
Car ShippingMississauga
Shipping a Car to Mississauga from the United States
Moving to Canada comes with a series of challenges, especially if you bring a vehicle. Rather than spend valuable time stressing over customs laws or shipping services, why not work with an experienced company? A-1 Auto Transport has decades of experience in shipping vehicles to locations all over Canada, including Mississauga, and knowledge of all the relevant regulations. With A-1, you’ll feel the stress melt away.
Navigating Customs and Import Regulations
Importing a vehicle into Canada, particularly to Mississauga, requires adherence to specific customs and import regulations. Before shipping, ensure your vehicle complies with Canadian safety and environmental standards. This includes verifying that the car is on Transport Canada's list of admissible vehicles and obtaining a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer. Additionally, you must submit the required export documentation to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before export and present the vehicle for inspection at the border. Understanding these requirements helps prevent delays and ensures a smooth import process.
Understanding Shipping Costs and Timelines
The cost of shipping a car to Mississauga varies based on distance, vehicle size, and shipping method. On average, shipping costs range from $1,100 to $2,500, with delivery times typically spanning 10 to 14 days. Choosing between open transport and enclosed transport affects both cost and protection level; open transport is more economical, while enclosed transport offers added protection for high-value vehicles. Obtaining quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare services and prices is advisable, ensuring you select the option that best fits your needs and budget.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Mississauga
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Mississauga | $200 | $1100 | 5+11 days |
Mississauga to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $800 | 5+8 days |
Portland, OR to (California port) to Mississauga | $475 | $1100 | 6+11 days |
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to Mississauga | $550 | $1100 | 6+11 days |
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Mississauga | $575 | $800 | 6+8 days |
Atlanta, GA to (New York port) to Mississauga | $700 | $800 | 6+8 days |
Mississauga to (California port) to Denver, CO | $775 | $1100 | 7+11 days |
Mississauga to (New York port) to Memphis, TN | $800 | $800 | 6+8 days |
Mississauga to (New York port) to Miami, FL | $925 | $800 | 7+8 days |
Mississauga to (California port) to Dallas, TX | $1,025 | $1100 | 7+11 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Location
Once a suburb of Toronto, Mississauga quickly grew well beyond its simple roots and is today the sixth-largest city in Canada. It is well connected to the national rail networks and roadways, and though the city has no port of its own, it’s conveniently nearby Toronto’s harbor on Lake Ontario. Sea access is reached through the Port of Montreal.
Shipping Options
You have a choice between two primary types of transportation; the right one will depend on your needs and budget.
- Roll-on/roll-off Shipping: This option is a favorite of many due to its combination of affordability and convenience. It places your vehicle directly aboard the transport vessel. Once in place, it’s strapped down securely to prevent unwanted movement.
- Container Shipping: You may choose to have your vehicle loaded into a cargo container for added protection from the elements and other risks. Though pricier than roll-on/roll-off services, the unparalleled protection factor makes this a popular choice with antique vehicle owners.
You may also take your pick of delivery services:
- Door-to-Door: With door-to-door service, the shipper will gather your vehicle from your home or other places of your choosing and deliver it to the desired destination within Mississauga.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: Of course, you may choose to drop off the vehicle yourself at the departure terminal and pick it up directly upon arrival in Canada.

Navigating through Customs
Vehicles arriving from the United States are subject to customs duties, the exact value depends on various factors. Consult the Canada Border Services Agency for complete details. You’ll also want to ensure that your vehicle is admissible, as Canada does place some restrictions on what they will admit. This can be checked via Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles.
If everything is in order, ensure that you can provide the following documents upon arrival:
- Notarized copy of your photo ID
- Original vehicle title, or a DMV-certified copy
The 72-Hour Export Law dictates that a copy of the title must be submitted to the border crossing at least 72 hours in advance.
Final Steps – Getting your Vehicle Ready
Completing the following checklist will ensure that your vehicle is ready to go:
- Vacuum and scrub the car clean of any lingering organic matter – this will expedite the border inspection.
- Clear all personal belongings from the vehicle, as well as take down any exterior accessories.
- Shut off the alarm system, which will likely drain the battery during transit.
- Fill the fuel tank to one-quarter of its maximum capacity to assist shippers in moving the vehicle as necessary.
- Double-check that all brakes are in perfectly functional condition.

Seasonal Timing Can Impact Shipping Logistics
Mississauga experiences a full range of seasonal weather, from snowy winters to hot, humid summers, which can influence your vehicle shipping timeline. Winter conditions, especially around the Great Lakes region, often cause road closures or port delays. If you plan to ship a car during colder months, factor in potential slowdowns and allow extra time. On the other hand, summer tends to be the busiest season for auto transport, which can drive up costs due to higher demand. Booking early is the best way to secure a reasonable rate and avoid scheduling headaches.
Local Pickup and Delivery Options in Mississauga
Mississauga’s proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport and its access to major highways make it a convenient hub for car shipping. Depending on your needs, you can choose between terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door delivery. Terminal pickup is often more budget-friendly but may require traveling to a designated facility. Door-to-door shipping offers added convenience—especially for newcomers who may not yet be familiar with the area—but can be more expensive. Knowing your schedule and comfort level with local travel can help you pick the correct delivery option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to ship a car to Mississauga from the U.S.?
To ship a car from the U.S. to Mississauga, you'll need the vehicle's title, bill of sale, a completed Vehicle Import Form (Form 1), and a recall clearance letter. Additionally, you must notify U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before export and submit the necessary paperwork to the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) upon arrival in Canada.
How long does it take to ship a car to Mississauga?
Shipping times vary based on distance and method. For cross-border shipments from the U.S., expect delivery within 10–14 days. Domestic shipments within Canada typically take 5–7 days, depending on the route and carrier availability.
Are there restrictions on the types of cars I can import into Canada?
Yes, Canada has strict import regulations. Vehicles must comply with Canadian safety and emission standards. Generally, cars older than 15 years are exempt from these standards, but newer vehicles must be on Transport Canada's admissible list. Modified or salvage vehicles may face additional scrutiny or be deemed inadmissible.
What taxes and fees should I expect when importing a car to Mississauga?
Importing a car into Canada involves several costs: a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) depending on the province, a $325 RIV fee, and a $100 air conditioning excise tax if applicable. Vehicles not manufactured in North America may also incur a 6.1% import duty.