Running in Canada?

I agree, but I run both constantly, ours is better IMHO just from the split, 30 minute mandatory, and 13/16 day.
Gives you far more options. I'm still surprised they haven't limited us to 11/14. Waiting for that.

 

I spent years running into and out of Canada, mostly in the province of Quebec. Here are a few things you will need to know:

1) Canadian HOS are different. Learn them. you may be legal on one side, and not on the other. Sometimes this will be the deciding factor on when and where to cross the border.

2)Canada is on the metric system. Learn the width, height and length of your vehicle BEFORE going across the border. Canadian axle weight maximums are generally higher that the US, except during:

3) The "periode degel" in Quebec, a 6-week period when ALL axle weights are reduced by 20%. You might be US-legal, but Quebec illegal.

4) The official language in Quebec is French. Be ready to learn at least a small amount of the language. At least learn how to read warning signs in French. Things which WILL get you a ticket, like "Allumez vos phares", or "Materiels dangereuse interdit dans le tunnel". Also, Francophones use CH 12 on the CB.

5) Don't expect to use US currency in Canada. usually you can get a decent conversion rate at or near the border at official currency exchange places. I always used to keep about $100 US and $100 Canadian in my wallet.

6) Taxes are higher on everything. You will pay from about 7% to 10% provincial sales tax (PST), and then another 7% federal GST as well.

7) Border crossings take time. Back in my day, pulling automotive pre-cleared loads meant that I could often get through Canadian customs in 5 minutes, but I was lucky. Today, border crossing takes much longer, especially if you need to get a customs broker involved. If your runs are short, but don't include waiting time pay for the border, ten you are getting screwed.

 

Don't use the French speaking lane crossing to Windsor.
That woman made me turn right at the Harley shop so many times

You get to sit in Canadian prison for an hour or two while they search your crap.

(To be fair it was always a fish food load coming from Mexico so I'd think it would be drugs to)

Oh yeah carry an extra mudflap.
It's nearly impossible to find one in Canada....it's why they have them placed out on the wall at the truck stops at the border.

Out east there's the q'y the lew'y and the 420. Trucks are only allowed on two of em.

Some crossings like the one in Minnesota aren't 24hours.

In Montreal there will be some turns to where it is the exact opposite of normal as to which lane you should be in.....you'll laugh when you do it the first time. It's like a stoplight but you are going backwards in a roundabout.

I enjoyed Canada I spent winter up there every year it seemed.

 

I can tell you that if you have any criminal record even if it goes back 40 years you can be denied entry. Even if no charges were filed you will still be on file. Even if charges were thrown out you'll still be on file. There's nothing you can do to get those records hidden from Customs officers.