Shipping a car from the UK to Canada can make sense if the vehicle is valuable, specialist, classic, sentimental or expensive to replace after you move. The shipping price is only part of the total cost, though. You also need to consider Canadian vehicle import rules, customs duty, GST/HST, possible provincial taxes, inspection requirements, insurance and onward delivery. This guide explains the main shipping options, likely costs and key questions to ask before requesting a quote.
This isn’t legal, tax or customs advice. Import rules change and depend on the vehicle, its age, where it was made, whether it meets Canadian standards, your status, the destination province and the import pathway. Check official Canadian Government guidance and speak with a specialist before you ship.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Canada from the UK?
The cost to ship a car from the UK to Canada usually starts from around the low thousands, depending on the vehicle, destination and shipping method. RoRo shipping can be cost-effective for standard running vehicles, while container shipping usually costs more but offers extra protection and may be better if you’re moving household goods at the same time. Import duties, GST/HST, provincial taxes, RIV fees, inspection, insurance and delivery charges may also apply, so the best way to budget is to request a tailored quote before shipping.
Key Takeaways
- The cost to ship a car from the UK to Canada depends on vehicle size, shipping method, destination, insurance, documentation and import requirements.
- RoRo shipping is often cheaper, but container shipping usually offers more protection.
- Container shipping may be better if you want to ship a car and household goods as part of the same relocation.
- Canada has specific vehicle import rules, and not every vehicle can be imported or registered easily.
- Customs duty, GST/HST, provincial taxes, RIV fees and inspection costs may apply.
- The vehicle should be clean and prepared before shipping to avoid inspection or clearance problems.
- Get a personalised quote and check import eligibility before deciding whether shipping your car is worth it.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car from the UK to Canada?
Car shipping cost depends on the vehicle, the shipping method, the destination and the service level, so the table below shows the direction of pricing rather than fixed figures. Taxes, duties, RIV fees and registration-related costs are separate from the freight charge.
| Shipping Option | Typical Cost Direction | Best For | Notes |
| RoRo shipping | Often lower cost | Standard running vehicles | Vehicle is driven on and off the vessel, usually port-based |
| Shared container car shipping | Lower to mid-range | Cost-conscious shipping with extra protection | Car shares container space, availability and timing may vary |
| Sole-use container | Higher cost | Classic, prestige, specialist or higher-value cars | More protection and control |
| Car plus household goods container | Quote-based | Families relocating with a vehicle and home contents | May be practical when moving a full household |
| Door-to-door vehicle shipping | Quote-based | Customers wanting collection, shipping and delivery support | Costs more than port-only but reduces admin |
Port, route, vehicle size, shipping method and final delivery all affect the price, so a tailored quote is the only way to get an accurate figure.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Car to Canada?
The cost of shipping a car to Canada depends on more than the ocean freight price. Vehicle size, shipping method, collection address, destination province, insurance cover and import charges can all change the final cost, so it is important to look at the full landed cost before deciding whether shipping is worthwhile.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles usually cost more to ship because they take up more space and may require different handling. SUVs, vans, 4x4s, modified vehicles and oversized models can increase the price compared with a standard saloon or hatchback, especially if the vehicle cannot be loaded in the most space-efficient way.
Weight can also affect handling and routing. Heavier vehicles may require additional equipment or a different transport arrangement at collection, loading or delivery, which can push the quote above the base vehicle shipping rate.
Shipping Method
The shipping method has a direct impact on cost. RoRo shipping is often the most cost-effective option when the route and vehicle type are suitable, because the car is driven onto the vessel and secured for transit.
Container shipping usually costs more, but it can offer additional protection and may be more suitable for classic, high-value or non-running vehicles. A shared container can reduce the cost where available, while a sole-use container gives more control but carries a higher price because the space is reserved for your vehicle alone.
UK Collection and Canadian Delivery Location
Port-to-port shipping is usually cheaper on paper, but it leaves you responsible for getting the car to the UK port and arranging onward delivery in Canada. Door-to-door shipping costs more because collection, transport, port handling and final delivery are built into the service.
For many relocations, that additional cost is worthwhile because it reduces the number of separate providers you need to manage. It also gives you a clearer view of the total cost before the vehicle leaves the UK.
