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.
SAC Specializes in Snowbird Transportation to Make Your Travel Stress-Free
The trees are all but bare, and as the days shorten, giving way to darker evenings and snowfall, you have decided to head South. Afterall, you’re a Snowbird and you’ve earned your escape. Warmer climates are not only a well-being imperative for some, but they are in fact a proven healthier alternative especially for those who have seasonal lows. No matter your reason, you’ll need snowbird transportation so that you are mobile when you arrive at your second home.
Stay with Your Ride
If you think leaving your vehicle at home and renting a car at your destination makes sense, then think again. Car rentals for an extended period can be very costly and you do not want to fret over reliability or insurance liability that are implicit in most car rental agreements. Saving on rental costs can put more money in your pocket to use at your destination. Besides, with a snowbird transportation company, you can stay in the car that you are accustomed to wherever and whenever you drive.
Seamless Door-to-Door Service
Touchless door-to-door service is one of the advantages of having your car transported from your home to your destination by a snowbird transportation company. Arriving at your new destination and getting into your trusted vehicle should be a seamless experience. Avoid hassles with delivery logistics and drop-offs and let them take all the thinking out of your vehicle relocation. Having a worry-free mindset is key as you head to greener pastures.
Crossing the Border with Peace of Mind
Many Canadians are unaware that, even though they’re currently barred from driving to the U.S. for leisure travel, they can still fly to the country. That means, as a snowbird, you are not restricted from visiting your second home. That’s another good reason to use snowbird transportation which is considered an essential service. Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd. (SAC) prepares cross-border documentation on your behalf by leveraging partnerships with reputable brokerage firms on both sides of the border. By expediting the transport of your vehicle, you can rest assured that both you and your car will arrive safely at your destination.
The SAC Difference
SAC offers snowbird transportation anywhere in Canada and the United States. As an essential service and with brokers on both sides of the border, we can guarantee the smooth processing of your vehicle. With door-to-door delivery service and soon to come tracking of your vehicle en route, we’ll not only save you time but we will give you peace of mind as you make your way South for a stress-free getaway. Contact us today to find out more about our services and to receive your personalized quote.
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:
- 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.
- Obtain the Required Documentation – 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
- 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.
- 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.
The Benefits Of Using Car Relocation Services For Your Move
Relocating from the place you know to a new environment can be one of the most stressful undertakings in your life, especially when you are moving across provinces or countries. Uprooting family, belongings and completing applicable paperwork add to the psychological impact and, often-times, apprehension of making the journey. With travel restrictions still in place as a result of the pandemic, navigating customs policies remains a daunting task that requires professional car relocation handlers.
So, Why Should You Consider a Car Relocation Services Partner?
Using professional car relocation services has its advantages and will save you both the time and expense of having to drive it yourself. You will want to ensure that your vehicle relocation partner delivers the following benefits:
Seamless Door-to-Door Vehicle Handling
Whether you choose to have your vehicle picked up from your place of work or residence, or you decide to drive it to a depot, you’ll want to select a trusted company who makes it convenient and easy for you. Some relocation partners use digital apps to truly facilitate a touchless exchange, an important consideration in the age of pandemic.
Forego the Red Tape
Getting your documentation in order with all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed can be the dreaded ‘devil in the details’. Having transport services and local expertise on both sides of the border can eliminate issues, leading to a smoother flow and hassle-free delivery.
Eco-friendly Approach
Limiting idling during transport will preserve your vehicle and lessen the impact of your move on the environment. Confirm if your vehicle relocation partner is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
Worry-free Storage for Your Vehicle
Things change and timelines shift. Your new home may not be ready to receive your vehicle on time or your personal and/or business schedule may be disrupted especially with greater COVID protocols in place. Ensure that your relocation partner has storage options and that your vehicle is well-taken care of regardless of when it arrives at its final destination.
Engaging a Car Relocation Services Company
Your vehicle needs safe and secure passage to its destination and mitigating unnecessary contact and ensuring a seamless customer experience is what differentiates a professional car services company from a transport company. Discover more by contacting the professionals at Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd (SAC). With attention to detail, dedicated and experienced staff, and high-quality services, SAC are setting new benchmarks in the car relocation industry.
SAC can help you ship your vehicle anywhere in Canada and the United States. Contact us today to find out more about our car relocation services and to receive your personalized quote.
Shipping Your Car Safely and Reliably Across Canada with SAC
Your vehicle is one of your most important assets and when relocating, you will want to ensure that shipping your car across Canada to your new destination is a seamless experience. With the new normal of social distancing, you will benefit from a company who can provide you with touchless delivery service, and options for pickup and drop-off.
Safety, Security and SAC
Safety and security requirements apply to both you and your vehicle. Snowbirds Auto Connection Ltd. (SAC), a family run business that has been delivering affordable vehicle transport for over 25 years, has been the company of choice for snowbirds, businesses and even the military.
When shipping your car across Canada, SAC offers door to door or terminal to terminal delivery options to meet your budget and you have the option to sign off on your phone for maximum convenience and safety. Likewise, the company is insured for $5 million liability and $1 million cargo. No deductible is charged to clients so you will have peace of mind knowing that your transport handler has the coverage you need.
On the Road Again
When in motion, SAC transport trucks are air-ride equipped and contain self-reliant generators to keep your car safe while avoiding unnecessary idling. This reduces their carbon footprint and helps to save the environment. Your vehicle will be transported on an open 9 or 10 car carrier, the same type of trucks used to deliver new vehicles from factories to local dealerships. If storage is required, SAC provides a safe and secure yard. All vehicles are insured during transport including our designated terminals, so when you ship your car with SAC, you know it’s safe and secure.
Getting There on Time
Planning your relocation means selecting a company that gets you there on time. In this case, it’s your vehicle that must travel many kilometers of roadway in order to be available for your use when you need it. Getting from point A to point B might sound simple enough, but breakdowns and driver issues are pitfalls we have all heard about that can take your delivery off track.
SAC mitigates errors and delays through a proven process and tight team that delivers door-to-door reliability. While unforeseen circumstances such as poor weather conditions or border delays are factors that cannot be controlled, SAC schedulers and drivers work hand in hand using GPS tracking technology to meet projected timelines while prioritizing the safety of your vehicle.
The SAC Team Difference
Many vehicle transport companies claim to have the breadth of services and reliability to deliver a premium vehicle transport experience. However, only SAC has the team with over 60 years of cumulative experience to give you the peace of mind that you need. They owe their success to their loyal, repeat clients and dedicated employees.
Whether you’re a seasonal traveler, snowbird, or you have a business or government vehicle transport requirement, SAC is the go-to for anyone wanting to ship their car across Canada, or anywhere within North America. Contact SAC today to find out more about their services and to receive your personalized quote.