Vehicle Transport for Shows and Events Between the USA and Canada

Shipping a show car, collector vehicle or race car across the US-Canada border involves more than transport. There’s temporary import paperwork, customs timing and the question of how to move a high-value vehicle without risking damage. US Canada Auto Transport has provided vehicle transport for shows and events in both directions since 1985. The process works like this.

Vehicles We Ship for Shows and Events

We transport vehicles across the US-Canada border for car shows, concours events, collector exhibitions and racing events in both directions: Canadian vehicles heading to US events and US vehicles heading to Canadian events. Whether you’re showing a restored classic at a concours or bringing a race car to a track day, we handle the cross-border logistics, and our classic car shipping service is there for the rest of the year too.

Enclosed Transport for High-Value Vehicles

Most show and collector vehicles ship in our enclosed trailers for extra protection from weather and road debris. Vehicles are driven directly into the enclosed trailer, which minimizes handling. For oversized vehicles that won’t fit in an enclosed trailer, open transport is available. The choice depends on your vehicle and budget, and the steps to ship classic cars between the USA and Canada without risking damage apply to show cars too.

Temporary Import Documentation for Show and Race Vehicles

Vehicles entering another country temporarily for a show or event need specific customs documentation so they can return home without paying import duties. We handle each scenario as follows:

ATA Carnet Shipments

If your shipment uses an ATA Carnet, you’ll need to arrange the Carnet yourself before shipping. The Carnet is an international customs document that allows temporary duty-free entry for items like exhibition and competition vehicles. Once you have it in place, we handle the physical transport.

Temporary Import Bond (TIB) Into the USA

For vehicles entering the United States temporarily, we can arrange the Temporary Import Bond on your behalf. This customs bond lets your Canadian vehicle enter the US for the event and return to Canada without paying import duties.

Temporary Import Into Canada

For vehicles entering Canada temporarily, we can refer you to experienced customs brokers who handle the temporary import process. They’ll coordinate the documentation so your US vehicle can attend the Canadian event and return home smoothly.

Which Document Fits Your Shipment?

Option	Direction	Who arranges it	Good to know
ATA Carnet	Either direction	You, before shipping	Covers exhibition and competition vehicles, and can cover several countries
Temporary Import Bond (TIB)	Canada to USA	We arrange it	The vehicle must return to Canada and can’t be sold in the US
Canadian temporary import	USA to Canada	A customs broker we refer you to	The vehicle must return to the US and can’t be sold in Canada

If you plan to sell the vehicle at the event, temporary documents won’t work, and the car needs to be formally imported with the full set of customs documents for shipping a car across the border.

How the Process Works

Step 1: Tell Us About Your Vehicle and Event

Contact us with your vehicle details, the event location and dates, and which direction you’re shipping. We’ll provide a quote and explain the customs documentation that applies to your situation.

Step 2: Arrange Customs Documentation

Depending on your shipment, you’ll arrange your own ATA Carnet, we’ll arrange a TIB for US entry, or we’ll refer you to a broker for temporary import into Canada. We make sure the paperwork is sorted before your vehicle moves.

Step 3: Enclosed Pickup and Transport

We pick up your vehicle and load it into an enclosed trailer, or an open trailer for oversized vehicles. Your vehicle is secured and moved to the event destination, and we keep you updated throughout.

Step 4: Delivery and Return

Your vehicle is scheduled to arrive before your event. When the show or race is over, we coordinate the return shipment back across the border under the same temporary import documentation.

Planning Around Major Shows and Races

• Book early: Book vehicle transport for shows as early as you can. Big shows, concours events and race weekends fill enclosed trailers fast. Booking 4 to 8 weeks ahead gives time for the paperwork too.
• Build in a buffer: Plan for the vehicle to arrive a few days before move-in day, in case of border or weather delays.
• Confirm return dates: Share your return date when you book so we can schedule the trip home.

If the event is close, last-minute cross-border car shipping is sometimes still possible, so contact us before you rule it out.

Preparing Your Show Car for Transport

• Document the condition: Take dated photos from every angle before pickup.
• Remove personal items: Pack show supplies, detailing kits and display stands separately unless we agree otherwise when you book.
• Fuel and battery: Keep about a quarter tank of fuel and the battery charged and connected.
• Note special handling: Tell us about low ground clearance, spoilers, non-running vehicles or custom tie-down points.

For more on caring for high-value cars on the road, it helps to know what classic car owners should know about cross-border auto transport.

Why Choose US Canada Auto Transport for Show and Race Vehicles

• Over 40 years of cross-border transport experience, since 1985
• Enclosed trailer transport for extra vehicle protection
• TIB arrangement for temporary US entry
• Customs broker referrals for temporary Canadian entry
• Shipments in both directions, US to Canada and Canada to US
• $7,000 automatic insurance coverage, with additional coverage available for high-value vehicles

Collectors and racers come back to us for vehicle transport for shows season after season. Read their experiences in the US Canada Auto Transport reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you arrange the ATA Carnet for me?

No. If your shipment needs an ATA Carnet, you’ll need to arrange it yourself before shipping. Once it’s in place, we handle the transport. For US entry we can arrange a Temporary Import Bond instead, and for Canadian entry we can refer you to a customs broker.

Will my show car be protected during transport?

Yes. Most show and collector vehicles ship in enclosed trailers and are driven directly into the trailer to minimize handling. Every shipment includes automatic insurance coverage, and additional coverage can be arranged for high-value vehicles.

Can you ship oversized vehicles that won’t fit in an enclosed trailer?

Yes. Oversized vehicles can be shipped on open trailers. We’ll discuss the best option for your vehicle when you request a quote.

Do you handle the return shipment after the event?

Yes. We coordinate both the outbound and return shipments under the same temporary import documentation so your vehicle gets home without complications.

Can I sell my show car at a US or Canadian event?

Not under temporary import documents. A vehicle that enters under a TIB, Carnet or Canadian temporary import has to go back home. If you plan to sell it at an auction or show, it needs to be formally imported, so ask before you ship.

How far ahead should I book show car transport?

Book as early as possible, ideally 4 to 8 weeks ahead for major shows and concours events. That leaves time to arrange the TIB, Carnet or broker paperwork and secure an enclosed trailer spot.