Moving to another province? Purchased a new vehicle out of town? Going on a long trip? You need a trusted car shipping company in Canada you can rely on.
Anyone who’s searched for car shipping services will inevitably come across some scary horror stories of scammed customers and greedy brokers. It can be enough to stop you in your tracks and consider the long drive instead.
Don’t let a few bad eggs turn you away! It shouldn’t be difficult to find a company you trust with your vehicle, so we’ve created a list of things to look for to avoid the rotten eggs. Of course, we hope you decide to work with us but these tips will apply across the board.
Here is a checklist to look for when searching for a car shipping company so you can make a confident decision!
Proper Licensing for Drivers & Carriers in Canadian Auto Transport
What Kind of Driver’s License Should Car Haulers Have?
A legitimate company operating out of Canada, specifically Ontario, should have proper licensing and insurance to protect your vehicle from damage.
All car haulers/truck drivers in Ontario should have a Full Class AZ Licence.
An A or AZ Class License allows them to drive any truck/tractor-trailer combination, including those with air brakes and those pulling double trailers. This is the ONLY type of license that will suffice for open-car transporters.
What Kind of Training Should Auto Transport Drivers Have?
When earning their AZ Class license, all drivers are required to complete at least 103.5 hours of training at an accredited Ontario truck driving school, plus 8 hours of air brake training.
What Licenses Do Car Carrier Companies Need?
Any company that hauls people or cargo across interstate lines/into the United States must register for a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier (MC) Number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You can check that the company you’ve found is registered through this search portal. A valid company’s report should look like this:
Abrams Auto Transport Ltd. FMCSA registration results – all in good standing
Additionally, any commercial vehicle operator operating out of Ontario must have a valid Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Certificate (CVOR). There is no online portal to verify this, however you can ask companies for their CVOR number.
Auto Transport Insurance Coverage You Should Look For
All auto carriers should be insured to protect your vehicle from damage during travel with Cargo Insurance. With this type of insurance vehicles are typically insured against in-transit damage caused by equipment failure or negligence of the carrier.
Carriers should also have Commercial Liability Insurance to cover damage to their trucks, property or injury from an accident. This type of insurance is required by law for all commercial carriers in Canada.
Good companies will also have General Liability Insurance to protect against damage during loading/off-loading or damage to your property during pick-up/drop-off.
To Verify A Car Shipping Company Has The Correct Insurance ask:
- “Can I see your Cargo Insurance certificate?”
- “What coverage limitations do you have per vehicle?”
- “What’s the process if my vehicle is damaged?”
- “Are there any exclusions I should know about?”
Note: Carrier insurance typically does not cover the contents of your car, which is why many companies do not allow you to leave items in your vehicle.
Things To Watch Out For:
- Companies that do not have Cargo Insurance
- Companies who ask you to go through your own insurance for claims
- Companies who do not have Commercial Liability Insurance
Transparent & Fair Pricing For Canadian Auto Carriers
Pricing is by far the easiest red flag to look out for when searching for a car shipping company!
Any company that is quoting you far below the industry average should be a red flag. In general, we suggest getting a minimum of 3 quotes when searching for car carriers, or any services, to verify pricing.
Pricing Red Flags To Look For:
- Vague Estimates
- Requiring more than a 20% deposit or asking for full payment upfront
- Changing quotes/estimates (this usually indicates you’re communicating with a Broker who is looking for drivers to fill a load)
Good Customer Reviews for Car Shippers
Look for ways to verify the company through customer reviews and testimonials.
Be weary of only verifying through Google Reviews as these can be bots or inflated. We recommend double-checking reviews through other reputable sites like the Better Business Bureau or other Industry Registries.
We always tell people to try to find someone you know who has used a car shipping company in the past. That’s the best way to be sure you’re working with someone you trust, although we know that’s not always possible.
Don’t Settle for Just Any Car Shipping Company
When it comes to shipping your vehicle, peace of mind is everything. Whether you’re relocating across the country, heading south for the winter, or buying a car from another province, choosing the right car shipping company in Canada makes all the difference.
Look for proper licensing, solid insurance coverage, clear communication, and a track record you can trust. A reputable company will be happy to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and provide proof of everything upfront — no pressure, no guesswork.
At Abrams Auto Transport, we’ve helped thousands of Canadians move their vehicles safely and stress-free. If you’re ready to get a quote or just want to ask a few questions, we’re here to help.
or give us a call — and let’s get your car where it needs to go, the easy way.
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