Car Shipping to Canada
Car shipping to Canada from the UK including a comprehensive FAQ guide
For over 40 years, PSS has been car shipping to Canada. We have a wealth of experience with shipping to popular Canadian cities, including Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and more.
Whether it is shipping your car to Canada, or another country, we always ensure that we provide the very best service for our valued customers. We offer many options for international vehicle transport to Canada. So, whatever your personal car transport needs are, we can tailor your shipment to your needs.
If you need any advice with moving to Canada, or if you want a no-obligation car shipping quote, then call us on 0800 988 3711. You can also see our vehicle shipping FAQ guide below for more information.
Our expert car shippers will work with you to discover the best method of exporting your vehicle to Canada that is most suited to your individual importing needs. You can have your car shipped in a container on its own or with the other household goods you are shipping. We can also offer a roll on/roll off or lift on/lift off method for exporting your car to Canada.
Is it worth shipping your car to Canada?
To decide whether it is worth shipping your car to Canada you first need to check if it is allowed under Canadian car import rules. Used or second-hand vehicles are generally prohibited from importation into Canada so you will need to check if your vehicle / circumstances are an exception to these rules. Then you need to weigh up the costs of shipping and importing versus the cost of replacing the car in Canada.
Our shipping experts will be able to help you assess whether it’s worthwhile and talk you through the process.
Why should you trust PSS for Car Shipping to Canada?
PSS are one of the UK’s leading personal shipping companies helping people move to destinations all of the world – including Canada. We are proud members of the FIDI Global Alliance, as well as being accredited by the FAIM Quality Standard for overseas removals. This means that we have been recognised for our ability to provide a professional, expert car shipping service to Canada.
It can bring you comfort to know that we also offer the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme, which means your car shipping to Canada costs are protected. As a leading UK car shipping company with many happy customers who have chosen us to ship their vehicle.
Shipping your car to Canada is easy with PSS
STEP 1
Check suitability for importing
Ensure your vehicle meets requirements & apply for import approval if needed.
STEP 2
Prepare your vehicle for shipping
Make sure your car is clean & ready for shipping.
STEP 3
We collect and ship your vehicle
We load your car onto container at your address or you deliver it to the port / our depot.
STEP 4
Arrival & Customs Clearance
On arrival will take care of customs clearance & arrange for you to collect your vehicle.
Vehicle and Car Shipping to Canada Cost Calculator
Want to know how it will cost to send your vehicle to Canada? Our free online Cost Calculator will help you estimate the cost.
Shipping Vehicles / Cars to Canada Reviews
How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.
A FAQ Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle To Canada
How much does it cost to ship a car or vehicle to Canada?
There are a number of costs you need to consider when transporting your car to Canada – not just the shipping cost. Beware of quotes that are only port-to-port where you have to organise the delivery, and collection and take care of all the customs procedures.
Our price includes door-to-door pick and delivery as well as basic customs clearance costs. Costs for Scotland, Wales and Ireland can vary.
There are however a number of other costs you need to consider when importing into Canada. These include:
- Additional customs and quarantine costs including inspection fees, cleaning, port service fees etc.
- Taxes and duties – If you are moving to Canada you are entitled to import one vehicle duty free as long as you meet the criteria. Otherwise, your car may be subject to import duties an taxes.
- Compliance and modification costs – if necessary for your vehicle to meet Canadian standards and guidelines.
- Vehicle Registration – you will need to register your vehicle in the relevant state before you can drive on local roads.
- Marine Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover – Your standard motor insurance policy will not cover you for international shipping so you will need to take out additional cover.
How long does it take to ship a car to Canada from the UK?
If you are shipping your vehicle as groupage in a shared container it will take about 8-12 weeks.
If you are shipping your vehicle with your belongings in a sole use container (FCL – Full Container Load) it will take around 6-9 weeks.
You will also need to allow additional time for customs clearance and quarantine inspection.
For example you are shipping if you are shipping in sole use container to popular destinations such as Toronto and Montreal it will be a lot quicker than shipping in a shared container to remoter destinations such as Vancouver and Calgary.
How do you import a vehicle into Canada from the UK?
There are a number of steps to importing a car or other vehicle to Canada, but they can be done quite simply with the guidance of a shipping company like PSS.
- Check the viability of importing your car to Canada
- Organise your shipping company
- Get shipping insurance or shipment protection cover
- Complete shipping forms and gather necessary documentation
- On arrival arrange customs clearance and quarantine inspection
- Register your vehicle in Canada
- Arrange delivery or collect your vehicle
What are the car import requirements for Canada?
It is imperative that you understand the requirements for car shipping to Canada. You will need to check with the Canadan government before shipment, to ensure you adhere to their strict import requirements. As with every country, you will need to make sure your vehicle meets the safety standards, emissions standards, and vehicle compliance checks relevant to Canada.
