How to Ship a Car from Canada to the USA and Vice Versa

If you need to ship a car between Canada and the USA, the steps are similar in both directions: prepare the car, choose a shipping method, get the paperwork right and plan for the cost and timing. The big difference is the border rules, which depend on which country the car is entering. Whether you’re relocating, selling your vehicle or moving it for any other reason, this guide covers both directions.

US Canada Auto Transport has specialized in cross-border car shipping since 1985.

How to ship a car from Canada to the USA

Here’s an overview of the main steps. Our complete guide to shipping your car from Canada to the USA goes into every detail.

Preparing your car: Canada to USA

Clean your car thoroughly so existing damage is easy to spot, and take detailed photos from several angles as a record of its condition before shipping.

Remove all personal items. They aren’t insured and can cause problems at customs. Keep the fuel tank at a quarter full or less, make sure the battery is charged and disable any alarm. Secure or remove loose parts and accessories so they don’t damage your car or others on the carrier.

Choosing a shipping method: Canada to USA

• Open transport: The most common and cost-effective method. Your car rides on an open trailer, exposed to the elements and road debris.
• Enclosed transport: More protection for high-value or classic cars, in a fully enclosed trailer. It typically costs 30–60% more.
• Door-to-door: The carrier picks up and delivers at your addresses. The most convenient option.
• Terminal-to-terminal: You drop off and pick up at a terminal. Usually more affordable but less convenient. Our terminals accept running vehicles only.

Legal requirements: Canada to USA

Have these documents ready:

• Proof of ownership: The car’s ownership or title and registration.
• Bill of sale: If you bought the car recently.
• Lender letter: If there’s a loan on the car, a letter from your lender allowing it to leave Canada.
• US import forms: CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7.

Your car must meet US emissions and safety standards. Most Canadian-market vehicles prove this with a letter of compliance from the manufacturer, unless they’re 25 years or older. Canada generally doesn’t require an export declaration for a car going to the US.

Costs and timeframes: Canada to USA

Shipping costs depend on:

• Distance: The farther the trip, the higher the price.
• Shipping method: Enclosed transport costs more than open.
• Car size and weight: Larger, heavier vehicles cost more.
• Season: Prices rise in the spring snowbird rush going north and the fall rush going south.

Shipping a car from Canada to the USA typically takes 7 to 14 days, depending on distance and border timing.

How to ship a car from the USA to Canada

Going north, the steps are similar but the paperwork changes. Our guide on how to import a car from the US to Canada covers the import in detail.

Preparing your car: USA to Canada

Prepare the car the same way: clean it, photograph it, remove all personal items, keep about a quarter tank of fuel, keep the battery charged and secure loose parts.

Choosing a shipping method: USA to Canada

You have the same options going north: open or enclosed transport, and door-to-door or terminal service. We have terminals on both sides of the border, including in British Columbia and Ontario.

Legal requirements: USA to Canada

Have these documents ready:

• Original title and registration: The original title must reach US Customs at least 72 hours before the crossing. Some ports, such as Blaine, count business days.
• US export filing: The export is filed in the Automated Export System (AES).
• Bill of sale and lien letter: A bill of sale for a recent purchase, and a notarized lien letter if the car is financed.
• Canadian import: The Vehicle Import Form (Form 1) at the border and a recall clearance letter.

Under Canada’s vehicle import rules, the car must be on Transport Canada’s admissibility list. Vehicles under 15 years old go through the RIV program and must pass an inspection within 45 days.

Costs and timeframes: USA to Canada

The same factors drive the price going north: distance, open or enclosed transport, vehicle size and season. Typical cross-border car shipping rates vary by route. Shipping a car from the USA to Canada also typically takes 7 to 14 days.

Differences in shipping a car: Canada to USA vs. USA to Canada

The core process is the same in both directions, but the rules at the border are different.

	Canada to USA	USA to Canada
Export paperwork	Generally no Canadian export declaration	AES filing; title at US Customs 72 hours ahead
Import forms	CBP 7501, EPA 3520-1, DOT HS-7	Vehicle Import Form (Form 1)
Compliance proof	Letter of compliance (under 25 years)	Admissibility list and recall clearance letter
Inspection after import	State title and registration	RIV inspection within 45 days (under 15 years), then provincial
Duty	25% Section 232 tariff (under 25 years), 2.5% for 25+	25% surtax on US-built (under 25 years), plus 5% GST
Transit time	About 7–14 days	About 7–14 days

Documentation and compliance

Going south, you must meet US emissions and safety standards, usually with a compliance letter. Going north, you must meet Canadian standards, which means the admissibility list, a recall clearance letter and RIV for newer vehicles. Both directions need proof of ownership and a bill of sale.

Costs and shipping methods

Transport prices and options (open or enclosed, door-to-door or terminal) are similar in both directions, though seasonal demand can make one direction busier and more expensive at certain times of year.

Customs and import duties

Duty depends mainly on where the vehicle was built and its age, not only its value, and each country sets its own rates. Tariffs have changed often since 2025, so check the current vehicle tariffs before you ship.

Conclusion

Before you book, review your documents, confirm your shipping method and check the details with your transport provider. Make sure your car is ready and your paperwork is complete. Our step-by-step guide to preparing for a car shipment is a handy checklist.

If you’re ready to ship your car from Canada to the USA or the other way, contact US Canada Auto Transport. Our team will make sure your car reaches its destination safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ship a car between Canada and the USA?

Prepare the car, choose open or enclosed and door-to-door or terminal shipping, gather the title, registration and bill of sale, and make sure the vehicle meets the import rules of the country it’s entering. A cross-border carrier picks it up, it clears customs at the border and it’s delivered to your address.

Is the paperwork different depending on the direction?

Yes. Going from the USA to Canada, the export is filed in AES, the title must reach US Customs 72 hours before the crossing and the car is imported with Form 1, with a recall letter and RIV for newer vehicles. Going from Canada to the USA, Canada generally needs no export declaration, and the car is entered with CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7, usually with a letter of compliance.

What duties apply when shipping a car between Canada and the USA?

They depend on where the car was built and its age. Into Canada, a US-built vehicle under 25 years old faces a 25% surtax (reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles) plus 5% GST. Into the US, most vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff, and vehicles 25 years or older pay 2.5%.

How long does it take to ship a car between Canada and the USA?

Typically 7 to 14 days in either direction, depending on distance, the season, and border timing.

Should I disconnect the battery before shipping?

No. The driver needs to drive the car on and off the carrier, so keep the battery charged and connected, and disable any alarm.