HomeLong DistanceHow long does it take to move my car across Canada?

How long does it take to move my car across Canada?

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When you’re considering hiring a service provider to move your car across Canada, chances are you’re wondering just how long it’s going to take.

Unfortunately, most service providers don’t provide specifics, only offering average time frames. And those that do provide delivery date guarantees often work extra fees into their quotes to cover rental cars until they can deliver your car.

Factors that go into vehicle transportation times

Why is it so tricky for carriers to tell you when your car will arrive? Vehicle transportation depends on a number of factors:

  • Location – Obviously, where you are and where you’re going factor into delivery times. The farther away from a major rail centre you are, the harder it can be to guarantee time frames. Getting your vehicle from your location to a terminal for rail or truck transport to final destination can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In addition, Canada’s varying climates can cause weather-related delays, especially in the winter time when road conditions throughout the country are at their worst. Large snowfalls, ice, avalanches and flooding can not only make it difficult to get trucks to your destination, but it can also cause rail delays.
  • Modes of transport involved – Once again, location is the biggest factor, although the logistics associated with coordinating the different schedules for multiple modes of transport can also have an impact. The more modes of transport required to move a particular vehicle the great the complexity.
  • Rail transport cost-efficiency – No service provider can afford to make a trip with a railcar with only a few cars on it. The more cars moved at once, the more cost-effective the move. To keep costs down and keep prices competitive, service providers will try to maximize the capacity on a railcar. It’s important to note that there are only a few companies in Canada that have direct access to rail and all other companies sub-contract to the few carriers that have direct rail access.

What to look for when moving your car across Canada

  • Look for a provider that offers an average delivery time.
  • Make sure your service provider has their own safe, secure facilities to store your vehicle while it waits for rail transport.
  • Look for a provider that can tell you the status of your move and where your car is at all times.

Be wary of providers that guarantee delivery times – check to make sure they’re not adding extra costs into your quote to cover rental cars.

Canada’s choice for vehicle transportation

Livingston always offers average delivery times and we track your car throughout the shipping process, but we never add unnecessary rental fees or guarantee add-ons to our quotes. And whether your car is on a truck, on a train or waiting to move at one of our secure compounds, we handle it with care, keeping it safe and sound every step of the way.

To learn more about how Livingston can help you get your car where it needs to be, contact us today. If you’re ready to get a quote for moving your car, fill out our convenient online form.