How Much is RV Hauling from Canada to the US?

We know that an RV is not just a vehicle. For many, it is a home away from home, a place to unwind wherever you park on your road trip. Therefore, you must choose a reliable haulage company to move your RV (Recreation Vehicle) from Canada to the US.

Hauling RVs can be more complex than moving smaller vehicles; they are bigger, heavier, and come in various sizes. Luckily, RV transport company A-1 Auto-Transport is well versed in the shipment of such vehicles, whether it is a travel trailer, camper trailer, camper van, bus-conversion, flatbed trailer, or motorcoach. With state-of-the-art auto shipping containers, your RV will be in safe hands.

Learn more about hauling your RV from Canada to the US and the associated costs.

What is Haulage?

First used in the 19th century, the word haulage describes pulling or dragging goods from one point to another. Now widely commercialized, haulage is known as a transport service done by train, truck, lorry, bus, ship, and even motorcycle, depending on the size of the goods.

Many types of items can be hauled, too: plant haulage, heavy haulage, or fragile. This article, however, will deal with hauling recreational vehicles.

Hauling your RV from Canada to the US

Canada and the United States are two countries connected by a vast land border that measures 5,525 miles, but this doesn't ease the complexity of hauling across the border. You will need to prepare your RV before moving and ensure you have all the documentation for your RV to make it through US Customs and Border Protection without a hitch.

To navigate the customs process, you will need a Bill of Sale (with VIN), a document providing proof of ownership (a temporary license plate or Canadian insurance card), and comprehensive safety checks before your vehicle is ready for haulage.

The Import requirements placed on vehicles can vary depending on the type of vehicle you are importing, but some general rules apply. Your RV must adhere to the safety standards set by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Clean Air Act of 1968.

It is essential that your vehicle is not a danger to American drivers and that your Recreational Vehicle aligns with vehicles manufactured in the US. If your RV does not meet the safety regulations, it could be sent back to Canada or destroyed.

Cost Breakdown

Transporting a vehicle across the Canada-U.S. border can be costly, but we've provided a breakdown of costs below to help clarify exactly what you will be paying for. The table shows the haulage fees and associated services, and below, you will find additional costs you might incur.

Cost & Time Examples to Import a Car from Canada

The shipping price depends on the type of haulage option you choose and the distance your RV will travel. These are the main hauling costs, but there are additional fees.

All vehicles that make their way across the US border are subject to duty fees. The total shipping costs will be a total of these additional costs plus the above figures, calculated per kilometer for transport.

Import tariffs are based on the cost of your RV – the bigger the vehicle, the more expensive with automobiles subject to a 2.5% tariff; a car bought for $20,000 would have to pay $500 in import tax. As larger vehicles, the average cost for an RV will be higher.

Gas Guzzler Tax

If your RV has 22.5 MPG (miles per gallon) or less, you will be charged, but if it is higher, you won't be subject to the gas guzzler tax. This only applies in the US once your RV is in and running. You can find out more about this tax here.

Age of the RV

Owning older vehicles has its advantages. If your RV is older than 25, you must not comply with US vehicle regulations or pay for modifications. If your RV was produced after 1998, you must adhere to the Department of Transportation's motor vehicle safety standards and stick a label to your RV, proving that it has met these standards.

This could be costly if not done right – if you do not provide a label with your vehicle, you may have to pay one and a half times the duty value of the RV.

Modifications

On the topic of modifications, only vehicles that do not meet the US emissions regulations and are less than 25 years old will have to be modified before haulage. This will increase haulage costs, but A-1 Auto Transport can help you change your vehicle if necessary.

Insurance

Coverage insurance purchased for your vehicle in Canada becomes redundant as your RV passes the Canada-U.S. border. Therefore, you will need to secure auto insurance in both countries. Providing acceptable travel documents before hauling will make the journey much more accessible for you and your haulage driver.

Preparing your Vehicle for Haulage

One way to ensure your vehicle won't run into any trouble crossing the Canada-US border is to ensure it is adequately prepared for haulage.

Firstly, remove all personal items from your RV – this will ensure nothing could cause damage to the camper during transit. With this in mind, ensure everything is secured (latches, drawers, doors – anything that could shift open).

Check tire pressure, brake oil, parking brakes, indicator lights, fluid levels, and anything that might not deem your RV road-worthy. Ensure that the gas line and electricity are turned off and appliances within the RV. With the proper checks, this does not need to be an anxiety-inducing experience.

Your RV shipping company will check the condition of your RV before departure, but it is good practice to document this yourself through photos and notes you can use for comparison at its destination port.

Hauling with A-1 Auto Transport

With over 2 million cars delivered to 190 countries (and counting) and a fleet of experienced carriers and partners working around the world, A-1 Auto Transport is proven to get your RV safely to your chosen destination.

There are four transportation services A-1 Auto Transport offers. An experienced driver can pick up your vehicle and drive it to the destination, a truck can come to your home and haul your RV, or it can be loaded onto an RV-specific travel trailer to be moved. A-1 also offers to transport vehicles over the sea, but this won't be necessary when sending your RV across the Canada-U.S. border - the previous standard transportation methods are tried and tested ways to transport your RV safely.

There are different camper transport companies, but happy customers back up our statistics. 97% of customers would refer us to their friends. "Are you looking for the best auto transport company to move your car?" Asks one customer. "A1 Auto Transport is the best option you can choose."

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