FAQ

FAQ – Long Distance moving services in Canada

Does your company provide a door to door moving service?

Yes. All of your items are picked up and delivered on a door-to-door basis. At Camovers we recommend you consult with your movers directly.

Weight and space occupancy disclaimer

If the weight of the household goods will weight less than 700 lbs per every 100 cubic feet (of trailer space), the billing process will automatically be adjusted to the calculation of 700 lbs per every 100 cubic feet.

Example #1: 1400 lbs occupying 300 cubic feet will be billed as 2100 lbs (300 cbf x 700 lbs per every 100 cbf).

Example #2: 2000 lbs occupying 100 cubic feet will be billed as 2000 lbs due to the low amount of occupied space.

At Camovers we recommend you consult with your movers directly.

How early do i need to schedule my move?

The earlier you schedule your long distance move, the better your chances at landing at a booking time that is convenient to your needs. At Camovers we usually recommend choosing a moving date before the peak times of a year/season/month. After successfully scheduling your move, one of the moving representatives will send you a confirmation package with the particulars of your move. Camovers guarantee the accuracy of the details of your move.

Is there a minimum charge when moving long distance or across Canada?

All our moving members have the minimum shipping weight which is 1000 lbs.

Can i save money during the long distance move?

Early planning will help you save money during your long distance move. While doing some of the moving tasks yourself such as packing. However, proper planning, prior research, and help from your friends might speed up the process. You can always get in touch with our moving companies for assistance.

How do you protect my furniture and carpets when it rains?

Our professional movers use specialized moving blankets (pads) and/or shrink wrap to protect your furniture and carpets during the long distance relocation across the province or cross Canada.

What is the average weight of my household?

There is indeed an industry average and we do all our best to update it as often as possible. A 1 bedroom house or apartment would weight between 1000 to 3000 lbs. A 2 bedroom apartment or house would weight closer to 3000-6000 lbs and a 3 bedroom house 6000-10000 lbs. Please note that these are industry average numbers only and you will be billed based on the actual weight of your load. Calculate the weight of the items by using our weight calculator tool.

Do you have insurance for your clients?

Liability Insurance: Moving companies offer the minimum protection for your goods at no additional cost. The maximum basic liability of moving companies is calculated by multiplying the weight of your shipment by $0.60.

The maximum basic liability of moving companies is calculated by multiplying the weight of damaged/lost items by $0.60

Premium Liability Coverage: Under this plan, you’ll be compensated $2 per pound per lost/damaged item. The cost of Premium Liability Coverage is 3% of the total weight of your load.

Valuation Coverage: Under this plan, items are refunded in full (when the item is no longer functional) or their repair cost is refunded in full (based on their valuation at the moment of pick up). Usually damaged or lost boxes will be compensated at the rate of $2/lb.

For additional information, please contact your moving company.

Do i have to reserve my elevator?

If your apartment is located on top floors, reserve the elevator beforehand to facilitate the efficiency of the long distance move.

What if the customer is unavailable or absent?

We encourage all the customers to remain with the moving company throughout the entire move, not least because when moving items are loaded or unloaded such as furniture you can then point out any scratches, marks, or dents that movers may have missed, or vice versa. If for whatever reason you are not available during your move, or if you need to leave during your move, movers will need you to assign a person that will act on your behalf and could guide and supervise the movers, release or accept all of the items in the condition that movers bring them to your location. Otherwise, movers will not be responsible for any missing or damaged items, nor will movers be held responsible for any items that were not moved.

Are there any discounts available?

Usually, movers do offer discounts for seniors, students, and military. For additional information, please refer to your moving company.

How can i prepare my children for the move?

Discussing the move with your children helps ease any feelings of anxiety. It is especially important to discuss how they feel about the move and take note of its effects on their well-being. Moving can be very stressful to children, which is why it is helpful to maintain familiar routines and keep their favorite toys and other small belongings nearby throughout the process. Visiting your new home and neighborhood prior to moving can also provide your children with a sense of comfort.

