Key Takeaways
- Long distance moving quotes in Canada are based on the weight of your shipment and the distance it is travelling, not an hourly rate like a local move.
- Get at least three quotes before deciding, and make sure each one covers the same scope of services so you are actually comparing like with like.
- An in-home estimate is far more accurate than a phone or online estimate, especially for a larger household.
- Ask whether your quote is binding (a guaranteed price) or non-binding (based on an estimated weight, confirmed later by an actual weigh-in).
- A quote that is dramatically lower than the others usually means something is missing, not that you found a great deal.
- Get every quote in writing, including a full list of any additional charges that might apply.
Getting a long distance moving quote should be simple. In practice, a lot of people end up with three different numbers from three different companies, no clear sense of why they are different, and a nagging feeling that one of them is hiding something. That feeling is sometimes accurate.
This guide walks through exactly how long distance moving quotes work in Canada, what makes the price go up or down, and how to compare quotes so you are actually choosing based on something real rather than just picking the smallest number.
Want a clear, written long distance moving quote? Request a free estimate from Great Canadian Van Lines and we will walk you through exactly how we calculated it.
How Long Distance Moving Quotes Actually Work
Unlike a local move, which is priced by the hour, a long distance move in Canada is priced based on two main things: how much your shipment weighs and how far it is travelling. This is the single most important thing to understand before you start collecting quotes, because it explains why the number you get depends so much on how much stuff you actually have.
Binding versus non-binding estimates
A binding estimate is a guaranteed price. The company commits to that number regardless of what the truck actually weighs when it is loaded. A non-binding estimate is based on an assessed weight, and the final price is confirmed by an actual weigh-in on moving day, before and after loading. Most long distance moves in Canada use non-binding estimates.
Ask which type of quote you are getting. If it is non-binding, you have the right to be present at both weigh-ins and to request a re-weigh if the numbers look off. This is one of the most underused consumer protections in the moving process.
In-home estimates versus phone or online estimates
A phone or online estimate is based on what you describe over the phone or type into a form. It is a rough guess. An in-home estimate, where someone from the company actually walks through your home and looks at your belongings, produces a far more accurate number because they are looking at the real volume and weight rather than relying on your estimate of it.
For a larger move, always push for an in-home estimate if one is offered. The accuracy difference is significant, and it reduces the chance of an unpleasant surprise on moving day when the actual weigh-in comes back higher than expected.
What Affects Your Quote
Several factors drive the number up or down, and understanding them helps you make sense of why quotes differ and where you might be able to reduce your cost.
| Factor | How It Affects Your Quote |
| Shipment weight | The biggest single factor. More weight means more cost. Decluttering before your in-home estimate has a direct, measurable effect on price. |
| Distance | Longer routes cost more, though not always in a straight line relationship. Some corridors are more competitively served than others. |
| Time of year | Summer (May through August) is peak season and consistently more expensive. Moving in the fall or winter is usually cheaper and easier to book. |
| Time of month | End of month and beginning of month dates are the busiest and can carry a premium. Mid month dates are often more flexible on price. |
| Packing services | Full pack service costs more than a partial move where you pack your own boxes. Ask for quotes both ways if you are deciding. |
| Specialty items | Pianos, large safes, and similarly awkward or heavy items often carry an additional handling charge. |
| Access and logistics | Stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, and elevator only buildings can add to labour time and cost. |
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
Get at least three
This gives you a realistic sense of the market rate for your specific move and makes it much easier to spot a number that looks unusual, whether unusually high or unusually low.
Make sure each quote covers the same scope
A quote that looks cheaper might not include packing materials, might assume a shorter delivery window, or might carry a lower insurance valuation than the others. Before comparing numbers, confirm each quote includes the same services, the same delivery window, and the same coverage.
Get every quote in writing
A verbal quote over the phone is not something you can hold anyone to later. Insist on a written estimate that breaks down the costs, specifies binding or non-binding, and lists any additional charges that might apply.
Ask about every possible additional charge
Fuel surcharges, stair fees, long carry fees, and charges for packing materials are common additions that may or may not be included in the base quote. Ask for the full list before you sign anything, not after.
If one quote comes in dramatically lower than the other two, do not treat it as good luck. Ask specifically what it does and does not include. The most common explanation for a too good to be true quote is that something significant is missing from it, or the price is expected to change once your belongings are loaded.
Want the full vetting checklist for choosing between movers? Read our guide to choosing a moving company, covers CAM membership, insurance checks, BBB standing, and the questions to ask before you book.
Getting a Quote from Great Canadian Van Lines
We provide written, itemized estimates for every long distance move, and we will tell you upfront whether your quote is binding or non-binding and exactly what is included. We are a registered CAM member, which you can verify yourself at movers.net, and we carry full cargo insurance on every shipment.
If you are getting quotes from multiple companies right now, we are happy to be one of them. Ask us anything before you commit, including questions you have already asked other movers. We would rather answer a question twice than have you book somewhere with information you are unsure about.
Want to see how we compare to other CAM registered van lines? Read our guide to CAM registered van lines in Canada with current BBB and Google ratings for each company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a long distance move cost in Canada?
It depends heavily on shipment weight and distance. A one bedroom apartment moving coast to coast typically runs $3,500 to $6,500. A three bedroom house on the same route typically runs $9,000 to $16,000. Shorter routes cost less. An in-home estimate will give you an accurate number for your specific move.
Why did I get three very different quotes for the same move?
Usually because the quotes do not cover the same scope. One might be a phone estimate based on a rough description while another is based on an in-home walkthrough. One might include packing materials while another does not. Always confirm exactly what each quote includes before comparing the dollar figures.
Can a long distance moving quote change after I book?
If your quote is non-binding, yes, it can change based on the actual weigh-in on moving day. If it is binding, the price should not change regardless of actual weight. Confirm which type of quote you have and ask what circumstances could still lead to additional charges even with a binding estimate.
Is it worth getting an in-home estimate instead of a phone quote?
Yes, especially for anything larger than a small apartment. An in-home estimate is based on what the estimator actually sees in your home, which produces a far more accurate number than a description over the phone. It also reduces the chance of a surprise when the actual weigh-in happens.
Ready to get an accurate, written quote? Request a free long distance moving estimate from Great Canadian Van Lines and we will explain every number before you decide anything.