You are not allowed to import a vehicle to Canada without first obtaining import approval. If you do not have import approval, your car will not be released from the Department of Home Affairs. The import approval documents will usually be assessed within 20 working days, and it costs $50 for the application process. You will also need to get identification plate approval.
There are various import options for Canada, but you are likely to need the Personal Use option. This option dictates that your vehicle needs to have been owned and used 12 months prior to shipment. Ensure the car goes through a thorough steam clean before shipment, to prevent the spreading of disease, toxins, and pests.
You will need to ensure your car meets all the import approval guidelines. You may need to arrange for modifications to be made to your vehicle (should this be necessary to meet Canada’s import requirements). Testing and evidence for compliance will be obtained here, too, for approval by their authorities. Then lastly, you need to register the vehicle with the appropriate state territory.
View the Canada import requirements checklist and information here on their Government website for more information: https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/ and Canada’s vehicle certification guidelines here: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/certification/
Take an eligibility test here to ensure your car meets all the appropriate standards: https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/quiz/
If you need any further advice regarding car shipping to Canada, or moving to Canada in general, then please contact one of our friendly moving consultants.
What are the options for shipping your car to Canada?
PSS offers a range of car shipping to Canada options. See below our options, and choose whichever is best for you and your needs. If you are unsure our vehicle shipping experts will be able to advise you.
Option A: Car Shipping and household items
It could be a good idea to combine your car shipment and household items together in one load. Our team can bring a shipping container to your home, then carefully secure your vehicle inside for car shipping to Canada. Any remaining space can then be put to use for your household goods and homewares. If you’re moving to Canada and you need to send over a number of items, then this is a great shipment option for you.
We will expertly pack and wrap your items using industry-approved materials and expert handling. They will then be placed in the container alongside the secured vehicle. At your door, we will seal the container with a customs seal before taking it to the UK port terminal for placement on the vessel. From there, the process of household and car transport to Canada will take place.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a car shipping quote or any advice on this option (or other options and their car shipping rates).
Option B: Car Shipping only
On the other hand, you may need to only send your car abroad. In this case, you can make use of our car-only auto transport option. You will have your very own sole-use container that holds your car (or other vehicle) securely inside for shipment to Canada.
This can be arranged at your place of residence, at a PSS warehouse, or a shipping line container depot – to suit you and your preferences. Then, the car will be loaded onto a vessel for UK to Canada car transport.
Again, if you need a car shipping quote, or further details about our services and moving to Canada, simply give us a call on 0800 988 3711.
Option C: Roll On/ Roll Off (RORO) or Lift On/ Lift Off (LOLO)
This last option is only available at selected ports.
Speak to our team today to see if this is an option for you. It will involve driving your vehicle onto the vessel to then be secured for auto transport to Canada. Then, it is driven off again once it arrives in Canada.
There some disadvantages to this option as your car or vehicle does not receive the same protection it would do if sealed in its own container.
However, this option is useful for larger vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and caravans which may be too wide to fit into a standard shipping container.
Please call us on 0800 988 3711 if you wish to discuss whether this is an option for you.
Can you ship your car with personal belongings inside?
It may be possible to ship your car with a few boxes of personal belongings inside. However, it is best to seek advice from one of our international removal consultants first as there are some restrictions.
Remember that all your belongings will be subject to the usual customs requirements and quarantine inspections so don’t think you can cram your car fall.
We do offer very cost effective options for shipping your belongings with your car so please ask us for more details.
How to prepare your car for shipping to Canada?
It is important that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to ensure all organic material, including mud and dirt, is removed. This is to avoid potential problems with biosecurity and quarantine, in Cyprus.
We recommend that your car including engine and undercarriage is professionally steam cleaned.
However, we do not recommend that the interior is valeted as this can result in mould and mildew during the voyage.
It is also advisable that your vehicle has a full service and check over before it is shipped.
What if my car has air conditioning?
If your vehicle has an air conditioner or a refrigerant system (known as pre-charged equipment) with older refrigerants it may be subject to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (OPSGGM Act).
If your system contains these gases it will have to be evacuated (degassed), the gas disposed of and the system either removed or altered to operate with other legal gases. This work must be undertaken by an authorised technician and will be at the importers expense. You can find out more details here: www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone
How to ship a motorhome or van to Canada?
The shipping of motorhomes and vans to Canada is very similar to cars. You will need to check that your vehicle meets Canadian requirements and obtain Vehicle Import Approval before you begin shipping.
Also, if your vehicle is too wide or tall to fit into a shipping container, then it will need to travel as roll-on / roll-off or lift-on / lift-off.
Motorhomes and vans may also be subject to different rates of tax and duty.
How to ship caravans, boats and other vehicles to Canada?
