Shipping your vehicle from one country to the other can seen daunting at times. Further complicating the process is the talk of tariffs that has emerged following Donald Trump’s reelection as President of the United States. In this article, we present top tips for first time cross border car shippers. The information that we provide here should help simplify the process of shipping your car across North America.
Perhaps you wish to have your car transported from the United States to Canada, or the other way round. Or maybe you wish to ship your car from the U.S to Mexico. These are all countries that we, at U.S Canada Auto Transport, cover. We have been in business since 1985, and over time, we have grown to become one of the biggest companies for cross border auto shipments. If you are shipping your vehicle from one country to the other, you will likely be worried. However, that should not be the case.
How many cars cross the US, Canada border every day?
Before digging deeper into this article, it’s important to highlight the massive amounts of traffic that flows across the borders between the United States, Mexico and Canada. That will help you understand what you are faced with as you set out to transport your car from one country to the other.
The borders between the US and Canada and the US and Mexico are some of the busiest in the world. The chart below from Statista shows the number of vehicles that cross the borders between the 3 countries on a typical day. In terms of passenger vehicles, over 73000 cross the border between Canada and the US on an average day.
Meanwhile, the number of trucks and rail containers crossing stands at 23,153 per day. When shipping your car from one country to the other, chances are high that a truck will be used for transportation. Some cars are also transported using rail containers. These are both modes that we use when transporting vehicles on behalf of our clients.
You will find more infographics at Statista
So, with so many cars moving between borders on a single day, how do you ensure that your own car is transported to it’s final destination on time and in one piece. It’s clear that transporting a car across international borders can seem like a tough process, especially for first-time shippers.
Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or buying one from another country, navigating the legal, logistical, and financial aspects of cross-border car shipping requires careful planning. This guide covers essential tips for shipping a vehicle between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Understanding Cross-Border Car Shipping
Cross-border car shipping involves moving a vehicle between countries while complying with each nation’s regulations. These regulations differ from one country to the other. As a company, US Canada Auto Transport has mastered the intricacies of transporting different types of vehicles.
The process differs depending on whether you’re shipping a car between the U.S. and Canada or the U.S. and Mexico. In both cases, you’ll need to adhere to customs requirements, import/export laws, and transportation logistics. The following are important tips for first time cross border car shippers to make the process simple;
Shipping a Car Between the U.S. and Canada
In this section we provide tips for those looking to ship their vehicles between the U.S and Canada;
1. Check Eligibility and Compliance
Before shipping a car across the U.S.-Canada border, confirm that it meets the destination country’s import regulations. Canada has strict vehicle importation laws enforced by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).
What you need to do is to go to the RIV website to verify that the car that you wish to import is allowed into the country. You can also use the vehicle to learn about the process of importing your car into Canada.
As an example, some 2016 Toyota Prius models models cannot be imported from the U.S into Canada. Additionally, some 2016-2017 model year Prius v and Prius c are not allowed into Canada.
The U.S. follows the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. Verify that your car complies with safety and emission standards.
So, you need to be very clear that the vehicle that you wish to import either into the U.S or into Canada is allowed in. You don’t want to waste time and money getting ready only to be told that your car is not allowed in.
2. Gather Required Documents
To clear customs smoothly, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Bill of Sale – Proof of purchase or ownership
- Title and Registration – Verifies vehicle ownership
- Recall Clearance Letter – Confirms no outstanding recalls (for Canadian imports)
- Identification – Passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID
- Customs Forms – U.S. CBP Form 7501 (for imports) or Canada Customs Form 1 (for imports into Canada)
3. Hire a Licensed Customs Broker
Using a licensed customs broker can simplify the import/export process. Brokers handle customs paperwork, fees, and compliance, preventing delays and fines.
This is something that you can talk to us about. At US Canada Auto Transport, we have been in business since 1985, and we are there to help ensure that the process of having your car cleared runs smoothly.
4. Choose the Right Shipping Method
There are several ways to ship a car across the U.S.-Canada border:
- You can Drive It Yourself – This is ideal for short distances. It can be cost effective. However, one thing that you need to understand is that you will have to do a lot of paperwork at the border. It’s not something that’s insurmountable. However, for a first time buyer, the process can be a bit of a challenge. That is the reason why you need to hire a company such as ours to handle the process on your behalf.
- Transport via Carrier – US Canada Auto Transport specialises in this type of vehicle shipping. We offer both open and enclosed auto transport services. Most people choose the closed option when shipping classic or vintage cars. Shipping a car in it’s own container can be a bit more expensive than on an open truck. However, it offers better protection from the elements while the vehicle is in transit.
