Moving a household is a monumental task that involves coordinating a thousand different moving parts. When you are relocating within Ontario or moving to the vibrant North York area, one of the most significant logistical questions you will face is what to do with your vehicles. For many families, driving a second car across the province—or even across the country—is not a viable option. This is where the specialized world of vehicle shipping comes in.
At Top Town Movers, we have built our reputation on providing comprehensive local moving, long distance moving, and specialized services like senior moving and piano moving. We understand that your vehicles are among your most valuable assets, and ensuring they arrive at your new destination safely is just as important as the safety of your furniture. This article explores the landscape of vehicle relocation and identifies who offers vehicle transport to help make your next move as seamless as possible.
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The Challenge of Moving Vehicles
When you are planning a move, the focus is often on boxes and furniture. However, a household with multiple cars, a classic vehicle, or a motorcycle faces a unique set of challenges. Driving multiple vehicles to a new home in North York can be physically exhausting and logistically complicated, especially during a long distance move.
Adding hundreds or thousands of kilometers to a vehicle’s odometer increases wear and tear, requires multiple drivers, and adds significant costs in the form of fuel, overnight stays, and meals. Furthermore, Ontario’s unpredictable weather—ranging from heavy snow in the winter to intense heat in the summer—can make a long drive stressful and potentially dangerous.
Understanding Professional Vehicle Relocation
Professional vehicle transport is a service specifically designed to move cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles from one location to another using specialized equipment. Instead of you being behind the wheel, your vehicle is loaded onto a trailer or a railcar and transported by professionals.
When you look at who offers vehicle transport, you will find several different methods of shipping. Each has its own benefits depending on your budget and the type of vehicle you own.
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Open Carrier Transport
This is the most common and cost-effective method. You have likely seen these large, two-level trailers on the 401 highway, carrying up to ten vehicles at a time. While your car is exposed to the elements and road debris, it is securely strapped down and handled by experienced drivers. For everyday family vehicles, this is usually the preferred choice for a move within Ontario.
Enclosed Carrier Transport
For those moving high-value assets, such as luxury cars, vintage collectibles, or sports cars, enclosed transport provides an extra layer of security. The vehicle is placed inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from rain, snow, dust, and potential rock chips. While more expensive, it offers total peace of mind for rare or sentimental vehicles.
Rail Transport
In Canada, rail transport is a popular option for very long distance moves, such as moving from Ontario to British Columbia or the Maritimes. Your vehicle is placed inside a specialized railcar. This is often an efficient way to move a car over massive distances, though it may take slightly longer than road transport.
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Who Offers Vehicle Transport During a Move?
Finding the right provider is about matching your needs with the company’s expertise. In the Ontario moving industry, there are three primary types of providers that offer vehicle transport.
1. Full-Service Moving Companies
Many high-end moving companies, like Top Town Movers, act as your central point of contact for the entire relocation. While the moving truck carries your boxes and furniture, we can coordinate with specialized auto-hauling partners to ensure your vehicle is moved simultaneously.
The advantage of using a full-service mover to handle your vehicle transport is the streamlined communication. You don’t have to juggle two different companies with two different schedules. Instead, your move coordinator ensures that the arrival of your household goods and your vehicle is synchronized as closely as possible.
2. Specialized Auto Transport Brokers and Carriers
There are companies in North York and throughout Ontario that do nothing but ship vehicles. These “car haulers” possess the specialized trailers and ramps necessary to load vehicles safely. Some are brokers, who find the best available carrier for your specific route, while others are carriers who own and operate their own fleet of trucks.
3. Rental Truck Towing Solutions
For those opting for a DIY move, companies like Penske or U-Haul offer tow dollies and car carriers that can be attached to the back of a moving truck. While this is a budget-friendly option, it requires the driver to be comfortable navigating a much longer and heavier vehicle combination, which can be challenging on busy Ontario roads or in the tight streets of North York.
