What Really Happens When You Ship Your Car from Vancouver to Calgary

Shipping your car from Vancouver to Calgary for the first time feels weird. You're handing your vehicle to someone you just met. They're driving away with one of your most expensive possessions. You have no idea when you'll see it again or what condition it will be in.

Understanding what happens at each step makes the whole thing way less stressful. You know what to expect. You know when to worry and when everything is going exactly how it should. You know what questions to ask and when to ask them.

Navistar Auto Transport runs the Vancouver to Calgary route 3 to 4 times every week. They've shipped thousands of vehicles. Their drivers know every kilometer of Highway 1 through the mountains. They handle weather delays, road closures, and all the random stuff that happens during 1,000 kilometer journeys.

This guide walks through the entire process from the moment you request a quote until your car gets delivered in Calgary. Real timelines. Real procedures. What actually happens instead of what companies claim happens.

People shipping cars for the first time always have the same worries. Will my car get damaged? What if something goes wrong? How do I know where my car is? When will it actually arrive? All fair questions. All answered here.

Getting Your Quote

You start by contacting Navistar either through their website or calling 778 837 2908. They ask about your vehicle make, model, year, and condition. They need your pickup location in Vancouver and delivery address in Calgary. They want to know your timeline and whether you prefer door to door or terminal service.

The quote comes back within a few hours during business days. Sometimes faster if you call directly. The price depends on your specific vehicle and timing but door to door service runs $927 to $1,134 while terminal service costs $784 to $958.

Your quote shows the total price, what's included, insurance coverage amount, estimated pickup window, and expected delivery timeline. Read everything. Ask questions about anything unclear. This quote becomes your contract once you accept it.

Accepting the Quote and Paying Deposit

When you accept the quote, you pay a deposit. Usually 20 to 30 percent of the total cost. This reserves your pickup date and puts you on the schedule. Navistar accepts e transfer, credit card, or certified check for deposits.

You receive booking confirmation with your pickup window. Door to door service running 3 to 4 times weekly means you can usually book within a week or two of your preferred date. Terminal service runs weekly so timing might need more flexibility.

The confirmation email includes your driver contact information, what to do before pickup, and a vehicle preparation checklist. This checklist covers reducing fuel to quarter tank, removing personal belongings, and cleaning your exterior.

Preparing for Pickup Day

You have between booking and pickup day to get your car ready. Most people book 2 to 3 weeks out which gives plenty of prep time. Rush bookings within a few days mean you need to prepare immediately.

Vehicle preparation takes about an hour. Check your fuel gauge and burn off excess if above quarter tank. Empty your entire interior of personal belongings. Run your car through a wash or clean it yourself. Test that it starts and drives normally.

Take your own photos of your vehicle from all sides before pickup day. Photograph existing scratches, dents, or damage. Get shots of your odometer and VIN plate. These photos give you independent documentation separate from what the carrier provides.

The day before pickup, the driver calls or texts confirming the next day appointment. They give you a time window, usually 2 to 3 hours. You need to be available with your vehicle during that entire window.

Driver Arrival and Initial Check

The driver shows up during your scheduled window driving a large multi car carrier. These trucks haul 8 to 10 vehicles at once. Your car might be the first pickup or they might already have other vehicles loaded.

First thing, the driver introduces themselves and asks to see your ID. They verify you're the person listed on the booking paperwork. They ask for your vehicle keys including any spares you have.

The driver walks around your car doing a quick visual check before the formal inspection. They're looking at ground clearance, tire condition, and whether your vehicle sits level. This quick look tells them where on the trailer your car should go and whether any loading issues might come up.

The Bill of Lading Inspection

Now comes the most important part of pickup day. The Bill of Lading inspection. This takes 15 to 20 minutes and documents your vehicle condition before transport begins.

You and the driver walk around your entire vehicle together. The driver has a form with a vehicle diagram on it. They mark every scratch, dent, paint chip, or imperfection on that diagram. They photograph your car from multiple angles. Front, rear, both sides, diagonal views, close ups of existing damage, wheels, and interior.

