12 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Truck from Canada ...

1.Will you ship semi-trucks and semi-trailers to the USA?
The answer is yes. However, the sale of NEW semi-trucks is much more uncertain. Not because of customs issues but rather because Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are keen to keep sales territories for their dealers intact. Generally, trailer OEMs are not as stringent as truck OEMs but it does vary from OEM to OEM.
2.Why would a US customer buy a truck or trailer from Canada?
In short – because of the favorable exchange rate. For example, a used 2018 International LT Sleeper Truck that sells for $110,000 in Canada will cost you less than $87,000 US based on the current exchange rate of $1.29 US for every $1.00 Canadian dollar. That’s nearly a 30% discount buying from a Canadian dealer vs a US dealer. The motivation for most US customers buying vehicles from Canada is the price advantage.  
3.I will be buying the vehicle sight unseen – what assurance do I have that it will not be a lemon?
Leading up to the sale, our website includes all of the specs and pictures of the actual units you are purchasing. Many of the used units we have for sale are lease returns or from our current rental fleet – all of which we maintain at our dealerships from new. Maxim has among the largest Idealease fleet in Canada which provides a steady supply of quality used vehicles. If you need additional information like vehicle service history, ECM download or even additional photos, we can provide that to you. Further, each heavy-duty truck or trailer we sell into the US will receive a fresh commercial vehicle safety in the Canadian province where it’s sold (CVIP). When you license the vehicle in your home state you may need a local safety but you can be assured our safeties are as stringent or more stringent than your local state. We cover all the major truck or trailer’s components – see here for more information on our safety process. In addition, we physically drive the vehicle across the border which is 2-3 hours from our dealership, so we make certain it’s safe and roadworthy. And every truck we ship to the US gets thoroughly cleaned and detailed inside and out just like we do for local customers that come to our dealerships.  
4.What additional fees or costs can I expect to pay to import a truck from Canada to the US?
You should budget approximately 4.5% of the purchase price of the vehicle for export duties, permits, stickers, broker fees and miscellaneous expenses. So in the example above, the export fees on the $87,000 US truck would be about $3,500 US. There will not be any USA or Canadian taxes included or charged on your Bill of Sale. Another additional fee to factor in is the drop fee. We strongly advise that you get the dealership or the seller to drive your vehicle across the border for you, so you are taking possession of it in your home country. Our dealership in Winnipeg, for example, will deliver your truck or trailer across the border to your choice of either Pembina, Grand Forks or Fargo, North Dakota – for a drop delivery fee of approximately $1,000 US. But considering the exchange rate we mentioned earlier – it’s a small price to pay for a much cheaper price point.  
5.Who does all the Paperwork
Our dealership at Maxim Truck & Trailer has the experience and can handle all the paperwork for you with the help of our Customs Broker. This is included in the 4.5% fee indicated earlier. For those who wish to use their own customs broker, you’ll pay over $1,500 just to get a broker account set up on top of all the other fees so most customers find it more economical to use our broker to save money, time and hassle.  
6.What documentation is required going from Canada to the US?
The bundle of documents required is substantial but in our case, we handle it all for you. The requirements are basically a two-step process that we handle on your behalf:

1. Provide the bundle of completed documents below and fax them in advance (usually 3 days) to the Border:
– ACE eManifest Fax Request Form
– Signed Bill of Sale – TOD/Title – otherwise known as the Canadian Ownership Registration
– OEM Compliance Letter – This is a letter from the vehicle manufacturer stating where the vehicle was built and that it complies with current US EPA regulations
– Bill of Lading
– Declaration Form HS-7
– EPA Engine Declaration EPA Form 3520
– Current local Vehicle Safety Inspection

2. In response to the package above, you will receive back from the Border the following documents:

– ACE eManifest that includes a barcode. Make this your top document as the border agent will scan this document and everything regarding your file will appear on his/her screen when you arrive at the border.
– Entry Summary CBP Form 7501
– Cargo Release Form

