Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

Apparently, I have to find a customs broker to ship the vehicle I'm importing Edmonton->Seattle. I've got some phone numbers and will start cold calling, but at this point I don't even know what the "Customs Broker" does, besides clearly take some kind of fee for the privilege of me moving something across the border...

Anyone know what the Broker does, and how I go about selecting one?

Not a lot of trucks moving across the border that I can recall, but -someone- must have imported a GMC 910 or something at some point!

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

Dave call Deringer Customs Brokers at 518-298-8281.. US Customs requires the use of a Customs Broker to handle the paperwork necessary to import or export vehicle.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

broker takes care of documentation . packaging . all the red tape so they dont quarantine
your shipment. in essence they are a freight forwarder. I have shipped millions in product around the world and some countries are red tape laden.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

There is no legal requirement for you to hire a Customs Broker to clear your goods.
I highly recommend it though.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

If you are importing a vehicle from the USA into Canada since 2014 US Customs states you have to use a broker and get an ITN Number and only a broker can get that number. Sounds like Dave is importing from Canada into the USA so I'm pretty certain the same rules apply but it could be different. The last thing you want is for the shipper to show up at the Border and the paper work hasnt been done properly and the Customs folks won't let the vehicle across the border. Been there, done that..

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

You may be right , I retired 4 yrs ago so not up to date if rules changed. Used to do all hazmat for dealer reps ,what a nightmare. :chevy:

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

The result of more regulations....more regulations cannot help but get confusing (even to those whose job it is to enforce the regulations) and thus, only the very wealthy can afford to navigate it.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

When I imported my Highlander frm South Dakota in Canada in November 2014 I had to use a broker and get an ITN Number and with that I must say the transaction at the US Border was smooth and seamless cause I used a broker and had that number.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

Cool. Unfortunately I sent all my paperwork (EPA, DOT, Bill of Sale, etc) off to the guy that's going to send the car, so if they want all of that, I'm kind of stuck! I guess I can find copies.

Thanks for the info, I'll make some calls!

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

I'm thinking it's a good thing to regulate borders. It's nothing new.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

If you dont want to use a broker, you certainly dont need to. I’ve brought 4 vehicles across the border in the last year (in Blaine).

It takes about 10 minutes.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

Well then, we need more regulations, right? :lol:

The more complicated the process gets, the more priced out the little guy becomes and he can't afford the right donations to the right candidates in order to get an exemption.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

I imported a 45 ft diesel pusher last year. Flew to Montreal and drove it back. Some internet searching will yield info on the forms that you should have filled out prior to arriving at the border. There is one form that must be acquired and filled out at the customs office. Because of NAFTA and the fact that the truck was originally built in the US, it can come back across the border duty free. If you strike out on your internet search, PM me and I will dig out my documentation for you.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

So what all did you do? Fill us in!

I have my EPA form, my DOT form, my MSO (origin), and there's no duty on Canadian cars.

What else would I need to do it myself? Even if I don't this time, I'd like to educate myself.

Mine was built in Canada but should be OK anyway, I think. It's old enough to be exempt for DOT and EPA but I have their forms filled out with the right "too old" exempt box checked.

So for the EPA I sent a 3520-1 and for the DOT I sent a completed HS-7.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

All you need is the bill of sale and the canadian title. Stop in at the border, trade some paperwork and drive on South. Its real easy.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

The trick to not using a broker is being at the border at the time of import and it's for personal use. Once you hire someone to bring it across for you, a broker becomes involved. Vehicles made in the U.S., Canada and Mexico are duty free. If the vehicle is over 25 yrs. old, it is exempt DOT and EPA regulations. The older vehicles are easy.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

WestButteTruck is absolutely correct.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

There is new TSA security bs that they have to follow for point of origin and delivery. Its kinda a joke but national security interests is what fuels the new regs we all pay more for on anything imported.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

I drove up to Quebec with a Uhual pickup and a trailer. Came back over with a '69 C20 with a bill of sale. Hit the VT border at 2:30am. At first the border guy was a little cold, but after a few forms, everything was dialed in, and he switched over the gear head!

No issues, no import duty.

One thing that he said: If I had registered the vehicle in Vermont before bringing it across the border it would have been a big issue, as you can't register something that hasn't been imported. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but that is what he said.

I believe that Vermont and Quebec have some very interesting, long-standing import polices that allow vehicles to move over easily. Based on some research, it seems like a very easy way to bring in grey market cars, register them in VT, then move to other states.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

Very interesting....I was wondering what it would take to sell a vehicle 'southbound' for a change, into the U.S
....hmm, I would be curious as to how this all rolls out for you Dave so keep us posted.....and I don't expect anything will be a problem.

As for the Canadian 'title'....its a little different up here and generally most Canadians don't know what the terms means.
That 'title' or paperwork is a much more fluid thing here than in the U.S
Whereas the american title is a very specific one time document it seems.
Here in Canada, every time the vehicle is sold it gets a new ownership document or 'title' specific now to that owner.
Also, if you happen to lose it...just go in and ask for a new copy and they will print one out for you...noting that they have you on digital record as the owner so it isn't a big deal....probably 15 minutes worth of time.
It is not one document handed down through time...so to speak.

Coley

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

Here in the US titles are re-issued whenever a vehicle is moved from state to state or transferred (sold/gift) from owner to owner. It all depends on the state of course, and at least it used to be that some states didn't have "titles" on older cars, just the registration.

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

One thing I'm not thrilled about is I have no prior registrations for the car. Alberta doesn't have titles, cars are sold on a bill of sale only. I hope that's not a jackpot at the border. I have a bill of sale from a car dealership, hopefully that's sufficient.

I guess those kinds of details might be the kind of thing the broker sorts out!

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

If you get a chance, talk with a paralegal about getting the seller and yourself to sign an affidavit as to the ownership being 'free and clear'.
I bought a used camper/trailer from Alberta and brought it out to B.C.
It didn't have any official 'registration or ownership' so I made a quick trip to the local paralegal (or may have simply been a local civil lawyer?) and paid $50 and got a signed document guaranteeing the ownership was free and clear.
I submitted that locally to our licensing and registration folks and ba-da-bing.....on the road.
Maybe talk to the 'border guys' before the car gets there to warm up your methods.

At the end of they day, you'll get your car for sure....might just be a couple of extra paper trail steps to make to expedite it through.

Keep us posted tho'...and best of luck.

All good
Coley

Re: Customs Broker? What do they do?
 

I just meant customs has it's place. I don't see any of this as unnecessary regulation. I'm not into over regulation.