Can I pack personal effects into a car that’s being shipped from Canada to the U.S?

personal effects in a car that's being shipped to the U.S

Shipping Your Vehicle from Canada to the United States

Need to ship a vehicle from Canada to the United States? Perhaps, you are relocating to the United States and need to move all your property. Or, maybe, you have purchased a car in Canada and wish to export it to the United States. It is also possible that someone in Canada has gifted you a car and you have hired the services of a shipping company, such as the US Canada Auto Transport, to have it transported to the US.

Whatever the reason, fact is, there are a number of things that you need to take into considering when it comes to shipping a car into the United States from Canada. One of the most important questions that we get from people is; “can I pack my personal effects in the car that’s being shipped from Canada to the U.S?”

Can I Pack Personal Effects in the Car?

When shipping a vehicle from Canada to the United States, you might have questions about packing personal belongings in the car. Here’s what you need to know:

No, You Cannot Pack Personal and Household Effects in the Car

It’s important to note that packing personal and household effects into a car being shipped into the United States from Canada is strictly prohibited. Federal regulations govern the importation of vehicles, and breaking these regulations can lead to complications and delays in the shipping process.

Consequences of Packing Goods

What happens if you choose to ignore the regulations and pack goods into a vehicle being imported into the United States?

  • Long and Annoying Delays: You may experience lengthy delays in the importation process, causing inconvenience and frustration.
  • Risk of Refusal: There’s a possibility that your vehicle will be refused entry into the United States, resulting in additional costs and complications.
  • Risk of Inspection: U.S Customs and Border Protection personnel may decide to inspect the inside of your car, increasing the chances of goods being confiscated or damaged during the inspection.

Driving Your Vehicle Across the Border

If you are driving your vehicle across the border from Canada to the United States, the rules regarding personal effects differ.

Yes, You Can Have Personal Effects in the Car When Driving Across the Border Yourself

U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allows personal and household effects in a car when driven by the owner. However, you must declare all your goods at the border using CBP Form 6059 and file an entry with the CBP to register your vehicle in your home state, which may require paying duty.

Shipping Your Vehicle into the United States from Canada

If you have any further questions about the above subject, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. At US Canada Auto Transport, we take pride in being one of the best companies as far as vehicle shipments between the two countries are concerned. Our confidence in our ability to deliver stems from the fact that we have had over 30 years experience making dreams come true by moving vehicles between Canada and the United States. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today or use our online tool to get a solid quote for all you automobile shipments!

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