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What Are The Steps I Need To Complete To Start Crossing Into Canada (DIY Customs Consulting)

Last updated 31 July 2026

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This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

To cross into Canada commercially as a U.S.-based trucking company or owner-operator, the carrier must first operate under valid authority in the United States and be registered as a commercial vehicle operator with either a U.S. DOT number or Motor Carrier (MC) number.

Once the carrier has valid U.S. operating authority, the main steps to start crossing into Canada with commercial freight are:

Step 1: Confirm Provincial Operating Requirements

Register the company with the provincial transportation authority for the province or provinces where the carrier plans to operate. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and by vehicle weight, vehicle use, and operating class. The carrier should confirm requirements directly with each province before operating.

Common examples include:

Ontario CVOR
Ontario requires a Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) for trucks with a registered gross weight or actual weight over 4,500 kg when the vehicle is plated in Ontario, the United States, or Mexico.[1]
Quebec Register of Owners and Operators of Heavy Vehicles
Quebec requires covered owners and operators of heavy vehicles to register in the Commission des transports du Québec's Register of Owners and Operators of Heavy Vehicles.[2] SAAQ guidance states that owners and operators must register if they operate covered commercial or professional vehicles, including trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,500 kg or more, and also lists owners and operators of heavy vehicles registered outside Canada but operated in Québec.[2]
British Columbia National Safety Code
British Columbia uses National Safety Code requirements for commercial carriers. Transport Canada explains that the National Safety Code is a set of safety standards used by provinces and territories to support motor carrier, driver, and commercial vehicle safety across Canada.[3] Thresholds and requirements should be confirmed with the province before operating.

The carrier may also need to register for the International Registration Plan (IRP) for apportioned plates and the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) for fuel tax reporting if the operation involves travel between jurisdictions.

Step 2: Apply for a CBSA Carrier Code

After provincial operating requirements have been addressed, the carrier must apply for a Canadian highway carrier code with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA issues one carrier code per mode per legal entity.[4]

Carrier code applications are completed through the CARM Client Portal. CBSA's highway carrier code process requires the carrier to:

  1. Create an account in the CARM Client Portal.
  2. Complete the highway carrier code application in the CARM Client Portal.
  3. After receiving the carrier code, apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information (ACI) to CBSA and complete the required testing or service-provider setup.[4]

The carrier must decide whether to apply for a non-bonded or bonded carrier code.

Non-Bonded Carrier Code
Used when the carrier only moves goods that will be released at the first point of arrival in Canada. CBSA guidance states that a non-bonded carrier must release all shipments at the first point of arrival.[5]
Bonded Carrier Code
Used when the carrier needs to move unreleased goods inland, move goods in bond, or transit goods through Canada. CBSA guidance states that a bonded carrier can transport in-bond goods beyond the first point of arrival and must post financial security with CBSA.[5] CBSA's highway carrier code process lists the highway bonded-carrier bond amount as $5,000 per vehicle up to a maximum of $25,000.[4]

CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 states that all highway carriers crossing the border must obtain and use their own CBSA-assigned carrier code, whether transporting goods to be cleared at the first point of arrival, goods moving in bond, or goods moving in-transit through Canada.[6]

Step 3: Register for ACI eManifest Filing

Highway carriers transporting goods into Canada are required to transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to CBSA before arrival. CBSA's highway carrier code process states that after receiving the carrier or freight forwarder code, the carrier must apply to transmit Advance Commercial Information (ACI) to CBSA and undergo the testing process.[4]

Once the carrier code is issued, the carrier must be set up to file ACI eManifests. The carrier can file through a service provider, such as BorderConnect ACI eManifest software, or through CBSA's eManifest Portal.

If using BorderConnect, the carrier will need to complete the required authorization process so BorderConnect can transmit ACI data to CBSA on the carrier's behalf. BorderConnect then acts as the carrier's eManifest software provider for creating, sending, correcting, and tracking ACI eManifest data.

