Re: [T3] Moving cars across the border

[Steven Ayres <comwest@att.net>]

<x-flowed>PhilC=> protocol for sending a car across the border from Canada to the US?

I've bought a car (not a Type 3) in BC and driven it here. This involved 
getting temporary insurance, which in Canada is handled entirely by the 
provincial authorities. You may be surprised to learn that this is way 
simpler and cheaper than the US system. The Canadian equivalent of the 
title is handled by the same authorities, so it's a one-stop process and 
there are offices all over in cities, and the counter people deal with 
your sort of problem frequently. The insurance is good in the US as 
well, so it will get you all the way home. If you're having the car 
shipped it's even simpler, as you can skip the on-road insurance.

The car will be inspected at the border by US Customs. Old cars are not 
subject to duty. Do yourself a favor before you get there and detach all 
interior panels and open as many body cavities as is practical. When you 
park in the inspection area, open all doors and compartment lids 
yourself. Customs is looking for drugs and weapons, and they're not 
gentle about it. They don't care how hard anything is to replace, they 
will break anything they don't understand how to open, they will prevent 
you from being present at the inspection to help, and there is no 
restitution or even apology for damage. Carry as little cargo as 
possible in the car, as this adds hassle. Expect the border crossing to 
take three or four hours, more during busy times. Smaller border posts 
can be better or worse depending on the mood of the day. The treatment 
you receive will probably make you angry. Resist all temptation to speak 
your mind.

Steven Ayres, Prescott AZ
'66 KG1600

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