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The Benefits of Using a Professional Service
Choosing a professional who offers vehicle transport provides several key advantages that go beyond just saving you a long drive.
Preservation of Vehicle Value
Every kilometer you drive adds to the depreciation of your car. By shipping your vehicle, you keep the mileage low and avoid the mechanical stress of a long-haul trip. This is particularly important for leased vehicles that have strict mileage limits or for classic cars where low mileage is a key component of their value.
Safety and Security
Professional carriers use industrial-grade tie-downs and specialized loading techniques to ensure your vehicle does not shift during transit. Furthermore, reputable transport companies provide comprehensive insurance coverage. This means that in the rare event of an incident during the journey, your investment is protected.
Time Efficiency
Your time is valuable. A move from Northern Ontario to North York, or a move across provincial lines, can take several days of driving. By utilizing a transport service, you can fly to your destination or drive your primary vehicle while your secondary vehicles are handled by experts. This allows you to arrive at your new home refreshed and ready to begin the unpacking process.
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Specialized Vehicle Moving: Motorcycles and Pianos
At Top Town Movers, we often see moves that involve more than just the family sedan. We are experts in specialty moves, which includes piano moving and coordinating the transport of other heavy or delicate items.
Motorcycles, for example, require different crating and tie-down procedures than cars. They are top-heavy and prone to tipping if not secured by someone who understands their center of gravity. Similarly, if you have a high-value item like a grand piano, it requires a different kind of “vehicle” (a specialized moving truck with a climate-controlled environment and heavy-duty lift gates).
Our additional moving services are designed to bridge the gap between “standard” moving and the complex needs of modern families. Whether it is a motorcycle or a concert grand piano, we ensure the right equipment and expertise are applied.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you have selected a provider who offers vehicle transport, there are several steps you should take to prepare your car for the journey:
- Clean the Exterior: It is easier to conduct a thorough inspection of the paint and bodywork if the car is clean.
- Document the Condition: Take clear, high-resolution photos of the vehicle from all angles before it is loaded.
- Remove Personal Items: Most carriers require the car to be empty of personal belongings for insurance and weight reasons.
- Check for Leaks: Ensure your vehicle isn’t leaking any fluids, as this can damage other vehicles on the carrier.
- Maintain a Low Fuel Level: Most transporters prefer the gas tank to be about a quarter full to reduce weight while still allowing the car to be driven on and off the trailer.
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Moving Seniors and Their Vehicles
One of our core specialties at Top Town Movers is senior moving. Relocating a senior often involves a transition to a smaller home or a retirement community in North York. In many cases, the senior may no longer wish to drive long distances but still wants to keep their vehicle for local errands.
In these sensitive situations, we take extra care to manage the logistics of the vehicle transport so the senior doesn’t have to worry about the details. We provide a gentle, guided experience that covers everything from packing their cherished belongings to ensuring their car is waiting for them at their new residence.
Why Choose Top Town Movers for Your Ontario Relocation
The success of a move depends on the reliability of your partners. When you work with Top Town Movers, you are choosing a team that understands the North York area and the unique demands of moving in Ontario.
While our primary services include local moving, storage, and packing service, we view ourselves as your total relocation solution. We know the stress that comes with wondering how to get your car to your new home, and we work tirelessly to provide the answers and the services you need.
From the moment you request a quote for long distance moving until the final box is placed in your new living room, we are there to ensure every item—whether it is a dining chair, a piano, or a family SUV—is treated with the highest level of professional care.
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Conclusion
Finding a company that offers vehicle transport is a vital step in modernizing your moving experience. It transforms a grueling multi-car road trip into a managed, professional process that protects your vehicles and your peace of mind. As you plan your next move in North York or throughout Ontario, consider the long-term benefits of professional transport.
Relocation is a new beginning. By letting experts handle the logistics of your vehicles, you can focus on the excitement of your new home rather than the stress of the road. At Top Town Movers, we are ready to help you navigate every mile of that journey.