Destination Port or Province
Costs can vary depending on where the vehicle enters Canada and where it needs to be delivered afterwards. Shipping to an eastern Canadian port is different from arranging delivery to western Canada or an inland province, where onward transport can add distance, time and handling costs.
The final province also matters because registration, taxes and local requirements can vary. A quote should therefore reflect the intended Canadian destination, not just the arrival port.
Insurance or Shipment Protection
Vehicle shipping should include a clear discussion about insurance or shipment protection before booking. Basic liability may not reflect the full value of the vehicle, especially if you are shipping a classic car, prestige model or vehicle with sentimental value.
More comprehensive cover usually requires an accurate declared value and clear vehicle condition records before departure. Taking photographs before collection and confirming what is and is not covered helps avoid confusion if damage is found at the destination.
Cleaning and Preparation
A clean, well-prepared vehicle is easier to inspect, document and ship. Dirt, fluid leaks, loose accessories, personal items and undeclared contents can create problems during loading, inspection or clearance.
Preparation should include removing personal belongings, checking for leaks, securing removable parts and making sure the vehicle condition is recorded before handover. This reduces the risk of delays and makes the shipping process more predictable.
Import Duties, GST/HST and Provincial Taxes
Import duties, GST/HST and provincial taxes can significantly affect the total landed cost of bringing a vehicle into Canada. These costs sit outside the basic shipping price, so they should be considered before deciding whether to ship the car or sell it in the UK.
The amount payable depends on the vehicle, its origin, value, destination province and import status. Because these charges can change the economics of the move, they should be reviewed alongside freight, insurance, compliance and registration costs.
Household Goods Shipping
If the car is being shipped as part of a wider household move, the overall cost may be affected by container use, route planning and scheduling. In some cases, combining vehicle shipping with household goods can make coordination easier, but it does not automatically mean the vehicle becomes cheaper to import or clear.
The best approach is to price the vehicle separately and then review how it fits into the wider relocation plan. This gives you a clearer view of whether shipping the car supports the move financially or whether selling in the UK and buying in Canada would be more practical.
RoRo vs Container Shipping: Which Is Best for Shipping a Car to Canada?
The two main methods suit different vehicles and budgets.
RoRo Car Shipping
RoRo means roll-on, roll-off, so the car is driven onto and off the vessel. It’s often cheaper for standard running vehicles and is usually port-based. Personal belongings generally can’t be shipped inside the vehicle, and it’s less suitable for non-running, high-value or delicate cars.
Container Car Shipping
The vehicle is loaded into a shipping container, either shared or sole-use. It offers more protection than RoRo and is often preferred for classic, prestige or valuable vehicles. It can work better when you’re shipping a car and household goods as part of one relocation, though it costs more than basic RoRo in many cases.
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| RoRo shipping | Standard running cars | Often cheaper, simple for port-to-port | Less protection, usually no personal goods inside, port-based |
| Shared container | Cost-conscious shipping with more protection | More protection than RoRo, cheaper than sole-use | Shared space, availability and timing may vary |
| Sole-use container | Prestige, classic, valuable or specialist vehicles | Highest control and protection | Higher cost |
| Car plus household goods container | Families relocating with a vehicle and home contents | Combines relocation logistics | Requires careful packing, planning and quote confirmation |
Can You Ship a Car and Household Goods Together to Canada?
It may be possible to ship a car and household goods as part of the same relocation. PSS says one international car shipping option is combining a car shipment with household items in one container, with the car secured inside and the remaining space used for household goods. The exact setup depends on container space, vehicle size, household-goods volume, packing requirements and customs rules, and personal items shouldn’t simply be packed loose inside the car. A removals company should advise how goods need to be packed, inventoried and declared.
If you’re relocating to Canada and also shipping furniture, boxes or personal belongings, it helps to work with a company that handles both vehicle shipping and household removals. PSS can advise whether your car and household goods should travel separately, in a shared container, or as part of a larger container shipping plan, alongside its removals to Canada service.
Is It Worth Shipping Your Car to Canada?
