Snowcat transport in/out of Canada

[Mainer]

I thought... what better and more knowledgeable group than this to throw a problem to... particularly when it comes to transport of snowcats across borders.

So, I'm going to do a road trip from MI to ME through that vast Northern world of Canada. Some people have told me it's a nightmare entering and leaving with the potential to have to pay sales tax on the snowcat even though it's entering and leaving, even in the same day.

Anybody know of any documentation or forms or other trail of paper that I can fill out that will get me around this problem?

 

[XeVfTEUtaAqJHTqq]

You're best to talk directly to the border agents for both countries at your expected border crossings. You may need to check the vehicle out at the US side before leaving and then check it back in when you re-enter.

Interpretations of the rules and regulations can vary from office to office and even from agent to agent so if it looks like it will be a hassle then try to make sure that the agents you talked to are on duty when you actually cross.

I suspect it will be a headache but you never know.

 

[Mainer]

Yea, all a bit of a worry with inconsistent rules/perceptions at the border. I called some folks in customs today and they said no worries at all. Have a list together of the items and that's it... if it's personal then no big deal. Hmmm... sounds like I'll have to cross my fingers a wee bit... and hope... and carry some cash in my passport.

 

[NorthernRedneck]

When and where are you planning on coming through this vast wasteland???

 

[pixie]

I've crossed several times with no problems.
It's an agricultural, off road vehicle and not subject to any taxes (that I could find).
They were more worried about the mud than the legalities one time

Keep a clean machine

 

[Mainer]

When and where are you planning on coming through this vast wasteland???

The launch date is 10/22 so will probably be there for chunks of 23rd and 24th. I will bringing home a 602 to a warm and cuddly environment. I have two 601's to bring back from the same area but was hoping on my transport guy but he's having some issues of late. Such is life. May need to find a new transport guy...hope not.

 

[Mainer]

I've crossed several times with no problems.
It's an agricultural, off road vehicle and not subject to any taxes (that I could find).
They were more worried about the mud than the legalities one time

Keep a clean machine

Interesting...thanks for the tip. I'll be sure the cleanliness factor will support a 'bacon & egg' fry up on the roof.

If I have to play dirty tactics then I'll throw some mud on a neighboring rig and scream with horror of the filth.

 

[garygaboury]

Hey Mainer, advise from a canadian looking to buy a cat in the states right now.. If the snowcat is registered in your name right now you will 100% not have a problem(well,, it is customs) Its only a problem if it isn't in your name. If it's not registered(do cats have reg papers where you live?) you just need to prove you owned it before crossing the border...

No different than crossing with a snowmobile/atv/etc.


Gary

 

[Mainer]

Ah.. ok. Good deal then. I'll be sure to have the bill of sale with me. The only place I've ever found them registered with a title is in Oregon. Other than that, they usually only go with a bill of sale that specifies serial no., etc... That's for ownership, but for use then I've seen that they are generally licensed in a similar fashion to ATV's, sleds, etc...

Note that this is probably different with new cats... I'm sure there's no way a nice shiny $250K PB comes with fewer than 3-4 titles. One in Germany, one for port of landing, one for final state of inhabitance, and one that entitles the bank to everything a person may own for buying the PB.