Freight News

What to know when cross-border shipping

Category: Freight Brokers
Freight Truck Border Crossing - C&D Logistics

When shipping your freight across the border there are many different rules and regulations that must be observed. These rules can become a hassle as your shipment usually has a tight deadline and each step in the process further delays it. By being prepared with all the right forms and knowledge before shipping across the border, you can reduce time and stress. It also helps to use the right freight forwarder. Here are some things you should know when cross-border shipping.

Document Preparation

In order to allow the shipment to pass through the border quickly, all documents that are required by the government are to be filled out carefully, in full, and provided to the driver and carrier company. If these documents are not on hand and ready, the shipment will be stopped and everyone involved will experience delays.

C&D Logistics® likes to keep all the documents on hand in the event that we are required to assist in communication between broker and carrier. This allows us to be in the loop and provide our expertise to all parties to ensure a safe and smooth delivery.

Pre-Arrival Review System

The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) was developed by Canada Customs to allow the release of information to be processed before the goods arrive at the border. This way the border can review the documents and prepare for the shipments arrival. Once the freight arrives, all parties are prepared and there is nothing unexpected. This can save everyone time.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also have a system to processing information in advanced. The Pre-arrival Processing System (PAPS) allows the carrier to submit all the information before hand to allow U.S. Customs to pre-review and prepare for the shipment.

Both these systems make ours, our carrier’s, and your days much easier and stress free. By avoiding these systems you are adding on significant time and stress.

Learn about the benefits of full truckload shipping.

Required Documents

The first document required when shipping freight across the border is a commercial invoice. This invoice is used for foreign trade to declare if the shipment contains dangerous goods, food related products and other information that will help to identify what will be crossing the border. This is what the border crossing will use to prepare for your shipment.

The second important document when shipping freight across the border is the bill of lading. This document identifies who the carrier is, where the shipment is being picked up from, and where it will be going. It also includes the item count and weight of the freight.

Another item that carriers require is the cargo control number. This is a unique number to identify the shipment to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). It consists of a carrier code followed by a unique reference number assigned by the carrier. This way the border guard can associate the information provided with the correct freight crossing the border.

Cross Border Shipping with C&D

The goal for each and every one of these steps is to provide accurate and clear information. This is vital to smooth shipping operations. As a freight forwarder, C&D Logistics® will help to connect you with the right carrier, and help you to prepare you for your shipment. We can help you with the documentation and answer any questions you might have.

Learn about the different wide load shipping regulations.

If you have any questions for us about cross-border shipping, call us at 1-855-334-4440 or contact us online. We would love to help get your next freight shipment to its destination.