How to Choose a Car Transport Company for a BC Move

The "best" car transport company for a move within British Columbia is the one that can do your specific route on your dates, puts the price and terms in writing, and documents your vehicle properly from pickup to delivery. Comparing companies on those points is more useful than comparing headline prices or star ratings alone.

1. Get the scope, fees and taxes in writing

• Ask for a written quote showing the total price and applicable taxes (GST, and PST where it applies).
• Check what is included: ferry fares, fuel, waiting time, non-running vehicle handling, residential access.
• Ask what could change the price after booking, and how you would be told.
• Confirm the payment terms and when payment is due.

2. Confirm the route and timing they can actually do

• Ask whether the company regularly runs your route, or would hand it to another carrier.
• Get a pickup window and a delivery window, not just "sometime this week".
• For Vancouver Island, ask how ferry sailings are booked. For the Interior in winter, ask how weather delays are handled.
• Ask how you will be updated if the window changes.

3. Understand the carrier method

• Is it a carrier with its own trucks and drivers, or a broker arranging another company's truck? Both exist; you should know which.
• Open or enclosed trailer — which one is quoted, and is enclosed available for your dates if you want it?
• Will your vehicle share the truck with others (usually cheaper) or travel on a dedicated truck?

4. Ask for insurance documentation — limits and exclusions

• Ask for a certificate of insurance before the move, not after.
• Check the per-vehicle limit against your vehicle's value, and ask about the deductible.
• Ask what is excluded — personal items left in the car are commonly excluded.
• For high-value, classic or modified vehicles, confirm in writing that the coverage is suitable.

5. Check pickup and delivery access

• Describe both locations: street width, steep driveways, gated sites, strata rules, parkade height.
• Ask whether the truck can reach the address or whether a nearby meeting point is needed.
• Confirm who must be present at each end and what ID or authorisation they need.

6. Insist on condition photos and a Bill of Lading

• The vehicle's condition should be recorded at pickup — ideally with photos you can access.
• At delivery, inspect the vehicle before signing and note anything new on the Bill of Lading.
• Keep your copy of the signed Bill of Lading.

7. Know the claims contact before you need it

• Ask who to contact if there is damage, and how to reach them.
• Ask what documentation a claim needs (Bill of Lading notes, photos, repair estimate).
• Be wary of any company that asks you to sign a "clean" Bill of Lading when there is visible damage.

Preparation checklist

1. Collect two or three written quotes for the same vehicle, route and dates.
2. Confirm pickup and delivery windows and who will be present at each end.
3. Get the certificate of insurance and check the limit against your vehicle's value.
4. Wash the vehicle so existing marks are visible, and take your own dated photos.
5. Remove personal items, toll transponders and loose accessories.
6. Leave a modest amount of fuel; note any warning lights, leaks or mechanical issues.
7. Have keys, fobs and any wheel-lock key ready; disable or tell the driver about alarms.
8. Have ownership or authorisation documents ready (for a private purchase, the bill of sale).
9. At delivery, inspect before signing and note anything new on the Bill of Lading.

How C2C Transport handles these points

C2C Transport is based in Langley and moves vehicles across BC for private owners, dealerships, auctions and fleets. We confirm route, timing and price in writing before booking, record the vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery, and sign off every move on a Bill of Lading. Ask us for our certificate of insurance and anything else on this list before you book.