First time crossing the border, any advice?

My advice is ask your company what to do.Don't they have Canada briefing you must call?You must make sure all paperwork are in order otherwise could mean a serious fine.Don't your company do all the work for Canada then let you know when its done?

 

It's really no sweat. All you really need going in in addition to the usual paperwork is your passport and the Canadian customs invoice with the pars code attatched. The evening before you cross, call the broker to double check your pars code. You are usually able to do it online, but I find it easier to call. Even after doing that I try to give myself an extra hour in case I have any hangups. There is a fee of $10.75 when you come back in. I also fill out this form when returning empty: https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/CBP Form 7533.pdf. Make sure you put your truck and trailer plate numbers on your logs as well as beginning and ending mileage each day. If you're on elogs it will probably do the mileage automatically but you still have to add the plate numbers.

Where ars you going? Toronto traffic is a nightmare if you're going that far.

 

No harm in that.Folks here has some valuable info.I use to go to Canada every other week with Werner.Don't know how different that is from what you're hauling across concerning the paperwork.

 

speeds are Km not miles.. 100 is not 100 mph..

 

I got some advice, go WEST to Canada from Buffalo, not north. Peace bridge runs east/west not north/south.

All kidding aside, cross as early as possible tomorrow morning. The bridge usually starts getting busy on the commercial side around lunch with Canadian drivers heading home for the weekend. If you have a dash cam, take it down until you get through, they don't like anything that can take still photos or videos at the border. Look them in the eye when answering questions and don't volunteer anything that isn't specifically asked. Have your paper work in hand when you roll up to the booth with your passport/ enhanced license on top. I've seen them send drivers inside because they had to look for paperwork at the booth.

It's really nothing to stress over, you're doing the right thing by asking for advice and getting your ducks in a row before you get there. Good luck.

 

It's pretty easy like others have said. I submit my pars paperwork to the processor, call to confirm, arrive at border and go. Just make sure you don't have any "weapons" or convictions for any crimes that would be considered a felony in Canada. Have your papers in order before you get to the border. DO NOT try to sit at the duty free shop for more than 20 minutes. Cross at the Peace Bridge, its cheaper and easier than Niagra and theres a Flying J right across the border at exit 5. Don't worry about changing money, everyone accepts USD.

Ontario Traffic is terrible most of the time. Add at least 2 hours to trip planning if you are heading into Toronto during rush hour.

Crossing the border both ways has never taken me more than ~30 minutes and that was unusual. Usually its 5-10 minutes to cross both directions, just so long as you have paperwork (inward bound manifest for return, pars for entry into ca). Out of +/-20 crossings at Fort Erie in the last year, I've only had to pay the $10.75 twice. It's a total crap shoot if they make you pay or not, I'm just lucky I guess.

 

Wear a sombrero and a sarape and a big fake moustache.

 

Lol wrong border