The Complete Guide to Shipping Your Car from Canada to the USA

Shipping your car from Canada to the USA takes careful planning, attention to the US import rules, and the right auto transport service. Whether you’re relocating for work, heading south for the winter or buying a car across the border, this guide walks you through the process from start to finish.

It covers how to prepare your car, the documents you need, US customs and import rules, how to choose a transport service and what to expect at delivery. US Canada Auto Transport has been shipping vehicles across the border since 1985.

Understanding the basics of car shipping

What is auto transport?

Auto transport is the professional service of moving vehicles on specialized carriers. When you ship your car from Canada to the USA, the transport company handles the logistics and safe transport of your vehicle and helps with the customs paperwork for the border.

Why choose auto transport over driving?

Shipping your car lets you avoid the long distances, lost time, and wear and tear of driving across the border. It’s a more secure and convenient way to move your car, and one of the main reasons to hire a professional auto transport service for a cross-border move.

• Save time: Skip the long hours on the road and free up your schedule.
• Avoid wear and tear: Your car stays in top condition, with no added mileage.
• Cross-border expertise: Professionals help with the customs paperwork and import rules so the crossing goes smoothly.

Preparing your car for shipping

These five steps get your car ready for pickup. For a full checklist, follow our step-by-step guide to preparing for a car shipment.

1. Clean your vehicle

Clean the inside and outside of your car before shipping. A clean car makes inspection easier and helps you document its condition.

• Exterior: Wash off dirt, grime and mud.
• Interior: Remove all personal items. They aren’t insured, and they can cause problems at customs.

2. Document your vehicle’s condition

Take detailed photos from different angles, with close-ups of any existing scratches, dents or paint chips, so you can compare the car’s condition before and after shipping.

• Take multiple photos: Capture the front, rear, sides and undercarriage.
• Record existing damage: Note any visible damage.

3. Check for leaks and mechanical issues

Make sure your car is in good working order. Check for oil leaks, tire pressure and the battery. A car that runs and drives is easiest to load. Non-running vehicles can usually be shipped too, but they need a winch and cost more.

• Fluid checks: Check oil, transmission and brake fluid levels.
• Tire pressure: Inflate tires to the proper PSI.

4. Disable alarm systems

If your car has an alarm, disable it before handing it over so it doesn’t go off during transport.

5. Remove toll tags and passes

Remove any toll tags or automatic passes to avoid extra charges while the car is in transit.

Required documents for cross-border shipping

Shipping a car from Canada to the USA requires several documents. Have them ready to avoid delays at customs. Generally, Canada doesn’t require an export declaration for a vehicle going to the US, so the paperwork is mainly on the US side.

1. Proof of ownership

You’ll need your vehicle registration and ownership or title. If there’s a loan on the car, get a letter from your lender allowing it to leave Canada.

• Ownership or title: Proves you own the vehicle.
• Registration: Have a current registration certificate.

2. Bill of sale or purchase agreement (if applicable)

If you bought the vehicle recently, you’ll need the bill of sale or purchase agreement. It’s especially important if the car is being imported for sale in the US.

3. Proof of insurance

Have proof that your vehicle is insured. Every shipment with our company also includes cargo insurance coverage while the car is in transit.

4. Emissions and safety compliance

Vehicles imported into the US must meet federal EPA emissions and DOT safety standards. Most Canadian-market vehicles prove this with a letter of compliance from the manufacturer, unless they’re 25 years or older. Request it early, as it can take a few weeks.

• EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7: Declare that the vehicle meets US emissions and safety standards.
• State emissions test: Some states, such as California, may require an emissions test before registration.

5. US customs entry

You’ll need to file a customs entry to legally import the car into the US. The main form is CBP Form 7501. This is one part of the full process of importing a car from Canada to the US.

• CBP Form 7501: The US customs entry for the vehicle.
• Customs broker: Consider a broker to help with the customs paperwork.

Customs and import regulations

1. Import duty and fees

When you import your car into the US, you may have to pay duty. It depends mainly on where the vehicle was built and its age, not only its value. Rates change often, so check the current tariff rates before you ship.