The driver notes your odometer reading, VIN number, make, model, year, and color. All this information goes on the Bill of Lading form.
Point out every bit of existing damage you see. Even tiny scratches or small dings. If something exists now and doesn't get documented, proving it was there before transport becomes your word against theirs. Over document rather than under document.

The driver checks that your fuel is at quarter tank or less. They verify no personal belongings are inside. They confirm your vehicle starts and drives normally.

Once inspection finishes, you and the driver both sign the Bill of Lading. You get a copy right then. Keep this copy somewhere safe. You'll need it at delivery for comparison.

Vehicle Loading

The driver positions the carrier for easiest loading access. They extend ramps if needed. They drive your vehicle onto the trailer carefully and position it in the assigned spot.

Your car gets secured with wheel straps that wrap over the tires and attach to the trailer deck. Professional carriers never use chains that could damage wheels or suspension. The straps hold your vehicle firmly without touching painted surfaces.

The driver checks strap tension and makes sure your car sits stable. They verify nothing will shift during transit. Then they're ready to go.

The whole pickup process from driver arrival to driving away with your car takes 30 to 45 minutes. Longer if multiple vehicles are being picked up at the same location or if your car has unusual loading requirements.

For detailed information about what other routes Navistar handles, check their Canadian car shipping page covering destinations throughout Western Canada.

The Route and Travel Time

Your car travels 1,000 kilometers from Vancouver to Calgary. The route follows Highway 1 through Fraser Canyon, over Rogers Pass, through the Rocky Mountains, and into Alberta.

The journey takes 2 to 3 days depending on weather, traffic, other pickups and deliveries along the way, and required rest stops. Drivers follow federal regulations limiting how many hours they can drive per day.

Day one usually covers Vancouver to Kamloops, about 350 kilometers. Day two takes the vehicle through the mountains from Kamloops to Golden or Banff, another 400 to 500 kilometers. Day three completes the trip into Calgary, the final 200 to 300 kilometers.

These timelines assume good weather and no highway closures. BC mountain passes close temporarily for avalanche control, accidents, or severe weather. Winter shipping adds extra time as drivers wait for safe travel conditions.

What the Driver Does During Transport

Professional drivers don't just drive straight through. They stop regularly to check vehicle securing. They verify straps remain tight and vehicles haven't shifted. They look for any issues developing.

Drivers monitor weather forecasts and road conditions constantly. They check DriveBC for highway status before heading into mountain passes. If Rogers Pass shows avalanche control or Highway 1 through Fraser Canyon has an accident closure, they wait.

Fuel stops happen every few hundred kilometers. The driver does a walk around checking all vehicles during these stops. They're looking for anything unusual.

Drivers communicate with dispatch throughout the journey. Dispatch tracks all vehicles and coordinates timing. If delays happen, dispatch contacts customers with updates.

The driver might pick up or deliver other vehicles along the way. Car transport Vancouver to various destinations means carriers optimize routes by handling multiple shipments on each trip.

Weather and Road Conditions Impact

BC mountain weather changes fast. Clear conditions in Kamloops don't mean clear conditions at Rogers Pass. Snow, ice, wind, and rain all affect travel timing.

Professional carriers prioritize safety over speed. If weather looks bad, they wait. If highway patrol closes a pass, they find somewhere to park until it reopens. Rushing through dangerous conditions causes accidents and damages vehicles.

Winter weather from November through March adds 1 to 2 days to standard timelines. This isn't carrier fault. This is reality of shipping vehicles through Canadian mountain passes in winter.

Summer weather usually causes fewer delays. Occasional construction or tourist traffic slows things but rarely stops them completely.

For other BC routes and their timing, see the page about car shipping Vancouver to Edmonton which faces similar mountain pass considerations.

Online Tracking Systems

Navistar provides online tracking showing your vehicle location during transport. You receive login information after pickup. The tracking system updates every few hours showing where the carrier is currently located.

Tracking shows estimated arrival time in Calgary based on current progress. This estimate changes if delays happen. Weather, traffic, or route adjustments all affect timing.

You can check tracking as often as you want. Some people check every hour. Some check once a day. Whatever makes you comfortable.

The tracking system also shows driver contact information if you need to reach them directly. Most carriers prefer you contact dispatch with questions rather than calling the driver while they're driving.

