Driving a newly purchased commercial truck from Colorado to Canada

Don’t know about the plates, but Canada Customs needs to know all about it a few days before it hits the boarder. If you are using a customs agent they’ll know all about that end of the deal.

 

You’ll need a trip permit and ifta permit in each state ( they will give it to you at the scales when you cross )

If no scales are open you’re good to keep driving

 

Contact “Border Buddy” out of New York I believe. They can be the broker for you. You will need to send the title to the border you plan on crossing 48-72 hours prior like stated above and the broker (Border Buddy or whoever you choose) with charge you the tax and you’ll show the tax paid at the border.

 

I didn't use a broker; the process isn't that hard, just follow the steps (the following isn't definitive, but general in nature)

1. Make sure the vehicle is eligible for import by going to the Registrar for Imported Vehicles (RIV) website. You will also find all the steps or links to information to import the vehicle.
2. Get a clear title.
3. Go to the US Customs and Border Protection website to get the details on the information they need (basically, a clear title). This MUST be at the US port at least 72 hours in advance of your arrival at the border in order for them to authorize the export.
4. Make sure both the US port will do an export and the Canadian port will do an import (not all do).
5. Get a recall letter from the manufacturer.
6. I got temporary insurance and an in-transit for the Canadian portion, but I'm in Alberta and you're dealing with ICBC, so... good luck.
7. I got an in-transit permit from the state I purchased the truck in (Iowa). The Colorado temporary tag should be good to get you to the border.
8. I drove home and didn't need need trip permits or IFTA (and thus, bypassing scales) because my in-transit from Alberta and insurance said it was private. After the vehicle is purchased it is the jurisdiction of registry that determines whether the vehicle can be driven as a private or commercial vehicle. I imported the truck as a private vehicle, not commercial (couldn't get temporary commercial insurance, but that turned out to be a blessing). After it was inspected I registered the truck commercially (ironically, in BC first).
9. Figure out the fees and taxes you'll have to pay at the border (CBSA would not take a credit card, but call the Canadian port of choice and ask them what they want).

 

Private party not for hire. I'm taking it home and making it an rv.

 

Its a good plan to phone your point of exit crossing to make sure the paperwork has been forwarded...this from experience,,paperwork had been mislaid however diligent border guard found it!,,,on a desk

 

It gets a little tricky because the truck is not going to be for hire but if the driver is paid then HE becomes for hire, making the truck a commercial vehicle

Stupid, but I can see that scenario playing out at the side of the road with a trooper. One thing I would recommend is to stay out of Oregon

PM me if you want a condensed version of the state laws around what you're doing. I don't have all the answers because nobody does. You're in a grey area

 

That's what I told the trooper at the scale.

 

Using that claim with a scale officer is a little bit different than using that claim at the border with Canadian customs, they may view it as obfuscation of customs taxes.