Ship Car to Montreal with Reliable, Secure Auto Transport

Q: How much does shipping a car to Montreal from the United States cost?

As of October 2, 2026, shipping a standard operable car to Montreal generally runs about US$900-$1,800 from many eastern or central U.S. origins and US$2,300-$2,500 from the West Coast, before Canadian duties, taxes, and Québec registration costs. Distance, vehicle size, operability, trailer type, and pickup access account for most quote differences. A1's international car shipping rates calculator can price the exact origin and vehicle. Enclosed transport or difficult access can move the quote above these bands.

Q: How long does U.S.-Canada car shipping to Montreal take?

U.S.-to-Montreal ground transport commonly takes about 4-6 loaded days from closer eastern corridors and 7-10 loaded days from West Coast origins after pickup. Pickup scheduling happens before that transit window and should be quoted separately. Border processing, weather, and carrier routing can extend delivery, especially on cross-country loads. Treat the pickup window and loaded-transit estimate as two separate time periods rather than one guaranteed delivery date.

Q: Can I import a 25-year-old car from the United States to Montreal?

Yes. A passenger vehicle that is 15 years old or older, based on its manufacture date, is generally age-exempt from Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Act import requirements, so a 25-year-old car can qualify. Age exemption does not automatically make the vehicle eligible for Québec road registration. CBSA still checks ownership and customs admissibility, and the SAAQ requires a mechanical inspection certificate and U.S. title or salvage documentation when registering an applicable used vehicle from outside Québec.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Oct, 02 2026

Ship Car to Montreal with Reliable, Secure Auto Transport

Shipping a Car to Montreal from the United States

When planning to relocate from the US to Canada, you've got a lot on your plate. Most folks planning an international move need to ship some personal belongings—often, this includes their car. Vehicle importation into any country is subject to several rules, regulations, and conditions. Fortunately, A-1 Auto Transport has years of experience shipping vehicles to Montreal and all other parts of Canada and knows how to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

The following is a brief overview of everything you, as the customer, need to know about shipping cars to Montreal.

Shipping a car from the United States to Montreal involves several steps and considerations. Understanding the process can help ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Import Process

When importing a vehicle into Canada, it's essential to comply with U.S. and Canadian regulations. This includes notifying U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least 72 hours before export and presenting necessary documentation such as the vehicle title, proof of insurance, and identification. Upon arrival in Canada, you must submit the Vehicle Import Form (Form 1) to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and pay applicable taxes and duties.

Compliance with Canadian Standards

Vehicles imported into Canada must meet specific safety and environmental standards. This may involve modifications such as installing daytime running lights, metric speedometers, and child restraint systems. After modifications, the vehicle must pass an inspection within 45 days to receive a Canadian certification label.

a black vehicle positioned within a shipping container

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Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Montreal

Shipping a vehicle to Montreal typically costs $700–$1,500, depending on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand.
Door-to-door transport to Montreal generally takes 3–7 days, with open and enclosed carriers available across North American routes.
Auto carriers operate under FMCSA and DOT regulations, requiring licensing, insurance, and vehicle inspection procedures.

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Estimated Time
San Jose, CA to (California port) to the area	$200	$900	5+10 days
Local Delivery to (California port) to Los Angeles	$360	$900	5+10 days
Montreal to (New York port) to Boston, MA	$410	$600	5+6 days
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to the area	$560	$900	6+10 days
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Montreal	$575	$600	6+6 days
Montreal to (New York port) to Chicago, IL	$675	$600	6+6 days
Montreal to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA	$700	$600	6+6 days
City limits to (California port) to Denver, CO	$775	$900	7+10 days
Miami, FL to (New York port) to Montreal	$925	$600	7+6 days
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Montreal	$1,025	$900	7+10 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.

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*Allow an additional ten days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one 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.

a vehicle is being carefully loaded onto a flatbed truck

Location

Montreal, in the province of Quebec, is the second-largest city in Canada. Its port, the Port of Montreal, is on the St. Lawrence River on Montreal Island. Thanks to its three international container facilities, more than 2,000 cargo ships visit this port every year, making it one of the busiest in the world.

Hauling Options

You’ve got a couple of delivery options to select from when shipping from the US to Montreal:

Door-to-Door Shipping: With door-to-door service, your car will be picked up from your doorstep, transported to the port or rail station of departure (if applicable), or loaded onto a truck. Upon arrival in Canada, it will be delivered to your chosen destination.
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: You may also drop off the vehicle at a shipping terminal and pick it up at the terminal upon arrival in Montreal.