Driver Communication

Drivers or dispatch contact you if anything significant happens. Highway closures causing major delays. Weather requiring them to stop and wait. Anything that pushes delivery timing back by more than half a day.

No news usually means good news. Your vehicle is traveling as planned on schedule. You should receive at least one update during the journey confirming everything is going fine.

Some drivers are more communicative than others. Some text updates every few hundred kilometers. Some only contact you when they're a few hours from Calgary delivery. Both approaches are normal.

What to Do If You Have Concerns

.Contact Navistar dispatch if you have questions or concerns during transport. They track all vehicles and know exactly where yours is. They can answer timing questions, provide updates, or connect you with your driver if needed.

Don't panic if tracking shows your vehicle stopped for several hours. Drivers take mandatory rest breaks. They stop for fuel. They might be waiting out weather or a highway closure. Long stops are usually planned and normal.
If tracking stops updating for 12+ hours, contact dispatch. Technical issues sometimes affect GPS systems. Dispatch can confirm your vehicle is fine even if tracking isn't working.

For more about what to expect during shipping, the FAQ page answers common questions about timelines, tracking, and communication.

Driver Contact Before Arriva

lThe driver contacts you 3 to 4 hours before arriving in Calgary. They confirm your delivery address and ask about access. Can their large carrier fit in your driveway? Is there street parking? Any low hanging wires or branches blocking access?

The driver gives you a more precise delivery window. Usually 1 to 2 hours instead of the broader estimates you had before. You need to be available during this window with valid ID.

If nobody is available at your delivery address, you can designate someone else to accept delivery. Tell Navistar ahead of time who that person is. They need ID and authority to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Vehicle Unloading

The driver positions the carrier for safe unloading. They remove straps securing your vehicle. They carefully drive your car off the trailer using ramps.

Once your vehicle is on the ground, the delivery inspection begins. This works exactly like the pickup inspection but in reverse.

Delivery Inspection Process

You and the driver walk around your vehicle together. The driver has the pickup Bill of Lading showing your vehicle condition when transport started. You compare your car now against that documentation.

Check every surface. Look at all body panels, bumpers, wheels, windows, and undercarriage visible areas. Compare against the pickup photos. Look for any new damage that wasn't documented at pickup.

The driver takes new photos showing your vehicle condition at delivery. These photos prove what condition your car was in when you received it.
If everything looks good and matches the pickup documentation, you sign the delivery Bill of Lading confirming you received your vehicle in the same condition it left Vancouver.

If You Find New Damage

If you discover damage that wasn't on the pickup Bill of Lading, point it out immediately before signing anything. The driver photographs the new damage and notes it specifically on the delivery form.

Be specific. "3 inch scratch on driver door below mirror" not just "door scratched." Precise descriptions matter if you file a damage claim.

Both you and the driver sign acknowledging new damage was found. This creates your claim record. Contact Navistar within 24 hours to start the claim process officially.

Don't sign the delivery form saying everything is fine if damage exists. Once you sign accepting the vehicle without noting damage, proving it happened during transport becomes almost impossible.

Making Final Payment

After inspection is complete and you've signed the delivery Bill of Lading, you pay the remaining balance. This is the 70 to 80 percent you didn't pay as deposit.

Most carriers accept cash or e transfer for final payment. Some take certified checks or credit cards. Whatever payment method you arranged during booking.

The driver gives you your vehicle keys and all final paperwork. You're done. Your Vancouver to Calgary car shipping is complete.

Deposit at Booking

The deposit reserves your spot on the schedule. It's usually 20 to 30 percent of total cost. For a $1,000 shipment, expect a $200 to $300 deposit.

This deposit is non refundable if you cancel last minute. If you need to reschedule with reasonable notice, most carriers apply your deposit to the new date. Read the terms and conditions for specific cancellation and rescheduling policies.

Balance Due at Delivery

The remaining 70 to 80 percent comes due at delivery. Don't pay this until you've inspected your vehicle and confirmed its condition. If the driver asks for payment before unloading, that's a red flag.

Proper procedure: unload vehicle, conduct inspection, sign paperwork, then make final payment. Never pay final balance until you've verified your car is in acceptable condition.

