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How to Ship a Car from USA to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to ship a car from the USA to Canada, you’re not alone. Thousands of individuals each year make this cross-border move—whether they’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or bringing in a new import. The process might sound complex, but with the right guidance, it can be smooth and surprisingly straightforward.

At Shipping Cars, we specialize in cross-border vehicle transportation and know the ins and outs of every step involved. This guide will walk you through how to ship a car from the USA to Canada the right way.

  1. Determine Eligibility and Compliance

Before anything else, confirm that your vehicle can be legally imported into Canada. Transport Canada has strict rules on what cars are admissible, especially in terms of safety standards, emissions, and recalls.

Key Points to Check:

  • Vehicle must be 15 years or newer (or meet specific exceptions).
  • Must comply with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
  • Any outstanding recalls must be resolved.

You can use the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website to check eligibility.

Expert Tip: Before you commit to shipping, request the VIN check report and compliance statement from the vehicle manufacturer. This will save you a potential rejection at the border.

  1. Gather All Required Documents

Documentation plays a critical role in ensuring your shipment clears U.S. and Canadian customs. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Title and Registration of the vehicle (must be in your name or signed over if purchased).
  • Bill of Sale or proof of purchase.
  • Recall Clearance Letter from the manufacturer.
  • Photo ID (passport or driver’s license).
  • NAFTA/USMCA Certificate of Origin (to possibly waive import duties).

At Shipping Cars, we offer document review assistance to ensure every piece of paperwork is correct before you ship.

  1. Notify U.S. Customs in Advance

U.S. Customs requires a 72-hour notice before the vehicle can be exported from the U.S. You must send the following to the border crossing where the vehicle will exit:

  • Copy of the vehicle’s title.
  • Export declaration form (if required).
  • Shipping details and contact info.

Once submitted, you must also present the vehicle at the port before it can be released.

  • Real-World Insight: One of our customers almost missed their shipment deadline because they didn’t know about the 72-hour requirement. We stepped in, sent their paperwork, and booked a new appointment in time—saving the day.

  1. Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company

Working with an experienced and licensed transporter makes a world of difference. Whether you’re looking for enclosed shipping for a luxury car or open transport for a daily driver, it’s important to pick a company that knows the U.S.–Canada shipping route.

What to look for in a carrier:

  • Experience in cross-border shipping
  • DOT and FMCSA registration
  • Insurance coverage included
  • Assistance with customs and RIV registration

Shipping Cars offers flexible options tailored to your budget and delivery timeline. We handle customs coordination and help you avoid costly mistakes during your cross-border move.

  1. Understanding Canadian Border and Import Requirements

Once your vehicle reaches Canada, it has to go through Canadian Customs and the RIV program. Here’s what to expect:

  • Pay import taxes: You’ll be responsible for GST, and possibly provincial taxes, depending on where you register.
  • Complete RIV inspection: After customs clearance, you must pass the RIV inspection within 45 days.
  • Register and insure: Once approved, you can officially register your car in Canada.

Helpful Reminder: If your car was purchased recently, ensure the Bill of Sale clearly states the purchase price to avoid disputes over tax valuation.

Bonus Tip: Let the Pros Handle the Stress

Shipping a car across international borders is more than just booking a truck. Between customs paperwork, safety standards, and coordination with multiple agencies, it’s easy to miss a critical detail.

That’s where Shipping Cars comes in.

We offer:

  • Personalized support from start to finish
  • Customs document preparation and compliance guidance
  • Pick-up and delivery at your convenience

Our team has helped hundreds of customers move vehicles from the U.S. to Canada smoothly and without surprise costs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to ship a car from the USA to Canada is all about preparation, compliance, and choosing the right partners. Start by confirming your car’s eligibility, gather your documents, and partner with a trusted shipper like Shipping Cars to make the journey stress-free.

Get in touch today to receive a customized quote and start your cross-border vehicle shipment with confidence!

