Is transporting a vehicle across the border worth the effort? This quick introduction lays out practical answers for owners facing long distances, tight timelines, or complex customs rules. Professional carriers handle logistics and customs, which reduces risk and saves time.
Typical cross-border rates range from about $1,000 to $2,500 based on distance, size, and method. Many routes report lower brackets near $800–$1,000. Under USMCA, North American-built vehicles are duty-free, while others may face a 6.1% duty. RIV fees run near CAD 325 plus tax.
Expect most shipments to move by truck, with average transit at 10–14 days. This guide outlines export filing, CBSA import steps, RIV rules, common vehicle modifications, and a checklist for painless completion.
Key Takeaways
- Professional carriers simplify customs and logistics for cross-border transport.
- Typical door-to-door times sit around 10–14 days for most routes.
- Costs vary by distance, size, and method; budget for duties, RIV, and taxes.
- Prepare export paperwork and RIV compliance within stated deadlines.
- Choose a company with customs expertise, insurance, and clear tracking.
Quick Answer: Yes—Here’s What It Takes to Ship a Car from the U.S. to Canada
When distance, weather, and mileage matter, hiring a carrier delivers predictable delivery and less wear. Professional firms handle export filing, customs clearance, and delivery logistics so owners avoid border delays and unexpected hold-ups.
When shipping makes sense versus driving
Shipping is smarter for long hauls, tight schedules, or relocations. It protects the vehicle and frees the owner from coordinating border procedures.
Admissibility, timelines, and who this guide helps
Admissibility follows Transport Canada and RIV rules. Most modern vehicles qualify. Vehicles 15 years or older usually skip RIV, trimming steps.
- Typical transit: 10–14 days door-to-door for usa canada routes.
- Typical price range: $1,000–$2,500, depending on distance and transport type.
- Ideal for relocations, corporate moves, students, and buyers needing a set delivery window.
| Option | Cost Range | Protection | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open carrier | $1,000–$1,800 | Standard | Economical long-haul moves |
| Enclosed transport | $1,800–$2,500+ | High | Premium or classic vehicles |
| Drive personally | Fuel, lodging | Variable | Short trips under 500 miles |
Working with a reputable shipping company ensures paperwork accuracy, insurance coverage, and pro guidance through regulations.
Contact Best Car Shipping Inc. for route quotes and planning at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Confirm Admissibility with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)
Start by validating model eligibility on Transport Canada’s list; this avoids surprises at the border and speeds the process. Use the registrar imported vehicles lookup to confirm whether the vehicle is admissible under current regulations.
Check Transport Canada’s list and the 15-year exemption
Most vehicles listed are subject to RIV rules. Models 15 years old or older are typically exempt. That exemption removes some compliance steps and inspection needs.
Common modifications and inspection window
Imported vehicles under 15 years often need simple changes. Typical items include daytime running lights and a primary speedometer reading in km/h. These updates meet Canadian safety standards.
Complete the RIV inspection within 45 days of import to avoid registration delays.
RIV fees and the paperwork you receive
The RIV fee is about CAD 325 plus tax. At the border, the importer receives Form 1. After submitting Form 1 to the registrar and finishing any required steps, RIV issues Form 2 for the inspection facility.
| Step | What to expect | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility check | Confirm model on Transport Canada list via registrar | Before booking shipping |
| Border entry | Receive Form 1; pay RIV fee | At import |
| RIV submission | Submit Form 1 and documents; await Form 2 | Within days |
| Inspection | Complete compliance checks and receive certification | Within 45 days |
Keep Form 1, Form 2, title, and modification receipts together. Verify if emissions or recall paperwork is needed before the inspection. For hands-on support with RIV coordination and documentation during shipping, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Paperwork and U.S. Export Steps You Must Complete
Securing the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is the first critical step in any international vehicle export. File AES through a licensed broker. Fees typically run near $200 and filing should begin early.
Key documents and pre-checks
Send the ITN and scanned title (front and back) to the chosen U.S. export office at least 72 hours ahead. Bring the original title, bill of sale, and the manufacturer compliance label. Confirm the EPA label is present under the hood.
