Standard pickup windows are 1-3 business days from your scheduled date. Expedited pickup (24-48 hours) is available for an additional fee. Someone must be present during the entire window to release the vehicle to the carrier.
Can I reschedule my pickup date?
Yes, you can reschedule your pickup. Rescheduling more than 48 hours before pickup is free. Between 24-48 hours costs $50; less than 24 hours costs $100. After a carrier has been assigned, rescheduling is $150 plus any carrier costs.
How long is my quote valid?
Quoted prices are valid for 7 days from the quote date. Prices may change due to fuel surcharges, route adjustments, or if vehicle details differ from the original information provided.
How long does shipping take to each state?
Delivery times depend on your destination and where you're shipping from in Canada. Here's what to expect:
🌴 Florida (The Snowbird Express) • From Toronto/Eastern Canada: 3-6 days • Distance: ~1,350-1,500 miles • Our most popular route! High carrier availability means faster pickups.
☀️ California (The West Coast Journey) • From Vancouver/BC: 6-8 days • From Toronto/Eastern Canada: 8-11 days • Distance: 950-3,100+ miles depending on origin • Longer coast-to-coast routes require more transit time.
🤠 Texas (The Southern Shortcut) • From Toronto/Eastern Canada: 5-7 days • Distance: ~1,400-1,550 miles • Direct routes through the midwest make Texas surprisingly quick.
🏜️ Arizona (The Desert Route) • From Vancouver/BC: 5-7 days • From Toronto/Eastern Canada: 7-9 days • Popular with snowbirds heading to Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson.
Good to know: You'll receive your exact ETA within 48 hours of booking. All times are estimates—weather, traffic, and carrier schedules can affect delivery. We keep you updated every step of the way with real-time tracking.
Insurance & Protection
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes, all carriers maintain minimum cargo insurance of $150,000 USD per shipment. This covers collision damage, loading/unloading incidents, weather damage, theft, and fire damage at no extra cost to you.
What is NOT covered by insurance?
Insurance does not cover: pre-existing damage, personal belongings left in the vehicle, mechanical failures unrelated to transport, unsecured aftermarket parts, and vehicles with undisclosed frame damage or salvage titles.
Can I get proof of insurance?
Yes, a Certificate of Insurance is available after carrier assignment and payment. Request it by emailing support@snowbirdship.com with your order number.
Vehicle Preparation
How should I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
Leave only 1/4 tank of fuel. Ensure the vehicle is clean inside and out. Remove or secure loose items, toll transponders, and antennas. Disable alarms and provide deactivation instructions. Provide one working key (two recommended).
Can I leave personal belongings in my vehicle?
For enclosed transport, you may leave up to 100 lbs in the trunk below the window line. Personal items are not covered by insurance. Open transport prohibits personal belongings entirely.
What items am I not able to ship in my vehicle?
For safety, legal, and insurance reasons, certain items cannot be transported inside your vehicle.
Prohibited items (all shipments): • Firearms, ammunition, and weapons of any kind • Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials • Hazardous materials (chemicals, propane tanks, gasoline cans) • Illegal substances and controlled drugs • Live animals or plants • Perishable food items • Cash, jewelry, and high-value collectibles • Important documents (passports, birth certificates)
Additional restrictions for cross-border shipments: • Alcohol and tobacco products • Cannabis and CBD products (illegal to cross the border) • Prescription medications (carry these with you) • Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products • Items restricted by U.S. or Canadian customs
Not covered by insurance: Personal belongings left in the vehicle are not covered by carrier insurance. We strongly recommend removing all valuables before shipping. If you must leave items in the trunk (enclosed transport only, max 100 lbs), do so at your own risk.
Why these restrictions? Carriers are subject to DOT inspections and border security checks. Prohibited items can result in fines, shipment delays, or vehicle seizure at the border.
Can you ship a vehicle that doesn't run?
Yes, but you must disclose this at booking. Inoperable vehicles require special handling equipment, which costs an additional $100-$300. Winching or forklift services may incur extra charges.
Pricing & Payments
Price Guarantee - How does it work?
Once we give you a quote, we lock it in for 7 calendar days. No surprise fees or dynamic mark-ups. If key details about your shipment change, a new quote will be provided for your approval before proceeding.
What is your cancellation policy?
Before carrier assignment: Cancel 7+ days before pickup for a full refund. 3-7 days incurs a $75 fee. 24-72 hours receives a 50% refund. Less than 24 hours receives no refund.
What if I cancel after a carrier is assigned?
