This is a complete guide for shipping to Canada from the USA, including customs requirements, documentation needs, and regulations for successful transport.
Cross-border shipping between the USA and Canada demands specific documentation and planning. The countries exchange over $2 billion in goods daily through full truckload transport. This guide outlines key requirements for successful cross-border LTL and FTL shipping.
Documentation Requirements
Every cross-border shipment needs specific paperwork. Your customs broker requires several documents 24 hours before arrival at the border.
Essential documents include:
- Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)
- Bill of Lading
- Certificates of Origin
- Commercial Invoice
- Import permits for restricted goods
Customs Clearance Process
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processes thousands of commercial vehicles daily. Pre-arrival programs speed up border crossing times. The Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) allows customs brokers to process shipments before arrival.
CBSA agents check several factors:
- Accurate cargo description
- Proper tariff classification
- Valid permits for restricted goods
- Broker documentation
Tariff Considerations
Recent changes affect shipping costs between the USA and Canada. Tariff rates change based on product classification and trade agreements. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provides duty-free status for qualifying goods.
Transit Times
Bordercrossing adds time to standard shipping schedules. LTL and FTL shipments typically take:
Major routes transit times:
- Toronto-New York: 2-3 days
- Chicago-Montreal: 3-4 days
- Los Angeles-Vancouver: 5-6 days
Restricted and Controlled Goods
Canada maintains strict regulations on certain products. These items need additional permits or face restrictions:
- Food products require Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval
- Alcohol needs provincial liquor board permits
- Plant products need phytosanitary certificates
- Chemical products need safety data sheets
Best Practices
Plan shipments with border requirements in mind. Accurate documentation prevents delays. Work with experienced customs brokers who understand both countries’ regulations.
Maintain clear communication with all parties involved in the shipment—track shipments through customs and delivery. Keep records of all documentation for future reference.
ShipNorthAmerica provides complete cross-border shipping solutions through our carrier network. Contact our team to arrange your USA-to-Canada freight movement with carriers who understand border requirements.