It depends on the vehicle and the total landed cost. Shipping may be worthwhile for classic, high-value, specialist or sentimental vehicles, or models that are expensive to replace in Canada. It may not be worth it for low-value cars once shipping, duty, GST/HST, provincial taxes, RIV and inspection, insurance and registration-related costs are added up. Compare the UK resale value, the Canadian replacement cost and the total import cost, and check whether the vehicle is eligible for import before you decide.
Shipping your car may be worth it if the car is valuable, rare, classic or sentimental, the Canadian replacement cost is high, the vehicle is eligible for import, you’re already shipping household goods, and the total landed cost still makes financial sense. Selling before you move may be better if the vehicle is low value, the import costs are too high, the vehicle isn’t eligible for import, or you don’t want to handle inspections, compliance and registration steps.
What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car to Canada?
The documents you’ll likely need include proof of ownership, the V5C logbook, a bill of sale or valuation, passport or identity documents, visa, work permit or residency documents where relevant, shipping documents, vehicle import forms where required, a customs declaration, recall clearance if applicable, insurance documents, an inventory if shipping household goods alongside the car, and registration or compliance documents after arrival.
This isn’t an exhaustive legal checklist, and requirements change, so confirm the current list with the Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles before you ship.
Canada Vehicle Import Rules: What UK Owners Need to Know
Canada has vehicle import requirements that depend on the vehicle’s origin, age, type and compliance with Canadian standards. Vehicles from countries other than the US and Mexico can raise additional compliance issues, and Transport Canada has specific guidance for importing them. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles may be involved for registration, inspection and certification to Canadian standards where applicable.
Before you book vehicle shipping, check whether your car can legally be imported and registered in Canada. Shipping a vehicle before confirming eligibility can create expensive problems at the destination, and import approval or customs clearance doesn’t automatically mean the vehicle can be registered in your destination province.
Import Duty, GST/HST and Taxes When Shipping a Car to Canada
Imported vehicles may be subject to customs duty, GST/HST may apply to imported goods, and provincial taxes or fees may apply depending on where the vehicle is registered. RIV fees, inspection, air-conditioning excise tax or other charges may apply depending on the vehicle. Duty and tax are separate from the shipping quote, and the exact amount depends on vehicle value, origin, classification, freight, insurance, destination and the applicable rules.
| Cost or Tax | What It Means | Note |
| Customs duty | Duty based on vehicle origin, value and classification | Rate depends on the vehicle and current tariff rules |
| GST/HST | Federal or harmonised tax that may apply to imported goods | Check current Canada Revenue Agency and CBSA guidance |
| Provincial taxes | May apply when registering the vehicle | Varies by province or territory |
| RIV fee | Registrar of Imported Vehicles fee, where applicable | Depends on import pathway and vehicle type |
| Inspection or compliance costs | Costs to meet Canadian standards or provincial registration | Can vary significantly |
| Port and handling fees | Destination-side handling costs | Check whether included in the quote |
| Registration and insurance | Costs after arrival before road use | Rules vary by province or territory |
Check CBSA and Transport Canada guidance, or speak to a customs or import specialist, before relying on any figure.
Cleaning and Preparation Before Shipping a Vehicle to Canada
The cleaner and better documented the vehicle is before shipping, the easier it is to avoid delays, inspection issues or disputes about condition. Clean the vehicle inside and out, remove personal belongings unless the shipping provider gives specific instructions, and check for fluid leaks. Photograph the vehicle before shipping, disable alarms if instructed, remove toll tags or parking permits, keep only the required amount of fuel if instructed, prepare keys and documents, and confirm whether modifications, roof boxes or accessories need to come off.
How Long Does Car Shipping to Canada Take?
