Question: Could moving your vehicle across the border cost less than you expect while keeping delivery safe and on schedule?
BestCarShippingInc presents a concise guide that clarifies pricing, timelines, and required fees. The piece lays out typical rates: open transport often runs about $800–$1,000, enclosed about $1,200–$1,400, and driveaway services range higher.
The guide explains key import expenses. Expect the RIV fee, GST at 5%, provincial PST/HST, possible 6.1% duty on non-USMCA vehicles, an AC tax, and occasional gas guzzler charges.
Readers learn how carriers quote by distance, route, and vehicle profile. The text shows tradeoffs between open versus enclosed transport and when driveaway fits the plan.
Key Takeaways
- Transparent pricing: Typical cross-border shipping ranges and drivers of cost.
- Tax checklist: RIV, GST, provincial taxes, duty, and special fees.
- Timing: Most moves take about 10–14 days by truck.
- Mode choice: Open is budget-friendly; enclosed adds protection.
- Quote review: Verify each line item before you book with any company.
What This Buyer’s Guide Covers and Why Costs Vary Today
This buyer’s guide maps every expense and decision point that affects cross-border vehicle moves. It explains carrier pricing, taxes, import compliance, inspections, and registration so readers can budget up front.
Rates shift with distance, lane demand, season, and available equipment. Vehicles with large dimensions, high value, or special handling raise transport fees and add lead time.
Duty treatment hinges on where the vehicle was built under USMCA rules. Non-qualifying builds trigger a separate duty line at entry. Provincial tax rules—Ontario HST and Quebec QST, for example—also change final expenses.
“Plan for pickup, border clearance, delivery, and post-arrival compliance; each stage can add waiting time.”
- Transparent quotes: a reliable company will itemize all fees and provide firm ETAs.
- Modifications and inspections: required work, like DRLs or speedometer conversion, adds cost and scheduling needs.
- Documentation: follow payment milestones to align registration and insurance start dates.
Quick Cost Snapshot: What most Americans pay to ship a car to Canada now
Most Americans see total cross-border moves land in a predictable price band when routes and timing are normal. This snapshot distills rates, usual delivery windows, and the extra government charges that shape a final total.
Typical shipping rates and timelines at a glance
Open carrier: about $800–$1,000 with delivery windows near 7–10 days on common lanes.
Enclosed transport: around $1,200–$1,400; faster routing can yield 5–7 day transit.
Driveaway services: typically $1,000–$1,800; some routes move quicker, but mileage and insurance differences apply by company.
Total budget range: transport, taxes, duties, and fees
Expect GST at 5% of declared value plus provincial PST or HST. The RIV fee sits near CAD $325 plus tax. Non-USMCA vehicles may face 6.1% duty on value. An air conditioning tax of about $100 can apply, and new inefficient models may trigger a gas guzzler tax between $1,000–$4,000.
- Most vehicles move by truck: roughly 85% of shipments, and most quotes fall in the $800–$1,400 band before taxes and post-arrival costs.
- Delivery variability: times depend on lane density and season; remote deliveries take longer.
- Ask for an itemized quote: verify transport, government fees, inspection, and registration lines before booking shipping car canada.
| Service | Typical Price (USD) | Typical Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open carrier | $800–$1,000 | 7–10 | Most economical; common lanes faster. |
| Enclosed transport | $1,200–$1,400 | 5–7 | Added protection; premium for high-value vehicles. |
| Driveaway | $1,000–$1,800 | Varies (often faster) | Mileage accrues; check carrier insurance details. |
Taxes and Duties You’ll Owe at the Border
Cross-border import taxes and fees add predictable layers to any vehicle move. Plan for GST, provincial levies, possible import duty, and a few line items many owners miss.
GST (Goods and Services Tax) at 5%: GST is charged on the vehicle’s declared value at entry. This applies to both new and used vehicles and is payable at the border.
Provincial sales tax / HST examples: Provinces add their own sales layers after import. Ontario adds an 8% provincial portion of HST. British Columbia applies PST on a scale that can raise the bill for certain models. Quebec charges QST at 9.975%.
6.1% import duty: A 6.1% import duty applies when the vehicle does not qualify under USMCA rules of origin. Confirm the manufacturing location and provide proof of origin to avoid surprise charges.
“Confirm origin documents and request an itemized estimate so taxes and duties are clear before the vehicle crosses the border.”
- Air conditioning tax: A flat $100 fee applies if the vehicle has A/C.
