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How To Ship A Car From The USA To Canada
Shipping a vehicle from the USA to Canada is different from many overseas moves because land transport is common, but ocean/RORO service may be considered for routes involving ports such as Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Before shipment, the importer must verify that the vehicle is admissible to Canada and understand Transport Canada, Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV), and Canada Border Services Agency requirements.
Ports for Shipping Cars to Canada
| Port / Place | Island / Region | Best Use / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax, NS | Nova Scotia | Atlantic Canada port option for vehicle shipments; confirm carrier service and onward delivery. |
Canada service should be confirmed by carrier schedule and final destination. Halifax is the specific port listed in your NYK note.
Shipping Methods
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Shipping
RORO is usually the most economical option for cars, SUVs, trucks, buses, trailers, and self-propelled machinery. The vehicle is driven or towed onto the vessel and secured for the ocean voyage. RORO is best when the vehicle is empty, clean, and operational or when non-running status has been approved in advance.
Container Shipping
Container shipping provides additional protection and may be preferred for luxury vehicles, classic vehicles, motorcycles, parts, or shipments that require consolidation. Container service can cost more but gives more control over packing and protection.
Necessary Documentation
The exact documents may vary depending on the importer, vehicle type, customs broker, and whether the vehicle is entering permanently or temporarily. A typical checklist includes:
- Original title or certificate of ownership.
- Bill of sale or commercial invoice.
- Bill of Lading or inland transport document.
- Passport or government ID of the importer.
- Vehicle admissibility confirmation through RIV / Transport Canada resources.
- Vehicle Import Form / RIV e-form when applicable.
- Recall clearance or manufacturer compliance documentation when required.
- Customs/accounting documents and tax payment proof as required by CBSA.
- Insurance certificate if cargo insurance is purchased.
- Power of Attorney or broker authorization when applicable.
Important Canada-Specific Notes
- Transport Canada directs importers of vehicles from the United States and Mexico to check vehicle eligibility and use the Registrar of Imported Vehicles process where applicable.
- Not every U.S. vehicle is admissible to Canada. Confirm eligibility before purchase, pickup, or shipment.
- Canada import requirements may include CBSA clearance, RIV registration/inspection, taxes, provincial registration, and modifications to Canadian standards.
- For ocean service to Halifax, confirm whether the quote is port-to-port or includes inland delivery to the final Canadian province.
Costs & Pricing of Shipping Cars to Canada
Costs depend on U.S. pickup location, transport method, port or border crossing, vehicle size, customs broker, taxes, inspection, and final delivery. For many Canada moves, inland transport may be less expensive and faster than ocean service.
Importers should budget for freight, export/import handling, customs brokerage if used, GST/HST or applicable taxes, RIV fees when applicable, inspections, registration, and delivery.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
- Confirm that the vehicle is eligible for import before booking the ocean shipment. Check the year, VIN, title status, and importer eligibility with the destination broker.
- Make sure the vehicle is in safe working condition. For RORO service, the vehicle normally must run, steer, and brake properly.
- Clean the vehicle inside and outside. A clean vehicle makes inspection easier and helps identify pre-existing damage.
- Remove personal items unless moving by container and the items are declared and approved in advance by the destination broker.
- Keep the fuel level low, commonly at one-quarter tank or less, and check for fluid leaks. Disable alarms and make sure the battery is secure.
- Take photos of the vehicle from all sides before pickup or port delivery. Keep copies of the title, invoice, booking confirmation, and dock receipt.
- Verify all Bill of Lading instructions before sailing, including consignee, notify party, VIN, vehicle description, and destination agent details.
Quick Shipment Checklist
- Confirm vehicle admissibility through Transport Canada/RIV before shipment.
- Decide whether inland transport, RORO, or container shipping is best.
- Collect title, bill of sale, ID, recall/compliance documents, and import-form information.
- Confirm CBSA clearance, taxes, RIV fee, inspection, and provincial registration requirements.
- Prepare the vehicle and keep copies of all documents.
- Coordinate arrival, clearance, inspection, and final registration/delivery.
Conclusion
Shipping a vehicle to Canada requires more than ocean booking: admissibility, customs clearance, RIV requirements, inspection, and provincial registration must all be considered. Go Ocean Logistics can assist with U.S. pickup, export coordination, ocean booking when applicable, insurance, and documentation support.
Source & Compliance Note
This document is based on Transport Canada and RIV public guidance and general shipping practices. Final admissibility, tax, inspection, and registration requirements must be confirmed with Transport Canada, RIV, CBSA, and the destination province before shipment.