If the carrier has not yet departed with your vehicle, you receive a refund minus a $200 fee. If the carrier has already been dispatched, no refund is available and you are responsible for any incurred costs.
How long do refunds take to process?
Credit card refunds take 5-7 business days to appear on your statement. Bank transfers take 7-10 business days. You will receive a confirmation email when the refund is processed.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept ACH bank transfers and all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept credit and debit cards issued by Canadian banks.
Delivery & Inspections
Will I receive updates during transport?
Yes! You will receive notifications for: booking confirmation, carrier assignment, pickup scheduling, in-transit updates, delivery scheduling, and delivery confirmation. Updates are sent via email and SMS.
What if my vehicle is delivered at night?
Write "Subject to inspection" or "Pending daylight inspection" on the delivery receipt. Inspect your vehicle within 24 hours in proper lighting and report any findings immediately.
Does anyone need to be present during pickup/delivery?
Yes, the owner or an appointed individual must be present to sign for the vehicle. Provide your appointee's contact information beforehand. Valid ID is required at both pickup and delivery.
Will my vehicle be driven during transport?
Your vehicle is driven only for loading and unloading onto the car carrier truck. It is not driven during transit - rest assured your vehicle is safe and secure on the transport trailer.
Damage Claims
What do I do if my vehicle is damaged during transport?
Document all damage with photos before signing the delivery receipt. Write detailed descriptions directly on the receipt. Report damage within 24 hours to support@snowbirdship.com, call (855) 704-2473, or use our live chat. Do not begin repairs until the claim is processed.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Claims must be filed within 9 months per federal regulations. However, reporting damage within 24 hours of delivery ensures the fastest resolution and strongest documentation for your claim.
Cross-Border Shipping
How do you prepare customs documentation for shipping to the U.S.A?
Snowbirdship takes the stress out of your vehicle transport by handling all the necessary documentation for you. All we need from you are a few essential documents: your passport, driver's license, and vehicle registration. Once we have these, we'll take care of the rest.
One signature, four documents complete: When you submit your order, you'll provide your signature once on our secure order form. We then automatically apply your signature across all required customs documents—saving you the hassle of signing multiple forms separately. It's like DocuSign, but built right into our booking process.
Our team will complete the required CBP Form 3299 on your behalf when shipping from Canada to the USA. This form is crucial for declaring household goods, including your vehicle, when entering the United States. We ensure that everything is filled out accurately and submitted to customs, so you don't have to worry about any delays or complications.
When it's time to return from the U.S.A., we'll also manage the necessary declarations to make your re-entry as smooth as possible. With Snowbirdship, you can rest easy knowing that all your paperwork is in expert hands, allowing you to focus on your journey while we handle the logistics.
How do you prepare customs documentation for shipping from the U.S.A. to Canada?
Shipping your vehicle from any U.S. state back to Canada is seamless with Snowbirdship. We handle all the complex customs paperwork so you can focus on your move.
What we need from you: • Valid passport or government-issued ID • Driver's license • Vehicle registration • Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
One signature, four documents complete: When you submit your order, you'll provide your signature once on our secure order form. We then automatically apply your signature across all four required customs documents—saving you the hassle of signing multiple forms separately. It's like DocuSign, but built right into our booking process.
Documents we prepare and automate: • CBSA Form E311 – Canadian customs declaration for personal goods and vehicles • Form 1 (B15) – Canada Border Services Agency cargo control document • Bill of Lading – Official transport documentation • Vehicle Export Certificate – Required for U.S. export compliance • Power of Attorney – Authorizing us to act on your behalf at the border
For Canadian residents returning home: We complete all re-entry declarations to ensure your vehicle clears customs without delays. Your vehicle qualifies for duty-free entry as a returning Canadian good.
For U.S. residents relocating to Canada: Additional forms may be required, including RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) registration if the vehicle will be permanently imported. We guide you through the entire process and coordinate with Canadian customs brokers to ensure compliance.
All documentation fees are included in your quote—no hidden charges or surprises at the border.
What documents do I need for cross-border shipping?
You'll need: valid government-issued ID, vehicle title or registration, and bill of sale (if recently purchased). Snowbirdship prepares all required customs forms - documentation fees are included in your quote.
Are there additional requirements for permanent vehicle imports?
Yes. US imports may require EPA and DOT compliance verification. Canadian imports require RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) forms and possibly recall clearance letters. We provide guidance throughout the entire process.
What about customs delays?
Border crossing times can vary unpredictably. Vehicles may be held for additional inspection. You are responsible for any duties, taxes, or fees assessed by customs officials. We report any delays promptly and keep you informed.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you with your auto shipping needs