trailers can transport more cars at a time, the fuel, mileage, and labour costs are spread out over more vehicles.

Enclosed Trailer

On the other hand, you have enclosed trailers. This is considered a more specialized form of auto transport and is generally used to haul classic, luxury, or other high-value vehicles. Compared to an open trailer, enclosed carriers offer more protection against the elements, including weather and roadside debris. However, because enclosed trailers are far less common than open car haulers this type of transport is significantly more expensive and availability, particularly for long-distance moves, may be limited, which can drive the costs up further. And with fewer service providers there is less flexibility with pick-up and delivery dates.

Pricing Out Car Hauling to Edmonton

So how much will it cost to move your car? Here is a rough idea of what you can expect to spend on hauling a car from the Toronto area to Edmonton:

• Open Trailer: $1,500-$1,900
• Enclosed Trailer: $2,900-$3,600

But, in addition to your choice of carrier, several other factors will also impact your vehicle transport costs.

Distance and Route

Pick-up and drop-off points will play a major role in shipping costs. Transportation points along major travel routes will cost less than detours to less accessible or more rural areas. So for example, it will cost less to haul a car from a shipping terminal in the GTA to a receiving terminal in Edmonton than it will to have your car picked up in Barrie and moved outside of Edmonton’s main hub.

Vehicle Make and Model

The type of car you’re shipping also impacts pricing. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and take up more space on the carrier, which in turn leads to higher transport costs.

Season and Timing

Timing is also important in car hauling. Shipping your vehicle during peak moving seasons — typically summer months and early fall — can drive up prices due to increased demand. Winter months can also present logistical challenges moving to Edmonton due to snow and ice, which could translate into added costs.

Tips for Saving on Car Hauling Services

There are a few steps you can take to help save on vehicle shipping costs. First, plan your move early; the earlier you book your auto transport the more competitive the pricing will be. Secondly, try to be as flexible as possible with your pick-up and drop-off dates. If you’re not in a rush to get your car delivered on a specific date it gives the car hauler great leeway to plan their routes and greater savings for you. Finally, consider terminal-to-terminal shipping rather than home pick-up and delivery; skipping out on door-to-door shipping can save you a ton of car hauler services.