Advice for driving into Canada

One thing I have found useful is to carry some Canadian cash. I just went to my bank and ordered some. most places will take American, but I feel the conversion is way off. My first time into Canada, I went into a Wendy's, and for one cheeseburger they wanted $7 American....I said I'll wait to eat.

As far as different driving, not really. Just that stupid metric system, and signs in French.

As far as the hours of service, there are some differences, for instance you need 36 hours for a reset instead of 34, but I'm not 100% on the HOS up there, I usually try and get out of there asap.

 

the hos rules are close enough that if you keep yourself legal with the U.S rules you will be fine, and less confused. we have a 16hr "window" 13hrs driving limit.

 

"As far as different driving, not really. Just that stupid metric system, and signs in French."

French signs!!! joeduno you didn't go to Canada you went to Quebec, please don't let that be your final opinion of us, try to get a load to the maritimes (summer would be better)

 

Don't forget your mittens and a toque. And leave your gun at home. lol sorry I couldn't resist.

Last I heard it was - for every 24 hour period (midnight to midnight) you have - 13 hours of driving
- 14 hours on duty (no driving after the 14th hour on duty)
- 16 hours elapsed time (max. total hours from start of shift)

Off Duty
- 10 hours off duty per day (mandatory 8 consecutive +2 other hours in minimum blocks of 30 minutes.)

70 hours in 7 days - 36 consecutive hours off duty required to switch cycles or reset to zero

120 hours in 14 days - 72 consecutive hours off duty required to switch cycles or reset to zero

 

Depending where you're going one of the biggest things may be a lack of truck stops.

Having some Canadian money would be a good idea. With exchange rate how it is right now it's not that big of a deal though.

HOS, make sure you have the last 14 days worth of logs with you. Like mentioned, if you follow US rules you should be safe except for the 36 hours required for a reset. Also, you have to have had 24 consecutive hours off duty in the past 14 days.

Do not leave the US without either a Passport or a FAST Card. You'll get into Canada without but getting back home will be a problem.

The metric system of course. It's easy to remember when you get on the highway and speed limit is 100 km/h but when you approach an off ramp and the sign says 40 make sure you remember it's only 25 mph.

 

some credit card companies will do the exchange rate for you, and you might get a better that average rate on the exchange, but this summer, when the rate was %5, I used a credit card that then charged me 3% for the exchange transaction, so it really wasn't worth it!

And be sure to check b4 going to be sure what you cell phone rate is, for Canadian roaming and especially data. My rate is in the cents per KILObyte, outrageous!

 

Verizon doesnt consider Canada the US of course. So its $.69/min for calls (either way) unless you have an 'international' calling plan. And no Friends/Family in Canada on any plan of any kind.... Texts are $.20 each way, even if your on an unlimited plan, presuming you can actually get the phone to SEND a txt...Receiving didnt seem to be any issue.

So if you use Verizon and hit Canada - just know its $$.

I was approved for the FAST/NEXUS cards but still need to hit my face-to-face interview in Detroit....

 

Make sure your paperwork is faxed to a Candian broker . Have their number so you can confirm they got the fax and call back in a couple of hours to see if the paperwork has cleared Customs . If your broker is Livingston put your ETA at the border 2 hours before you expect it to be . Livingston waits until an hour before your ETA to send it to Customs . Often processing will take more than an hour .
Your truck is supposed to be governed at 105 km/h (a little over 65 m.p.h. ) if you are going to be driving in Ontario or Quebec. I haven't seen them checking trucks much .