What Payment Covers

Your payment includes the vehicle transport itself, comprehensive insurance coverage, both pickup and delivery inspections, Bill of Lading documentation, online tracking access, and driver expertise handling your specific route.

Insurance covers your vehicle value up to policy limits. Typically $100,000 to $250,000 depending on the carrier. This protects you if accidents or transport damage occurs.

The cost also covers fuel for 1,000 kilometers through mountains, driver wages, equipment maintenance, and all operating costs. Professional carriers maintain proper licensing, insurance, and equipment that all factor into pricing.

Payment Methods Accepted

Most carriers prefer e transfer or cash for final payment. E transfer is safer than carrying large amounts of cash and provides instant proof of payment.

Some carriers accept credit cards but charge processing fees. Usually 2 to 3 percent of the final balance. This fee covers what credit card companies charge merchants.

Certified checks work but some drivers don't want to wait for checks to clear. Discuss payment method during booking so there are no surprises at delivery.

For more details about Navistar's services and pricing, check their services page explaining what's included with each service level.

Common Issues During Transport

Delays happen. Weather closes mountain passes. Accidents block highways. Mechanical problems affect the carrier truck. These things are out of the driver's control.

Minor damage can occur despite careful handling. A rock kicked up by another vehicle hits your car. Something shifts slightly and causes a small scratch. Professional carriers have insurance covering these situations.

Communication gaps sometimes happen. Drivers get busy and forget to send updates. Tracking systems have technical problems. Dispatch gets overwhelmed during busy seasons.

Most issues are minor annoyances rather than serious problems. Real disasters are rare with professional carriers who maintain proper equipment and employ experienced drivers.

Weather Delays

Winter weather affects BC mountain passes regularly. Rogers Pass closes for avalanche control. Highway 1 through Fraser Canyon closes for accidents or rockslides. The Coquihalla sees closures during heavy snow.

Professional drivers wait for safe travel conditions rather than risking dangerous passes. This protects your vehicle and other vehicles on the carrier. Patience during weather delays prevents accidents.

If weather delays your shipment, the carrier contacts you with updates. They can't give exact timing until conditions improve and highways reopen. Flexibility helps during these situations.

Weather delays don't cost you extra. Your quoted price covers the transport regardless of how long it takes. Carriers absorb weather delay costs as normal operating expenses.

Damage Claims

If your vehicle arrives with new damage not documented at pickup, you have grounds for a claim. Document the damage thoroughly at delivery. Photograph it from multiple angles. Note it specifically on the delivery Bill of Lading.

Contact Navistar within 24 hours to report the damage officially. They start the claim process by reviewing your documentation, inspecting the damage if possible, and checking their insurance coverage.

Claims typically take 15 to 45 days to resolve depending on damage severity and documentation quality. Good documentation at pickup and delivery speeds up claims.

Insurance covers legitimate transport damage. It doesn't cover pre existing damage you failed to note at pickup. This is why thorough pickup inspection matters so much.

Delivery Timing Issues

Sometimes delivery takes longer than estimated. Other pickups along the route take more time than expected. A vehicle that was supposed to get delivered before yours needs extra travel time. These routing issues affect your delivery timing.

If your delivery is going to be significantly late, the carrier contacts you with a new estimated time. "Significantly" usually means more than one day past the original estimate.

Last minute delivery changes are frustrating but happen occasionally. Professional carriers try to minimize these but can't always avoid them given the complexity of moving multiple vehicles across long distances.

For answers to other common concerns, see the FAQ page which covers topics like insurance, timing, and handling problems.

Professional carriers who run routes regularly know every detail of their specific routes. They've driven Highway 1 hundreds of times. They know where construction happens. They know which passes close most often. They know where to stop for fuel and rest.

Navistar runs Vancouver to Calgary 3 to 4 times weekly year round. Their drivers have years of experience with BC mountain driving. This expertise shows in how they handle weather, routing, and customer communication.

For information about the company behind the service, visit the about page which explains their background, experience, and approach to professional vehicle transport.

Previous Article: How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping Vancouver

See Also: Car Transport Vancouver for information about other routes and destinations