- Rail Transport – This is another option that we, and many of the other auto transport companies offering services between Canada and the United states, offer. Some carriers offer rail shipping between the two countries. Rail works best for those looking to have their vehicles transported over long distances.
5. Prepare for Customs Clearance
Both Canada and the U.S. require advanced notice before a vehicle crosses the border. For U.S. exports to Canada, submit the necessary documents to the CBP at least 72 hours before shipment. Be prepared to pay import duties and taxes, which vary based on vehicle type, age, and origin.
Shipping a Car Between the U.S. and Mexico
The following are the tips for those looking to ship their vehicles between the U.S and Mexico;
1. Verify Import Restrictions
Like the United States and Canada, Mexico has strict regulations on car imports, including restrictions based on vehicle age, emissions standards, and country of manufacture. Only certain vehicles qualify for permanent importation.
2. Obtain the Necessary Paperwork
The paperwork for shipping your car between the U.S and Mexico is almost similar to that for shipping between the United States and Canada. To legally transport a car across the U.S.-Mexico border, you need to have these documents:
- Vehicle Title and Registration
- Bill of Sale
- Temporary Import Permit (TIP) – Required for non-Mexican residents driving in Mexico
- Mexican Insurance – U.S. car insurance policies are not valid in Mexico. So, when shipping a car to Mexico, you need to first buy insurance that works in that country.
- Identification and Residency Documents – These can be in the form of Passport, a driver’s license, or other government-issued ID
3. Consider a Professional Shipping Service
Due to Mexico’s complex import regulations, hiring a professional auto transport company can simplify the process. They handle customs clearance, transport logistics, and ensure compliance with Mexican law.
While our service is mostly focused on shipping between the US and Canada, we can also help you wish transportation of your car to and from Mexico.
4. Be Aware of Import Taxes and Fees
Mexico imposes import duties on vehicles based on their value and type. The cost can range from 10-16% of the car’s value. Additional processing fees may also apply.
5. Plan for Border Inspections
U.S. and Mexican customs officials may inspect vehicles at the border. Ensure all paperwork is in order to prevent unnecessary delays or impoundment. Again, it’s easier to hire a professional shipping company to help you with the process.
Navigating through intricate customs procedures can be challenging, particularly for first time buyers. As such, hiring a company such as US Canada Auto Transport helps make the process simple. We handle all the paperwork on your behalf.
General Tips for Cross-Border Car Shipping
In the above sections, we offered a number of useful tips for first time cross border car shippers. These tips were specific to Canada, the US and Mexico. In this section, we will cover the general tips for those that were looking to have their vehicles transported from one country to the other.
1. Research and Compare Shipping Companies
Not all auto transporters are experienced in international shipping. Choose a company with expertise in cross-border transport and positive customer reviews.
We have already noted that US Canada Auto Transport has been in business since 1985. That makes us one of the most experienced companies in the business.
Get in touch with us to get a quote for shipping your car between the US and Canada. We offer a professional service that ensures that your car arrives at it’s destination on time and intact.
2. Get a Cost Estimate
Car shipping costs depend on factors like distance, vehicle type, transport method, and customs fees. Request quotes from multiple providers and factor in taxes and duties.
3. Inspect and Prepare Your Vehicle
Before shipping, thoroughly inspect your vehicle for existing damage and take photos for reference. Remove personal belongings and disable alarms to prevent issues during transport.
The issue of personal belongings is one that we cover in other articles on this website. Generally, it’s not advisable that you leave personal items in your vehicle as they could end up getting lost.
4. Check Insurance Coverage
Ensure your vehicle is covered by transport insurance. Some carriers provide limited coverage, so consider purchasing additional insurance for full protection. Again, this may be something that’s a challenge when it comes to first time shippers. It’s why we advise that you do it with a professional shipping company such as US Canada Auto Transport.
5. Track Your Shipment
Many shipping companies offer tracking services, allowing you to monitor your car’s journey across the border in real time.
Hire a professional auto shipping company
Shipping a car across the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border requires careful planning, proper documentation, and compliance with regulations. We will close this article by reiterate that first time shippers need to hire a professional company to handle the process on their behalf.
Whether you’re handling the process yourself or using a professional shipping service, understanding the key steps can help you avoid costly delays and complications. By following these tips, first-time cross-border car shippers can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Canadian winters can be brutal. Consider your options when having your car shipped in winter