There are also two primary types of transportation options to choose from, depending on your needs and budget:

Ro/Ro Shipping: Roll-on/roll-off services are available in Montreal. Favored for its affordability and convenience, this option allows your car to be driven directly onto the vessel and off again after arrival. Once it is in place, it will be secured to prevent movement.
Container Shipping: Vehicles can also be loaded into cargo containers for heightened protection from the elements and collisions. Hardy straps secure the vehicle and container in place. It is a popular choice with owners of antique cars who don’t mind the extra cost.

man in a suit holding papers beside a vehicle

Required Documents and Permissions

Ensure your vehicle is admissible as per Canada’s Registrar of Imported Vehicles. Other documents that you will need to provide include:

Original vehicle title/DMV-certified copy
Copy of your photo ID

According to the 72-Hour Export Law, the United States Customs office requires you to send a copy of the vehicle’s original title to the border crossing you’ll use. This must be done at least 72 hours beforehand. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle being held up at the border and can incur a $500 fine.

two vehicles inside an open shipping container

Preparing Your Vehicle for Hauling

Complete the items on this list to prepare your vehicle for shipping.

Clean your car thoroughly to expedite inspection and avoid long times spent in quarantine.
Remove all personal belongings from the car.
Ensure that the brakes (both foot and emergency) are fully functional.
Leave the gas tank roughly ¼ full.
Ensure the insurance documents are left inside the car or carried with you during inspection time.
Shut the alarms off, and lower/remove any antennae.

Customs Duties

Vehicles arriving in Montreal from a U.S. point of origin are subject to specific customs duties, which depend on their value and various other factors. For specifics, refer to the Canada Border Services Agency.

a flatbed truck carrying two black vehicles

Costs and Fees

Importing a car into Canada incurs various costs, including:

Goods and Services Tax (GST): 5% of the vehicle's value.
Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) Fee: $325 plus GST.
Inspection Fees: Typically range from $100 to $200.
Modification Costs: Depending on the vehicle, modifications may cost between $500 and $2,000.

Budgeting these expenses is essential to avoid unexpected costs during the import process.

Choosing a Shipping Method

Several shipping methods are available when transporting your car to Montreal:

Rail Transport: An efficient and cost-effective option for long distances.
Truck Transport: Offers flexibility and door-to-door service.
Enclosed Transport: Protects from the elements, ideal for high-value vehicles.

Selecting the appropriate method depends on your budget, timeline, and the level of protection desired for your vehicle.

Conclusion

Shipping a car from the U.S. to Montreal requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. Understanding the import process, ensuring compliance with Canadian standards, budgeting for associated costs, and selecting the appropriate shipping method can facilitate a smooth and successful vehicle importation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to ship a car from the United States to Montreal?

For a permanent import to Montreal, prepare the U.S. title or accepted ownership evidence, U.S. export filing, and the required Canadian vehicle import declaration. For a used vehicle, CBP requires the EEI filing through AES and supporting export documents at least 72 hours before export. Canada uses Form 1 or the RIV e-Form 1 for applicable personal imports, while financed or leased vehicles may require lender authorization. RIV-program vehicles also require recall clearance. A1's international car shipping document guide covers the broader paperwork checklist.

How much does shipping a car to Montreal from the United States cost?

As of October 2, 2026, shipping a standard operable car to Montreal generally runs about US$900-$1,800 from many eastern or central U.S. origins and US$2,300-$2,500 from the West Coast, before Canadian duties, taxes, and Québec registration costs. Distance, vehicle size, operability, trailer type, and pickup access account for most quote differences. A1's international car shipping rates calculator can price the exact origin and vehicle. Enclosed transport or difficult access can move the quote above these bands.

How long does U.S.-Canada car shipping to Montreal take?

U.S.-to-Montreal ground transport commonly takes about 4-6 loaded days from closer eastern corridors and 7-10 loaded days from West Coast origins after pickup. Pickup scheduling happens before that transit window and should be quoted separately. Border processing, weather, and carrier routing can extend delivery, especially on cross-country loads. Treat the pickup window and loaded-transit estimate as two separate time periods rather than one guaranteed delivery date.

Can I ship a car to Montreal door to door?

Yes, door-to-door car shipping to Montreal is available, but the pickup and delivery points must be safe and legal for a full-size carrier. Montréal requires truckers to use a designated trucking road network, so an address with restricted truck access or inadequate loading space may require a nearby legal meeting point. A1's door-to-door auto transport service explains how the service works. Confirm the final meeting location with the driver when the exact street cannot accommodate a large transport trailer.

How long can I keep my U.S.-registered car in Montreal without Québec registration?

Federal import and Québec registration timelines are different for a U.S.-registered car kept in Montreal. CBSA allows an eligible visitor's foreign vehicle to remain in Canada temporarily for up to 12 months, while the SAAQ registration exemption for a non-resident passenger vehicle lasts 6 consecutive months from arrival in Québec. If you settle in Québec, the SAAQ requires registration within 90 days. Students and some temporary residents have status-specific exemptions, so the federal temporary-import period does not automatically extend Québec's road-registration exemption.

Can I import a 25-year-old car from the United States to Montreal?

Yes. A passenger vehicle that is 15 years old or older, based on its manufacture date, is generally age-exempt from Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Act import requirements, so a 25-year-old car can qualify. Age exemption does not automatically make the vehicle eligible for Québec road registration. CBSA still checks ownership and customs admissibility, and the SAAQ requires a mechanical inspection certificate and U.S. title or salvage documentation when registering an applicable used vehicle from outside Québec.