You’re on the move to the beautiful neighboring country of Canada! While doing your research on this cross-border move, you begin to wonder what exactly you need to move access countries. Specifically, what information do you need to know about moving trucks from the United States to Canada? Here, we have the answers!
Many moving truck companies allow cross-border moves. However, it must be disclosed to the company before departure. These companies include but are not limited to, Uhaul, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Penske, Budget, and Avis. In 2023, most major moving truck companies allow one-way travel to Canada.
To understand other procedures for most moving truck companies, additional necessities for driving a rental truck into Canada, and what to expect for returning the truck, continue reading below!
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What Rental Truck Companies Can You Drive to Canada?
As I mentioned, most moving truck companies allow their vehicles to cross the border of Canada. However, their rules and regulations will vary.
You must be a permanent or temporary Canadian resident to rent a moving truck across countries. Keep this in mind if you have not received your Canadian residency quite yet. Otherwise, a Canadian immigrant visa alongside proof of U.S. citizenship may do the trick for some moving companies. Keep this in mind as you discuss your circumstance with moving truck companies.
Companies that allow one-way travel to Canada:
- Uhaul
- There are 82 Uhaul outlets in all the provinces of Canada.
- Temporary or permanent residency may be required.
- Budget
- Depending on the final destination, one-way rentals may be allowed.
- A non-resident insurance card is required for non-Canadian residents. This card is free but must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Companies that do not allow one-way travel to Canada:
- Penske
- You can cross the Canadian border with Penske but need to return it to a location near the U.S. border.
- Disclose this information before creating the reservation.
If you do not want to use a U.S. moving truck rental company, other organizations specialize in moving from the States to Canada.
Moving companies from the US to Canada (not moving truck rental companies):
- International Van Lines
- Atlas Van Lines
- Mayflower
- Allied Van Lines
- United Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
- Wheaton Van Lines
- Bekins Van Lines
- Stevens Van Lines
- AMJ Campbell
How Do I Return a U.S. Moving Truck to Canada?
This will vary depending on the moving truck company you chose, but some U.S. truck companies will have outlets in certain provinces. There, you can set a reservation or appointment and return your rented moving truck. This will usually be determined before you even move and when you set your initial reservation.
There is also the option of looking into Canadian moving truck companies and seeing if they have any outlets just shy of the United States border. However, this may not be the most reliable option for those who live far away from the United States and Canadian border.
Can You Move to Canada Without Driving a Rental Truck?
The answer is yes! You can either move your items with your vehicle or, even more conveniently, hire a self-moving service. U-Pack is one service where you pack and load the moving truck, and the company does the driving for you.
This can be helpful if you have young family members, and flying to Canada is much easier for your family than driving for long hours. It may also be a more affordable option for some families. This also eliminates the worry of searching for a company that allows one-way travel to Canada.
What Are Some Things Needed to Cross the Canadian Border?
As most countries go, travel documentation is required to enter the country. Double-check if a cross-country insurance card is needed from your moving truck company, and make sure to have the necessary travel documentation for your family. It may be helpful to have a Canadian bank account already open.
Required documentation for entering the country includes:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- United States or Canadian passport
- Visitor or Canadian immigrant visa
- Two copies of a detailed list of items brought with you
- Two copies of items arriving across the border later
When crossing the Canadian border, certain items have import restrictions or cannot be taken in rental moving trucks. These items include:
- firearms
- explosives
- ammunition
- hate propaganda
- obscene material
- Cannabis (without a permit)
- dogs from certain countries (Africa, South America)
- materials or foods that are considered invasive species
For other vehicle purposes, such as your own car, keep this information in mind: A U.S. license plate is allowed in the country for up to 30 days. This applies to people who just moved into Canada and for non-commercial purposes.
As far as Covid-19 restrictions go, at the end of 2022, many were lifted as the pandemic subsided. As of October 2022, proof of a Covid-19 vaccination is not required. A negative Covid-19 test is not required, and quarantine after entry into Canada is not required. The only thing that is required is travel documentation, as described earlier.
A final thing to note when using a rental moving truck company to move into Canada is to review your company’s policy. While insurance is usually required, there may also be special rental agreements for driving in Canada. Avoiding dangerous roads and driving cautiously will give you a better chance of not violating your rental agreement.
Because you are traveling across the border, you may be considered more of a liability. Any damage to your rental vehicle will be easy to spot, such as a rock chip in the windshield, a scrape of paint, or general vehicle issues. You want to avoid this, so you are not charged extra.
Speaking of expenses, make sure to review any extra charges for crossing the border. In this kind of scenario, it may be necessary to read the fine print so that the move doesn’t suck your wallet dry of cash.