Hello Group
I have a quick question in regards to shipping my car from Canada to USA as I am moving there on TN.
I am planning to ship my car instead of driving across as I am moving to west coast. My question is if I get a shipping company to move my car to usa do I have to complete the import procedure along with the shipping or can I get my car shipped first and the do the import procedure myself there. My shipping company is quoting $700 for the import procedure alone on top of $1750 for shipping. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
rsk
Shipping across the border is always expensive. If you are in GTA, why not drive to Buffalo and ship from there? You can catch the train or bus back.
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 09-10-12 16:26:55
There is no fee to import into the US. Hence the $700 is most likely for the time and efforts by the moving company. Even then, they may ask you to get all the required documents such as the letter of compliance from the manufacturer and customs paperwork.
I'd agree with aqua. Drive across and have a shipper ship. You can then at a reasonable leisure complete the import process and register the vehicle with the State DMV of your residence.
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Dimple2001
Thanks guys, appreciate your help.
I think I will drive the car to buffalo and ship it from there.
Dimple
Once I have the car in the US, how long do i have to complete the import procedure.
Thanks again
rsk
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 09-10-12 17:06:01
Quote:
Originally posted by rsk12
Thanks guys, appreciate your help.
I think I will drive the car to buffalo and ship it from there.
Dimple
Once I have the car in the US, how long do i have to complete the import procedure.
Thanks again
rsk
Technically, most states give you about 10 business days to register with the State.
Having said that, there are plenty of exceptions. NY, for one does not require you to register with them unless you "really need to". They are happy to let you drive with Cdn registration and license.
Since you are on TN, you can get away delaying import by saying Canada is your permanent home. However, if you are closing down everything in Canada, you'd be better off registering with the US State. If you have to absolutely register in the US, I wouldn't take more than 30 days.
Bear in mind the following steps:
1. Obtain letter of compliance from the vehicle manufacturer (EPA and DOT compliance)
2. Use the above to visit Customs and get the Customs paperwork.
3. One and two above completes the import.
4. Obtain Insurance coverage based on your US residential address.
5. Collect evidence documents required by your state to obtain license and registration. This includes immigration document plus all the Customs and import documents. DMV may look for a stamped visa; hence may have to explain that I-94 alone is evidence for TN.
- States usually verify your status electronically with the Dept of Homeland Security.
6. Obtain license, registration and vehicle title
7. For vehicle title, you may have to provide evidence that you own the vehicle and not the loan institution.
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Dimple2001
Excellent, thanks very much Dimple. This really helps.
Also - you do not have to go to the border to import the car. Any international airport (Customs) would be able to do it. If you are moving to Silicon Valley, SFO is your best bet. Try SJC first though.
