Moving to Mississauga? How to Transport Your Car Long Distance
π Quick Answer β Your 3 Options
To transport your car to Mississauga during a long-distance move, you have three options: (1) Drive it yourself β cheapest if the distance is under 500 km and the car is reliable. (2) Flatbed tow truck β best for vehicles that cannot or should not be driven long distances (luxury, classic, non-running, or second vehicles). Costs $1.50β$3.50 per km. (3) Auto carrier/shipping β best for cross-country moves over 2,000 km. Costs $800β$2,000+ but takes 5β14 days.
Need a quote for long-distance towing? Call (647) 601-6377 β custom quotes within minutes.
Moving to a new city is overwhelming enough without figuring out what to do with your car. If you are relocating to Mississauga from Ottawa, Montreal, Thunder Bay, Vancouver, or anywhere else in Canada, you have a logistics decision to make: do you drive the car yourself, hire a tow truck, or ship it on a carrier? Each option has a different cost, timeline, and risk profile β and the right choice depends on your distance, vehicle type, and personal situation.
This is especially important if you are transporting a second vehicle (you are driving the first), moving a car that is not road-trip reliable, or relocating a luxury or classic vehicle that should not accumulate highway kilometres. You also need to think about insurance implications, vehicle preparation, and timing the transport to align with your move-in date.
This guide from Mississauga Towing covers every option for getting your car to Mississauga, compares costs for common routes, and explains what to look for in a long-distance towing or transport service.
Your 3 Options for Transporting a Car to Mississauga
Option 1
π Drive It Yourself
The simplest option if the car is reliable and you are comfortable with a long drive. You control the timeline and can bring personal items in the car.
Best for:
Distances under 500 km, reliable vehicles, single-car households
Typical cost:
Gas + food + wear = $80β$300
Option 2
π Flatbed Tow Truck
Your car is loaded onto a flatbed truck and transported door-to-door. All four wheels off the ground. Fastest door-to-door option β same-day or next-day delivery within Ontario.
Best for:
Within Ontario, non-running cars, luxury/classic/EV, second vehicles
Typical cost:
$1.50β$3.50/km ($150β$1,400+ depending on distance)
Option 3
π’ Auto Carrier / Shipping
Your car is loaded onto a multi-vehicle carrier (open or enclosed) alongside other vehicles heading the same direction. Cost-effective for long distances but slower β 5 to 14 day transit window.
Best for:
Cross-country moves (2,000+ km), budget-conscious moves, flexible timelines
Typical cost:
$800β$2,000+ (open) / $1,200β$3,500+ (enclosed)
Estimated Transport Costs to Mississauga by Route
Here is what you can expect to pay for transporting a standard passenger vehicle to Mississauga from common Canadian cities:
* Drive-yourself costs include gas, food, and estimated wear. Flatbed tow costs are based on $1.50β$2.50/km for Ontario routes. Auto carrier costs are for open transport β enclosed adds 30β50%. All prices are 2026 estimates. Call (647) 601-6377 for an exact quote on any route.
When Flatbed Towing Is the Best Choice for Your Move
A long-distance flatbed tow is the ideal transport method in these situations:
- Non-running vehicle β the car does not start, has mechanical issues, or is not road-trip reliable. A flatbed loads it regardless of its condition.
- Second vehicle β you are driving your primary car and need the second vehicle transported separately. A flatbed delivers it the same day or next day.
- Luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle β you do not want to add 500+ km of highway wear, stone chips, and odometer miles to a BMW, Porsche, collector car, or vehicle you plan to sell. A flatbed keeps it pristine.
- Electric vehicle with limited range β if the route has charging gaps or the EV’s range does not comfortably cover the distance, a flatbed eliminates range anxiety entirely.
- Time-sensitive move β auto carriers take 5β14 days. A flatbed tow within Ontario delivers same-day or next-day. If you need the car when you arrive, a flatbed is the only option that guarantees timing.
- Recently purchased vehicle β bought a car from a private seller in another city? We pick it up and deliver it to your Mississauga home.
Moving to Mississauga? We Bring Your Car Safe and Sound
Long-distance flatbed towing across Ontario and beyond. Custom quotes in minutes.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Long-Distance Transport
Whether you are towing or shipping, take these steps before the transport company picks up your vehicle:
- Clean the exterior β this makes it much easier to document the vehicle’s condition before transport and identify any new damage after delivery. Photograph every panel, bumper, and wheel.
- Remove all personal items β tow trucks and carriers are not insured for personal belongings inside the vehicle. Remove anything valuable: electronics, documents, GPS devices, sunglasses, and loose items that could shift and cause damage.
- Note existing damage β document every scratch, dent, and chip with dated photos before the vehicle is picked up. Share these photos with the transport company. This is your proof if a damage dispute arises.
- Check fluid levels and tire pressure β even if the vehicle is being flatbedded, proper tire pressure prevents flat spots from sitting on the deck, and adequate fluids prevent leaks during loading and unloading.
- Disable the alarm system β a car alarm that triggers during transport is a headache for the driver and may drain the battery. Deactivate it before pickup or leave detailed instructions for the driver.
- Leave the fuel tank at a quarter β enough fuel to drive on and off the flatbed, but not a full tank that adds unnecessary weight. For auto carriers, this is often a requirement.
- Provide all keys β leave one key with the transport company and keep a spare. The driver needs a key to release the parking brake, shift gears, and steer during loading.
