Documents to Carry While Moving Goods Across Borders

Picking up and moving your entire family across North America can be very exciting. Whether you’re moving from Canada to the United States or vice versa, you will need to ensure that you have the proper documentation in order to enter each country without problems. Also, if you are working at job that requires you to transport goods across borders you will need the right documents too. Your employer will take care of providing the legal papers and duty expenses (if applicable) for the load you are transporting but it is your job to present these documents to the border agents when you cross into another country.

To enter into Canada

Before crossing the border into Canada, customs agents will require the following papers from you:

• Passport
• Canadian immigration Visa and confirmation of Permanent Residence for each member of your family traveling with you (if applicable)
• Vehicle registration
• For truckers bringing in shipments, you will need to provide the papers that say the duty is paid on the goods
• A detailed list of the personal and household items you are taking with you right now (make two copies of this list)
• A detailed list of any items that are arriving later (make two copies of this list)

Each detailed list will need to include the monetary value of big ticket items such as washers, dryers, electronics.

To enter into the United States

When you cross the border into the U.S. you will need to show the following papers to a customs officer:

• Passport
• Approved work/immigration Visa
• 3299 Form and other forms that U.S. customs officials may provide to you
• Full inventory list of the items you are bringing to the United States and items that will be arriving at a later date
• For truckers, you will need to show documentation that confirms that the duty is paid on the goods you are transporting

You will need to have your documents on your person when you cross the border. Do not pack these documents somewhere that they are not easily accessible. If you have pets, you will need to provide documentation that states that they have had all their shots.

Crossing the border into Canada or the United States shouldn’t be a struggle. Whether you are working as a truck driver and transporting goods or moving your family to a new country, if you have the proper papers, you’ll have a stress-free experience.