Just a note to USPS users

[surplusdealdude]

I was informed at the border todat that they were tightening up the regulations ( as they made me wait half an hour to correct a number on my manifest)

I think they may have changed some of the HTS numbers to - one number that was valid last year for 52 trips suddenly wasn't valid.

Might be worth it to check your numbers, just to be safe.

[craftycatsattic]

Yes they were saying on the news last night that they are tightening up the border as well as security in airports. They have been alerted that Canada is currently a target for terrorist activity and we will be on heightened security at the very least until the Olympics are over.

[dipmicro]

My port started charging $10.75 user fee almost everytime, before it used to be once in a blue moon. Now they DON'T ask once in a blue moon.

I have been to the "Exporting to United States" session organized by Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Very informative even for a small peddler like myself. The broker-speaker mentioned the wrong HTSUS code can cost a lot in fines, mentioning $50,000 in one particular case. There is about 100 changes every year. My head was exploding just from all the technical terms he thrown at us, most people seemed to be dozing off when he was speaking ...

[jakeeangel]

LOL yep!! Tarrif code reading can certainly make your eyes cross or fall asleep that's for sure. LOL

I had one issue with one of my codes. What we find they're doing now is checking every code on the 7523 at the border. If they find one wrong, in ya go. My understanding is that the latest tarriff document is dated 2009 and that's what they go by.

Good advice on checking the codes before crossing though. I've been doing that since the one code was supposedly no good a few weeks ago.

[surplusdealdude]

I've noticed that I have to pay the fee every time, too.

I know you can get a pass that's cheaper, you can ask the border guard where you get it.

[jakeeangel]

I just ordered the 2010 decal & transponder. We had to get a new transponder cause we got a new car. 😄 I paid $205 but the notice said it's supposed to be $220 for 2010.

I have no idea why it came up as $205.

Go to the CBP website and look for decals & transponders. You then go to DTOPS to actually get it but I think you have to set up an account first. I can't remember it was so long ago that I did it. You can also call them and they'll walk you through it.

[dipmicro]

Yes, I am also geting a decal. Transponder may come cheaper in a long run, but it's steeper to buy.

Anyone doing electronic submission for your informal entries (ACE) ?

[jakeeangel]

Decals and transponders are the same thing. It used to be just a sticker then you had to get the transponder but it's the same thing and they're the same cost.

[zarzuella]

One weekly border crossing paying the user fee of $10.75 adds up to $559 annually. Two crossings weekly and you're over a grand. The transponder is a bargain.

[dipmicro]

You are right. Transponder and decal are the same thing and the cost is $205 with $6 for express shipping (to US address).

With 2x crossings weekly and them now collecting every single time, this is truly a bargain plus I do not have to worry if I have enough change every time so it also saves me trips to ATM on the way to post office.

Terrific, thanks for the info.

[jakeeangel]

You're welcome. 🙂 I did the free shipping and just show them the printout that I paid when I cross until the transponder comes in.

[dipmicro]

Well, I can try to show the receipt on the border, but I doubt they'd accept it.

No problem, even 11 months out of 12 for $211 is still a bargain 😉

[jakeeangel]

There'd be no reason for them to not accept the printout showing you paid for it. You print the page that shows the payment confirmation with the DTOPS logo and all the payment info on it.

We've done it twice this year and in years past when waiting for the decal or like this year, the transponder. Unless they really want to be buggers, they should accept it no problem.

[dipmicro]

There'd be no reason for them to not accept the printout showing you paid for it. You print the page that shows the payment confirmation with the DTOPS logo and all the payment info on it.

I did that today (bough decal on 14th) and after he asked for $10.75, I asked if he would consider accepting my proof of payment for decal. Shown him the printout of payment and printout of my vehicle from DTOPS website. He seemed to be satisfied and told me that it may be good idea to have that proof of payment with me even after I have decal in case it does not read.

So I am saving already 😉

Anyone knows how the stay in US is counted? Apparently if one exceeds 183 days per year in US, they have to submit tax form to IRS. I wonder if my 2hr visits count as 2hr or as full day.

[jakeeangel]

Good but next time show it to them at the same time you hand over your paperwork. That way you don't get charged and they don't get PO'd at having to do extra paperwork for a refund. They've always recommended that I carry the receipt with me for a month after I buy it in case of anything.

The 183 days is for a continous period of 183 days which you're not doing.

[surplusdealdude]

Except in Michigan.

They have a new law ( last year) that says anybody that spends 2 days a month in Michigan doing business is deemed to be operating from there.

Not sure how they calculate the days, but I wouldn't put it past them to add up the hours and the whole law is a blatant attempt at a tax grab from a state that's desperate for revenue.

[jakeeangel]

That' doesn't apply. Mailing goods isn't conducting business. You've already sold the items from Canada and now you're just mailing them from the US. If you sell goods at shows or to retailers or what have you then that would be conducting business but the transactions took place in Canada.

No goods were sold while you were in the US. You're not importing unsold goods to be sold. The stuff we're bringing in has already been sold. No exchange of money for goods happens on US soil.

[surplusdealdude]

I know that.

YOU know that.

I'm not sure that the money hungry politicians in Michigan know that and I don't want to find out the hard way.

Perhaps you haven't seen civil servants take absolutely ridiculous positions and argue them vehemently - I have.

[surplusdealdude]

Besides, New York State is closer and friendlier and I don't have to go over the Port Huron bridge.:-p

[jakeeangel]

I know that.

YOU know that.

I'm not sure that the money hungry politicians in Michigan know that and I don't want to find out the hard way.

Perhaps you haven't seen civil servants take absolutely ridiculous positions and argue them vehemently - I have.

You're being extremist again. They're not that stupid. Think about it for half a second. Does that mean that Canadian truckers driving a load of whatever into the US for delivery are conducting business? No! They're not selling the stuff. All we are are carriers and the CBP and lawmakers know that. It's a non-issue so why even bring it up.