Choose the right export office
Not all ports have export offices. Call ahead to confirm hours, directions, and any local procedures. Misrouting causes multi‑day delays and extra storage fees.
| Requirement | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| ITN (AES) | File via broker; email ITN to export office | At least 72 hours before export |
| Title & bill of sale | Verify clear title; no salvage/rebuilt | Before pickup |
| Compliance labels | Confirm EPA and manufacturer stickers on vehicle | At vehicle inspection |
Document accuracy matters. Make sure names, VIN, and sale details match across all paperwork. A professional company coordinates timing, schedules the export slot, and reduces hold-up risk. For coordinated export filing and shipping support, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Crossing into Canada: Import, Taxes, and Initial Inspections
Present the original title, export paperwork, and proof of purchase at CBSA to begin the import clearance. Agents will verify identity, documentation, and payment ability for any taxes and fees due.
CBSA gate process and CFIA checks
At the border, declare the intent to import the vehicle and hand over title, bill of sale, export clearance, and ID for review. CBSA will assess duties, tax, and admissibility based on value and origin.
If contamination risk exists, officers may direct the vehicle for CFIA inspection. A clean undercarriage minimizes hold-ups and possible cleaning fees.
Stamps, Form 1, and next steps
CBSA will stamp the original title and issue two stamped copies of Form 1. Keep these documents secure for submission to RIV and for provincial registration.
RIV-eligible vehicles must complete the inspection process within 45 days. Coordinate with the carrier for delivery after customs release or delivery to a bonded facility if further checks are needed.
| Action at border | What to expect | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Declare import | Document check; tax/duty assessment | At gate |
| CFIA inspection | Possible undercarriage/contamination check | On request |
| Receive stamps & Form 1 | Original stamped title + two copies of Form 1 | At release |
| Post-clearance steps | Submit Form 1 to RIV; schedule inspection and provincial registration | Within 45 days |
Keep Form 1, stamped title, and CBSA receipts together. These papers are essential for RIV submission and provincial registration. If duties apply, show origin documentation for USMCA relief.
For coordinated border presentation and immediate post-clearance delivery, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Costs, Duties, and Taxes: What You’ll Pay to Import a Vehicle
Budgeting for cross-border moves starts with understanding duties, taxes, and service charges.
Duty rules: Vehicles built in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada are generally duty-free under USMCA. If origin is outside North America, expect a 6.1% duty on the declared value.
Taxes and excise: Federal GST of 5% applies on import value. Provincial PST or HST adds based on destination; for example, Ontario applies about 8% PST while British Columbia’s PST can be higher for certain vehicle types. If the vehicle has air conditioning, include the $100 excise tax.
Fees and handling: Customs clearance fees commonly run near $355. Broker or ITN filing charges often add roughly $200. Door-to-door shipping costs typically range between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on distance, vehicle size, and whether open or enclosed transport is chosen.
Final total hinges on declared value, origin, route, and timing. High-value or oversized vehicles raise insurance and transport items. Work with a reputable company that provides a clear itemized quote for transport, customs, taxes, and ancillary fees to avoid last-minute surprises.
Need an exact estimate? Best Car Shipping Inc. provides detailed quotes and tax guidance at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Shipping Options, Timelines, and What Affects Price
Transport method, seasonal demand, and vehicle dimensions drive most cost differences for international moves.
Open vs. enclosed and size impacts
Open carriers offer lower rates and wide availability. They suit standard cars and everyday trucks.
Enclosed carriers protect premium, classic, or low-clearance cars. Expect higher fees and limited capacity.
Large trucks, lifted SUVs, or wide tires often incur surcharges. Oversized units use more deck space and may need special handling.
Distance, route, seasonality, and transit time
Distance and route complexity shape quotes. Longer runs, like Florida northbound, cost more than near‑border moves.
Seasonal spikes—snowbird moves and holidays—raise demand and push lead times out. Booking earlier improves options and pricing.
