Wondering how much it really costs to move a vehicle across the border and which line items make the total grow?
The guide begins with clear numbers for common transport choices. Typical bands include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and driveaway options. Transit time averages 10–14 days for most routes.
This section explains the baseline shipping rates and the border fees that often surprise owners. It covers GST, provincial PST/HST, import duty for non-USMCA vehicles, the $100 air conditioning tax, and possible weight or luxury levies.
The piece also outlines the RIV process and common safety upgrades like daytime running lights or metric speedometers. Readers will get realistic examples that compare routes and show how geography affects final cost and transit time.
Key Takeaways
- Baseline transport method sets the initial fee: open is most economical.
- Border charges — GST, provincial tax, duties, and specialty levies — affect total cost.
- RIV registration and minor vehicle mods add predictable, short-term fees.
- Distance and route change transit time and overall value of each option.
- Follow a checklist for paperwork to avoid delays and extra fees.
At a Glance: What it Costs to Move a Car from the US to Canada Today
Quick cost snapshots help owners set realistic budgets before booking interstate vehicle transport.
Typical carrier ranges run: open transport $800–$1,000, enclosed $1,200–$1,400, and driveaway $1,000–$1,800. Most door-to-door moves take about 10–14 days.
The blended total, including transport, taxes, border fees, RIV, inspections, and required mods, commonly sits between $3,500 and $7,000. Higher-value or oversized vehicles raise the total.
At entry, a 5% GST applies to declared vehicle value. Provincial PST or HST is charged later at registration and varies by province.
USMCA-built vehicles often avoid import duties. Non-USMCA models face a 6.1% duty on declared value. The RIV fee is roughly CAD $325 plus tax and allows a 45-day compliance window.
- Budget beyond the carrier line item: include RIV, inspections, and conversion costs.
- Choose enclosed or expedited service for faster transit at higher cost; open carriers deliver best value.
- Compare at least two provider quotes, confirm included fees, and verify insurance terms.
Need a fast estimate? Contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at (307) 288-5972 or info@bestcarshippinginc.com for transparent, professional guidance.
Price Ranges and What Actually Drives Your Total
A few clear variables determine the final bill: distance, vehicle dimensions, and the chosen service level.
Distance and Route
Longer lanes and limited carrier access raise baseline shipping costs. A New York to Ontario corridor typically runs lower and fills more frequently than a Florida to northern route.
Remote pickups add handling time. That often creates access fees or longer transit windows.
Vehicle Size, Value, and Weight
Vehicle dimensions affect how many units fit an open trailer. Oversized SUVs and heavy-duty trucks usually incur surcharges.
Declared value changes insurance needs. High-value vehicles may require extra coverage beyond basic company limits.
Shipping Method and Insurance
Open carriers: $800–$1,000 and best value for everyday cars.
Enclosed carriers: $1,200–$1,400 for collectors or low-clearance vehicles.
Driveaway: $1,000–$1,800 — faster but adds mileage and often costs more.
- Seasonal weather and tight urban access can affect time and fees.
- Early booking and clear quotes keep surprises low.
Government Taxes and Duties You’ll Pay at the Border
When a vehicle enters Canada, several mandatory federal and provincial taxes immediately attach to its declared value.
GST (Goods and Services Tax): 5% of declared value is collected at entry. This forms the base tax amount for import processing.
PST/HST by province: Provincial sales rules vary. Ontario’s HST includes an 8% provincial portion. British Columbia may add higher PST on specific vehicle types. Quebec and other provinces apply different rates at registration.
Other levies and special taxes
An import duty of 6.1% applies for vehicles that do not qualify under USMCA. An air conditioning tax is a flat $100 when the vehicle has that system.
“Add taxes, duty, and known surcharges to the carrier quote to avoid a shortfall at the border.”
| Charge | Typical Rate / Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GST | 5% of declared value | Collected at entry |
| Import duty | 6.1% (non-USMCA) | Confirm build origin |
| Air conditioning tax | $100 flat | Charged if equipped |
- Gas guzzler tax ranges $1,000–$4,000 by fuel use tiers.
- Vehicles over 2,007 kg may face weight surcharges and possible luxury tax rules apply above CAD $100,000.
Tip: Keep build documentation, emissions and fuel economy data, and receipts ready. Best Car Shipping Inc. itemizes every fee so owners see the full landed cost before arrival. Call (307) 288-5972 or email info@bestcarshippinginc.com for a clear breakdown.
RIV, Inspections, and Provincial Registration: Fees, Timing, and What to Expect
The post-entry compliance sequence ties RIV steps, inspections, and registration into one timeline.
