First run to Canada

where are you going to? crossing the border is really easy these days,just make sure your pars has been accepted before you get to the border crossing.the people are real nice usually.never been thru there,so i dont know about truckstops.

 

Where you headed Winnipeg? There's a Flying J in Headingley. Husky truckstop there as well.

 

All truckstops and service centers will take American dollars but most give change in Canadian money .
Flying J's usually give the proper exchange rate . T/A's and service center restaurants keep more than they should . Today the Canadian dollar is worth $.97 U.S,

 

Once you get across there's parking about a half hour north at Morris. From there you'll hit Winnipeg where you'll find decent truckstops just outside the perimeter hwy (101) on the TransCanada both east and west of the city. Beyond that we'd need to know where you're going to give better info.

For the most part, if you're legal in the US for HOS then you are in Canada too. There are a few things to be aware of though

A restart is 36 hours, not 34 so make sure you have the hours available.

If you're one of those who never take a day off and just run on recap be aware that you are required to have a full 24 hour period of off duty sometime in the last 14 days. Also, if you're running on recap you're allowed 70 in 7 as opposed to 70 in 8.

You need to have the previous 14 days of logs sheets with you.

Even with a full 10 hours off you cannot drive more than 13 hours in one 'day' or on one logbook sheet. Actually you can if you use the off duty exception properly but that's not worth getting into.

I believe there's a difference or two on what information needs to be on the log sheet (like trailer plate#)

 

use a debit/credit card when you go to canada. It will automatically give you the exchange rate through the bank. often times better than the stores will give you.

Talk to your phone company BEFORE you go to canada and understand the international calling plan or else get it put in place BEFORE you get there.

 

Also, be ready if its the first time you have ever entered Canada. The first time I did, they pulled me in, did a full Federal background check, searched the entire interior of the truck, and unloaded the entire trailer and searched through it. Took about 2 hours or so. I did ask if I was under suspicion for anything, and they said "No, this is standard procedure for drivers who have never entered Canada before."

If you're using E-Logs on the Qualcomm, be sure to go to the HOS screen and hit the Border button when crossing, and be sure to switch your hours to Canada Main, otherwise you're not technically running Canadian logs.

They might not do that at every entry point, but be ready if they do. Also, if you're a smoker, you cannot being more than two cartons total into Canada, they'll take any extra.

 

I never switch my e-logs when going into Canada and had no problem when a level 2 was done in Ontario . I was never delayed for a background check.

 

I regularly run in Ontario and into Quebec crossing from Michigan and New York state. My first time across went smoothly. I was a bit nervous and told the customs agent it was my first time across in a CMV. He was cool. After that it's become a familiar routine. There have been times where my paperwork / ACE manifest weren't in order so I had to go into the customs office then to the broker. A bit aggravating but usually worked out in under 2 hours. I am on electronic logs and usually just run like I'm in the states so when I cross back over to the U.S. my HOS are ok. And the 36 hour reset is something the scale house crew always check the U.S. drivers on. Keep the speed below 65 (105 kph) in Ontario. You will do just fine!

 

If you smoke get your ciggaretts on the U.S. side.They're very expensive in Canada.They only want you to bring a couple packs in but I always carried a carton.Try to have u.s at all times .Otherise you're going to come back to the states with monopoly money which not alot takes that here I dont think.Make sure all your paper work is in order and call your company to make sure they have it done.I have went into Canada many times and never went thru what captainx3 went thru.Maybe its changed I don't know.