All documents in Steps 1 and 2 must be included in your package and presented to the border agent when you cross the border. Keep in mind that rules and requirements for importing vehicles into the USA changed a few years ago and may change again in the future. All the more reason to buy from an experienced exporter.
7.Can I come to Canada and drive the vehicle across the border myself?
Yes, you can but just know that no seller will release the vehicle to you without full payment. Then the risk and responsibility is all on you to navigate the entire process above on your own and at your own expense. And you’ll need to work with your own customs broker. It’s not impossible but if you’re looking to buy a semi-truck or trailer from Canada, most buyers will recommend you work with a dealer experienced with the process who has done it many times before instead of taking this on yourself. It is a very steep learning curve and one missed step or document can derail the entire process and cause massive delays. But if you’re keen on doing it yourself – you certainly can, whether you’re from a big trucking company or an owner/operator.
8.How does the transfer happen and where? 
We make arrangements in many cases to bring the truck(s) either just across the border and into the United States and meet you. Or we can meet you at your hotel parking lot in Grand Forks or Fargo, North Dakota for example. Or at a truck stop nearest to your hotel if road restrictions prevent us from meeting you at your hotel. That way you don’t need an extra travel vehicle and driver. Just let us know when you’ll be flying in, and we’ll arrange to meet you. Once there, you can do a final inspection of your vehicle and take possession of the keys and get home with the 7 Day license permit we provide you with.
9.What happens when I get the vehicle home in the US – how do I get it registered and licensed?
Once you arrive home, you’ll need to use the documentation provided to get your vehicle ownership registered in your name or company name and licensed in your home state. Local state tax rules on the purchase of vehicles apply and this is the point where any sales tax owing would be assessed. In the event that your local jurisdiction needs additional information not provided – we will work with you and our customs broker to courier you any specific outstanding requirements – at our cost. Again, this is covered in the 4.5% fee mentioned earlier. Our process is not complete until your vehicle has been registered and licensed in the USA.
10.Are there particular states where things get a little more complicated?
In some states – New Jersey, New York and Illinois that we know of – state licensing authorities seem to be looking for border-stamped Entry Summary CBP Form 7501. Border agents are reluctant to stamp these documents and if those stamps are not present, the local authorities won’t transfer ownership and license the newly purchased vehicles. In these instances, our customs broker will prepare the additional necessary paperwork and courier it directly to the customer in the USA. As part of our sales process, we follow through and ensure the customer has everything they need to get things settled when they get their vehicle home – without being left high and dry or having to pay extra fees.
11.What do previous US customers say about the experience?
Larry Janssen of A&L Freight in Crofton, Nebraska recently purchased a used International Prostar day cab semi-truck from Maxim Truck & Trailer in Canada. “It was my first time buying a truck from Canada and I’m very happy with the purchase, It’s a good truck,” says Larry who is using the truck to haul grain. Adds Larry, “I looked North because the trucks are a lot cheaper up in Canada.” Another recent buyer was Charles Brewer of Brewer & Sons based in Wessington, South Dakota. Charles has a mail route contract with the US Postal Service. He was looking for a sleeper semi-truck to match his existing fleet and found the perfect unit online at Maxim Truck & Trailer in Canada. “The process of buying from Maxim and importing the truck from Canada was very smooth and very professional,” says Charles. “The Maxim Rep, Mark Carlson, was great to work with and he had all his ducks in a row so there were no issues. I’d definitely buy from Maxim again in the future,” Charles added.
12.Why don’t more US customers buy vehicles from Canada?
Frankly, in the past, it hasn’t even been on most people’s radar in the US. But with recent supply shortages and more and more customers comfortable with sourcing equipment online, we have seen a massive uptick in units being sold to the US from our dealerships. We have refined our processes and we make it easy for USA customers to buy semi-trucks and trailers from Canada. So whether you’re looking to buy, lease or rent a commercial truck or trailer – visiting Canada in the future should be a definite consideration.

In order to avoid potential problems in the clearance of your merchandise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with CBP policies and procedures prior to actually importing/exporting your goods. You should also be aware of any entry requirements specific to the particular commodity you are importing/exporting, including those of other federal agencies. To assist you, we offer the following tips for new importers and exporters.

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What kind of license is required to import merchandise into the United States?