All types of vehicles can be shipped to Canada including caravans, boats, trailers, quad bikes, jet skis and anything else you can think of!
For small vehicles, the best method is to ship them in a container with your other possessions or we can arrange a shared container.
The door sizes of standard shipping containers are about 7’8” (2.28m) wide or 7’5” (2.26m) high. These sizes can vary between shipping companies, but if your vehicle is larger you may need to use RORO or LOLO shipping services.
How to ship and import classic cars to Canada?
A lot of people choose to import an older or classic car to Canada. For example, enthusiast, classic or historic motor vehicles that are destined for restoration and hobby use in car clubs.
Vehicles older than 15 years of age and buses manufactured before January 1st, 1971 are not regulated by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
This means that you can import these types of vehicles into Canada if they meet the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) entry requirements.
When shipping valuable cars, you can be sure that our team takes special care to ensure it’s securely and safely packed for its journey.
How to ship a motorcycle to Canada?
To ship a motorbike to Canada you will need to follow a similar Import Approval process as for cars.
For the actual shipping, your bike would be secured in a shipping container, often in a wooden crate to ensure it is fully protected during transportation.
Your motorcycle or quad bike can be sent in a sole use container with your other possessions or in a shared container with other people’s belongings.
Customs and Quarantine for Your vehicle
Canada is very strict when it comes to car transport to Canada. This means that cars go through a lot at Canadian customs to ensure they have the right paperwork, and meet the right requirements in order to adhere to Canada import regulations.
In order to pass through Canadian customs and meet their laws, you will need to have import documents from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). All information about the vehicle that is being shipped to Canada will need to be gathered to see if its allowed entry. It will need to comply with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, and you will need to check with the CBSA and Register for Imported Vehicles (RIV) to see if your car passes the requirements.
It should be noted that your car will be subject to customs duty and taxes upon arrival. Taxes when you register your vehicle will also be applied. You will need a Statement of Origin and Certificate of Title to then give these documents to the CBSA at the time of import, along with a Bill of Sale, too. Inspections of your vehicle to finalise the process will need to be conducted within 45 days of arrival into Canada.
The information listed above is sourced from here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/trf4/menu-eng.html
For additional information, see: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-importation-faq-before-import-1278.htm
For more information about Canadian customs and car shipping to Canada, simply call us on 0800 988 3711 where we would be happy to discuss any part of the process with you.
Customs Duty and Taxes for Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residences importing vehicles must have owned, possessed and used the vehicle for at least 6 months prior to import, if they have been away from Canada for less than 5 years. If away for more than 5 years, then the 6 months possession clause drops.
- Duty of 6.1% applies to vehicles manufactured outside of Canada, USA and Mexico;
- Vehicles with air conditioning incur an Excise Tax of $100;
- Different tax rates apply based on destination province.
Delivery and Collection of Your car
Once your car arrives after international car transport to Canada, you will be contacted by our team. We will then handle all the customs paperwork with you or on your behalf. Since Canada has such strict guidelines for customs clearance and import requirements, though, we do recommend that you be at hand to ensure the process runs smoothly. Re-read the guidelines that we listed above about customs clearance and registration, as they are incredibly important and should be firmly followed.
Once all is done, we will make reservations with you to give your car back safely.
Where in Canada do you ship cars to?
We do vehicle shipping from anywhere in the UK (including London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to all destinations including all cities, provinces and regions in Canada including:
- Ontario – including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, Kitchener & London
- Quebec – Including Quebec City, Montreal & Gatineau.
- Saskatchewan – including Saskatoon & Regina
- Alberta – including Edmonton & Calgary
- British Columbia – including Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna & Surrey
- Manitoba – including Winnipeg
- Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia (including Halifax, & Cape Breton Island)
- Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
Do I need shipping insurance or shipment protection cover?
We try to do everything we can to protect your vehicle before, during and after car transport to Canada. As industry professionals, we’re proud to say that there are never any major issues. However, it is always a good idea to be protected in case anything does happen.
Your usual motor insurance policy will not cover you for international vehicle transportation. This is why we have a carefully designed Shipment Protection cover to protect your vehicle in case of loss or damage.
Our Shipment Protection cover is backed by Basil Fry and Company and is based on the conditions recommended by the British Association of Removers. This means your car is in safe hands during the whole process. Rest assured that your protection starts as soon as your car is with our team.
For this reason, you can trust PSS with your car shipping to Canada and support throughout the entire process. So, the process is made easy when you opt to ship your car to Canada with us.
How to ship your car from Canada to the UK?
We can also arrange for your car or other vehicle to be transported from Canada to the UK. Similar shipping options apply and it can be cost effective to ship your vehicle with your other possessions.
Contact us at our UK office and we’ll put you in contact with our team in Canada who will be able to advise you on the whole process and give you a cost effective quote.