Relocating from Canada to the United States involves a long checklist — visas, housing, banking, and customs paperwork. One piece people often leave too late is figuring out what to do with their vehicle. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your car across the border as part of a permanent or long-term move.
Should You Ship Your Car or Drive It Across?
Most people assume driving is simpler. It often isn’t. When you’re relocating permanently, your vehicle needs to clear U.S. Customs as an import — not just cross as a temporary visitor. Driving it across without the proper documentation can create complications at the border that are far harder to resolve than booking a proper cross-border shipment through a licensed carrier.
Shipping your vehicle with a professional transport company means the customs paperwork is handled correctly from the start, your car is documented and insured during transit, and you’re not adding a long drive to an already stressful moving week.
What Documents Do You Need to Ship Your Vehicle to the U.S.?
Proof of Ownership
You must own the vehicle outright. If there’s an outstanding loan, written permission from the lienholder is required before it can be exported from Canada.
U.S. Customs Documentation
Your shipping company will prepare the required CBP documentation for U.S. entry. Key forms include the CBP 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles) for personal vehicles being imported as part of a household move.
Proof of Your Move
U.S. Customs may require documentation confirming your relocation — such as an employment offer letter, lease agreement, or visa paperwork — to qualify for duty-free vehicle import as a household effect.
EPA and DOT Compliance
Vehicles manufactured for the Canadian market must meet U.S. EPA and DOT standards. Most modern vehicles sold in Canada are already compliant, but older or grey-market vehicles may require modifications. We can advise on whether your specific vehicle is eligible before booking.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Vehicle from Canada to the U.S.?
Transit times are typically 7–14 days depending on your origin and destination. We recommend booking at least two weeks before your intended move date — earlier if you’re relocating during peak summer moving season.
Do You Need to Prepare Your Vehicle Before Shipping?
No special preparation is required on your end. Simply have the vehicle accessible at your pickup location. Our driver handles loading and documentation at pickup. The original title should be in the vehicle before handover.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal Shipping for Relocations
For a permanent move, door-to-door service is almost always the better option. Your vehicle is picked up from your Canadian address and delivered to your new U.S. home — no coordinating additional transport on either end during an already busy moving week.
If you’re near one of our 18 cross-border terminals, terminal drop-off is a cost-effective alternative if timing flexibility is less of a concern.
Popular Canada-to-U.S. Relocation Routes We Service
- Ontario → New York, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania
- British Columbia → Washington, California, Oregon
- Alberta → Montana, Colorado, Texas
- Quebec → Vermont, New York, Massachusetts
- Manitoba → Minnesota, North Dakota
We service all U.S. states and all Canadian provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack belongings in my car during a relocation shipment?
No. U.S. DOT regulations prohibit using your vehicle as a shipping container during transport. Personal items cannot be included.
Is my vehicle insured during the move?
Yes. Every shipment includes automatic insurance coverage up to $7,000. Additional coverage can be arranged for high-value vehicles.
What if my vehicle doesn’t meet U.S. EPA/DOT standards?
Contact us before booking. We can advise on whether modifications are required and point you toward resources for compliance.