What do I need to do if my move must be rescheduled/cancelled?

Please contact your moving company as soon as possible to arrange for a new move date. The sooner you give the notice, the easier it is to accommodate your needs. If you cancel or reschedule your move within 7 days of the scheduled date, movers will retain your deposit. If you cancel or reschedule the move with a notice greater than 7 days, movers will retain 50% of your deposit.

What else am I billed for?

All parking tickets and downtime is billable (waiting for elevator setup, property key holder is late, etc). Movers at moverscrosscanada.ca charge additional fees for handling major appliances, exercise equipment, pianos, or any other excessively heavy or bulky items. Shuttle service may be required when there is no access for a 68 ft tractor-trailer and it also comes for an additional fee. All fees are billed according to the standard rates. Sales agents will gladly supply you with all the information.

Should i pack my items?

All movers at Camovers offer packing services if you are unable to pack on your own, movers will gladly provide a full or partial packing service. This service is provided for an additional fee and you can get more information from the sales agents. Please make sure that all boxes are full and safely packed otherwise our foreman may need to repack the items for safe transportation. This service would be billed according to the standard moving rates.

Should I be present during the move?

No. As long as there is someone who is authorized by you to take care of this process and allow movers to move items.

Do you move pets and plants?

All our movers do not move pets and recommend that you transport all pets in your own vehicle.

Our movers do move plants if absolutely necessary, but it is not recommended.

Force majeure

In a pandemic, heavy weather conditions (snowstorms, heavy rains, wind conditions, etc), mechanical problems with the vehicle, all arrivals are subject to delays. If applicable, movers at moverscrosscanada.ca will reschedule the move to the next available date and time. NOTE: all our movers will neither give discounts, refunds nor make compensations for delays or rescheduling under all conditions mentioned herein.

What is the standard transit time?

It takes approximately up to 14 business days in transit from the scheduled departure date. For moves from the West Coast to the East Coast or East Coast to West Coast, it may take up to 21 business days: the West and East trucks’ connection is in Toronto on the 15th of each month. If the West truck arrives in Toronto after the 15th, the delivery is postponed until next month. All our movers have weekly departures to/from West Coast and monthly departures to/from East Coast, and twice a month departures to/from Montreal/Ottawa area. The departure date may vary from the pick-up date.

All our moving members are responsible to provide a notice of at least 24 hours prior to pick up and delivery. Contact your movers to get more information.

What is a claim policy?

All claims are to be submitted in 7 days from the delivery date in written form to the moving company’s e-mail addresses. All claims received after 7 days are subject to approval for further investigation. Contact your moving team in regards to claim policy.

FAQ – Car Shipping

How much time will be taken to shipp my car?

The shipping period differs depending on the time you reserve a shipment spot, the distance the car is being moved, and the time of the year. For instance, summer moves take longer than those booked during winter since it is usually relocating season. It is advisable to schedule one or two weeks before when you want your car shipped since there might be a waiting list in place.

Even with these factors in play, we do our best to find you the best companies that are suited for each of your needs. The expansive knowledge of our experts in the industry makes us among the best options. It is important to note that the quotes we provide are only approximated and can change depending on the chosen car transport company and time of hauling.

What is the difference between ‘Door to Door’ and ‘Terminal to Terminal’?

The Door to Door service entails the car transporter picking the car at your home, which is mostly done using a tow truck and taken to the terminal. It can also be driven to the terminal using a driving service. Afterward, it is loaded into the transporting trailer or rail car. This service takes between three and five days to arrange in most cases. However, it is not available for all regions depending on the selected company, so ensure you confirm whether it is possible before proceeding with anything. Also, it comes with some additional fees and is not advisable if you are trying to cut costs. However, it does offer a lot of conveniences.

Terminal to Terminal, on the other hand, requires you to drive the vehicle to and from a terminal in the origin and destination areas. In some regions where main terminals are not available, you can arrange to meet with the agency’s truck at a convenient point for both parties.

