posted on April 7, 2003 03:16:55 PM new
I need some thoughts on shipping about 3 full pallets of ceramic molds from Canada (Western part) to Washington State. And also how is the border crossings now. Heard lines are hours long. And if we rent a truck and get them ourselves, how do you think crossing the border would be, they wouldn't want to go through the whole truck would they? Sorry, some questions probably sound stupid, but never experienced this type of move before.
Pat
posted on April 7, 2003 07:59:41 PM new
Well with the borders so tight I would assume that they would go through your whole truck. I know when I visited Canada a while back they didn't check us going into Canada but coming back we had to unload our trunk so they could see we weren't bringing anything back anything we weren't supposed to. If they check the borders like they do the airlines I will bet that they make you take everything out of it. Good Luck
posted on April 7, 2003 08:19:33 PM new
If the Canadian border is anything like the US boder you run about a 20% chance of the truck being searched. If it is, they will pick random boxes, maybe let a dog sniff around. Also becuase you are transporting commercial products, be sure to locate a commercial crossing as you probably will not be able to go thru standard commuter crossing. Try this site for additional info.
www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm
You may also want to check into customs brokers. These are people whose sole business is to facilitate the customs process. They can arrange the transport, and handle all paperwork. As a general rule customs officials are familiar with the companies and reputations so shipments are very rarely held up.
As for lines.... I don't know about the Canadian borders, but the Tijuana/San Ysidro border, which is considering one of the busiest in the world, is very rarely more than 45 minutes and most of the time only about 30.
posted on April 7, 2003 10:48:07 PM new
If you are travelling from Wa. State into Canada this page below will help you somewhat. You will be bringing the truck into Canada so the Canadian Customs will check it as you enter Canada. If you rent the truck you will have to make sure that the insurance is covered for a trip out of country.
On your return the US Customs will check your truck (not Canada). With the Free Trade (NAFTA) you may be able to bring the molds back with no duties involved but you would be required to have the paperwork to show this.
I would check neonmania's idea of a Customs Broker as it may be the easiest way to do this.
posted on April 8, 2003 06:04:39 AM new
A customs broker is the way to go. He can get pre-authorized clearance from both the US and Canada. It will cost a little, but to save on the hassles it is well worth it.
You can wait for hours at a border crossing just for them to look at your paperwork, and with the threat level at high you are going to wait so they can check a "Rental Truck".
I know what can happen at the borders I drove truck for 5 years going into and out of Canada. One thing wrong on the paper work and your going back to the shipper or spend all day faxing back and forth to correct the problem.
posted on April 8, 2003 12:44:48 PM new
Thankyou all for your input, I appreciate it. Boy....it sounds like it could be a real hassle. I don't know if it is worth going through all of it, even if I were getting 300 molds for $1.00!! One thought that we had was to get a uhaul in Canada, and just bringing it down to Wash., but I'm getting a little leary of even that. One problem on this is the factor of a 160 mile round trip could get real expensive. Any ideas on having someone else pick them up for us? I know I have seen adds, and such for things like student movers, etc., but can't find that now. Anyone familiar with cheap movers? Sorry to sound like a tightwad, but always got to take that in consideration now a days, with the economy this way. Thanks again for your input, really helps.
Pat
posted on April 8, 2003 02:11:39 PM new Anyone familiar with cheap movers? Sorry to sound like a tightwad, but always got to take that in consideration now a days, with the economy this way
Even if you find a "cheap moving "co., they would have to be bonded to do cross border transport. I would suggest you just rent a u-haul and do it yourself.
Is this for a commercial venture or a hobby?
Is the cost under $2000.00[informal entry] or over $2000.00 $U.S.[formal entry]
Over all, it should not be a big deal to bring it back to the U.S. You will need to fill out a few forms for U.S. customs which you can do when you return.
You can phone or check out the U.S. customs website, they should be able to help you with this.
As far as the border crossings go it can be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Try to avoid peak times at the larger crossings, if you can try one of the smaller crossing points as they may not be too super busy.
Just make sure you have proper I.D. as they will ask.
This may sound like a lot of trouble, but its not as bad as it seems.