Insurance During Vehicle Transport β What Is Covered?
Understand what is covered β and what is not β during transport:
β Carrier/Tow Company Liability Insurance
Any reputable transport company carries cargo liability insurance that covers damage caused during loading, transit, and unloading. Ask for proof of insurance before booking. Our long-distance towing includes full transit coverage.
β Your Auto Insurance β Comprehensive Coverage
If you have comprehensive coverage on your own policy, it typically covers damage during transport. This acts as a secondary layer on top of the transport company’s insurance. Contact your insurance provider to confirm before the move.
β Personal Belongings Inside the Car
Neither the transport company’s insurance nor your auto insurance covers personal items left inside the vehicle during transport. Remove everything valuable before pickup.
What to Check When Your Vehicle Arrives in Mississauga
When the transport truck delivers your vehicle to your new Mississauga address, inspect carefully before signing the delivery receipt:
- Walk around the entire vehicle β check every panel, bumper, mirror, and wheel for new scratches, dents, or chips. Compare to your pre-transport photos.
- Check underneath β look for fluid leaks, scrapes, or hanging components that may have been damaged during loading or transit.
- Start the engine β verify it starts and runs normally. Check dashboard for new warning lights.
- Test the brakes β drive slowly in a safe area and confirm the brakes work properly before entering traffic.
- Check tire pressure β tires may have lost pressure during transit. A quick check prevents a TPMS warning on your first drive.
- Note any issues on the delivery receipt β if you find any new damage, write it on the delivery receipt before signing. Take photos immediately with a timestamp. This documentation is essential for any insurance claim.
Delivery to Any Mississauga Neighbourhood
We deliver long-distance transports to every neighbourhood in Mississauga β right to your new driveway. View our full service area map.
Related Towing & Transport Services
Beyond long-distance transport, we offer a full range of services for your vehicle in Mississauga:
- Long-distance towing β flatbed transport across Ontario and beyond
- Flatbed towing β all four wheels off the ground, any distance
- Scrap car removal β leaving a vehicle behind? Free removal in Mississauga
- Breakdown towing β car breaks down during your move? We handle it
- Battery boost β car sat too long during the move and battery died
- Roadside assistance β any roadside emergency during or after your move
- Motorcycle towing β relocating a motorcycle alongside your car
- 24-hour towing β your new Mississauga tow company for any future need
Frequently Asked Questions β Long-Distance Car Transport
How much does it cost to transport a car to Mississauga?
It depends on the distance and method. A flatbed tow within Ontario costs $1.50 to $3.50 per km. An auto carrier from Western Canada costs $1,300 to $2,200. Driving yourself is cheapest at $80 to $1,000 depending on distance. Call (647) 601-6377 for an exact quote for your specific route.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car to Mississauga?
Driving is almost always cheaper in direct cost β but you need to factor in wear on the vehicle, odometer miles (which reduce resale value), your time, hotel stays for long trips, and the risk of a breakdown en route. For distances under 500 km with a reliable car, driving makes sense. For longer distances or valuable vehicles, professional transport may be the better total-cost option.
How long does it take to transport a car to Mississauga?
A flatbed tow within Ontario typically delivers same-day or next-day. An auto carrier from Montreal takes 3 to 7 days. From Western Canada, expect 7 to 14 days. If timing is critical, flatbed towing is the only option that guarantees a specific delivery date.
Can you transport a non-running car to Mississauga?
Yes. A flatbed tow truck loads non-running vehicles using a winch β the car does not need to start or move on its own. We regularly transport non-running, non-driveable, and project vehicles for customers relocating to Mississauga.
Should I use a flatbed or an auto carrier for my move?
Use a flatbed for moves within Ontario where you need the car quickly (same-day or next-day), for non-running vehicles, or for luxury and classic vehicles needing individual attention. Use an auto carrier for cross-country moves where cost matters more than speed and you can wait 5 to 14 days.
Is my car insured during long-distance transport?
A reputable transport company carries cargo liability insurance covering damage during transit. Your own comprehensive auto insurance may also apply as secondary coverage. Ask the transport provider for proof of insurance before booking. Personal items inside the vehicle are not covered β remove them before pickup.
Can I put personal items in the car during transport?
Flatbed towing allows some personal items in the vehicle (within reason β nothing heavy that could shift). Auto carriers typically prohibit personal items for insurance and safety reasons. Always confirm with the transport provider before loading anything inside the car.
Do you pick up from other cities or just deliver to Mississauga?
We handle both directions. We can pick up a vehicle from another Ontario city and deliver to Mississauga, or pick up from Mississauga and deliver elsewhere. For cross-province routes, we coordinate with partner carriers to provide seamless door-to-door service.
Can you transport my electric vehicle long distance?
Yes β flatbed only. EVs must be transported with all four wheels off the ground to protect the electric drivetrain. We are experienced with Tesla, BMW i-Series, Hyundai Ioniq, and all major EV brands. Transport Mode is activated before loading where applicable.
How do I get a quote for transporting my car to Mississauga?
Call (647) 601-6377 with the pickup city, vehicle year/make/model, and whether the vehicle runs. We provide a custom quote within minutes β no obligation. For within-Ontario routes, we offer same-day or next-day pickup.
Welcome to Mississauga. Let Us Bring Your Car Home.
Long-distance flatbed towing from anywhere in Ontario. Custom quotes in minutes.