ezbordercrossing

Guide to Crossing the US Canada Border

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Cellphone Ban in New Brunswick

The Canadian Province of New Brunswick has enacted a ban on using cellphones or other hand-held devices while driving. The ban became effective on June 6, 2011, and Canadians and Americans who are unaware of the new law are being ticketed by police.  Although the ban was advertised on radio and TV in Maine, there are currently no signs at the border informing visitors of the change in policy. The law is strictly enforced, and police will not let violators off with just a warning.  The fine for holding and talking on a cellphone while driving is $172.50.

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Blaine / Surrey Construction Information

A construction project at the Pacific Highway crossing in Blaine is underway to replace the current truck processing booth in Lane 1. This lane is expected to be closed from September 19 to October 17. The other two truck processing lanes will remain fully operational during the construction period.

A new “High-Low” primary processing booth is being constructed to allow U.S. CBP officers to process both truck traffic and (lower-height) vehicle traffic from the same structure. This will provide CBP with greater flexibility in expediting the processing of vehicle traffic at the Pacific Highway crossing.

It is expected that southbound cargo wait times at Blaine will increase during this construction. C-TPAT FAST, C-TPAT, and FAST participants may use the Lynden Port of Entry between 0800 -1600 daily during the construction period. The Port of Sumas is also available for all cargo shipments 24 hours a day.   However, it is important to note that the port code transmitted on the e-manifest and the entry must be the same.  If the shipper diverts the shipment from Blaine to Lynden or Sumas, the U.S. CBP can change the port code at the diversion port.  However, for all cargo that requires FDA Prior Notice the port code cannot be changed and the shipment must use the port specified in the Prior Notice.

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Duty Free Price Reduction

The Ontario province is reducing the mark-up on most spirits at duty-free stores starting October 10, 2011. The mark-up on landed costs will be reduced from 50% to 30% on spirits, low-alcohol spirits, and brandy.

The land-based duty free stores benefiting from this reduction are at the following ports:  International Falls / Fort Frances, Ambassador Bridge, Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge,  Detroit-Windsor Tunnel,   Blue Water Bridge, Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge,  Queenston-Lewiston Bridge,  Thousand Islands Bridge,  and the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge.

ezbordercrossing.com works to keep you informed about traffic or weather issues, port construction, legal issues, and most anything else regarding the U.S. / Canadian border.