Step 4: Order PARS Labels and Border Documents

Example of a PARS barcode label

The carrier should order PARS barcode labels and any other customs documents or lead sheets required for Canadian commercial loads. PARS labels are used by the customs broker to identify the shipment and link the shipment documents to the ACI eManifest and customs release process.

Drivers should carry the documentation needed by the customs broker and CBSA officer when arriving at the border. This may include PARS labels on the invoice or bill of lading, the ACI eManifest lead sheet, and any supporting documents required for the shipment.

Step 5: Set Up Customs Broker Workflows

Before dispatching Canadian-bound freight, the carrier should confirm how shipment paperwork will be sent to the customs broker. For PARS shipments, the broker normally needs the invoice or bill of lading with the PARS barcode before the truck arrives so the customs release can be prepared.

The carrier should confirm with each broker when documents must be submitted, what email or upload process to use, and how the driver or dispatcher will confirm that the shipment is released or ready to proceed. BorderConnect PARS checking software can help carriers track PARS shipment status and release notifications when the broker and carrier workflows support it.

Step 6: Prepare Drivers

Drivers should understand that the ACI eManifest and the broker's release are separate requirements. ACI confirms that the carrier's cargo and conveyance data has been transmitted to CBSA, while customs release depends on the broker's entry and CBSA's release decision.

Before arriving at the border, the driver should have the ACI lead sheet, shipment documents, PARS barcode or Cargo Control Number, and any permits or supporting documents required for the goods. The driver should also confirm that the ACI eManifest has been accepted and that the broker has handled the shipment release process.

For driver entry documents, CBSA states that a U.S. citizen should carry a valid U.S. passport when entering Canada, and may also be able to use other documents that establish citizenship and identity depending on the circumstances.[7] U.S. permanent residents entering Canada by land directly from the United States should present a valid U.S. permanent resident card.[7]

Step 7: Confirm Special Load Requirements

Some shipments require more than a standard ACI eManifest and PARS release. Regulated goods may require permits, certificates, inspections, or other participating government agency documents before the shipment can be released.

Examples can include food, plants, animals, dangerous goods, medical products, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and other controlled goods. The carrier should confirm requirements with the importer, customs broker, shipper, and the applicable government agency before dispatching the load.

BorderConnect Setup Checklist

  • Confirm the carrier has a CBSA highway carrier code.
  • Complete the authorization or registration needed for BorderConnect to transmit ACI eManifests.
  • Add company, carrier code, user, and driver information in BorderConnect.
  • Create truck, trailer, driver, shipper, consignee, and commodity profiles.
  • Order BorderPrint PARS labels and align the Cargo Control Number sequence with the carrier's workflow.
  • Train dispatchers on creating and submitting ACI eManifests.
  • Train drivers on carrying ACI lead sheets and shipment paperwork.
  • Confirm broker communication and PARS release-status workflows before dispatching.

Common Mistakes

  • Applying for a carrier code before confirming provincial operating requirements.
  • Choosing a non-bonded carrier code when the operation requires in-bond or in-transit movement.
  • Assuming an ACI eManifest acceptance means the shipment is released.
  • Sending the driver to the border before the broker has processed the PARS release.
  • Using PARS labels or Cargo Control Numbers that are not unique.
  • Forgetting to set up ACI transmission access after receiving the CBSA carrier code.
  • Dispatching regulated goods without confirming permits, certificates, or inspection requirements.

References

  1. ↑ Ontario - Commercial vehicle operator's registration (CVOR)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 SAAQ - Registration in the register of owners and operators of heavy vehicles
  3. ↑ Transport Canada - Commercial vehicles safety in Canada
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 CBSA - Highway carrier code application process
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 CBSA - How much security do I need?
  6. ↑ CBSA Memorandum D3-4-2 - Highway Pre-arrival and Reporting Requirements
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 CBSA - Identification requirements for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
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