Hauling out of Canada

Do's and Don'ts. What all must I take with me as far a papers. Hope you don't say Birth certificate, cause I do not have one, never did. All records destroyed in fire when Custer,SD court house burnt. I do have letter from midwife of my birth and DD214 discharge Papers. Thanks

Keith & Shawn

Keith

But haven't really made a final commitment Yet.

Got to cover all bases, see what all it take to make the journey.

Keith & Shawn

Hopefully (parts) tractor will still have the ID tag on it.

Will make sure everything is current and all brakes are working properly.

again thanks

Keith & Shawn

Entering Canada:

1 – When asked your destination in Canada, be VERY specific (name the town). Likewise be specific about your reason for traveling and how long you plan to be in Canada.

2 – Make sure your vehicle and trailer registration/inspection stickers are current, and that all license plates are clearly visible.

3 – If you have guns or a radar detector, leave ‘em at home!

Returning into the US:

1 – Have your photo ID (valid driver’s license) out of your wallet and ready to present to the inspector. (If you have a valid passport good idea to bring it with you, though I’ve never been asked to present one.) This applies to any adult passengers too. If you have minors on board, be ready to explain who they are and their relationship to you. Keep in mind also the inspector will have run your vehicle’s registration prior to your arrival the front of the line booth. He/she will already know plenty about the registered owner BEFORE you arrive!

2 – Again be specific when asked what your reason for visiting, how long you were in Canada and what you purchased/are bringing back to the US.

3 – While I’ve never brought in a tractor I have brought in boats, engines, etc purchased in Canada. A bill of sale describing the tractor (including serial numbers if they can be found) will expedite your passage through US Customs.

4 – Be respectful. Answer questions briefly and honestly. If you are wearing dark glasses, take ‘em off and look the inspector in the eye. Above all DO NOT kid or joke with the inspectors!

Good luck!

In my earlier post on this thread I refered to my twice weekly crossngs. Those are commercial crossings and handled somewhat differently than non commercial traffic. If I were buying a single item over $500. either direction, I would consult with my home customs before leaving home. Tell them your intentions, when and where you intend to cross comming home. Don't be concerned with customs of the country your leaving with an item. Both countries really only concern themselves with inbound items. Bringing in an item such as a tractor can be considered a commercial crossing. Both countries now have systems in place allowing you to fax ahead what your coming with, copies of your invoice and your expected time of arrival. These just about eliminate any holdups providing your paper work is in order. Your home customs can advise you what options are available.

As you know I do ocasionally cross non commercial, most times with old tractor parts valued under $100. The day we visited with you folks last summer, I did have a plow lever on board, bought in Dunkirk NY. I told the Canadian Customs Officer of the plow lever under the truck cap. She never asked for the invoice, looked through the plexiglass side window of cap. She then proceeded to tell me if I didn't hurry I'd miss July 1st festivities home in Canada. It was 6 pm on July 1st. She further advised me that I was going the wrong way on the wrong day, " Most folks near the border celebrate both parties, July 1st in Canada and July 4th in the US." I told her I would try and correct that next year.

At the Army Chemical Center know as Edgewood Arsenal that's part of APG now, started searching
cars back in the early 80's when all those Marines were killed in Lebanon. They did a complete search every day. This was in a resticted area and if you left for any reason during the day and came back you were still searched. I haven't been in there for a long time so it's probably worse now. Hal

I have been asked for Photo ID both ways as well as Birth Certificate. Photo ID probably 10% of the time and Birth Certificate a fraction on that. Even when they look at Birth Certificate, Photo ID is still a must. No question though passports are coming and will be necessary. I can see air travel already demanding this.

The other thing one must remember is when you cross as often as I do these guys start to recognize you, they maybe can't put a name on you, until they see the ID. The key to crossing is know exactly where you are going when asked. No humming and hawing, even a hesitation can cause you to produce your Photo ID.

I have witnessed some people being aprehended at the border and the fashion in which it was done, I'm convinced both Canadian and US customs have the technology to know who is approaching when they are yet some miles away.

The following year I bought about a dozen wheel weights and was told to pull over. It took about half an hour to get through.

I paid no duty either time.

There is some concern about the manufacturered item origin. If the item was made in the US, there is no hassle.

I suspect that since 911 things are different. You could get the complete scoop from the US Customs website.