How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in Western Canada?

If you’re looking to ship a car across Western Canada, there are several factors that can affect the cost. From distance and vehicle type to the method of transport, each variable plays a role in determining the final price. In this guide, we’ll walk you through these key considerations and explain why enclosed trailer transport offers the best protection for your vehicle.

Factors That Influence Car Shipping Costs

Several factors impact how much it costs to ship a car:

• Distance: The farther you need to ship your vehicle, the higher the cost. Shorter routes, such as from Calgary to Edmonton, will cost less compared to long hauls like Vancouver to Northern Alberta.
• Vehicle Size and Type: Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs generally cost more to transport than compact cars due to the additional space they occupy.
• Type of Transport: The most significant decision that impacts cost is whether to use open or enclosed transport.

Let’s break down the differences between these two methods.

Open Transport: Budget-Friendly but Exposed

Open Transport is the most widely used and budget-conscious method of shipping vehicles. When you choose open transport, your car will be loaded onto a trailer that is not enclosed, typically alongside several other cars. These trailers are often double-decker, allowing for the transport of multiple vehicles at once.

Pros of Open Transport:

• Cost-Effective: Since open carriers can transport more vehicles at once, the cost per car is lower. This makes open transport the go-to choice for most standard vehicles.
• Widely Available: With a larger volume of open carriers on the road, it’s easier to book and may offer more flexibility for scheduling.

Cons of Open Transport:

• Exposure to Elements: Your car is fully exposed to weather conditions such as rain, snow, or even hail. Dust, dirt, and debris from the road can also reach the vehicle during transit.
• Higher Risk of Damage: While the chance of severe damage is relatively low, small scratches or dings can occur due to exposure to road debris or in rare cases, objects kicked up by other vehicles.

Open transport is suitable for those looking to save money or for cars that don’t require extra protection, such as everyday sedans. However, if you’re transporting a valuable or vintage vehicle, you may want to consider an alternative option: enclosed transport.

Enclosed Transport: Premium Protection for Your Vehicle

Enclosed Transport offers a higher level of security and peace of mind by placing your car inside a fully enclosed trailer. This method shields the vehicle from outside elements and road hazards during the journey. Enclosed transport is often used for high-end vehicles, classic cars, or any car that you want to protect from exposure.

Pros of Enclosed Transport:

• Full Protection: Your car is completely sealed off from the weather and road conditions, keeping it safe from rain, snow, dust, and flying debris. This is especially important when shipping during harsh winter months or through regions known for unpredictable weather.
• Ideal for High-Value Vehicles: Enclosed trailers are commonly used for luxury cars, classic vehicles, motorcycles, and custom-built cars that require additional care. The extra protection ensures that no external factors will affect your vehicle’s condition.
• Limited Handling: Fewer cars are transported in an enclosed trailer, meaning less loading and unloading, reducing the risk of accidental damage.

Cons of Enclosed Transport:

• Higher Cost: Since enclosed trailers hold fewer vehicles and offer enhanced protection, the cost is generally higher than open transport. However, for many car owners, the added peace of mind is worth the extra expense.

At CarHauling Express, we specialize exclusively in enclosed trailer transport across Western Canada. This means every car we ship benefits from the highest level of care and protection during transit.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The decision between open and enclosed transport largely comes down to the value of your vehicle and your budget.

• Open Transport is perfect for most everyday vehicles and is ideal if you’re looking for the most cost-effective option.
• Enclosed Transport is the way to go for luxury, vintage, or specialty vehicles where you want to avoid any risks from exposure to the elements or road debris.

At CarHauling Express, we believe that your vehicle deserves the best protection during transport. That’s why we focus exclusively on enclosed transport, ensuring your car arrives at its destination in pristine condition, no matter the weather or road conditions.

Average Cost to Ship a Car in Western Canada

Now that you understand the different transport options, let’s talk numbers. Here are some general price ranges for shipping your vehicle in an enclosed trailer across Western Canada:

• Short Distance (Under 500 km): $700 to $1,200
• Mid-Range Distance (500 – 1,000 km): $1,200 to $1,800
• Long Distance (Over 1,000 km): $1,800 to $3,000

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates. The final cost will depend on the size of your vehicle, specific pickup and delivery locations, and any special requirements you may have.

Why Choose CarHauling Express?

When it comes to shipping your vehicle, we stand out for several reasons:

• Exclusive Enclosed Transport: We only offer enclosed transport, giving every car the highest level of protection during transit. Whether you’re shipping a luxury car or your daily driver, we ensure it’s shielded from the elements.
• Experienced Drivers: Our drivers are experts at handling vehicles of all types, from classic cars to modern luxury models. Your car is in good hands from pickup to delivery.
• On-Time Delivery: We pride ourselves on punctuality. When we give you a delivery estimate, we aim to meet it—no unnecessary delays.
• Personalized Service: We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of your vehicle. Whether you need special handling for a collector’s car or want to schedule around a specific timeframe, we can accommodate you.

Ready to Ship Your Car?

If you’re ready to ship your vehicle with CarHauling Express, get started today by requesting a quote on our website. With our enclosed trailer service, you can trust that your car will arrive safely and on time, every time.