Blog
If you are looking for reliable information about vehicle transportation, you are in the right place! Whether you are a snowbird, or you are relocating across the country or border, the SAC blog is your inside source to make your travel hassle-free. Here you’ll find:
- Everything you want to know before you move or travel
- The latest in vehicle transportation technology & practices
- Important updates about our new and existing services
- Tips and tricks to make your cross-border move or travel as smooth as possible
We encourage you to explore our blog, share useful information with friends, and connect with us.
Common Questions About Shipping a Car from Canada to the US
Shipping a car from Canada to the US can be complicated because there are documents and processes that need to be adhered to, to ensure it successfully passes the border. Here we answer some common questions we have received.
1. What are the different types of shipping status available?
When preparing to ship your car from Canada to the US, you need to decide: is this a temporary import, or a permanent entry? A temporary import status is for vehicles that are being transported to a location for customers that are temporarily residing in a specific location (like a student, job relocation, etc). A permanent entry status is for vehicles that will stay permanently. Special clearance must be obtained prior to crossing.
2. What kind of documentation do you need when shipping a car from Canada to the US?
The following list of forms will need to be accurately completed and submitted:
- US Customs or Commercial Invoice
- DOT Vehicle Declaration Form (HS-7)
- EPA Vehicle Declaration Form (3520-1)
- Copy of the vehicle registration
Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd. (SAC) will handle all documentation for you. We work with reputable brokers on both sides of the border to complete documentation and expedite the shipping process, removing added stress for our clients.
3. What do I need to do to be eligible to ship my car from Canada to the US?
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
4. What considerations should I make when shipping my car from Canada to the US?
Make sure your license and registration will be valid for the duration of your visit. Confirm with your car insurance how long you are able to be outside of the country, and still have coverage for your car (most companies have a 6 month limit).
Let SAC Handle Your Cross-Border Move
With over two decades of experience in vehicle transport across North America, Snowbirds Auto Connection has tailored our process to provide our clients with a seamless, reliable experience every time. If you are planning to ship your car from Canada to US soon, contact us for your personalized quote.
The Benefits of Shipping Your Car From Toronto to Florida
Heading South and want to bring your car with you, but uncertain if you should drive or ship it? Here are some of the benefits we have seen in shipping your car from Toronto to Florida.
Benefit #1: Save from Wear and Tear
The top benefit of shipping your car from Toronto to Florida is saving it from the wear and tear of a long transcontinental drive. You can expect that your vehicle will arrive in the same condition it started the journey in – no need for tire replacement, oil changes, or visits to the mechanic.
Benefit #2: Consider Opportunity Cost
Although the cost of shipping might be a little higher than driving it financially, the opportunity cost is an important cost to consider. Shipping your car from Toronto to Florida saves you almost 48 hours of travel (when you take into consideration the stop for sleep most people do), which is time that can be spent doing the things you enjoy doing. It also saves you from the stress and discomfort of a 24 hour drive.
Benefit #3: Timing
Given the high volume of vehicles being brought down to Florida from Canada, the turnaround time for shipping is relatively quick. Professional drivers save you from the arduous drive and do it faster and more safely than you likely would.
Trust in SAC to Ship Your Car From Toronto to Florida
Entrusting a reliable and reputed company with the shipping of your car from Toronto to Florida saves you time, money, decreases the wear on your vehicle and allows you to spend more time doing the things you love. Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) has more than 25 years of experience transporting vehicles across the border. Our carriers are fully insured, and we offer touchless delivery. Contact SAC today to receive your personalized quote.
Military Members: Preparing Your Vehicle for Relocation
Military personnel are often faced with frequent moves as compared to regular civilians. Serving your country is seen as amongst the most selfless career choices especially as it may involve placing oneself in harms way to defend and protect the nation. Geopolitical factors can mean that armed forces personnel may need to move from one base to another or it may even involve an overseas deployment. Military relocation, which may even entail a rapid deployment, may uproot your entire family. Suffice to say, those serving may face stresses that are atypical and military relocation ranks high up there.
Base is Where the Home Is
So, it’s that time. The call has come in and papers are being processed. You have been transferred to a new base in Canada and your family will be making the move to a nearby town. Depending on whether this is the first time being relocated, your children may or may not be accustomed to leaving their school and friends. The house you own, or lease must be dealt with and off you go on another adventure. Duty calls but what happens to my vehicle? If you are taking it with you, shipping it may be the best option especially if the journey is a long one. You might also have to alter your vehicle insurance policy to align it with your change of address. It’s not an easy time. Transitions never are but it’s the army life.
To Protect and Defend
As there are many vehicle relocation companies out there proclaiming to be better than the next, consider doing your research by following the mantra of any military unit. You will want to protect your vehicle(s) by doing due diligence. That means you will want to deal with a company that has an established reputation in vehicle relocation and who has served the needs of those who have had to deal with military relocation.
