Blog
If you are looking for reliable information about vehicle transportation, you are in the right place! Whether you are a snowbird, or you are relocating across the country or border, the SAC blog is your inside source to make your travel hassle-free. Here you’ll find:
- Everything you want to know before you move or travel
- The latest in vehicle transportation technology & practices
- Important updates about our new and existing services
- Tips and tricks to make your cross-border move or travel as smooth as possible
We encourage you to explore our blog, share useful information with friends, and connect with us.
How to Choose the Best Car Shipping Company in Canada for Your Needs?
Choosing the best car shipping company in Canada can be very confusing. Just Googling a search generates a wide selection of ads and choices. Muddling through all the options to assess quality, trust, reliability, efficiency, and cost/value can be daunting. But have no worries! We will help you navigate in this guide.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Car Shipping Company in Canada
Finding the best shipping company in Canada means looking at how the top contenders in this category stack up against one another. So, let us highlight a few of the most important criteria you should be looking for in the selection process.
Scope of Services
When choosing a shipping company, their ability to ship vehicles coast to coast and across the Canada-US border may signal that they have a fleet of trailers and understand the complexity of required border documentation. This likely means that they cater to seasonal travellers, and relocations. More scope may point to a wider operation and better processes to keep car shipments efficient and fluid.
Safety and Convenience
Now more than at any other time, car shipping is in demand with cross border restrictions on driving. Car shipping companies are considered essential during the pandemic and serve possibly as the best and most effective way of getting your car to a distant destination. But safety is also more critical. Finding the best shipping company in Canada means one that has safety protocols – touchless pickup and drop off, electronic signature signoff, and well-trained drivers who know how to navigate cross-country road systems.
Reputation
One way to validate your choice of selection is to examine the reputation of the car shipping company in Canada. Have they been established for over 20 years? What are the online reviews like? Are customers sharing positive or negative stories about their experience using that company? If comments are by in large positive, it demonstrates a good track record, making that company worthy of consideration.
Delivering Peace of Mind
A good car shipping company will tell you how to prepare your car for the journey, what measures to take in terms of cleaning your vehicle, removing belongings, how much gas to leave in your car, and how to track your vehicle. It will provide you with Electronic Inspection Reports, and Photo Surveys of your vehicle. This transparency in process lets you know that they are professionals who know their business.
SAC Makes Your Choice Easy
Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) vehicle relocation services have demonstrated expertise in shipping all types of vehicles across Canada as well as to US. They have multi level vehicle open trailers and have a proven process to ensure that your car remains safe and secure from pickup to drop off. SAC delivers touchless, white glove service and has been serving Canadian snowbirds and those looking to relocate for over 25 years. With easy-to-follow recommendations in preparing your vehicle and a reputation for delivery excellence, SAC brings their industry knowledge to bare making them one of the best shipping companies in Canada. Contact SAC today to find out more about their services and to receive your personalized quote.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Car Relocation Services
If you are considering shipping your vehicle using car relocation services, you will want to be sure to avoid common pitfalls that may detract from an otherwise worry-free experience. There are many companies claiming to be ‘All-that’ but buyer beware guidance applies across categories so be certain to check the boxes.
Beware of These Mistakes When Utilizing Car Relocation Services
If you are doing this for the first time, take note of some of these newbie mistakes that could interrupt your car relocation plans and add unwanted frustrations.
Not Vetting Your Car Relocation Services Options
Today, it is much easier to research anything including car relocations services. You need to examine your options thoroughly. This means addressing reliability, longevity and looking at customer reviews. There are many differences in scope and the degree to which these companies can provide you with assurances and protocols to guide you confidently. Failure to do due diligence and research your options can put your car in the hands of fly by night or unreliable service partners.
Going for The Low-Cost Alternative
We are all understandably budget conscious, but you are entrusting one of your most valuable assets to a car relocation services company and so while price does matter, it cannot be your primary consideration above all else. This is especially true if one company is drastically lower than the rest of the field. That is a sure sign of something not being quite right. Stay with those companies that are clear and transparent in their pricing options. Avoid the lure of saving money as it may turn out to be exactly the opposite.