• Vehicles under 25 years old: Most face the 25% Section 232 tariff. USMCA-compliant vehicles pay only on their non-US content.
• Vehicles 25 years or older: Excluded from Section 232 and pay 2.5% duty.

2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection

US Customs checks the vehicle’s VIN against your documents to confirm the car’s origin and compliance.

• VIN check: Make sure the VIN matches the paperwork.
• Avoiding penalties: Discrepancies can lead to fines or delays.

3. Temporary vehicle importation

If you’re bringing your car into the US for a short stay, such as a winter visit, you may not need to pay duty or meet the full import requirements. Learn more about temporary vehicle import between Canada and the US.

• Nonresidents: Can generally import a vehicle for personal use for up to one year.
• No sale: The vehicle can’t be sold while it’s in the US on a temporary import.

Choosing the right auto transport service

1. Research auto transport companies

Choose a company with cross-border shipping experience and positive customer reviews.

• Experience: Choose a company that specializes in US-Canada vehicle transport.
• Reviews: Check what previous customers say about reliability.

2. Request multiple quotes

Compare quotes for price, services and extra fees. The lowest price isn’t always the best option, so consider each company’s reputation.

• Detailed quotes: Make sure you know what’s included, such as insurance, and what’s paid separately at the border.
• Delivery times: Compare estimated delivery windows. Most cross-border shipments take about 7 to 14 days.

3. Verify insurance coverage

Check the insurance the transport company offers and ask how damage claims are handled.

• Coverage limits: Understand what the policy covers.
• Supplemental insurance: Consider extra coverage for a high-value vehicle.

4. Choose the right shipping method

There are two main ways to ship your car across the border: open and enclosed transport.

Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option. It’s widely available, but the car is exposed to weather and road debris.

Enclosed transport carries your car in a covered trailer, which is ideal for high-value, luxury or classic cars. It offers full protection but typically costs 30–60% more and has fewer available dates.

What to expect during delivery

1. Customs clearance

The vehicle clears US customs at the border before delivery. We help with the paperwork, but keep your documents ready in case they’re needed.

• Inspection: Be prepared for a customs inspection at the border.
• Keep your papers: Keep the stamped customs entry and EPA and DOT forms. Your state DMV will ask for them when you register the car.

2. Vehicle inspection upon delivery

When your vehicle arrives, inspect it and compare it with your pre-shipping photos and notes.

• Check for damage: Look for new scratches, dents or other damage.
• Report issues right away: Note any problems on the delivery report before signing and contact the transport company.

Can I track my vehicle during transport?

Yes. We keep you updated throughout the shipment, from pickup in Canada through the border crossing to delivery in the US. You can contact us at any time for a status update or estimated arrival time, which makes it easier to plan for delivery if you need to be there.

Conclusion: make cross-border shipping stress-free with professional auto transport

Shipping your car from Canada to the USA doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and a professional auto transport service like US Canada Auto Transport, you’ll save time, reduce stress and protect your vehicle. If you’re moving for good, our guide to shipping a vehicle for relocation covers the extra steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for shipping my car from Canada to the USA?

The vehicle title or ownership and registration, a bill of sale if you bought it recently, a letter from your lender if there’s a loan on it, a letter of compliance from the manufacturer for most Canadian-market vehicles, and the US import forms: CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7.

Do I need a Canadian export permit to ship my car to the US?

Generally no. Canada doesn’t usually require an export declaration for a vehicle going to the US. The paperwork is on the US import side.

How much duty will I pay when importing my car into the US?

It depends on where the vehicle was built and its age. Most vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff, with USMCA-compliant vehicles paying only on non-US content. Vehicles 25 years or older are excluded and pay 2.5% duty.

Can I bring my Canadian car into the US temporarily?

Yes. Nonresidents can generally import a vehicle for personal use for up to one year without paying duty, as long as it isn’t sold during that time.

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

Typically 7 to 14 days, depending on the distance, the season and border timing. Shorter routes, such as BC to Arizona or California, can take about 4 to 8 days.

Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?

Usually, yes, with door-to-door transport. A non-running vehicle needs a winch to load, so it costs more. Tell us when you book.