It's FRIDAY!  And that's means another Flashback Friday post!  Each week U-Pack revisits a blog topic that has been helpful to our readers.  High on the list lately has been posts about moving to Canada from the U.S.  So today, we're bringing back the "How do you Move to Canada" post from early 2010.  Make sure to check out the comments at the bottom of the post— you'll find great questions and helpful information from our readers and customers there.  Happy Friday! 

How Do You Move to Canada

There's something about doing things we're unfamiliar with that makes us uneasy, isn't there? A little fear of the unknown. It almost brings out that "first day of junior high" kind of feeling. I think it's what people who are moving to Canada from the U.S. for the first time must experience. Since it's a move that differs from normal up the street moving, or even cross country moving, it makes people nervous. Understandably…they just want to get it right because getting things caught up in customs— well, not really on the "to do" list. 

Answers to your "how to move to Canada" questions
First, if you haven't already requested a moving quote from U-Pack, getting one is easy.  You can call 800-413-4799 and a U-Pack representative will gladly help, or you can simply enter your move information in the field to the right, and click the orange "Get Instant Quote!" button.

When you reserve a move to Canada with U-Pack, you'll find a list of requirements for shipping household goods into Canada at the bottom of your Bill of Lading.  But, I think knowing how it works ahead of time may help you make some important decisions as you're planning your move.  So this information is designed to answer questions about how to move to Canada from the U.S.— specifically with U-Pack.

Here's how moving to Canada with U-Pack works:

• In order to move your goods across the border, you will need to complete Canadian Customs Forms B4 and B4A (an itemized list of your goods with an approximate value in Canadian dollars) and proof of status (in the form of a visa, passport or other documents that show you have legal permission to move yourself and your personal items into Canada).  Keep the original copies for yourself, but place copies of your proof of status and the completed Canadian Customs Forms into a manila envelope labeled with your name, your U-Pack quote number and your origin address.  Then simply give the envelope to the ABF driver on your moving day.
• The ABF driver will take your paperwork to the ABF origin terminal where it will be imaged— giving the destination ABF terminal the ability to view it— and the copies you provided will travel with your shipment.
• Since ABF's Canadian Authority is as a post audit carrier, your shipment to Canada is allowed to move in-bond to the ABF destination terminal. That simply means that you don't have to meet us at the border to clear the items. We can just hold the goods at our terminal or warehouses until you clear the items through the local customs office. Which is exactly what happens…
• Once the moving trailer arrives at the border, Canadian customs border officials will check the paperwork. After it is approved, the driver will transport the moving trailer to the Canadian ABF terminal that services your destination address.
• Once the moving trailer arrives, you will go to the local Canadian Customs Office to clear your items. (Depending on where you're moving from and where you're moving to in Canada, U-Pack transit times average about 2-5 business days— check your moving quote for your estimated transit time).
• After the items have been cleared, ABF will deliver the moving trailer to your destination address.

And…here's a little "moving to Canada" side note…if you have specific Canadian Customs questions about the clearance of your items or completing the customs forms, your absolute best resources are the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency, the Canada Border Services Agency or your local Canadian Customs Office. They're the experts on all things moving to Canada.  In fact, I recommend speaking to them a couple of weeks in advance of your move so that you don't have to scramble to get answers when you're also dealing with the actual moving process.

More advice on how to move to Canada…

• Keep a copy of all documents with you during travel to present to Canadian Customs.
• Since you are responsible for providing accurate documentation and clearing your own goods, make sure the B4 and B4A forms are completed correctly and that you have provided all necessary documentation to the ABF origin driver.  Incomplete forms can result in your goods being held "In Bond" and additional fees could be applicable.
• If you're moving to Canada, you must physically clear your own goods at the local Canadian Customs Office. If the person receiving the goods at the destination is someone other than the owner of the goods, you need to contact Canadian customs for instructions. Again, if proper procedures are not followed, the goods may be held "In Bond" and additional fees could be applicable.
  
  If you have more questions about how to move to Canada, let us know. If we don't have the answers, we will find them and get you pointed in the right direction.