RIV program and timing: The RIV fee is about CAD $325 plus tax. Owners must complete the RIV process within 45 days. The program verifies that the vehicle meets Canadian safety and environmental standards.
What mods and documents are typical
Common modifications include daytime running lights and, when needed, a metric speedometer conversion. Bring proof of ownership, the bill of sale, recall clearance, and RIV paperwork to each appointment.
Inspection and registration examples by province
- Ontario safety inspection: $60–$150.
- Alberta insurance/roadworthiness check: around $100.
- New Brunswick inspection: $35–$45.
Registration fees and scheduling: Ontario registration often runs $60–$120 with yearly renewals. Align inspection timing with the RIV clock to avoid extra storage or re-inspection fees.
“Sequence border entry, RIV submission, modifications, and provincial inspection to prevent missed milestones.”
Best Car Shipping Inc. coordinates the registrar imported vehicles steps, inspections, and local work to simplify the process. For assistance, call (307) 288-5972 or email info@bestcarshippinginc.com.
Service and Transport Costs Beyond Taxes
Service selections and optional protections often drive the final transport bill more than basic taxes.
Open, Enclosed, Driveaway — Cost Bands and Transit Time
Open carriers: $800–$1,000 and the best value for most vehicles. Transit typically runs 5–10+ days depending on route and season.
Enclosed carriers: $1,200–$1,400. Choose this for luxury or low-clearance vehicles that need weather and debris protection.
Driveaway: $1,000–$1,800. Faster calendar time but adds mileage and may cost more for long lanes or urgent delivery.
Insurance Coverage and Optional GAP
Basic cargo insurance is included with most carriers. Owners should get written limits before booking.
For high-value vehicles, consider optional GAP coverage. It fills the gap between carrier limits and the vehicle’s declared value.
Canadian Standards Modifications and Typical Costs
Canadian compliance often requires daytime running lights and sometimes a metric speedometer.
DRLs average $200–$300. Metric conversions run about $250–$500 depending on model. Bundling these services reduces repeat inspection risk.
“Confirm pickup windows, coverage terms, and any accessorials in a line-by-line quote.”
- Oversized SUVs and trucks may incur space or weight premiums; ask the company early.
- Seasonal routing affects time in transit; flexible windows help carriers optimize safety and reliability.
- Clear pickup readiness—operable condition and empty personal items—avoids loading delays and extra fees.
For transparent, itemized quotes and help coordinating modifications and insurance, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at (307) 288-5972 or info@bestcarshippinginc.com.
Step-by-Step: ship car from us to canada price
A stepwise checklist helps owners avoid last-minute fees and compliance gaps.
Pre-Check & Admissibility
Verify CMVSS compatibility and clear all recalls before booking. Vehicles older than 15 years usually bypass RIV federal compliance rules.
Confirm recall records and hold documentation handy. This reduces inspection delays and extra fees.
Get Quotes & Choose a Carrier
Request at least two quotes that list method (open, enclosed, driveaway), timelines, insurance limits, and oversize charges.
Compare estimated transit time and declared-value coverage. A clear written quote prevents surprises when the vehicle arrives.
Border Paperwork & Taxes
Bring title, bill of sale, and government ID at entry. If applicable, present USMCA origin certificates to avoid duty.
Pay 5% GST at the crossing on declared value. Provincial sales tax and any duty (6.1% for non-USMCA) are settled later at registration.
Post-Arrival: RIV, Inspections & Registration
Immediately submit the RIV fee and schedule the required inspection within the 45-day window when RIV applies.
Plan for modifications such as daytime running lights or a metric speedometer if standards require them. Book provincial safety/insurance inspections and complete registration.
- Keep a master checklist with deadlines to avoid missed milestones.
- Retain proof of recall completion and invoices for modifications; inspectors often request them.
- Communicate pickup logistics and delivery access with the company to prevent rescheduling or storage fees.
“Best Car Shipping Inc. assigns a coordinator who tracks milestones across border formalities, RIV, inspections, and registration to keep the move on time.”
Need help managing the process? Contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at (307) 288-5972 or info@bestcarshippinginc.com for a coordinator who oversees timelines and services.
Real-World Cost Scenarios: From Budget Sedans to Performance Trucks
Practical sample totals clarify which components drive final costs for typical vehicles.
Standard sedan on open transport
Example components: carrier $900, RIV CAD $325 plus tax, GST 5% on a declared value of $20,000 = $1,000. Add provincial PST/HST at registration.
If equipped with air conditioning add a $100 A/C tax at entry. Typical minor mods: DRLs $200–$300, metric cluster $250–$500.