Timelines vary by shipping method, destination port, vessel schedule, route, customs clearance, inspection and onward delivery. Sea freight commonly takes several weeks, and inland delivery in Canada can add time because the country is geographically large. Plan for shipping time plus customs, inspection and registration steps rather than to an exact date.
| Stage | What Happens |
| Quote and booking | Customer confirms vehicle details and preferred shipping method |
| Collection or port delivery | Vehicle is collected or delivered to port |
| Cleaning and preparation | Vehicle is prepared for export and inspection |
| Loading | Vehicle is loaded by RoRo or container |
| Sea freight | Vehicle travels to Canada |
| Arrival and clearance | Customs and import checks take place |
| Final delivery or collection | Vehicle is delivered or collected after clearance |
| Registration steps | Customer completes provincial registration, inspection or compliance requirements |
How to Prepare Your Car Before Shipping to Canada
Confirm vehicle import eligibility first, then remove personal items unless advised otherwise. Clean the car thoroughly inside and out, check for fluid leaks, photograph the vehicle before shipping, and disable alarms if required. Leave only the required amount of fuel if instructed, gather your V5C, proof of ownership and ID documents, confirm insurance or shipment protection, ask what happens after arrival in Canada, and check provincial registration requirements before the vehicle arrives.
How to Compare Car Shipping Quotes to Canada
Make sure quotes are like-for-like and compare RoRo, shared container and sole-use container properly. Check whether the quote is port-to-port or door-to-door, ask whether customs documentation support and Canadian destination charges are included, and ask about insurance, onward delivery, whether household goods can be coordinated in the same plan, and whether the quote includes guidance on import forms and eligibility.
| Quote Item | What to Check |
| Shipping method | RoRo, shared container or sole-use container |
| Service level | Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door or door-to-door |
| Vehicle details | Size, weight, value, running condition and modifications |
| Import support | Guidance on eligibility, customs and documentation |
| Destination charges | Port, handling, clearance and delivery fees |
| Insurance | Whether cover is included or optional |
| Household goods | Whether car and removals can be coordinated |
| Timelines | Estimated sailing, clearance and inland delivery time |
| Registration next steps | Whether the company explains post-arrival requirements |
Why Choose PSS for Car Shipping to Canada?
PSS is a strong option for customers relocating to Canada who want help coordinating both vehicle shipping and household removals. Instead of treating the car as a separate freight problem, PSS can help you understand the best shipping option based on your vehicle, destination and wider move.
PSS offers international car shipping to Canada, can ship cars and personal effects to worldwide destinations, and offers an option to combine car shipping with household items in one container where appropriate. With international removals to Canada experience, door-to-door removals support and container shipping and personal effects services, it covers both sides of the move. Request a free quote and guidance from the vehicle shipping team.
Final Thoughts: Get a Car Shipping Quote Before You Decide
Shipping a car to Canada can make sense, but only after you’ve checked eligibility and the total landed cost. Compare the cost of shipping against customs duty, GST/HST, provincial taxes, RIV fees, inspection, insurance and onward delivery. If you’re also moving household goods, ask whether the vehicle and removals can be coordinated. Use our international removals cost calculator for an estimate, then request a tailored quote from PSS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from the UK to Canada?
The cost to ship a car from the UK to Canada usually starts from the low thousands, depending on the vehicle, shipping method, destination and service level. Taxes, duty, inspection, insurance and delivery costs may be extra.
What is the best way to ship a car to Canada?
The best method depends on your vehicle and budget. RoRo can be cost-effective for standard running cars, while container shipping offers more protection and may be better for classic, prestige or higher-value vehicles.
Can I ship a car and household goods together to Canada?
It may be possible to coordinate car shipping and household goods shipping as part of the same relocation. The best option depends on vehicle size, household-goods volume, container space and customs requirements.
What import rules apply when shipping a car to Canada?
Canadian vehicle import rules depend on the vehicle’s origin, age, type and compliance with Canadian standards. Check Transport Canada, CBSA and Registrar of Imported Vehicles guidance before shipping.
What taxes apply when importing a car to Canada?
Imported vehicles may be subject to customs duty, GST/HST, provincial taxes, RIV fees and inspection or compliance costs. The exact amount depends on the vehicle and import pathway.
Can I leave personal belongings inside my car during shipping?
Usually personal belongings shouldn’t be packed loose inside the car, especially for RoRo shipping. Ask your shipping company how household goods should be packed, inventoried and declared.
How long does car shipping to Canada take?
Car shipping to Canada by sea usually takes several weeks, but the total timeline depends on the route, port, sailing schedule, customs clearance, inspection and inland delivery.
Where can I get a car shipping quote to Canada?
You can request a tailored car shipping quote from PSS Removals based on your vehicle, shipping method, destination and whether you’re also moving household goods.