CBP does not require an importer to have a license or permit, but other agencies may require a permit, license, or other certification, depending on the commodity that is being imported. CBP acts in an administrative capacity for these other agencies, and you may wish to contact them directly for more information. You can find links to other government agencies and departments at USA.gov. There is a listing of other government agencies in the appendix section of the publication Importing Into the United States. You may also need a license from local or state authorities to do business. CBP entry forms do ask for your importer number: this is either your IRS business registration number, or if your business is not registered with the IRS or you do not have a business, your social security number will be sufficient. As an alternative, you may request a CBP assigned number by completing a CBP Form 5106 and presenting it to the Entry Branch at a CBP port of entry.

The CBP website contains valuable information for the new or experienced importer.

We recommend that importers review the topics on the CBP Trade page. In particular, we suggest viewing the information contained in the section titled Basic Importing and Exporting. There are many topic-specific links to explore. This will lead you to information on CBP import requirements, arrival of goods, formal entry vs. informal entry, classification, protest, mail shipments, restricted merchandise and more. For other agency requirements you may need to meet, and if you become a frequent importer with higher valued shipments, we recommend you read Importing into the United States. This publication contains more in-depth information and is valuable reading for anyone seriously venturing into the importing business.

We also urge you to read the Informed Compliance Publications. CBP has prepared a number of Informed Compliance Publications (ICPs) in the "What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About..." series on a variety issues. If your business will cause you to travel in and out of the country, we recommend that you review the traveler information in the Know Before You Go.

Prior to importing, you may contact the CBP office at the port of entry where your merchandise will enter the United States

A complete directory of the various ports of entry can be found on this website. If you are unsure of or haven't decided the port where your shipment will arrive, or you are looking at importing through multiple ports, you may contact a service port of entry near you. Ask to speak with a CBP import specialist assigned to the commodity you are importing. Import specialists are a valuable resource for commodity specific knowledge and can provide classification advice, commodity specific requirements, advisory duty rates, and respond to questions you may have about filing an entry. At many ports, entry specialists handle questions regarding entry filing. Entry specialists work closely with import specialists and provide the technical processing expertise required to file the necessary paperwork.

When calling the port, the importer should be able to provide as much detail regarding the transaction as possible. In order for the import specialist to best assist you, it is important you be able to exactly describe the merchandise you are planning to import. In order for the import specialist to best assist you, you should provide a full and complete description of the article and answer specific questions such as: 1) the country of origin of the merchandise and manufacturer; 2) the composition of the merchandise; 3) the intended use of the item; and 4) pricing/payment information (in order to properly determine the value of the shipment). For more information on the classification of merchandise, consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) which contains the actual HTS number and tariff classification guidelines that explain how to properly classify merchandise.

Importers can request a written ruling from CBP for the proper HTSUS classification and rate of duty for their merchandise.

For information on CBP ruling letters, review What are Ruling Letters. When requesting a binding ruling, importers should follow the procedures outlined in Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). Research the results of previous ruling requests by using the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS). CBP may have already issued rulings on products similar to yours that you can use for guidance. CROSS also addresses other issues such as value, country of origin marking, and applicability of trade preference programs. The CROSS database is searchable by key word.

The CBP Website also contains valuable information regarding exporting.

If your future plans call for exporting merchandise from the U.S., you should review the information found in the Export section of this website.

Although CBP enforces many export regulations for various other government agencies, specific questions pertaining to licensing requirements for a particular commodity should be directed to that lead agency. Other agency contact information as well as commodities that may require export licenses, can be obtained by visiting the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Web sites. Questions regarding export licenses may also be directed to CBP officers at the port where the merchandise will exit the country. Another resource is the Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center which you can call 1-800-USA Trade or visit their website Export.gov.

Although certain resident importers and exporters may file entries on their own behalf, many first time importers and exporters consult a licensed customs broker.

Those importing merchandise for their own use often hire a customs broker, particularly if they find the importing procedures complicated; however, they may make entry on their own. Importers wishing to consult the professional services of a Customs broker may do so. Customs brokers are licensed by CBP, but are not CBP employees. To view a list of customs brokers licensed to conduct CBP business in a specific port, select the Port you expect to use. Many service port pages have a list of customs brokers. Please note these lists may not be all inclusive and those brokers appearing on the list are not endorsed by CBP. There is also an Informed Compliance Publication about customs brokers. Remember, even when using a broker, you, the importer of record, are ultimately responsible for the correctness of the entry documentation presented to CBP and all applicable duties, taxes and fees.

