Crossing the border into the US with a U-haul

[LeprechaunSean 0]

So I'm planning the big move next week, most likely wednesday, and I'm wondering-besides the Passport/immigration paperwork, is there anything I need to know about bringing a Uhaul full of my household and personal effects across the border? I'm making up an itemized packing list right now, but I read something about a 48 hour prewarning to the POE you plan to use, only I wasn't sure if that was in reference to cars or what.....any input is appreciated.

[JillA 2]

So I'm planning the big move next week, most likely wednesday, and I'm wondering-besides the Passport/immigration paperwork, is there anything I need to know about bringing a Uhaul full of my household and personal effects across the border? I'm making up an itemized packing list right now, but I read something about a 48 hour prewarning to the POE you plan to use, only I wasn't sure if that was in reference to cars or what.....any input is appreciated.

You don't need to call ahead.... I just showed up at the POE (Queenston/Lewiston) at 5am on a Saturday morning.... I drove my car (was importing it) and my fiance drove the Uhaul behind me.... make sure you stay in the car lane, not the truck lane.... that is for commercial trucks.

The packing list with an approx. value of the goods is all you need! More likely than not, they won't even ask to see the packing list but it's good to have in case!

Good luck with the move!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I crossed with a U-haul (thru Maine) and one doesnt have to call ahead. I had a itemized list--doesnt have to be detailed, can group items together. Looked at my list---very briefly--never looked inside my truck

[Tankgurl38 0]

I crossed with a U-Haul truck and trailer towing my car. I don't even think they looked inside the truck at all. I had an itemized list, but they never asked to see it. Didn't call for an appointment, but showed up. Had to wait about an hour inside while they processed my documents, as we crossed on a Sunday afternoon, but it was pretty easy and non-eventful.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

I hadn't realized you were supposed give the appoximate values of the goods, I guess that won't be too hard. I'm not towing any cars, so no worries there. I just hope they let my wife across, or this could be a real quick trip...

[JillA 2]

I hadn't realized you were supposed give the appoximate values of the goods, I guess that won't be too hard. I'm not towing any cars, so no worries there. I just hope they let my wife across, or this could be a real quick trip...

Why wouldn't they let your wife across.... She's American isn't she? She'll be allowed into her own country

[trailmix 77]

Sean's wife is the Canadian - currently they are both living in Canada

Because we're planning on heading down to the US in less than two weeks, as soon as my US passport gets here, and she'll be coming over the border seperately from me as a visitor, and she doesn't think she'll make it across....which of course there is a chance, but she's got a permanent address in Canada, she'll have a return ticket, various paperwork showing her clearly living in canada, and hopefully she'll have her NOA1, maybe even NOA2 before she goes, so the border guards shouldn't turn her away. Even if they do, it just means we stay in canada until she gets her visa in montreal, then go.

[JillA 2]

Sean's wife is the Canadian - currently they are both living in Canada

Because we're planning on heading down to the US in less than two weeks, as soon as my US passport gets here, and she'll be coming over the border seperately from me as a visitor, and she doesn't think she'll make it across....which of course there is a chance, but she's got a permanent address in Canada, she'll have a return ticket, various paperwork showing her clearly living in canada, and hopefully she'll have her NOA1, maybe even NOA2 before she goes, so the border guards shouldn't turn her away. Even if they do, it just means we stay in canada until she gets her visa in montreal, then go.

Ahhh I see! The return ticket and paperwork sounds like good evidence she's coming back Sean! Good luck with the move

[LeprechaunSean 0]

thanks guys. Hey, worse thing that happens, we just have to wait awhile. Only crappy thing is then I have to get a job here to last until she gets her visa....ah well. No one ever said life is easy. At least it's summer time, we've been having a beautiful week here in BC.

[CanAmCharlotte 0]

I numbered my boxes and itemized the contents on a sheet of paper. I didn't know about giving approximate values so I didn't do that nor did I call ahead. My U-Haul truck was never opened and no one looked at my list! Still, it was good to be prepared plus I knew which boxes to unpack as soon as I arrived in my new home.

[carslo 0]

I was told to put the "garage sale" value of the goods - not the actual cost.

Good luck

Janet