Is it allowed to have another person drop off and pick up my vehicle?

Yes, it is. All that is needed is to provide their legal name and ensure they know your car’s VIN, order number, and the pick-up point. Most car shipping companies demand the provision of photo identification before releasing the car. When dropping the vehicle, the provided Booking Number along with the vehicle’s year, make, and model will be requested.

 What is the cost of shipping my car?

The amount presented in our quotes depends on numerous elements such as the size of your car, shipping distance, mode of transport being used, as well as the pickup and drop off points. The most cost-effective way to transport your vehicle is by dropping it off at a company terminal and picking it up the same way when it arrives at your desired destination.

 What practices can I apply to save money during this process?

As mentioned above, going for Terminal to Terminal shipping over the Door to Door option helps you save some coins. Additionally, opt for terminals that are in major cities within your region, which also cuts the cost of having a truck move your car from a big terminal to a smaller one. Discounts can be given when you are transporting several cars at a go.

 Is it necessary to leave my keys?

Yes, it is. At least one key is required since there is a high possibility that your car will be driven around during shipping.

Is it possible to travel inside my car?

No, it is not. Safety and insurance reasons bar you from not only being inside your vehicle but also with the driver of the truck.

 Can my pet stay in the car?

No, it cannot. All car transporters restrict any pets left in cars during the shipping process.

 Can I ship bikes/boats/trailers?

Unfortunately, none of the car transporters whose quotes we provide is involved in such transportation services.

Popular Shipping Queries

Will truck or train be used to ship my car?

The mode of transport used to ship your car depends on several variables including the selected company, the car’s origin, and its destination. Sometimes the vehicle will be transported using the two options. Both of these options are popularly used across the country, and each packs its own set of upsides and downsides. Therefore, you should study each one before settling on a decision.

Transportation of vehicles to and from Toronto and Vancouver is usually done using rail. Therefore, if your vehicle is being shipped to another city afterward, it will first be transported by train and later on in a truck.

When using the train, your vehicle is stored in a rail-car that holds more than fifteen cars in two or three levels. Transport trucks, on the other hand, are quite similar to those spotted in auto dealerships. These vehicles are usually quite large, which makes door to door delivery tasking. Accordingly, you might want to arrange for a different drop off point that is suitable for both you and the shipping company.

Can any car be shipped?

The car transporters we partner with only handle passenger cars that fall in categories like SUV’s, minivans, cargo vans, and small trucks. Nearly all of them decline the shipment of cars taller than seven feet. Therefore, it is advisable to inform us if you are looking to ship an oversized or lifted car.

How does ground clearance affect the shipping of my car?

ground clearance Best Moves car shipping faq-1

Ground clearance refers to the minimum distance between the bottom of your car and the ground. If your vehicle’s ground clearance is low, the best option for you is an enclosed trailer. These trucks come with special gates that can lift your vehicle onto them without being driven. Driving such a car into ordinary trailers usually ends up in scrapped bottoms due to moving up and down loading ramps. Be sure to include that your car has low ground clearance if it is six or fewer inches from the ground.

Are the car carriers in trains covered or exposed to weather?

train carrier optimized CAmovers car shipping faq

Train car carriers are built with top covers and partial ones at the sides. Therefore, your vehicle will be safe from conditions like rain or flying debris, but it might still be exposed to dust and dirt.

What preparations should I have for my car before being transported?

Several elements have to be in place despite the moving  company or mode of transport being used to ship your vehicle including:

  • The vehicle’s interior and exterior should be clean.
  • The brakes should be working just fine.
  • Have at least a third of the fuel tank full.
  • Remove all personal belongings from the car aside from the spare tire and jack.
  • Ensure the tires are well-filled with air and have no issues.
  • Include any information on changes made to your car such as the inclusion of special codes and alcohol locks among others.
  • It is advisable to have insurance, but it is not a requirement since transport insurance is included.

