Shipping a car from Canada...

[WILMASBOYL78]

Just got an email from a car buddy in South carloina who is looking to buy a car in Calgary, Canada. What is the process for getting the car across the border..paperwork...customs...etc.??? I'm sure some of you have done this...thanks for any help.

wilma

[1969z280]

Tom:

The "hot tip" on this process is to make sure that all of the paperwork is submitted to customs prior to shipping the car and that you get approval before you move it. This will eliminate sitting at the border sometimes for days. The other thing that you need to know is that most shippers will only work in Canada or the U.S. so, you need to get two shipping companies and coordinate their efforts. It's not as bad as it sounds, Ed

[Zedder]

Wilma...tell your buddy to contact TFX http://www.tfxinternational.com/

Shipping from Canada is a breeze and doesn't require any special effort...signed registration/title and the bill of sale. TFX will handle everything at the border and deliver door to door. I've shipped many cars both to and from Canada and TFX is the best!

[vintagez]

Or just give us a call at 1-905-440-7697, we are the ones that supply EPA/DOT compliance documents on any GM product, they are $89.25 CDN, it is all you require for customs. Ask for George or Frank. No need for a broker, do it yourself.

[Xplantdad]

Good info George!!

[Canuck]

Mackey Transport will do cross border shipping as well. The vehicle needs to be "imported " into the US,and this can be done by a Customs Broker for around $100.00.
The bad news is your Built in America 40 year olds muscle cars now becomes known as an import (just kidding).

UPS runs a brokerage business that is quite reasonable.

Paul

[travlnz28]

I am just a regular guy who happened to buy a 67 camaro in Thunder Bay, Ontario two weeks ago and brought it back to California. I don't know about all that EPA, DOT, UPS, importation, submitting beforehand, etc. I showed up at the border heading South with the car on a single car trailer. The guy asked for my Passport. Nothing more. Maybe things are different with shipping companies.

[BJCHEV396]

Thunder Bay to So Cal that's a long haul!How long did it take?

[WILMASBOYL78]

Thanks for the help....now for part two:

How do you handle the money on a deal like this..?? He is buying it form a private owner who wants the funds wired to a Canadian bank...my friend is worried he will send the dough and never get the car. I have bought lots of cars, but never a deal like this....what is the best way to protect yourself..??? are there 3rd party people who can make sure everything happens as it should.

Many thanks for all who are offering advice...wilma

[67BelAir427]

The problem does not arise until you try to plate the car at the DMV. If the car has not been legally imported you will not be able to register it. This might not come up until years later, and it is a long drive back to the border to do it properly.