HOS regarding going to recover a truck

First, the only time you don't have to log in a cmv is when you are using it for personal reasons. A cmv is a cmv regardless if it is loaded or empty.

Second, is the truck American or Canadian. If it is American and you are not hauling freight, there should be no customs charge at the border, but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared and have some money to pay the customs charge. When I brought my truck from Canada to the US, I think the customs charge was $7.50. Dont forget to have him bring his passport.

 

He's buying the vehicle and moving it, or will it be in the US for a limited time? If he bought it, there are all sorts of import laws he will have to deal with.
Best bet is to call bot US and Canada customs to see what is required.

 

Going into Canada by car? No issue. Unless you have been arrested or have a previous dui or maybe got caught smoking a joint 40 years ago. Going back to USA just make sure you follow all rules as far as log book, proof of insurance and all your cab card and authority all that paperwork. You need to fill out a log as you normally would. Do not try to claim personal move in Canada.
You don't need to do an ace (Canada to USA) if empty of bobtail. Some may argue this. I never do. Maybe it's different for different crossings. I go empty at detroit mi, port Huron mi and lewiston ny from time to time, no ace, never had an issue.
EVERY truck needs an aci (USA to Canada) in order to enter. The fine for not having one is $2000.

The processing fee is now 13.05 I think. Unless the truck has a transponder you may be asked to pay. Sometimes they don't care and just let you go.


USA border officials may have questions if you are recovering a truck with Canadian plates and you are an American and this is not a regular move for you. If it has American plates and is registered to a us company then no issue. They watch for stolen vehicles this way. They have all the answers before they ask the questions. Since it isn't business as usual, expect a bit more hassle when crossing. They may even search the unit going back to USA.

 

Check with US customs. Get the info from the horses mouth. I have exported and imported vehicles and slight changes are common year to year, some just enough to screw up your whole day.
and make sure you empty the roach tray

 

It's a company move. There is nothing much to be done except to make sure that you have the insurance, permits etc (With you) if you are penetrating Canada by Car (No problem provided you have no crimes etc of certain kinds)

Ive always come out of Canada Empty, either via Winsdor-Detriot or Buffalo which might demand a few minutes to search the rig end to end right quick. Things have changed since 9-11.

Paper logs from Keller is like 1.50. When you have it all into the USA, you are done with that particular log after 6 months holding for auditing.

 

Always ask yourself: "Is what I'm doing, work related and benefiting the carrier?" If the answer is "yes," you would be in commerce. Purchasing trucks for your company or for your work, is absolutely work related. You would need a log book. Since you are in interstate commerce, you would need a U.S. DOT number. You would need markings, medical certificate, IFTA and appropriate registration (depending on the size and configuration of the vehicle.)

 

Go through that truck with a fine tooth comb before you go to the border. If there is any sort of contraband in there and customs finds it in a search, there be deep, deep doo-doo.