How to move between Canada and the U.S

When the North American Free Trade Agreement removed the trade and investment barriers between the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 1994, those in the relocation industry saw an almost immediate increase in the number and frequency of employer arranged transfers between the three participating countries.

Many of these corporate international moves were either administered internally or by a third party global relocation provider. This type of professional assistance not only helped reduce the stress that typically affects those involved in relocation but streamlined many of the entry requirements necessary to take up residence in a foreign country.

Crossing a border in North America became more difficult after 911. New security measures introduced by the Canadian and U.S. governments created additional paperwork and inspection requirements not only for those moving between the two countries, but also for the companies providing the logistical support and transportation to the new immigrants.

Unfortunately this complexity increased at the about the same time that the world economy softened. As a result, many international companies dialed back the level of relocation assistance provided to mostly midlevel employees in their corporate benefit packages. Some workers found themselves forced into an early retirement or, worse, without a job.

Recently a Toronto based relocation professional decided to combine his teaching background with his extensive moving and storage industry experience to produce several very informative video tutorials to assist Canadian residents, snowbirds, and transferred expatriates who’ve decided to move from Canada to the U.S. under their own steam. The information is part of the company’s new online library developed to assist anyone facing an upcoming relocation.

Fred Hawthorne manages a fairly large local and long distance hauling fleet for abbeyWood Moving and Storage, a United Van Lines agent located in Scarborough, Ontario. His easy to understand explanations and relaxed presentation style reflect his extensive experience with the procedures developed jointly by Canada’s Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to facilitate the clearance of household goods shipments moving from Canada into the United States.

In Passport, Fred discusses all of the documents required for the driver to enter the U.S. with a customer’s household goods.

In How to Complete the 3299 Customs Form, viewers receive step-by-step “how-to” instructions to complete the required information to avoid potential entry problems or clearance delays.

These informative, short "how to" tutorials are the first of several that Hawthorne plans to add his online relocation library in the next few weeks. Next up: How to Move between the U.S and Canada; and, How to Import Your Vehicle.

If you have a question about your personal entry requirements moving between Canada and the U.S., or simply need help with an international shipping dilemma, you can contact Fred at abbeywoodmoving-at-gmail.com

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