Importer Security Filing (ISF/"10+2") mandatory for ocean vessel shipments.

On January 26, 2009, the new rule titled Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements (commonly known as "10+2") went into effect. This new rule applies to import cargo arriving to the United States by vessel. Failure to comply with the new rule could ultimately result in monetary penalties, increased inspections and delay of cargo.

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What is an Importer Security Filing? Under the new rule, before merchandise arriving by vessel can be imported into the United States, the "Importer Security Filing (ISF) Importer," or their agent (e.g., licensed customs broker), must electronically submit certain advance cargo information to CBP in the form of an Importer Security Filing. This requirement only applies to cargo arriving in the United States by ocean vessel: it does not apply to cargo arriving by other modes of transportation. Remember, even when using a broker, , the importer of record, is ultimately responsible for the correctness of the entry documentation presented to CBP and all applicable duties, taxes and fees.

Where can I Find More Information? For more detailed information about the Importer Security Filing requirements, please see CBP's webpage on Importer Security Filing. You will find a link to Frequently Asked Questions and recordings of recently conducted ISF webinars for small to mediums entities. Additional assistance may be available from your licensed customs broker, freight forwarders, trade associations and local trade centers.

You should research general quota information and quota requirements for certain commodities prior to importing into the United States.

Import quotas control the amount or volume of various commodities that can be imported into the United States during a specified period of time. United States import quotas may be divided into two main types: absolute and tariff-rate. Absolute quotas usually apply to textiles and strictly limit the quantity of goods that may enter the commerce of the United States during a specific period. Currently there are no commodities subject to absolute quota restrictions. Tariff-rate quotas permit a specified quantity of imported merchandise to be entered at a reduced rate of duty during the quota period. Once a quota has been reached, goods may still be entered, but at a higher rate of duty.

Quota information is available on the Quota page. This section contains links to information on subjects such as determining whether imported goods are subject to quota restraints.  A Guide to Import Quotas provides additional quota information. Fill levels for agricultural quotas and textiles eligible for trade preference programs are tracked on the Commodity Status Report for Tariff Rate Quotas. General quota information and instructions for specific quotas are available to CBP field offices and the trade as Quota Book Transmittals.

You may receive a bill if your shipment is examined by CBP.

Under Title 19, section 1467, of the United States Code (19 U.S.C. 1467), CBP has a right to examine any shipment imported into the United States and it is important to know that you, the importer, must bear the cost of such cargo exams. Per the CBP regulations, it is the responsibility of the importer to make the goods available for examination-- "The importer shall bear any expense involved in preparing the merchandise for CBP examination and in the closing of packages" (19 C.F.R. 151.6). Household effects are not exempt. No distinction is made between commercial and personal shipments. In the course of normal operations, CBP does not charge for cargo examinations. However, there may still be costs involved for the importer. For example, if your shipment is selected for examination, it will generally be moved to a Centralized Examination Station (CES) for the CBP exam to take place. A CES is a privately operated facility where merchandise is made available to CBP officers for physical examination. The CES facility will unload (devan) your shipment from its shipping container and will reload it after the exam. The CES will bill you for their services. There are also costs associated with moving the cargo to and from the exam site and with storage. Rates will vary across the country and a complete devanning may cost several hundred dollars. The CES facility fulfills the needs of both CBP and the importer by providing an efficient means to conduct exams in a timely manner. CES facilities are discussed in part 118 of the Customs Regulations.

Some information requested from CBP can only be provided through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures.

When members of the trade community or individuals from the public request information from CBP, there are circumstances when the information being sought can be provided only if the request is pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The CBP Web site has a comprehensive explanation of the agency FOIA program, including background and general information about FOIA law, FOIA regulations, and specific instructions making a FOIA request.

For general CBP inquiries, please call the CBP INFO Center Monday-Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

General Inquiries: (1-877) CBP-5511

International Callers: (202) 325-8000

TDD: (1-866) 880-6582

We recommend you first try to find the information you want by using the CBP INFO Center's FAQ tool. It has more than 500 answers about CBP policies and procedures.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website truck exporter.