First run to Canada

Discussion in 'Expediter and Hot Shot Trucking Forum' started by VIDEODROME, Jul 20, 2011.

  1. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

    1,486
    1,296
    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
    0
    Had to rush some parts from Columbus, OH up to Toronto, Ontario. I made one newbie mistake. Dispatch wanted to know if I was crossing by Buffalo or Detroit. I figured I'd skip the I-90 tolls and cross in Detroit. However what didn't occur to me was there was a difference between the Bridge and the Tunnel. Since I'm in a Cargo Van heading that way I just headed to the tunnel. My crossing wasn't on their record so I had to be detained for about 10 minutes to get that cleared up.

    After that it was a smooth night drive down 401. I did have to use Google Maps to help find the address though my GPS couldn't find the address.

    I had a few thoughts on future trips though. One recommendation I followed was filling my tank before crossing. Either because of fuel prices or just trying to avoid deciphering the Canadian prices per cents and exchange rate.

    Also I wasn't sure if I should assume all stores accept U.S. money still. I decided to get some Canadian cash from an ATM.

    I was tired from the night drive but otherwise was an average trip. Afterward I found a mall and just did some mall walking for exercise. Right now I'm pulled in behind a Super 8 to borrow their Wifi because my Verizon Aircard has roaming charges here.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

    1,486
    1,296
    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
    0
    Also I did try some Poutine. :biggrin_255:
     
    Digitalwarrior Thanks this.
  4. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

    3,205
    2,826
    Aug 8, 2008
    Texas
    0
    I always used my debit card. But yes most Canadian merchants will accept the USD. Actually you can use the USD anywhere in the world where paper money is used but you better know the exchange rates for yourself. Still though I think some charge for this so I'd say you did the right thing.

    I used to go up there all the time with Schneider. Some of my most memorable trucking adventures came out of Canada. They always asked me what part of Texas I was from as soon as I said "Hi there how ya'll doing?" Montreal was probably the most fun I've ever had in a truck. I learned what it was like to be illiterate luckily they still drive on the right so I made in and out. Montreal is just as much a mystery to someone from Toronto as it is to someone from the US. Canada is a real nice place to go to in the Summer.
     
    Digitalwarrior Thanks this.
  5. lil may

    lil may Road Train Member

    1,302
    702
    May 25, 2009
    0
    I always got out of there never waited on a load they most always paid me to deadhead also make sure you are clear before heading acrossed
     
  6. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

    1,486
    1,296
    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
    0

    Yeah I called Dispatch before crossing the first time. The only detail I missed was going to the tunnel instead of the bridge but I waited until they said I was clear.

    I guess I'll spend the night here since it's nice and cool up here but I might ask dispatch if I should wait here or cross to Buffalo.
     
  7. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

    1,486
    1,296
    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
    0
    Also is it a big deal to buy fuel up here or is it best to fuel up in the U.S.?

    I still have almost half a tank but something I wondered about for future trips.
     
  8. lil may

    lil may Road Train Member

    1,302
    702
    May 25, 2009
    0
    I always fuel before I cross rule of thumb it is cheaper in the us I always carried a gas can in the van to with extra gas to have when going to canada
    Also doesn't your company tell you were to cross? mine does
     
    VIDEODROME Thanks this.
  9. roadrunner0152

    roadrunner0152 Bobtail Member

    33
    8
    Sep 25, 2010
    0
    These days there isn't much of an exchange rate....maybe .03 cents difference. Fuel is definitely less expensive in the US.
     
  10. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

    1,486
    1,296
    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
    0
    lol they just said Detroit. I think it was just assumed that would mean the bridge.


    I asked them about deadheading out and they said I should wait just a little more today. They do get loads sometimes out of Toronto.
     
  11. VIDEODROME

    VIDEODROME Road Train Member

    1,486
    1,296
    Jun 7, 2007
    angola, in
    0

    If I stick with this job for a while and especially if I get asked to run to Canada I might consider getting a gas tank.

    With the extra tank I might just fuel up in Toledo, Oh first as well.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.