Are you exporting heavy equipment from Canada to the United States? Shipping heavy equipment across the border might seem complicated at first, but if you take your time to prepare, the process is easier than you’d think. There are many reasons why you might want to ship equipment from Canada to the United States, whether you’re purchasing construction equipment, farm machinery, or other industrial machines from an auction, used dealer, or independent seller. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about transporting heavy equipment to the United States.
Find a Customs Broker
Customs brokers are essential when shipping across the border. There are extremely strict laws set out for cross-border shipping. If you aren’t well-versed in the rules and regulations, you could find yourself spending hours doing paperwork, only for your shipment to get stopped at the border because a single piece of paperwork was missing.
Customs brokers are experts in cross-border shipping. They know all of the requirements and regulations involved in the process and will be able to prepare all of the necessary documentation. All in all, they’ll save you plenty of time and money.
Not sure who to go to? Take a look at our list of trusted customs brokers.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
Regardless of whether or not you hire a customs broker, you’ll need to have all your paperwork in order before you can transport your equipment across the border. If you don’t have a customs broker, this means that you’ll need to research exactly what paperwork you need and get it all in order yourself.
If you have a customs broker, you won’t have to do nearly so much work. Your customs broker will handle the vast majority of the paperwork for you, so you won’t need to worry about getting all of the documentation right by yourself!
Find a Driver
In order to actually get your equipment past the border, you’ll need to find a professional, reliable driver first. The driver you select should be communicative and knowledgeable about heavy equipment shipping and have the right equipment to the job done safely.
At Trusted Dispatch, we have a network of professional drivers who are dedicated to transporting your equipment safely and efficiently. Shipping a load across the border is easier than ever before with TD!
Prepare Your Machine for Transport
You’ll need to prepare your machine before shipment day to ensure transport is as safe and efficient as possible. Start by removing any personal items or loose objects from inside the machine. After that, clean both the interior and exterior.
Once your equipment is clean, you can give it a quick inspection. Note any existing damage and take plenty of pictures of the machine. If it gets damaged during transport, you’ll have proof that it was not damaged before you shipped it.
Prepare the Loading Area
Loading is often an arduous and time-consuming job, but it doesn’t have to be. If you prepare the loading area beforehand, you’ll make the loading process much easier for everyone involved.
The first step is to identify the loading area. The area you choose should be flat and dry for faster loading. It should also be spacious, so you have some extra room to maneuver. If it’s winter, you’ll need to clear away any snow or ice before moving your machine to the loading area.
Stay Connected With Your Driver
The most important thing you can do during the transport of your equipment is to keep in touch with your driver. Communication is crucial for longer hauls and cross-border routes. If your driver cannot reach you during transport, you never know what delays could happen–especially if they end up stuck at the border with your shipment.
When you use Trusted Dispatch to find a professional driver, you’ll have direct contact with your drive to help ensure your haul goes smoothly. Better communication means an easier shipping experience!
Cross-Border Trucking in North America
Have questions about cross-border trucking or heavy equipment shipping? Please contact us at Trusted Dispatch via chat, email, or phone, and we’ll be happy to tell you more!
