Canada Getting in and out of Canada

[Lostmarbles]

Can I get any advice on crossing into Canada? I had to turn down a 2500+ mile load because I had to admit; I didn't know what was needed and how to make it an easy crossing. I have no idea what will be required of me if I was to take a load. The broker said " NEVER MIND!"
then offered me a 250 mile trip. Bummer.......stinks being the new guy................



Life is what happens to you while your busy makeing other plans.

 

[Wild Bill]

The paperwork you need really depends on the load you are carrying. If you have a load on online production parts (parts going straight to the assembly line) going to one of the "Big three" all you need is a online release form. It is a big piece of paper that is relatively easy to fill out.

If it is a non auto parts load then its a little more complicated,
First you will need to find out the broker the shipper or receiver is using. A broker is basicly a "Go between" that makes sure the duty (tax) is paid on the freight you are hauling. Find out the brokers name, his address, and which border he is at. I would also find out if the shipper will fax the proper documents to the broker or if you will have to. Once at the border you will need to proceed to the customs area (Ask the Customs officer at the gate he will direct you) Do this BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSEGo into the brokers office. He will give you your papers and walked them down to the customs desk. The customs officer will shuffle them hit them several times with a rubber stamp and tell you you are free to leave.
you need to fill out a A8A form. This will get you accross the border. Fill this out beforeyou cross into Canada.

Remember: DO NOT try to take hazmat accross the Ambassdor bridge between Detroit, and Windsor, or the tunnel between them. I usually cross the border with Hazmat at Port Huron, MI/Sarnia, ON.

All the forms you will need for any type of candian crossing is available at the Detroiter truck stop (I-75, exit 32) Woodhaven, MI. Or contact your company they will send you some.

This is just a brief thumbnail sketch of customs going into Canada. Here is a link to Canadian customs http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/ and to their section reguarding customs forms http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/formspubs/menu-e.html

[ul]Just remember make sure you don't have a weapon of any kind on the truck or on your person (This includes some knifes and stun guns or pepper spray) These are federal offenses that can lead to imprisonment.[/ul] Also if you are carrying a pet you will need all the shots papers, etc..

 

[Lostmarbles]

Thank you very much Wild Bill. The info and the WEB link is very helpfull. I can tell you that you saved me money and a ton of trouble because of whats always in the cab. Dog ect... Guess I'll have to rent a locker at the Bus station to leave Mr. Smith& Company while over the line.
Hope to see ya and buy you a cup of coffee sometime. Steve






Life is what happens to you while your busy makeing other plans.}>

 

[hedgehog]

RE: HOW I USED TO CROSS THE BORDER

A couple of years ago, I had a customer where I would pu in Ohio and deliver to the Ford plant in Oakville, Ontario in my thrn F-150

First couple of times I waited in line at the Buffalo Peace Bridge with the big rigs...went to see the broker, customs...etc., etc., and then after seeing how easy it was to fill out the custom form I did all the paper work myself.

Then...all I had to do was wait in line with the big rigs...show the paper work to the custom agent sitting in their ivory towers....and eventually be on my way.

Never ever did an agent inspect my covered pu.

After about 10x of these trips...I decided to go through regular customs with the 4-wheelers. Each time I was asked what my business was in Canada, I was totally honest with the agent and only once did one of them tell me that next time I needed to go through the regular commercial line.

Not saying this was good or bad...but it is true and it saved me lots of wasted time. Again, this was 3 yrs. ago, and have not been across the border since 5-2001.

 

[Toy Truck629]

you may want to look into filling out an application for the CDRP (Commercial Drivers Registration Program) This is a card that has a barcode that is issued to the driver, NOT the company. By being accepted into the CDRP, you have been precleared by customs. They will do your background check before they accept you into the program and then all you have to do when you get to customs is show this card. They will then scan it and all your information will be right there.

This is going to be required by alot of companies in the near future. It takes about two months to get processed. G.M. was looking at making it a requirement by the end of October. I am not sure if they are still looking at doing that.

I hope that this helps out a little. Be safe out there

 

[Lostmarbles]

Thanks everyone that answered! You all are invited to the Winter Party at my house!
Be sure to be sun tan ready cause its always 80 degrees during New Years here and Golf is the States offical sport ( if you can't team Rope). LOL !
Naw thanks a load guys I'm following up on the Data yall sent.

Stay Safe Yall

Life is what happens to you while your busy makeing other plans.