- Gas guzzler tax: New, fuel-inefficient models may incur $1,000–$4,000 depending on L/100 km tiers.
- Luxury and weight: Vehicles over 2,007 kg or priced above local luxury thresholds can trigger extra charges.
Example: For a $30,000 vehicle, budget $1,500 GST plus provincial sales tax and the $100 A/C line before considering any 6.1% import duty or fuel-based surcharges.
| Charge | Typical Rate | When It Applies | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST | 5% | All imports | Calculated on declared value at entry |
| Provincial sales / HST | Varies (8% ON; 9.975% QC; scaled BC PST) | Province of registration | Assessed after federal GST |
| Import duty | 6.1% | Non‑USMCA vehicles | Based on proof of origin; confirm before transport |
| Air conditioning tax | $100 | Vehicles with A/C | Common overlooked fee |
| Gas guzzler tax | $1,000–$4,000 | New models by fuel use | Ranges by L/100 km tier crossed |
Practical tip: Request a written estimate of taxes and duties from your carrier or customs broker. Keep the invoice, bill of sale, and proof of origin handy to ensure correct assessment and faster clearance.
Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV), Inspections, and Compliance
Registering imported units starts the clock on mandatory checks. Every importer must follow the RIV process and meet provincial rules for safety and standards. Prompt action cuts delays and extra costs.
RIV fee, timeline, and paperwork essentials
Register through the riv system soon after entry. The RIV fee is about CAD $325 plus tax. Importers must complete compliance within 45 days.
Prepare documents: ownership, bill of sale, Form 1, ID, and recall clearance before booking an inspection.
Provincial inspections and registration fees
Provincial checks vary by province. Ontario requires a Safety Standards Certificate. Alberta often uses an insurance inspection focused on roadworthiness.
| Province | Inspection Type | Typical Inspection Cost | Registration Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Safety Standards Certificate | $60–$150 | $60–$120 |
| Alberta | Insurance/roadworthiness inspection | ~$100 | $54–$84 + $9 service |
| New Brunswick | MVI | $35–$45 | $54–$100 |
Required modifications and final steps
Many U.S. models need daytime running lights and occasional speedometer conversion to KPH. Most late-model cars meet standards easily; older vehicles may need parts or extra work.
- Coordinate carrier, broker, and inspection services for smooth delivery.
- Keep receipts and inspection reports for final registration.
- Ask providers about any provincial add-on fees before booking services.
Service & Transport Costs: Open vs. enclosed trucks, driveaway, and insurance
Choosing the right hauling method shapes final rates, transit days, and risk exposure. Open transport is the value option for most vehicles. It usually posts $800–$1,000 and reaches common lanes in about 7–10 days.
Enclosed transport protects finishes on high-value cars and often posts faster windows at $1,200–$1,400 with 5–7 day transit. Driveaway can cut delivery time; expect $1,000–$1,800 and frequent 3–5 day corridors. Note mileage and insurer terms with any company.
Insurance and size impacts
Basic carrier cargo coverage typically is included. For luxury or collectible vehicles, consider GAP or supplemental coverage to close liability gaps.
- Distance & route: remote lanes cost more and lengthen pickup time.
- Oversize vehicles: may trigger surcharges for space or special gear.
- Pre-transport prep: operability, fuel limits, and personal item rules avoid rebooking fees.
- Post-arrival mods: schedule daytime running lights or other fixes early to save time.
| Method | Typical Price (USD) | Typical Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open transport | $800–$1,000 | 7–10 | Most economical; broad carrier availability |
| Enclosed transport | $1,200–$1,400 | 5–7 | Added protection for high-value vehicles |
| Driveaway | $1,000–$1,800 | 3–5 | Faster lanes; mileage and insurance vary by company |
Request an itemized estimate that lists base transport, accessorial fees, and optional services. For assistance, contact BestCarShippingInc at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or call (307) 288-5972.
How much to ship a car from USA to Canada: Step-by-step cost build
Below is a practical cost breakdown for a standard sedan using open transport and basic compliance work. This shows typical expenses and where to expect fees during cross-border import.
Sample scenario: standard sedan on open transport
Base transport: open carrier ~ $900.
RIV and immediate fees: RIV fee ~ CAD $325 (≈ $341.25 with tax). Ontario safety inspection ~$100 and registration ~$120.
When duty applies: recalculating totals for non‑USMCA vehicles
Apply 6.1% import duty on declared value if origin rules fail. Add GST at 5% plus provincial sales or HST. Include the $100 air conditioning tax if present.