Luxury, heavy, or high-consumption vehicles
Performance SUVs may trigger a gas guzzler tax (example: $3,000) and weight surcharges when over 2,007 kg. Non‑USMCA imports can add 6.1% import duty on declared value.
| Scenario | Transport | Border & RIV | Typical Total (est) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20k sedan (open) | $800–$1,000 | GST $1,000 + RIV $325 + A/C $100 | $3,500–$4,200 |
| 30k sedan (open) | $800–$1,000 | GST $1,500 + RIV $325 | $4,000–$4,800 |
| Performance SUV | $1,000–$1,400 | Guzzler tax $3,000 + possible duty | $7,000+ |
Bottom line: Run side-by-side scenarios for open vs. enclosed, standard vs. performance. Itemized estimates help owners understand every fee and tax before crossing across border.
“Best Car Shipping Inc. prepares itemized estimates showing each fee and tax component.”
Need help? Contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at (307) 288-5972 or info@bestcarshippinginc.com for an itemized car shipping estimate.
Ship or Drive Yourself: Which Saves More in the Present Timeframe?
When timing and total outlay matter, owners should weigh a long drive against professional transport options.
Cost Comparison: Fuel, Lodging, Depreciation vs. Carrier Fees
On long routes, the delta between driving and professional shipping often narrows to a few hundred dollars once fuel, hotels, meals, and post-trip maintenance are included.
Estimate fuel, lodging, meals, tolls, and a final wash. Add wear-and-tear at roughly $0.50 CAD per mile for tires, brakes, and fluids.
For many long corridors, professional transport may cost only $200–$300 more than self-driving after those items are tallied.
Time, Risk, and Wear: When Shipping Wins Over a Long Road Trip
Shipping protects vehicle value by avoiding stone chips, windshield damage, and excess odometer miles that reduce resale appeal.
A carrier also saves time and cuts accident risk on multi-day routes. Door-to-door service and scheduled delivery windows match tight relocation timelines.
“A professional carrier removes planning and fatigue inherent in multi-day drives, which is especially valuable in winter or on unfamiliar routes.”
- Local short hauls: self-driving often remains economical.
- Multi-day trips: transport generally offers better net value and lower risk, especially for trucks or performance vehicles.
- Flexible pickup windows usually secure better rates and faster loads.
Need a clear comparison? Best Car Shipping Inc. will quantify out-of-pocket and opportunity costs so owners can decide with confidence. Call (307) 288-5972 or email info@bestcarshippinginc.com.
How to Control Costs: Smart Planning for Taxes, Fees, and Timelines
Small, early decisions cut predictable fees and keep final totals lower. Start by confirming origin documents and the vehicle’s build data. That often eliminates an import duty for qualifying units under USMCA.
Leverage USMCA, Verify Fuel Economy, and Time Your Route
Confirm build origin and fuel ratings before you commit to a specific trim. Avoiding a gas guzzler band can save $1,000–$4,000 in guzzler tax exposure.
Plan moves in shoulder seasons when carriers have capacity. Better lanes lower handling accessorials and shorten delivery windows.
Bundle Services, Compare Carriers, and Confirm Insurance in Writing
Bundle transport with DRL and metric cluster work to prevent duplicate shop visits and reinspection fees. Typical DRL costs run $200–$300; metric clusters usually cost $250–$500.
- Get written quotes listing insurance limits, exclusions, and accessorials.
- Ask the company about oversized classifications for SUVs and trucks to prevent same‑day repricing.
- Keep receipts for goods services tax, provincial sales tax, and any duties to forecast final cash at registration.
“Confirm documentation, bundle compliance services, and lock written coverage to avoid surprise costs during the process.”
| Action | Benefit | Typical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm USMCA documentation | Avoid import duty | Saves 6.1% of declared value if eligible |
| Verify fuel-consumption rating | Avoid guzzler tax tiers | Saves $1,000–$4,000 for high-consumption vehicles |
| Bundle compliance services | Fewer inspections, lower labor fees | Reduces repeat shop visits and late fees |
Conclusion
This final summary focuses on clear next steps and how to lock an accurate, itemized estimate.
Plan the timeline, gather documentation on origin and fuel ratings, and request a written quote that lists transport method, insurance limits, and all border and provincial fees. A strong, clear estimate prevents surprises.
Professional providers handle route planning, customs, RIV coordination, and delivery timing for vehicle transport. Typical open transport runs about $800–$1,000; RIV is roughly CAD $325 plus tax; GST is 5%.
Next step: call Best Car Shipping Inc. at (307) 288-5972 or email info@bestcarshippinginc.com for an itemized quote and a dedicated coordinator.