It was a slightly different to the normal case because all the moving companies where I live were booked up and I phoned our old company in England Robinsons, who put us in touch with a company in Vancouver and they arranged everything. We live here on Vancouver Island. We only had 3 weeks to pack and be out of house. The removal guys had to come up from Victoria on Vancouver Island, a 3.5 hour drive one way. The container had to first be shipped here to the island as well. Some local people who tried shipping across Canada told us it is reasonable considering the distance and where it is going to! Where are you moving to? Must be a large hub port!

I'm waiting to hear back with a quote from the company you used. Hope it's as good as £3000!