Older vehicles and the 15‑year rule
Vehicles 15 years or older bypass the RIV program. That removes some inspections and cuts paperwork and fees.
“Tally every line — transport, taxes, compliance items, and extras — before committing.”
| Item | Estimated Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open transport | $900 | Standard sedan |
| RIV + tax | $341.25 | Registrar imported vehicles fee |
| Inspection & registration | $220 | Ontario example: $100 + $120 |
| Compliance (DRLs + speedo) | $450 | Typical range included |
| Taxes & duty | Varies | GST 5% + provincial sales tax; 6.1% duty if applicable |
Need help estimating totals? Contact BestCarShippingInc at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or call (307) 288-5972.
Ship it or drive it? Real-world comparison of costs, time, and wear
Comparing a long drive with professional transport shows true costs beyond fuel and nights on the road.
Example: North Dakota to Toronto is roughly 2,250 km. Typical carrier rates run CA$1,000–CA$1,200. Driving incurs about CA$800 for fuel, two nights lodging, meals, a wash, and a post-trip tune-up.
Long-distance example: fuel, lodging, depreciation versus carrier rates
Hidden wear: Depreciation and wear often add about CA$0.50 per mile. Over 2,250 km, that loss narrows savings from a self-drive trip.
Out-of-pocket math: Fuel plus hotels and meals can approach carrier pricing once maintenance and cleaning are included.
Risk, downtime, and condition preservation
Professional transport reduces accident exposure and preserves finishes. That matters for newer cars and collectors.
“Time saved and reduced risk often justify using a carrier on longer routes.”
| Factor | Self-drive (approx.) | Carrier (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct cost | CA$800 (fuel + lodging + meals) | CA$1,000–CA$1,200 |
| Wear & depreciation | ~CA$0.50/mile (adds quickly) | Minimal during transit |
| Time and risk | Longer time; exposure to weather and fatigue | Shorter downtime; scheduled pickup and delivery |
- Business value: Time saved can outweigh the price gap.
- Special care: Enclosed transport protects delicate finishes.
- Decision tip: Compare total cost and lost hours, not just fuel spend.
Eligibility and Risks: Vehicles you can’t import and common pitfalls
Not every vehicle is admissible; proactive checks cut the risk of rejection at entry. Importers should verify eligibility before scheduling transport.
Non-compliant, modified, and special-category vehicles
Non‑CMVSS certified models, non‑U.S. market units, and insurance write‑offs often fail the import process. Heavily modified vehicles—raised roofs, stretched frames, and large lift kits—face stricter scrutiny.
Special categories such as motorhomes, buses, and vocational trucks need additional manufacturer certifications. Failing to disclose mods can cause denial at the border and extra costs for return transport.
Recalls, documentation gaps, and inspection failures that add costs
Outstanding recalls stop clearance. Obtain a recall clearance letter before arrival.
Documentation mistakes—mismatched VINs, ownership, or bill of sale—delay inspection and increase the chance of rejection.
“Unresolved recalls and paperwork errors are common causes of failed inspections and costly returns.”
- Verify the Transport Canada admissible list before you move any vehicle across border.
- Tell your carrier and broker about modifications early so the process aligns with standards and safety checks.
- Prepare for inspection by confirming lighting, restraints, and glass markings meet Canadian standards.
| Issue | What happens | Typical consequence | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non‑CMVSS model | Fails safety review | Refusal; export required | Check certification before booking |
| Unresolved recall | Border hold | Delay or denial | Get recall clearance letter |
| Major modifications | Extra inspection | Added fees or denial | Disclose mods; obtain approvals |
| Documentation errors | Inspection failure | Delay and added costs | Align VIN and title details exactly |
Practical tip: If risks look high, consider selecting an alternate vehicle that meets standards to avoid duties, inspections, and rework. For guidance contact BestCarShippingInc at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or call (307) 288-5972.
Conclusion
Professional carriers streamline logistics and customs, so imports clear quickly and without surprise fees. Choose a strong, clear plan that bundles transport, taxes, and RIV steps into one coordinated service.
Best Car Shipping Inc. offers itemized quotes and realistic ETAs. Typical shipping rates run $800–$1,400 and transit commonly takes 10–14 days. Expect GST, provincial sales, possible 6.1% duty, a $100 AC tax, and any fuel‑based surcharges.
Pick a company that lists every line—shipping, delivery timing, duties, and post‑arrival tasks. For tailored guidance or a written estimate, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.