Hauling to Canada

I go to canada from time to time. Remember too that mace, knives, guns, brass knuckles....any "self defense" weapon of any sort is illegal. Guess you are supposed to call the Mounties, and hope they get there before the thug in Toronto gets done with you. The Canadian customs people aren't too bad. Just have your duckies all in row. The US customs guys, there is where you are more likely to get attitude. Someone told them everyone is an illegal immigrant or a terrorist. Even pasty white fellas with a midwestern accent, like me. Any border crossing at a bridge has tolls, and in International Falls, Mn that bridge is confusing as a dickens. It is a train bridge, and trains, cars, rv's, buses and trucks all use it. It is best done in daylight the first time if possible. Oh, and any of the bridge tolls are in addition to the 10.75 user fee US customs gets each time you cross.

 

Just to add; AVOID RE-ENTRY THROUGH DETROIT. It is usually backed up and is by far the most harassing border for re-entry back into the states out of any crossing I've gone through (every crossing east of Detroiot/Windsor) they don't much care at this crossing if you are a FAST card holder and say "we treat everyone with suspicion" which is strange because that is the point of getting a FAST card so they know your not suspicious.

 

From what many guys have told me, a FAST card is just somewhere else to spend some money. It may keep you from having to pay cash at the border to customs, and if you cross enough, may save you some money, but it will not save you any time or suspicion at any crossing. If you cross somewhere enough they all get to knowing and recognizing you, that is the only way to save any suspicion. Dont need to get a fast card for that.

 

Haven't gone to Canada in years but even back in the day, I always came back thru Sarnia/Port Huron, never had much of a delay there.

 

I have seen it backed up a couple of kilometers from the bridge.

 

Strongly disagree.... I give it a couple years, it will be mandatory for all cross border commercial drivers. You can't pull a load from a fast certified shipper if you don't have one. I know not many of you guys don't see the benefit, but you do have less questions asked, and fewer inspections. I cross LTL 5 nights a week for a major carrier, averaging about 30 to 40 shipments each night going south, and the same coming back to canada. Most nights I clear in 3 minutes. no VACIS x-ray, no secondary inspections. I do get pulled for stratified shipments from time to time, but not too often. You still have to pay the truck fee at customs, so no money savings there.

 

Agreed, again Detroit is the only crossing I ever get even asked much with a FAST card. Awkwardly I was asked in Lewiston, NY if "we can test our x-ray on your truck to see if it works, but only if your not in a hurry" other then that a few conversations late at night with the cute Canadian customs girl in Calais, ME is all I ever get. It is worth it for speeding things up if not the. To be able to pull FAST registered loads or C-PACT loads

 

I know some, but not all... my port is also a training port, average 10 new officers to deal with a week, 4 shifts on rotation. Even the new officers only ask about fruit and weapons once they see the fast card. I know detroit and windsor lately are both PITA ports to cross at, I won't give what I feel is the reason, people might think I'm racist.....