First trip into Canada

Make sure your company gets you the ACI at least an hour before you hit the border. Your first time going in you will be interviewed by the immigration officer, nothing serious like an interrogation under a bare bulb, just verifying you are who you say you are and that the info you provided to get your passport was accurate. Getting back into the US on a regular basis is more of a PITA than what you go thru getting into Canada the 1st time. Make sure your cell plan includes Canadian cell providers or else your will have the shock of your life when your next bill comes in.

 

Pre clear both way even going home empty you’ll have to pay to return to the USA . Quebec fuel prices are extremely high limit the amount you buy there. I haven’t crossed since Covid but you should find information in the Canadian truckers section..

 

And they won't admit it, but most people in Quebec are bilingual, especially shippers and receivers, most speak either perfect english or enough english to get their point across.

 

Yeah, they have to have the customs manifest from the shipper before they can process it. They may need you to fax them all the b/l if the shipper doesn't send it to them. I use to cross so often I bought a cheap Wifi printer/scanner from Walmart so I can send it from the truck. The might ask you what border crossing you're gonna use and when you'll be there. Some companies give the driver an option and ask the driver, others tell the driver where and when to cross.

 

I used to go to Quebec multiple times a week. The language issue isn't a problem, all the officials I have had to deal with speak English well enough. You might run into someone at a store etc that doesn't speak English but I have always been able to get by. Road signs usually have pictures and you can figure out what they are saying.

Quebec has a law that states trucks must have a speed limiter restricting speed to 65MPH so make sure you don't go any faster. Their version of DOT (Control Routiere) can and will write speeding tickets so it's not just the Police you need to watch out for.

Assuming you are crossing at Champlain/Lacolle, the Canadian weigh station just across the border is usually closed, but if it isn't, they don't use the usual flashing lights to signal you to pull in. It's a type of matrix type sign that is hard to see until you are almost on it so make sure you are in the right lane and able to pull in should it be open.

Coming back to the US, if you cross at Champlain you need to fill out a declaration form if you company does not provide you with an electronic ACE. The form can be downloaded and printed from the US customs website. It's "CBP form 7533". The customs agents get really testy if you show up at the border without either. User fee was $13.50 last time I paid it (company issued me a transponder so I don't pay per crossing now), if the agent in the booth requires you pay it (some don't bother), you will have to park at the main building and go in and pay. They accept cash or cards.

 

If you use mapping apps, like Google Maps, unless you have an international plan your maps won't work, and no internet