Everything You Need to Know About Shipping a Car from Canada to US

The Canada-US border is the longest international border, at 8,890 km, features 119 border crossings and more than 300,000 people traversing the border daily outside of the current pandemic restrictions. The interdependence between the Canadian and US economy means cross border moves are frequent and there are many reasons why Canadians choose to uproot their lives to head South. These may include jobs, marriage and/or education. With an impending move on the horizon, Canadians looking to ship their vehicles to the US need to be aware of the steps that they need to take. When shipping your car from Canada to the US, you need to entrust transportation to a reputable vehicle relocation expert in order to ensure a seamless experience.

Cross Border Documentation

Through partnerships with reputable brokerage firms on both sides of the border, Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd. (SAC) can help pave the way for shipping your car by preparing all cross-border documentation. This expedites the moving process and removes some of the most tedious tasks associated with an already stressful move.

4 Steps to Shipping Your Car From Canada to US

Readying your car to be shipped to the US means filling out forms and ensuring your vehicle is compliant before it is transported. Below are the required steps that will need to be considered:

1. Eligibility – You will need to have both an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sticker and a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker affixed to the vehicle. There are many terms surrounding import eligibility and failure to comply will disqualify you from shipping your car from Canada to the US. To ease this process, use a vehicle relocation company who can leverage their import brokers on your behalf.
2. Obtain the Required Documentation – The following list of forms will need to be accurately completed and submitted:
   1. US Customs or Commercial Invoice
   2. DOT Vehicle Declaration Form (HS-7)
   3. EPA Vehicle Declaration Form (3520-1)
   4. Copy of the vehicle registration
3. Vehicle Cleaning Pre-Shipment – The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that the undercarriage of the imported vehicle be free of foreign soil to safeguard against importation of dangerous pests. Have your car steam-sprayed or cleaned thoroughly before shipment. Making certain that this has been completed and validated is a necessary precondition for importing your vehicle.
4. Removal of Items – Clearing your vehicle of personal belongings is crucial not only because transport carriers are not liable for theft of vehicle contents but also because the entire contents of your car must be declared to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on entry. Failure to do so can result in a fine or seizure of the car and its contents.

The complexities of importing your car to the United States are many. The steps and the documentation involved in processing them can be a dizzying undertaking. The age and condition of your vehicle, your status in the United States, emissions requirements, applicable taxation and necessary permits are just some of the considerations you will need to factor into your decision to ship a car from Canada to US.

SAC can help you ship your car from Canada to the United States and help you get your car ready with approved cross-border documentation. Contact SAC today to find out more about their services and to receive your personalized quote.