Thanks for all the information guys. I appreciate it!






I get consistent quotes of $2.00 or plus a mile going in to Canada when I call brokers. Of course there are the ones that have given me lowball rates but it does not seem getting $2.00 plus will be a problem. I had one quote of $3.00 per mile out of Charlotte area. The loads I get domestically run in the $1.50 per range. I've gotten $2.00 per coming back to Buffalo but only a couple times. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
I have not called about loads coming out of Canada as I have a regular customer out of WNY that gives me a good rate ($1.70) BTW, these are flatbed rates I'm talking about.

 

I have a friend who is leased to a carrier and he runs into Canada quite frequently. When he does the rates are very good.

 

Yes that shouldn't be a problem. I've been getting $2.60 lately without even really trying. If you can get loaded back out of here, you are golden.

Here are the flat or step loads I've booked since Aug 1.

Richmond, VA to Trois Rivieres, QC $2.61 step deck
Harrisburg, PA - Trenton, ON - $2.65 flatbed
Waynesboro, VA - Gaspe, QC - $3.27 after permits - step deck 10' wide
Syracuse, NY - Barrie, ON - $4.78 step deck
Syracuse, NY - Barrie, ON - $3.54 step deck
Lancaster, PA - Trenton, ON + Ottawa, ON - $1.57 53' step deck

You've got some rd tape ahead of you yet though.

 

The key to having a smooth ride across the border is making sure you have all your paperwork in order and that your load has been cleared by customs prior to getting to the border. Make sure you don't have a gun in the truck when you cross into Canada. That is a major no-no. You will likely have a more difficult time getting back into the U.S. than into Canada. Make sure you have a debit or credit card for purchases. You will get a much better exchange rate.

 

I used to cross the border 4 times a week before and after 9/11. I never had much of a problem and never quite got what the fuss was about. I had customs back my trailer up to the dock and look at my load I think twice in 10 years. Most of the time just a couple of standard questions and a wave. The US was and is much harder to get into than Canada.
I got to know the Canada Customs guys pretty good and one day sat at the window for about 20 minutes talking about moose hunting with one of the guys. Tee'd off the people behind me I bet.

 

I bet, too. That would've tee'd off me if I was there.


On another note, what's the word on the street about Continental Cartage? They're part of the Landtran Group. I haven't found much on them.

 

Me too if I was one of them but I Didnt think it would be a good idea to be rude to a customs officer. "Hey, i've got to get going so shut up and let me through" wouldnt play too well I'm thinking.