Canada is one of the largest trading partners of the United States, and trucks carry a large share of that freight every day. Shipping across the northern border is routine, but it is not the same as a domestic move. A few extra steps (a customs broker, the right paperwork and a carrier authorized to cross) make the difference between a shipment that clears in minutes and one that sits at the border.
This guide walks through the process from start to finish, whether you are sending a single urgent pallet by cargo van or a full truckload.
1. Line up a customs broker before the truck moves
Every commercial shipment entering Canada has to be cleared through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and most shippers use a licensed customs broker to handle that clearance. The customs broker prepares the import declaration, calculates any duties and taxes, and submits the entry so the shipment can be released at the border.
You have two options:
- Use your own customs broker. Many companies already have one. Your freight coordinator then works directly with them on documents and timing.
- Use a customs broker your logistics partner works with. If you do not have one, ANKA UNITED INC can connect you with licensed customs brokers we work with regularly.
Important: customs clearance is always performed by a licensed customs broker. A freight brokerage like ANKA UNITED INC arranges and manages the transportation and coordinates with the customs broker, but does not clear customs itself.
2. Know who the importer of record is
The importer of record is the party responsible for the goods entering Canada, including paying duties and taxes. It is usually the Canadian buyer, but not always. Confirm this before you ship, because the importer needs the right registrations with CBSA. Your customs broker can tell you exactly what is required.
3. Prepare the documents
Incomplete paperwork is the most common reason freight gets held at the border. These are the documents customs brokers most often ask for:
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Describes the goods, their value, the buyer and seller, and is used to calculate duties and taxes |
| Bill of lading | Details the shipment and serves as the contract with the carrier |
| Packing list | Lists the contents, quantities and weights of each piece |
| Certificate of origin (USMCA / CUSMA) | Supports duty-free or reduced-duty treatment for goods that qualify under the trade agreement |
| Permits or special documents | Needed for regulated goods such as certain food, agricultural, chemical or controlled products |
Send copies to your customs broker as early as possible. Clear, specific commodity descriptions (for example, steel brake rotors rather than auto parts) help avoid questions at the border.
4. Get the PARS number on the paperwork
Most truck shipments into Canada move under PARS, the Pre-Arrival Review System. The carrier provides a PARS barcode number, your customs broker submits the entry against it before the truck arrives, and CBSA can review and release the shipment ahead of time.
The PARS label is typically attached to the bill of lading and commercial invoice. Separately, the carrier transmits an electronic manifest to CBSA before arrival. When both are in place, the truck often clears quickly at the booth.
5. Book a carrier authorized for cross-border moves
Not every carrier can haul into Canada. The carrier needs the right authority, insurance and CBSA registration, and the driver needs proper documentation to cross. This is where a freight brokerage helps: we arrange carriers that are authorized for cross-border operations and match the equipment to your freight, from expedited vans to reefers and flatbeds.
Shipping to Canada soon?
Send us the origin, destination, commodity and timing, and we will plan the move with your customs broker or one we work with.
Request a Cross-Border Quote6. Choose the right border crossing
The crossing usually depends on where the freight is going in Canada. Some of the busiest commercial crossings include:
- Detroit, MI to Windsor, ON: a major gateway for freight heading to Ontario and the Toronto area.
- Port Huron, MI to Sarnia, ON: another key Michigan to Ontario route.
- Buffalo, NY to Fort Erie, ON: a common route for freight from the Northeast into Ontario.
- Champlain, NY to Lacolle, QC: the main route toward Montreal and Quebec.
- Blaine, WA to Surrey, BC: the primary West Coast route into British Columbia.
7. Plan realistic transit times
Transit time depends on distance, equipment and how quickly customs clears the freight. A few practical tips:
- Allow extra time for the border, especially for first-time importers or new commodities.
- Avoid planning crossings during holidays in either country, when volume and staffing can change.
- For urgent freight, a dedicated Sprinter van or cargo van moves directly with no terminal stops.
Common reasons freight gets delayed at the border
- Missing or incorrect commercial invoice details
- Vague commodity descriptions
- The customs broker was not notified or did not receive documents in time
- Missing PARS number or manifest problems
- Permits missing for regulated goods
- Random or targeted inspections, which no shipper can fully avoid
Most of these are preventable. Sharing complete documents early and keeping your customs broker in the loop is the single best way to keep freight moving.
Shipping from Canada back to the U.S.
Southbound freight follows a similar pattern in reverse. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reviews the shipment, a U.S. customs broker typically handles clearance, and truck shipments usually move under PAPS, the U.S. pre-arrival process. Food and some regulated goods may need additional filings. Learn more on our cross-border freight page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a customs broker to ship freight to Canada?
Commercial shipments entering Canada must be cleared through CBSA, and most shippers use a licensed customs broker to do it. You can use your own customs broker or one recommended by your logistics provider.
What is a PARS number?
PARS stands for Pre-Arrival Review System. It is a barcode number provided by the carrier that lets the customs broker submit the entry before the truck arrives, so CBSA can review and release the shipment ahead of time.
Will I pay duties on goods shipped to Canada?
It depends on the goods and where they were made. Many products that qualify under USMCA (called CUSMA in Canada) enter with reduced or no duty, but taxes may still apply. Your customs broker will confirm.
Can urgent freight be shipped to Canada?
Yes. Expedited cargo van, Sprinter van and straight truck options are available for time-critical cross-border shipments, subject to carrier availability and customs timing.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Requirements change and vary by commodity, so always confirm details with your licensed customs broker.
