Vehicle Transport for Shows and Events

Shipping a show car, collector vehicle, or race car across the US-Canada border involves more than just transport — there’s temporary import paperwork, customs timing, and the question of how to move a high-value vehicle without risking damage. US Canada Auto Transport has been handling show and event vehicle shipments in both directions since 1985. Here’s how it works.

Vehicles We Ship for Shows and Events

We transport vehicles across the US-Canada border for car shows, concours events, collector exhibitions, and racing events in both directions — Canadian vehicles heading to US events and US vehicles heading to Canadian events. Whether you’re showing a restored classic at a concours or bringing a race car to a track event, we handle the cross-border logistics.

Enclosed Transport for High-Value Vehicles

Most show and collector vehicles ship in our enclosed trailers for maximum protection from weather, road debris, and the elements. Vehicles are driven directly into the enclosed trailer rather than loaded on open trailers, minimizing handling. For oversized vehicles that won’t fit in an enclosed trailer, open transport is available. The choice is yours based on your vehicle and budget.

Temporary Import Documentation for Show and Race Vehicles

Vehicles entering another country temporarily for a show or event require specific customs documentation so they can return home without import duties. Here’s how we handle each scenario:

ATA Carnet Shipments

If your shipment uses an ATA Carnet, you’ll need to arrange the Carnet yourself before shipping. The Carnet is an international customs document that allows temporary duty-free entry for items like exhibition and competition vehicles. Once you have it in place, we handle the physical transport.

Temporary Import Bond (TIB) into the USA

For vehicles entering the United States temporarily, we can arrange the Temporary Import Bond on your behalf. This is the customs mechanism that permits your Canadian vehicle to enter the US for the event and return to Canada without paying import duties.

Temporary Import into Canada

For vehicles entering Canada temporarily, we can refer you to experienced customs brokers who handle the temporary import process. They’ll coordinate the necessary documentation so your US vehicle can attend the Canadian event and return home smoothly.

How the Process Works

Step 1 — Tell Us About Your Vehicle and Event

Contact us with your vehicle details, the event location and dates, and which direction you’re shipping. We’ll provide a quote and walk you through the customs documentation that applies to your specific situation.

Step 2 — Arrange Customs Documentation

Depending on your shipment, you’ll either arrange your own ATA Carnet, or we’ll arrange a TIB for US entry, or we’ll refer you to a broker for temporary import into Canada. We make sure the paperwork is sorted before your vehicle moves.

Step 3 — Enclosed Pickup and Transport

We pick up your vehicle and load it into an enclosed trailer (or open trailer for oversized vehicles). Your vehicle is secured for transport and moved to the event destination.

Step 4 — Delivery and Return

Your vehicle is delivered in time for your event. When the show or race is complete, we coordinate the return shipment back across the border under the same temporary import documentation.

Why Choose US Canada Auto Transport for Show and Race Vehicles

• Over 40 years of cross-border transport experience since 1985
• Enclosed trailer transport for maximum vehicle protection
• TIB arrangement for temporary US entry
• Customs broker referrals for temporary Canadian entry
• Shipments in both directions — US to Canada and Canada to US
• $7,000 automatic insurance coverage, with additional coverage available for high-value vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you arrange the ATA Carnet for me?

No. If your shipment requires an ATA Carnet, you’ll need to arrange it yourself before shipping. Once it’s in place, we handle the transport. For US entry we can arrange a Temporary Import Bond instead, and for Canadian entry we can refer you to a broker.

Will my show car be protected during transport?

Yes. Most show and collector vehicles ship in enclosed trailers, driven directly into the trailer to minimize handling. Every shipment includes automatic insurance coverage, and additional coverage can be arranged for high-value vehicles.

Can you ship oversized vehicles that won’t fit in an enclosed trailer?

Yes. Oversized vehicles can be shipped on open trailers. We’ll discuss the best option for your specific vehicle when you request a quote.

Do you handle the return shipment after the event?

Yes. We coordinate both the outbound and return shipments under the same temporary import documentation so your vehicle gets home without complications.