You will want a company that has a broad network and has scope and capacity to take care of your requirements. An open-air multi-level carrier is the preferred mode of transporting vehicles because they are typically more budget friendly. These are the same car movers that auto companies use to deliver their new vehicles to their dealerships. While any vehicle relocation requires that you prepare your car for transport to ensure it is clean, road-worthy and has most if not all belongings removed, you will want to ensure that they also have liability insurance. This should be a checkbox for any reputable car moving company.
Safety in these uncertain times also means that a touchless experience is often preferred when handing your keys to the vehicle relocation company and picking up your vehicle. Look for a company that allows you to sign off electronically and accommodates key drop-offs.
Terminal Delivery
While many civilians prefer door-to-door vehicle drop-off and pickup, this may not be easily accommodated for a military relocation. The prospect of a non-military multi vehicle carrier entering a secure military base is a no-go. So, it is most likely that the delivery will necessitate a drop-off at one of the terminals that the relocation company has near your destination. There are approximately 10 bases in Canada and you again will want to do your homework to ensure there is one near your location. Having a friend or family member collect the car off base is perhaps your best option or you can organize the drop-off at your family’s new residence.
SAC Protects Your Vehicle During Your Military Relocation
Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) vehicle relocation services can help you avoid the downside of driving your car. With easy-to-follow recommendations in preparing your vehicle and a reputation for delivery excellence, SAC provides you with everything you need for military relocation from start to finish. While you are taking care of the nation, SAC will be taking care to get your vehicle safely to your new destination. Contact SAC today to find out more about their military relocation vehicle transport services and to receive your personalized quote.
Important Documents Required for Cross-Border Shipping
Shipping your car across the country can be relatively seamless when you are relocating, say from Toronto to Calgary or Montreal to Halifax. There is a selection of reputable and experienced vehicle transport companies that use their fleet of multi-level open air carriers to get the job done. With easy and convenient drop-off and pickup, once your car is ready and on its way to your new destination, it is mostly smooth sailing without any administrative checkpoints or unforeseen complications.
It’s a bit more complicated for cross border shipping, as there are requirements and processes that must be followed to ensure that your vehicle crosses the border successfully.
Ensure Your Vehicle is Eligible for Cross-Border Shipping
Do your homework by making certain your vehicle is eligible to import or export across the border. The following are some quick tips on what you should know and do if you are looking to have your vehicle shipped across the border:
- Eligibility: Check this list which specifies which cars you can import into Canada from the US. Some makes and models are not admissible due to manufacturing guidelines and sales restrictions and allowances. These regulations are typically retroactive for 15 years exempting classic cars, as an example.
- Recalls and Taxes: Your car must not have any recalls and any import taxes must be paid.
- Inspection: Your vehicle then needs to pass an inspection by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in Canada before it can be officially considered imported. Failure to pass this inspection will hinder the import even if duties have been paid.
- Modifications: If you have modified or retrofitted your van, car or motorcycle from its original form, you will not likely be able to import your car from the US to Canada. Ensure your documentation is compliant as, for example, you cannot import a car with a salvage or rebuilt title.
- Environmental and Local Requirements: If your car does not meet Canadian metric requirements, you may be required to install metric odometers and add daytime running lights.
- Multiple Manufacturers: Vehicles assembled by more than one manufacturer, like vocational vans, motorhomes, buses or limousines, may also be impeded pending review.
Forms Required for Cross-Border Shipping
When shipping a vehicle across the Canada and US border, you will want an experienced vehicle transport company to handle the processing part which will involve a series of forms that you will need to fill out. Some shipping companies have brokers on both sides of the border to effectively make crossing over less onerous and time consuming. Let’s take a closer look at some of these forms which may or not apply depending on the direction you are going and your circumstances:
- Form-1: This is a Vehicle Import Form that needs to be completed followed by a declaration at the border. This requirement by Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will then permit your vehicle to be imported across the border.
- Canada Customs invoice: This is a Canadian Customs document.
- Declaration of Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles: This is a Canadian Customs document (non-import).
- Short Form Power of Attorney During Transport: This is a Customs document.
- Declaration of Importation: This is required when importing your vehicle into the US.
- EPA Declaration: Upon importing your car into the US.
- Electronic Export Information: US title import into Canada or Canadian goods return.
Once all documents are completed and provided by the cross-border shipping company to the Canadian Border Services Agency at the point of entry, they hold the authority to process the import of your vehicle into Canada. The CBSA assists Transport Canada by executing the required documents in compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, CBSA officers will check compliance with:
- Admissibility
- Documentation – examples are title documents, registration, or proof of ownership.
- Form-1
- RIV-Fee – this is a non-refundable payment.
Crossing over to Canada also requires you to advise the exact US border crossing you will be using at least 72 hours before you show up with a car to be exported. You will need to send them two things:
- A digital scan of the front and back of the title
- Your Internal Transit Number (ITN)
Trust the Professionals at SAC for Your Cross-Border Shipping
Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) can help you ship your vehicle from the United States to Canada or vice versa by helping you navigate cross-border documentation to meet clearance and complex compliance requirements. Contact SAC today to find out more about cross-border shipping and to receive your personalized quote.