professional drivers; I noticed that quite a few carriers run into Canada from the US. What are the pluses and minuses of running Canada? Go safely; see you on the big road! :rock:

 

Well you?re privileged to run in the greatest country on the planet

One of the safest and cleanest

We won't shoot you for 50 cents

Run Chicago, NYC, Detroit, LA, just to name a few, then run Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver just to name a few then tell me what you prefer.
:wink:

PS: There are no minuses to running Canada, except you have to deal with your power tripping arrogant US Custom agents on the way back home

 

I enjoy running Canada. I used to run up there frequently. Haven't been there in a while. While there are similarities to the US it is a different country. Canadian customs is usually not a problem. You might want to take your birth certificate with you. They occasionally will ask for it at customs. Most of the time they will check you out and let you go. US customs is a different story. These people can be a real PILL! Make sure if you are bringing a load out of Canada to have a Manifest. The brokers are supposed to take care of this but sometimes don't. US customs can fine you $5,000 for that little mistake. Don't even think of taking a gun into Canada. If you have one in your truck you better git rid of it before you cross the border. You could be arrested and fined up to $10,000 and if you are a owner operator lose your truck. Radar detectors are also illegal. If you have one better unplug it and throw it in the sleeper. Fine and confiscation of the detector.

One thing you need to get used to when you cross the border is kilometers instead of miles. 100 kph is not 100 mph. It is 62 mph. They are usually cool with trucks as long as you behave in a respectful manner and keep your speed down. You can usually run 65-70 mph without them bothering you. I generally go with the flow of traffic when I am there. Most truck stops take US money. Last time I was there $1. Canadian was worth $0.64 US funds because of the exchange rate. I use a credit or debit card when I am up there. I get a better exchange rate. I also usually leave a tip in US funds. It is better for the waitresses. If you use cash at the truck stops they Will give you change in Canadian funds which cannot be used in the US. You will also pay a premium to the truck stop for the privilege.

Most Canadians are friendly to Americans. After all, we are "kissing cousins." It is a beautiful country. It is easy to forget you are in another country and not back in the US sometimes. Unless you are in Toronto or one of the larger cities traffic is usually not too bad. Canadian drivers are usually more respectful of truckers. They will usually let you in front of them if you give them a turn signal. If you have a felony conviction don't even think of crossing the border. You can get a waiver from the Canadian government but it takes a while and is rather expensive. I have spoken to a few drivers who have done this, but I don't recall all of the details. There are some offenses that are misdemeanors here are felonies in Canada. If you are in doubt get in touch with them or talk to your carrier. Fuel is in Liters and is more expensive than in the US. I try not to purchase fuel in Canada. If I cross in Detroit, I fill up before I leave Ohio. That is about all I can recall, at the moment. Customs is the major obstacle. Mostly coming back into the US. There is a fee to getting back into the US too. Better take some cash with you so you can get back in.

 

Ok, this might be a dumb question, but as I have never gone to Canada before I thought I would ask. Does having a passport help? As I have one.

 

It helps Maveric but not necessary

Just bring lots of them greenbacks :wink:

 

Pfffffffffffft-Greatest country?? Hardly
Used to be nice to run Canada in the 70-80's-Now it's worse than the States

 

Love running up there a clean country. negitive side it takes along time to cross the border some times.

 

Just watch out for all the People from India "Attempting" to drive truck and killing everybody.
If you like Socialism you'll Love Canada

 

What the hell are you talking about.

 

One of the most Socialistic countries in the World-
As a combat vet i HATE when a country takes in our little weasels who dodge the draft.
Lot of Canada is south of me so i know what goes on there plus my best buddy lives in Sask.