North AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to Canada
Canada's mining, oil & gas, and construction sectors drive significant equipment demand. Multiple ports on three coasts plus efficient cross-border transport options.
Main Ports
- Port of Vancouver
- Port of Montreal
- Port of Halifax
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- CBSA Customs
- CUSMA/USMCA
- CSA Certification
Common Cargo
- Mining Equipment
- Oil & Gas Equipment
- Construction Machinery
Main Ports in Canada
Port of Vancouver
Pacific Gateway
Port of Montreal
Atlantic Gateway
Port of Halifax
Atlantic Gateway
Port of Prince Rupert
Pacific Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Canada
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| US land border | Cross-border (Detroit / Buffalo / Pacific Hwy) | Overland | 1–5 days |
| Houston, TX | Halifax / Montreal | Container / RoRo | 8–20 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Canada
We ship to Canada (Port of Vancouver) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 8-18 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Canada
Under CUSMA, qualifying US-origin vehicles are duty-free, but 5% GST applies at import (plus provincial tax at registration). Important: as of 2025 a 25% Canadian surtax applies to US-origin motor vehicles (on the non-Canadian/Mexican content for CUSMA-compliant units) as a trade countermeasure — confirm current status with CBSA before shipping. Non-North-American vehicles carry ~6.1% duty.
- Import Duty
- 0% (CUSMA-qualifying US origin) / ~6.1% (non-North-American); plus a 25% US-vehicle surtax (2025 countermeasure — confirm current status)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- 5% GST (plus provincial tax at registration)
- Other Taxes & Fees
- A/C excise tax (CAD $100), possible Green Levy (CAD $1,000–4,000), and Luxury Tax over CAD $100,000
Source: CBSA / Transport Canada (RIV) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
No general age cap, but vehicles must clear Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program and meet Canadian safety standards (check the admissibility list). Vehicles 15+ years old are exempt from RIV; vehicles 25+ years old are exempt from the US-origin surtax.
Source: Transport Canada (RIV) / CBSA · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
CBSA Customs
Canada Border Services Agency with efficient procedures.
CUSMA/USMCA
Free trade agreement provides preferential access from US/Mexico.
CSA Certification
Canadian Standards Association requirements may apply.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Canada
What makes Canada tricky
- The 2025 25% US-origin vehicle surtax is the big variable — confirm current applicability and CUSMA content rules before shipping.
- RIV compliance and provincial registration add steps even for duty-free CUSMA vehicles.
- Check the RIV admissibility list before purchase; a US recall-clearance letter and the title are required.
- Claim CUSMA preference correctly in CARM; the 25% US-vehicle surtax status changes with trade negotiations — confirm current applicability with CBSA.
Seasonality & Scheduling
Winter (December–March) affects Eastern/Great Lakes ocean routes and overland moves — plan for weather delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your shipment to Canada
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