Anybody ever move through Canada?

[ronjhall]

If you do cross the border, yes sir and no sir or yes maam and no maam go a long way along with being polite. That and do not offer anything other that what is asked.

Going on four years now since I last crossed with a commercial rig. Overall though, Canadian Customs were much more human than the Americans I dealt with coming back through. Bunch of little hitlers overall.

I mostly dead headed back so it was rather amusing when they x-rayed the empty trailer. Perhaps they wanted to periodically test their equipment?

Good advice. Crossing at Port Huron/Sarnia will give you a good example of Little Hitlers. Even though it was closer and faster to cross there. Our company rules were to use Detriot for all our crossings.

 

[Rod in Forfar]

I'd advise against the route, not because of potential customs problems, but rather because you would have to drive through Toronto. This is the busiest highway anywhere, and hardly a fit place for a trailer full of furniture.

If you do go, don't use Highway 407 unless you want an ongoing series of bills and summonses from their toll collection agency. They take casual visits to their road very seriously.

 

[300UGUY]

I wouldn't do it. I used to go to Canada frequently, but the waiting time at the Windsor / Detroit crossing can be an hour or more. Canada is not the problem, the terror war is at the border.

 

[Egon]

Do a good check with the Powers That Be and get all the details before making a decision.

I have driven through a Large [for me] city towing a trailer of furniture with no problems. If'n I could do it so can you.:thumbsup:

Last time I crossed at the Detroit/Windsor border was in 67 when there were some riots. Border officials were very nice.

 

[slowzuki]

My experience with the 407 and out of province plates is that I never get a bill. We always drive on it. The 401 isn't bad at night, I was just though a week ago. Its only the hour in the middle during the day thats really bad. We've towed trailers though all the time without incident. Just don't try in the morning or evening!

I'd advise against the route, not because of potential customs problems, but rather because you would have to drive through Toronto. This is the busiest highway anywhere, and hardly a fit place for a trailer full of furniture.

If you do go, don't use Highway 407 unless you want an ongoing series of bills and summonses from their toll collection agency. They take casual visits to their road very seriously.

 

[blueriver]

A little of track ... In 1985 I was in International Falls, MN selling Real Estate at Auction for the FHA ... I know darn well on night we ended up in Fort Frances ... How I do that with out a passport? Or was it just that easy back then?

 

[tungularafishcamp]

The need for a passport to get back into the United States is just another spinoff of 911 that came about just a few years ago

 

[bcjmmac]

A little of track ... In 1985 I was in International Falls, MN selling Real Estate at Auction for the FHA ... I know darn well on night we ended up in Fort Frances ... How I do that with out a passport? Or was it just that easy back then?

US decided everyone entering needed a passport post 9/11.
Couple of considerations that might affect the decision
1. Gas prices. Gas in Ontario is currently about $1.20/liter or $4.80/U.S. gallon. Higher in Quebec. Canadain Dollar & US Dollar are about equal//fluctuates daily.
2. Changing money expense/Credit card charges - depending on how you exchange your money or what card you use, 2.5% isn't uncommon.
3. Not sure where you are in Michigan, but you can route north of Toronto from Sault St Marie & it is shorter than going via Toronto (Sault - Sudbury - North Bay -Ottawa - Montreal). Might be applicable.

In the past I have transported goods through the US (Maine/Vermont). I always stopped at the border with a list of goods and had the paper date stamped & signed by customs. Made reentry to Canada a breeze - hopefully as easy going the other way.

Good luck, enjoy the trip whichever route you use.

 

[blueriver]

Okay so at the time I may have been "legally Intoxicated" but was not an "illegally intoxicated immigrant" ... or something like that!!!!

 

[nybirdman]

**** it wasn't that long ago we used to run across the border by car or boat to get Chinese take-out or real Canadian beer.Things sure have changed since 911.I worked in Michigan(late 1970's) and would run the 401 from northern NY every two weeks;absolultely no problems at the borders..now I never go to Canada even tho I can see it from my front door.