Average usa canada transit runs 10–14 days. Pickup windows vary with carrier routing and border processing.
- Shorten time with flexible pickup/delivery or terminal handoffs.
- Request tracking from the shipping company for real‑time updates and smoother delivery.
- Bundle moves for fleet discounts or dealer logistics efficiencies.
Best Car Shipping Inc. provides tailored quotes for route and vehicle specifics. Email info@bestcarshippinginc.com or call (307) 288-5972 for options and timelines.
How to Choose a Car Shipping Company for USA-Canada Auto Transport
Selecting the right carrier affects timing, paperwork accuracy, and final costs for cross‑border moves.
Regulatory expertise matters. Pick a shipping company with proven AES/ITN filing experience and RIV coordination. Firms that handle Form 1/Form 2, VIN checks, and manufacturer compliance reduce border risk.
Insurance, tracking, and communication standards
Verify insurance carefully. Ask for coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. Request certificates naming the owner as an interested party when possible.
Require live tracking or scheduled status updates. A single point of contact helps resolve issues fast. Confirm pickup windows, estimated delivery, and claims SLA before booking.
| Checklist | What to expect | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Customs & RIV experience | AES/ITN filing; Form 1/Form 2 handling | Prevents export/import delays |
| Insurance details | Policy limits; exclusions; certificate | Protects value during transit |
| Communication | Live tracking; single contact; SLAs | Reduces uncertainty and hold‑ups |
Make sure pricing includes all cross‑border charges and a clear breakdown. Established lanes often mean more reliable 10–14 day transit. For insured, compliant auto transport and coordination, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. at info@bestcarshippinginc.com or (307) 288-5972.
Step-by-Step: can you ship a car from us to canada
This section walks through each milestone of the shipping process, from paperwork prep and export filing through border clearance, RIV steps, and final registration. Follow each step and keep originals secure.
Prepare documents and secure ITN
Confirm RIV eligibility first; vehicles 15 years or older are typically exempt. Gather title, bill of sale, ID, and any recall or compliance letters early.
Engage a licensed broker to file AES and obtain the ITN. Expect near $200 for filing and plan to email ITN plus title scans to the chosen export office at least 72 hours before export.
Export from the U.S., then import with CBSA and RIV
Present the vehicle at the U.S. export office with originals. Inspectors will verify EPA and manufacturer compliance labels.
At the border, declare the import with CBSA, pay applicable GST, PST/HST, and any duty if origin is non‑North American. Keep the stamped title and two copies of Form 1 safe.
Complete inspection, registration, and insurance within deadlines
Submit Form 1 to RIV and obtain Form 2. For vehicles under 15 years, schedule the RIV inspection within 45 days and complete required modifications.
Finish provincial registration and secure insurance using Form 1, Form 2, the title, and tax receipts. A professional shipping partner helps synchronize each milestone and reduces missed windows.
“Organize documents early and confirm export timing; that simple discipline prevents most delays during the vehicle import process.”
- Confirm eligibility with RIV before booking.
- File AES via broker and send ITN to export office 72 hours prior.
- Keep originals of title and stamped Form 1 for RIV and registration.
- Schedule inspection within 45 days if required and secure provincial insurance.
Best Car Shipping Inc. coordinates paperwork, export/import steps, and delivery. For managed service, email info@bestcarshippinginc.com or call (307) 288-5972.
Conclusion
Closing an international car move requires coordinated export filing, customs payment, and RIV compliance.
Plan export (AES/ITN), present documents at CBSA, then submit Form 1 to the registrar imported vehicles and finish the RIV inspection within the deadline. This sequence keeps vehicle import timelines predictable.
Total cost blends transport, fees, sales tax, GST, and possible duty for non‑North American origin. Typical transit runs 10–14 days when a reputable shipping company manages logistics and paperwork.
For clear quotes and managed international car shipping, contact Best Car Shipping Inc. Email info@bestcarshippinginc.com or call (307) 288-5972 for an itemized estimate and scheduling.