Dismissing Coverage and Liability
While the stats show that it is very unlikely that your car will incur any damage on its journey, there is a percentage anomaly and as they say, ‘stuff happens’! Your car is visible on the open road and the multi level trailers that are commonplace for car relocations services are susceptible just as any car might be to road conditions and mishaps. Check insurance liability to be certain that your car is protected in the unlikely event of an accident.
Poor Vehicle Preparation
Yes, it may seem like a hassle to have to prepare your vehicle before it is dropped off or picked up, but this simple best practice will give you peace of mind when the vehicle is returned to you. Failure to clean both the interior and exterior of your car make the difference should you need to claim any damage. You should rather be taking photos of the car when you hand it off and when you receive it to protect yourself. You also need to remove toll tags that may be charged en-route as well as ensure your car is driveable – that means checking tire pressure and having a quarter tank of gas which is recommended to keep the car light. When the car arrives at its destination, you will want it to be driven without issue so think ahead.
Leaving Personal Belongings in Your Vehicle
While some car relocation services will allow limited personal belongings to be stowed in the trunk or back seat, most discourage it. In fact, in cases of theft or damage, many such companies will not include it in their liability clauses. The reason for this is that, on an open trailer on the open road, visible belongings in your vehicle may catch the attention of those looking for an easy target and at stops, they may seize that opportunity. Or vehicles may shift during transport and damage can occur if your belongings have edges or bump around during the journey. Personal belongings can also add weight and cost to the carry load which can negatively impact pricing that may be passed on to you.
SAC Helps You Do It Right
Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) car relocation services can help you avoid these mistakes by providing clear direction. With easy-to-follow recommendations in preparing your vehicle and a reputation for delivery excellence, SAC provides you with everything you need from start to finish. Contact SAC today to find out more about their services and to receive your personalized quote.
The Different Types of Car Carriers Used for Vehicle Transport Services
When using vehicle transport services, it is valuable to understand how your car will make the journey to your destination. The conditions and type of car carrier can vary amongst vehicle transport service providers.
Different Types of Car Carriers Available
Reputable carrier services may have a fleet of trucks including flatbed single level carriers, and multilevel carriers with open and/or enclosed options. Each may have their unique benefits depending on the type of vehicle you are looking to ship. Let us briefly outline the options:
- Single car trailers are not typically the mode of choice for vehicle transport service companies as they are inefficient. When carriers do volume business, it makes sense that they favour having multiple vehicles on each trailer and therefore fewer runs when journeying over longer distances to economize on fuel and optimize delivery time. Single car trailers are a great solution though if you are looking to transport your car short distances.
- Single level flatbed carriers with multiple vehicles are sometimes used by vehicle transport companies but again also have limitations on the number of cars that can be shipped in one journey.
- Multilevel carriers are the most effective and are most used by vehicle transport companies. Vehicles will be transported on an open 9 or 10 car carrier, the same type of trucks used to deliver new vehicles from factories to local dealerships. These are typically open-air transport eighteen wheelers equipped with dual metal treads allowing vehicles to be driven up and off using integrated ramps. These trucks are more readily available and deliver lower transit times and more economical shipping prices. If your vehicle is oversized, you may need to defer to a transport company that uses open air shipping trailers that accommodate taller and wider vehicles.
- Enclosed boxed trailers are an option typically favoured by those who have high value classic cars. Shipping these vehicles without drawing attention to them while also protecting them from weather elements makes an enclosed option something to consider. These larger enclosed trailers use hydraulics to lift the vehicle until it can be driven into the trailer. Enclosed car carriers have limitations though and if you’re looking to ship oversized vehicles and prefer an enclosed option, you may need costly custom trailers.
Securing your vehicle typically requires chains and straps which are affixed to all vehicles transported using any of the modes and truck types referenced above. This limits movement to mitigate any damage caused by shifting during the long journey.
