Ship a car from Ottawa to Vancouver
Do you need to move a vehicle from Ottawa to Vancouver? You don’t have to make the long drive yourself.
Planning a cross-country move? Let’s talk about what you should know about shipping a car from Ottawa to Vancouver.
I get it. You’re staring at a map of Canada right now and that drive from Ottawa to Vancouver looks… exhausting. Because it is. Between gas prices that keep climbing, weather that can turn on you in Saskatchewan, and the sheer mental toll of being behind the wheel for days on end, it’s no wonder so many people decide to just ship their car instead.
At Reindeer Logistics, we handle car shipping across Canada every single day. Whether you’re relocating to British Columbia for work or moving a company fleet, we can help. Here’s what you need to know.
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Why ship your car instead of driving?
Let’s be honest. The drive from Ottawa to Vancouver sounds romantic in theory. In practice? That’s 4,400 kilometres of highway. Multiple days of driving. Hotels you didn’t budget for. Fast food you’ll regret.
Save yourself the time. Most people don’t realize how long this drive actually takes until they’re halfway through Manitoba wondering why they didn’t just fly. Ship your vehicle and it’ll be waiting for you when you land in Vancouver.
Your car stays in better shape. All those kilometres add up. We’re talking serious wear and tear on your vehicle, not to mention the risk of something going wrong mechanically when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. Shipping protects your car from all that.
The math often works out better than you’d think. When you add up gas, food, hotels, and the time off work? Shipping starts looking pretty reasonable. Get a quote and see for yourself.
Things to think about before you book
Before you commit to shipping, there’s a few things worth considering.
Budget
For most people, this is the big one. Compare quotes from a few different companies. At Reindeer we offer free quotes so you can see exactly what you're looking at before making any decisions.
Your timeline
If you need your vehicle by a specific date, say so upfront. Planning ahead makes everything smoother. A legitimate company will give you realistic expectations about when your car will actually arrive.
Weather and season
Here's the deal, Canada's weather is unpredictable. Snow in the Rockies can slow things down. Rain on the West Coast happens more often than not. The season you ship matters, so keep that in mind when you're planning.
Why obsess over this?
We've seen what happens when companies get sloppy with documentation. Vehicles arrive. Damage shows up. Suddenly nobody can prove when it happened. That sick feeling in your stomach? We prevent that.
Same inspection in Edmonton. In daylight. Always in daylight. So you can actually see everything. Clear as day.
Insurance
Don't forget to ask about this. If something happens to your vehicle during transport, you want to know you're covered. At Reindeer, we require all carriers to have minimum insurance levels, including liability and cargo coverage. Make sure you know a company's policy before you sign anything.
Open vs. enclosed transport
You’ve basically got two options for how your vehicle gets moved. Both work fine, it just depends on what matters most to you.
Open vehicle carriers
This is the most common way to ship. Your car gets loaded onto a two-level trailer along with other vehicles. There's no roof or sides on the trailer, so your car is visible during transport. Open transport is more fuel-efficient, which means it's usually cheaper. And drivers can actually see your vehicle throughout the trip to make sure everything's secure. For most cars, this is the way to go.
Enclosed vehicle carriers
If you've got something special, a classic car maybe, or a luxury vehicle you really don't want exposed to the elements, enclosed is the answer. Your car rides inside a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, all of it. It costs more. But for some vehicles, that's worth it. Only you can decide what makes sense for your situation.
How the whole process works
Never shipped a vehicle before? Here’s what to expect when you go with Reindeer Logistics.
1. Get your free quote
Everything starts here. We’ll need some basic info: your vehicles make, model, and year. What condition it’s in. Pickup and drop off postal codes. When you want it picked up and delivered. Any special considerations like aftermarket modifications.
It takes about 60 seconds.
2. Connect with your relocation coordinator
Once you book, you get paired with a dedicated coordinator. This is your person throughout the whole move. They handle scheduling, answer questions, coordinate with carriers, and keep you updated. No automated phone systems, no getting passed around. Just one person who knows your shipment inside and out.
Our team has handled thousands of vehicle moves across Canada. You’re in good hands.
3. Prep your car
Before pickup day, there’s some things you need to do (more on that below). You or someone you designate will need to be there for an exterior inspection. You’ll walk around the vehicle, note any existing damage, and sign a bill of lading. Then your car heads off to British Columbia.
5. Final inspection in Vancouver
We deliver seven days a week during daylight hours. You’ll get a call or text at least an hour before delivery so you can be there.
Just like in Ottawa, you’ll do an inspection when your car arrives. Check it over, make sure everything’s the same as when it left. Sign off, grab your keys, and you’re done. Simple as that.
How to get your car ready for shipping
This part is on you, but it’s not complicated.
Wash your car. Makes the inspection way easier. Doesn’t need to be detailed, just clean enough to see the exterior clearly. If it’s winter, clear off any ice and snow.
Check the fuel gauge. No more than one quarter tank. You need enough gas for loading and unloading but not so much it adds unnecessary weight.
Take out personal items. Everything. Console, trunk, backseat, all of it. You can’t store personal belongings in the vehicle during transport.
Disable your alarm. Nobody wants the alarm going off randomly during transport. Turn it off and let us know if there’s any special instructions.
Find your spare keys. You’ll give a set to the carrier. Keep your key fob or remote if they don’t need it to operate the vehicle.
Remove exterior accessories. Bike racks, ski racks, tonneau covers, bug shields, spoilers. Anything that’s not permanently attached needs to come off. These aren’t covered under the carrier’s responsibility.
Check your fluids. Canadian weather changes fast. Make sure coolant and antifreeze levels are good before your car hits the road.
Shipping timeline
The exact timeline depends on a few things. Weather, road conditions, seasonal demand. Some of this is predictable, some isn’t.
When you book, you’ll get a transit window. Your coordinator will keep you posted throughout with updates so you know when to expect your car in Vancouver. No guessing, no wondering.
Shipping cost
Cost depends on several factors: distance, vehicle size and weight, where exactly it’s being delivered, and which transport method you choose.
The best way to know what you’re looking at is to get a quote for your specific situation. It takes less than 60 seconds and it’s free.
Get an online quote
If it's got wheels, we move it!
Why choose us
Over 500,000 vehicles moved in the United States, Canada & worldwide.
01
real.
When you work with Reindeer Logistics you will never encounter a maze of computer recordings or an automated telephone system. No matter when you call, you will talk with a real, live person who is trained to guide you through the auto relocation process.
02
personal.
All our customers are assigned a relocation coordinator whose main objective is to anticipate and accommodate your every need. Your coordinator will be dedicated to you from pick up to delivery, ensuring that your car is where you want it, when you want it.
03
service.
Reindeer’s commitment to constant product and service improvement is the ultimate demonstration of our promise of delivery, quality, predictability and status.