Can I ship a car that no longer runs?

Usually, car shippers do not transport such vehicles, especially those that use open trailers; this is due to the lack of a winch to pull the car onto the truck. Enclosed trailers can be used, and it usually demands an additional charge with the requirements that your vehicle can roll and has functioning brakes.

Can personal belongings be left in the vehicle?

This condition is dependent on the type of transportation used. When using rail, no personal goods can be left behind aside from baby seats and spare tires. When using trucks, on the other hand, you can leave as much as one hundred and fifty pounds of belongings. The items can only be packed in the back seats and trunks. The transportation of goods in this manner is at one’s own risk, and no coverage is provided for the items. Some truck companies do not allow the leaving of items.

Is the use of a car cover allowed?

The use of a car cover is not advised, especially when using an open trailer since there’s a high chance it will be blown off during transit. Even when using an enclosed container, the car cover is ill-advised since it provides all the protection your car will require.

Will my car be driven during the shipping process?

Yes, it will, but only in a few cases; this is the main reason why it is advisable to leave a third or more of the fuel tank full. Your car will be driven when being moved:

  • On and off of rail cars and trucks.
  • In the terminal, while awaiting shipment.
  • From the terminal destination to your home. This option comes with a smaller price tag than having a tow truck deliver the car.

Is car insurance necessary?

Having personal car insurance is not necessary, but it is highly advised. Some restrictions may be put on what can be covered by the transporter company depending on several factors. Therefore, having your own means that any damages not covered by the car transporters will still be taken care of by your insurance company.

Enclosed Vehicle Shipping

What does it entail?

Enclosed shipping is highly recommended for sports cars, race cars, collectibles, and vehicles that come with hefty price tags in general. This mode of shipping carries numerous benefits over the ordinary kind including:

  • Transportation services from door to door.
  • Higher insurance coverage.
  • They are kept secure in the truck.
  • They are held in climate control containers.

The list of upsides can be longer depending on the selected firm, but they mainly revolve around those mentioned above.

General Shipping Questions

Which documents I’m I required to leave in my car?

The choice to leave any documents lies with you. If you do choose to leave any, it is advisable to place them in the glove-box compartment.

Which photos should I take of my vehicle?

The car shipping company will require ten or more photos of your car, which should be emailed to them. These photos can be taken when leaving your vehicle at the terminal of our referred transporter companies or when meeting their truck. If it is a home pickup, ensure the photos are taken and emailed before giving up the car. Additionally, use a camera or phone that is capable of taking clear quality pictures to ensure every part of the vehicle can be spotted. Some of the key areas you should not miss include:

  • Both front and back bumpers
  • Corner sides of both the driver and passenger
  • Hood
  • Roof
  • Driver and passenger’s side views
  • Driver and passenger’s rear corners
  • Trunk

Making a Shipment Reservation

Submission of a VIN

The VIN is one of the essential things you will have to provide when placing your shipment order. VIN, which is an acronym for Vehicle Identification Number, is a combination of characters presented in insurance papers, car registration, and the vehicle itself. It is usually a combination of numbers and letters but should not be confused with the license plate. If your vehicle is a newer model, the combo will be seventeen digits long. Older models come with shorter Vehicle Identification Numbers.

What is the best time to make a reservation?

It is advisable to make a booking one or two weeks before you want your car shipped. Such a timeline leaves you with a long enough period to look through our recommended companies and choose the best one. The surge in the car shipping industry over the past few years means that last minute booking might leave you settling for a shipping time that does not suit your desires. Even if one of our recommended car transporters come with the option to book and drop off your vehicle right away, shipping might not happen as fast, and your car may sit at the terminal for a week or more.

Most of the auto transporters we refer clients to have main terminals that do not usually apply storage costs for the time your car sits in place waiting for shipment. However, you might want to confirm with your chosen agency since some use terminals owned by towing agencies and small charges do apply.