Trust SAC for Your Vehicle Transport Service Needs
Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) has been helping customers transport their vehicles across Canada and the US for over 25 years. In order to deliver the most affordable and efficient vehicle transport service, SAC has multiple types of car carriers available. Your vehicle can be transported on flat beds, or open 4, 5, 9 or 10 car carriers.
We are reliable, honest, and have a proven secure delivery process that helps provide you with peace of mind every step of the way. Contact SAC today to find out more about our vehicle transport services and to receive your personalized quote.
Beginner’s Guide for First Time Car Shipping in Canada
Shipping your car is a consideration when you have decided to relocate or take an extended vacation at your second home. It also may be a way to send a car to a friend or loved one who is in need of a vehicle. During the pandemic, vehicle transport companies remain an essential part of the supply chain and, unlike leisure drivers, are allowed to cross the border.
Start By Selecting a Canadian Car Shipping Company
Shipping your car in Canada, rather than driving it to your destination or renting one may be advantageous for a variety of reasons including financial efficacy, convenience, or with border closures, the lack of other viable options. So, if you’re ready to ship your car, you will want to take a good look at your options and factor the following criteria into your decision:
- Credibility and Capability – You will want to ensure that the car shipping company in Canada has a history of successfully shipping cars across the country. Ensuring they are not fly by night shippers who have acquired a truck and are making a go of it is important. A car shipping company should have a fleet of trailers, including multi-level open trailers, and have capabilities to ship your car from coast to coast. Afterall, a vehicle is an asset and getting it safely and securely to its destination requires care.
- Safety and Touchless Pickup and Drop off – During the pandemic, ensuring your car can be picked up and dropped off with limited contact is a good safety measure. Shipping companies that have documented protocols in terms of PPE and physical distancing demonstrate professionalism and mitigate exposure to contagion. Dropoff and pickup through door-to-door is ideal but there are cost savings if you prefer dropping it off and picking it up at a terminal. Sign-off on delivery can be done straight from your phone too.
- Reliability and Care – You want your car to get from Point A to Point B in the time established. So, a car shipping company that sets expectations and delivers on time makes for a good choice. No company can guarantee a delivery time due to unforeseen road and weather hazards, but they can be approximate and update you should an incident create delays. Furthermore, you want to be certain that your car is going to be well cared for along the way so ensuring that your vehicle is covered for any unforeseen damages is important. Of course, that also requires that you respect guidelines around removing personal belongings which any good car shipping company will advise you of.
- Pricing – Competitively pricing a car shipping company is important. Pricing is a variable based on the size of your vehicle, the destination you are shipping it to, and whether or not you are crossing the border. For example, shipping an SUV from Toronto to Florida will certainly cost more than sending a mid-size or compact car between Toronto and Montreal within Canada. Car shipping from Canada to the Unites States or vice versa requires documentation to be completed on both sides of the border, another benefit that will be taken care of by a car shipping company.
Next Steps After Choosing a Canadian Car Shipping Company
Once you’ve made your decision and selected a car shipping company, simply complete a request form on the company website or give them a call to receive a personalized quote. Once completed and details are confirmed, the process begins.
If you are shipping your vehicle across the border, there will be cross-border documentation you are required to fill out. Some companies include this service within their quote, which expedites the moving process and provides you with a stress-free experience.
The company will arrange pickup and drop-off based on your preferences and your vehicle will be loaded typically onto a multilevel trailer that holds 5-10 cars. Remember to remove personal items from inside your vehicle, as they are not covered by insurance. Also leave at least a quarter of a tank of gas for use during the loading and unloading of your vehicle.
You will receive confirmation when your vehicle has arrived at the destination. Simply sign off and you will receive the keys to your vehicle.
Why SAC
For over 25 years, Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd. (SAC) has provided reliable, honest, and on-time delivery car shipping across Canada and the US. SAC provides thorough inspection of each vehicle at the time of pick-up as well as upon delivery. All vehicles are insured during transport including at designated terminals, so when you ship your car with SAC, you know it’s safe and secure. As a commercial carrier, the border closure does not affect them, and they are considered as an essential service. Contact SAC today to find out more about their car shipping services and to receive your personalized quote.