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The Top 10 Reasons To Ship Your Vehicle To Canada

When you’re thinking about shipping your vehicle to another country, Canada probably comes to mind. After all, it’s a popular destination for car enthusiasts and others who want to take their vehicles on vacation. But is Canada really the best place to send your vehicle? The answer, as it turns out, may surprise you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 reasons to ship your vehicle to Canada.

Personal Reasons

If you’re thinking of shipping your car to Canada, here are some reasons to consider it: In most cases, the process is simple and straightforward. You’ll need to gather a few documents and submit an application, but once everything’s been processed, you’ll receive a notification that your car has arrived in Canada. Depending on the province or territory you’re moving to, there may also be additional taxes and fees associated with importing your vehicle – but overall, shipping is typically cheaper and easier than driving your car across the border yourself.

Another big benefit to shipping your car to Canada? You can avoid all the hassle and stress of dealing with customs. By shipping your car overland from the United States, you’ll bypass all of the Canadian border checkpoints – meaning you won’t have to deal with long lines, unexpected charges, or even having your vehicle seized! Plus, international shipping can be very expensive – so skipping customs altogether could save you quite a bit of money.

So why not give it a try? Shipping your car to Canada is definitely an option worth considering – especially if you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to move!

Business Reasons

If you own a car and live in the United States, there are several good reasons to ship your vehicle to Canada.

One big reason is that the Canadian automotive market is much smaller than the American one. This means that there is room for more automakers and more competitors, which means better deals for consumers.

Another reason to ship your car to Canada is the fact that prices are generally lower in Canada than in the United States. This is due to a number of factors, including higher taxes and tariffs on imported goods, as well as a weaker Canadian dollar.

Finally, car shipping to Canada from the U.S. can be expensive if you’re not careful. There are a number of carriers throughout North America, and each has its own rates and fees. By shipping your car to a carrier like Ryder Truck Rental or Federal Express, you can get an accurate estimate of what it will cost you before you make your move.

The Process of Shipping a Vehicle to Canada

Shipping a vehicle to Canada can be a complex and expensive process, but it’s not impossible. Here are the top reasons to ship your car to Canada:

1. Duty and GST/HST free: Vehicles imported into Canada are subject to both federal and provincial taxes, known as duty and GST/HST. When you ship your car to Canada, the burden of these taxes is placed on the importer, not the car owner. This means that your car will be duty and GST/HST free when it arrives in Canada.

2. No extra paperwork: The Canadian government does all the paperwork for you. Simply fill out a customs form and provide the necessary documentation (vehicle identification number, proof of sale, etc.).

3. Faster processing times: The Canadian government is well-equipped to handle vehicle imports quickly and efficiently. This means that your car will arrive in less time than if you shipped it through U.S. customs alone.

4. Reduced shipping costs: Shipping a car to Canada is often more expensive than importing it directly from the U.S., thanks to higher duty and GST/HST rates imposed by Canadian Customs officials. By shipping your car to an authorized Canadian dealer, you can save money on shipping costs – even if the actual cost of shipping is higher than what you would pay at home!

5. Peace of mind: If something goes wrong while your vehicle is overseas – no matter where it is –

What to Do If You Find Yourself With a Vehicle in Canada

If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle is not functioning in Canada, there are a few things that you can do.

The first step is to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. If it isn’t, you may be able to bring it into Canada as a commercial vehicle or import it using special permits.

If your car is still operational but not road-worthy, you can attempt to get it through customs and onto the road. This will require proof of ownership and proof of insurance coverage in Canada. Vehicles that are less than 12 months old and have less than 25,000 km on them can also be brought into Canada without any formalities.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of shipping your vehicle to Canada, there are a few reasons why it could be a good idea. Not only will you be saving yourself some money on car shipping, but you’ll also be avoiding any potential problems that can occur while your car is in transit. In addition to these benefits, shipping your vehicle to Canada also has the added bonus of making it easier for you to drive across the border. So if you’re feeling ready to take the plunge and ship your car out of the country, read on for our top 10 reasons why this might be the best decision for you!