September 25, 2024

The Five Cheapest Vehicle Shipping Methods

Auto transport can be expensive, and shipping a vehicle long-distance can be even more so. Whether you’re moving, purchasing a vehicle from another city, or simply exploring your auto transport options, researching beforehand can save you a lot of money, not to mention stress.

Here’s a list of some of the most affordable ways to transport a vehicle across Canada.

Auto Transport Companies

Arguably the best way to ship your vehicle is to simply leave it to a professional vehicle shipper. While the cost of this service can vary significantly from company to company and depends on the level of service you need, it is often the most affordable, hassle-free way to transport vehicles long distances.

But the good news is that if you book in advance and are flexible, you can get a good rate on this type of auto transport. For example, choosing to have your vehicle picked up and dropped off at the nearest terminals to your location can save you a ton over opting for door-to-door service. Likewise, if you can be flexible with your delivery date, you’re likely to benefit from lower vehicle shipping rates than if you have a tight timeline or specific dates in mind.

Another thing to consider is the type of auto transport you’re looking for. Large open carriers can fit most vehicles and are much cheaper than smaller, enclosed trailers.

Drive It Yourself

Ready for an adventure and scenic views? Why not make a road trip out of transporting your vehicle?

Now, whether this saves you money compared to using an auto transport company is up for debate. Between gas, food, and overnight accommodations, driving your vehicle to its new destination can wind up costing more than using a professional—but at least you have all the terrible roadside coffee to look forward to. Plus, it gives you control over the timeline and the freedom to explore new places along the way.

Rent a Truck

Like the idea of DIY but don’t want to add thousands of kilometres to your odometer? You can rent a moving truck with an attached dolly instead.

If you’re moving and already planning on forgoing professional movers in favour of packing up your goods, it’s pretty simple and cost-effective to add vehicle transport to your U-Haul rental. Most companies that rent moving trucks, like U-Haul or Budget, offer vehicle transport add-ons, so you can tow your car or SUV behind the truck and save money compared to hiring a full-service auto transport company.

Auto Transport by Train

Transporting your vehicle by train is one of the lesser-known but highly cost-effective methods of shipping, especially when transporting long distances. Companies like CN Rail offer rail transport to major urban hubs across Canada. While this method may not provide the door-to-door convenience of auto transport companies, it’s a great option if you don’t mind dropping your car off at a rail terminal and picking it up at another.

One of the perks of using a train is that it’s both environmentally friendly and often cheaper than other transport methods. However, it’s important to check the availability of rail transport services in your area, as this option isn’t as widely accessible as others,

Hiring a Driver

You can find lots of cool things on online marketplaces – including people willing to drive your vehicle long distances in exchange for a free ride. Sometimes this arrangement entails a second driver accompanying you on the trip and taking over half the driving. This helps you reach your destination faster and can help save on overnight hotel stays if you decide to drive through the night. Other scenarios have you hand over the keys to your vehicle, and the driver will return them (and your car) to an agreed-upon location.

While this method can be budget-friendly, make sure to vet the driver properly to avoid any unwanted surprises and double-check both your and the other driver’s insurance.