POE ?

[Krikit 1,164]

You have up to one year to import your belongings after entry to the US. Check this site for a port of entry near you. You don't have to return to the border to do it.

As for the car ownership issue.... since yours is packed away I'm wondering if we're talking about the same thing...... because it's a requirement for you to carry your ownership in your car. It's the small one that people usually keep in the same envelope as their proof of insurance. The one that you put the sticker on when you renew your license tags.

[LadyJane 1]

Thanks for the advice.

Yeah we're hoping to maybe go around Toronto... who knows... maybe our friend has some trick being from the city itself

I travel to/fro Montreal-Detroit often! Unfortunately, there is no way "around" TO. You could hop onto the 407 in Ajax to alleviate some traffic slowdowns, but I find that once the 407 re-merges with the 401, traffic is again backed up. And the 407 is expensive.

The *best* time to leave Montreal is before 11 am. You'll get into the Ajax area (401 exit 399) before things get too slowed down and the west-bound Waterloo (~exit 333 on the 401) traffic is not-so-bad. Count on spending an hour longer than intended though! You can go through Kingston POE and travel through NY, PA and OH. It's a very nice drive through northern NY, but if your final destination is Michigan then this way will add 2.5-3 hours.

I've never gone on the 402 from Sarnia to Port Huron, but my husband has and he said that the road isn't well-maintained and so it's bumpy. May not be a good idea for a truck-load of goods! The Detroit POE is great, both the tunnel and the bridge.

[warlord 73]

I used to line in Windsor, and so lots of my friends would get the TN work status at the Detroit Border. I got mine there as well. We always went to the tunnel as many people said the bridge was a lot more stricter and many people had issues that they didn't have at the tunnel. This was over 10 years ago though, so not sure if it's changed or not.

Driving time really doesn't make much of a difference at all going through Port Huron or through Detroit, I've done them both comming back home from visiting Canada and really any distance wise difference. Though it does seem that Port Huron is a bit harder to get through...

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

I used to line in Windsor, and so lots of my friends would get the TN work status at the Detroit Border. I got mine there as well. We always went to the tunnel as many people said the bridge was a lot more stricter and many people had issues that they didn't have at the tunnel. This was over 10 years ago though, so not sure if it's changed or not.

Driving time really doesn't make much of a difference at all going through Port Huron or through Detroit, I've done them both comming back home from visiting Canada and really any distance wise difference. Though it does seem that Port Huron is a bit harder to get through...

I heard that ever since I was a kid and just about everyone I talk to agrees. I don't know how true it is but when going we always take the tunnel. I definitely agree about Port Huron.

[zyggy 9]

You have up to one year to import your belongings after entry to the US. Check this site for a port of entry near you. You don't have to return to the border to do it.

As for the car ownership issue.... since yours is packed away I'm wondering if we're talking about the same thing...... because it's a requirement for you to carry your ownership in your car. It's the small one that people usually keep in the same envelope as their proof of insurance. The one that you put the sticker on when you renew your license tags.

You actually have 10 years to import all of your stuff.. but the car is kind of an exception due to DOT and EPA regulations. All Catou needs is the registration for the car and the compliance letter. CBP will take care of the rest of the paperwork.

[Catou1181 0]

So my car registration(immatriculation) is sufficient ? I don't actually need the whole package of papers that show that I purchased the car in 2002(or 2003 lol I don't remember ) at the dealership ?

Basically the compliance letter and the little paper that you keep on you(or in your car) for insurance purposes is good ?

[Krikit 1,164]

So my car registration(immatriculation) is sufficient ? I don't actually need the whole package of papers that show that I purchased the car in 2002(or 2003 lol I don't remember ) at the dealership ?

Basically the compliance letter and the little paper that you keep on you(or in your car) for insurance purposes is good ?

Yes, your car registration is sufficient. No, you don't need the whole package of papers that show that you purchased the car in 2002 or 2003. Yes, you just need the compliance letter and the little paper that you keep on you or in your car. I think you need to join Schmelle in that gin and tonic.

[Catou1181 0]

lol thanks Crikey

[July09Bride 1]

lol thanks Crikey

And this thread says Windsor/Detroit is easier... *sigh* I always have problems with the guys at the tunnel (they're MEAN!) and the freeway on the detroit side of the bridge is all torn up... I guess Port Huron will have to do... unless someone deters me and truly thinks we should cross at the Ambassador Bridge. decisions... decisions...

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I had no problems with Port Huron and would recommend crossing there without any hesitation. If you have a choice that doesn't matter between Detroit and Port Huron, I would recommend Port Huron - the roads are better and more cleanly marked, the traffic is somewhat better and it isn't such a hassle getting back onto the interstate as it is in Detroit. Detroit roads are incredibly bad- even the potholes have potholes. I've used both POEs as a visitor many times and always liked Port Huron better. It is also where I activated my K-1 - no problems at that border at all.

Edited April 25, 2009 by Kathryn41

[July09Bride 1]

I had no problems with Port Huron and would recommend crossing there without any hesitation. If you have a choice that doesn't matter between Detroit and Port Huron, I would recommend Port Huron - the roads are better and more cleanly marked, the traffic is somewhat better and it isn't such a hassle getting back onto the interstate as it is in Detroit. Detroit roads are incredibly bad- even the potholes have potholes. I've used both POEs as a visitor many times and always liked Port Huron better. It is also where I activated my K-1 - no problems at that border at all.

Perfect! Then, we'll keep with our original plan of Port Huron. Thanks!

[Mephys 2]

I crossed at Port Huron as well, on a sunday night around 6pm. There was a lot of waiting with the traffic, but once we got to the booth they sent us inside and after 25 min we were back on the road !

The new guy wasn't too familiar with the K-1 but his supervisor helped him out and it was all good. I also has a list of what was in the car and they didn't bother looking in the car.

We left Montreal around 9am and drove straight through to Sarnia.

Good luck with your moving!