March 23, 2021

Ship My Car or Drive It: Here’s What You Need to Know

Moving across provinces comes with its fair share of thrill and tension, so the added pressure of whether you want to ship or drive your car cross-province can be avoided. To make the best decision, here are three factors to consider to ensure a comfortable move for you and your car:

1. Driving Distance:

Besides figuring out the exact road distance from one city to another, there are additional factors, such as topography, weather/road conditions, traffic patterns, road tolls, and roadside facilities to consider. After figuring that out, you should map out an estimate of the price of fuel and how much you are going to need, as well as stopovers, and food and drinks for the road that might contribute to the driving distance. On the other hand, car shipping companies take on all the stress, so you don’t have to guesstimate driving distance and other factors.

2. Seasonal Conditions:

To drive your car across provinces, weather must be taken into consideration. Winter weather requires extra attention, as you have to consider snow tires, as well as the extra time it might take to drive due to snow and unexpected road closures and accidents. Not only does chilly weather affect your car and driving, but there are also health risks – being out in the cold for long times is bound to make anyone sick. Whereas driving in summer weather may be a more pleasant experience, you will have to be on the lookout for traffic, as the sun brings out a lot of people wanting to enjoy the weather! On the other hand, car shipping companies can ship your car any time of the month and any month of the year. It is also a safer option for winter weather, as you won’t have to confront unnecessary road problems. While winter weather may be friendly on your wallet, summer weather is a busy time of the year and car transport in Canada may be more costly.

3. Cost Considerations:

While driving across provinces might seem like a cheaper option, there are a lot of added costs to consider, such as gas, road tolls, parking fees, food and drink, any maintenance your car might require, and stopovers at hotels for breaks. No matter where you are going, driving thousands of miles can put pressure on your car, especially if you have never made such a long trip, because you don’t know how your car is going to react. Any possible flat tires, unexpected accidents or truck tows might add to your list of unwanted charges. On the other hand, shipping your car depends on the size and weight of your car, as well as additional factors such as inclusion of insurance, and the type of car transport company in Canada you choose. In addition to shipping your car, you will have to include the transportation cost for yourself and how you want to get to your destination.

Ultimately, the choice lies with you. But knowing some of what to expect can help you make an informed decision about car transport in Canada.