How Do I Prepare My Driver To Cross Into The United States Commercially And What Documents Do They Need (DIY Customs Consulting)
| This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide |
Commercial truck drivers operating in Canada will have to provide proper identification in order to cross into the U.S. with a commercial load.
Travel documents needed by the driver are:
- Proof of Citizenship (Passport, Passport Card, Citizenship Card)
- Valid Drivers License (Issued in a Canadian province)
- Canadian Permanent Resident Card - Canadian permanent residents may also need to have a valid U.S. VISA to enter the U.S. if they are citizens of a country not participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Native American ID (INAC)
- Nexus Card
- FAST Card
For permanent residents of the U.S. and citizens of a foreign country, you are required to show the passport of citizenship in addition to a permanent resident card. For additional information on required documentation when crossing into the U.S., click here.
In addition to the drivers identification, the driver may be require to provide additional paperwork when crossing into the U.S.
For example, if the driver will be taking a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) shipment, or a shipment of a highway carrier participating in Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) or Partners In Protection (PIP) they will be required to be registered in the FAST program as an approved FAST driver, and as such, provide a valid FAST card at the time of arrival.
The driver will also be required to provide a valid ACE Manifest lead sheet with a trip number, a PAPS barcode label or written shipment control number on the document if crossing loaded with commercial goods as well as any other documentation pertaining to the shipment crossing into the U.S., such as the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice and other documents, depending on the release type or cargo exemption.
References
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) Document Requirements - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative
Visa Waiver Program - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) FAQ - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/fast/frequently-asked-questions
Apply to become a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) driver - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/fast/application-highway-carriers
Apply for a NEXUS card - https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/travel-voyage/prog/nexus/nexus-4-eng.html
Order ACE Manifest lead sheets - https://www.borderprint.com/products/ace-manifest-lead-sheets
Order PAPS Barcode Labels - https://www.borderprint.com/collections/paps-labels