Skip to content
BorderConnect

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

Last updated 31 July 2026

On this page
This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

To cross into the United States commercially as a Canadian-based trucking company or owner-operator, the carrier must first operate under valid authority in Canada and be registered as a commercial vehicle operator with a provincial transportation authority, such as Ontario's Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) or another provincial safety authority.

Once the carrier has valid Canadian operating authority, the main steps to start crossing into the United States with commercial freight are:

Step 1: Register With FMCSA

The carrier must register with the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for the authority needed to operate in the United States.[1]

Depending on the operation, this may include:

USDOT Number
A unique identifier used by FMCSA to monitor a carrier's safety record, inspections, audits, and crash history.
Motor Carrier (MC) Number / Operating Authority
Operating authority may be required for for-hire carriers and certain interstate or international operations. FMCSA explains that operating authority, commonly identified by an MC, FF, or MX number, determines the type of operation a company may run and the cargo it may carry.[2] The carrier should confirm its requirements directly with FMCSA before operating in the United States.

Canadian carriers operating in the United States may also need to comply with U.S. safety rules while operating south of the border. FMCSA states that motor carriers domiciled in Canada or Mexico that are subject to the U.S. ELD rule must use an electronic logging device when operating in the United States.[3]

Step 2: Apply for a SCAC

After receiving the required USDOT or MC number, the carrier must apply for a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).[4]

The SCAC is the carrier identifier used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is required for ACE eManifest filing and is used as the prefix for shipment control numbers and PAPS numbers.

SCAC codes must be maintained with NMFTA and renewed when required by NMFTA.

Step 3: Register for ACE eManifest Filing

After the carrier has a valid SCAC, it can register with an ACE Manifest service provider such as BorderConnect ACE eManifest software so it can transmit the required ACE eManifest data to CBP.

Highway carriers bringing commercial goods into the United States are required to transmit electronic truck manifest data to CBP before arrival at the border. Under 19 CFR 123.92, CBP must receive truck cargo information through an approved electronic data interchange system no later than either 30 minutes or 1 hour before the carrier reaches the first U.S. port of arrival, depending on the shipment and program eligibility.[5]

If using BorderConnect, the carrier will need to add its SCAC, company details, drivers, trucks, trailers, shippers, consignees, and commodity information so ACE eManifests can be created and transmitted correctly. BorderConnect then acts as the carrier's eManifest software provider for creating, sending, correcting, and tracking ACE eManifest data.

Step 4: Order PAPS Labels and Border Documents

PAPS barcode labels

The carrier should order PAPS barcode labels and any other customs documents or lead sheets required for U.S. commercial loads. PAPS labels are used by the customs broker to identify the shipment and link the shipment documents to the ACE eManifest and customs entry process.

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

Step 5: Set Up Customs Broker Workflows

Before dispatching U.S.-bound freight, the carrier should confirm how shipment paperwork will be sent to the U.S. customs broker. For PAPS shipments, the broker normally needs the commercial invoice or bill of lading with the PAPS barcode before the truck arrives so the customs entry 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 PAPS checking software can help carriers track PAPS shipment status and broker release notifications when the broker and carrier workflows support it.

Step 6: Prepare Drivers

Drivers should understand that the ACE eManifest and the broker's entry are separate requirements. ACE confirms that the carrier's trip, conveyance, equipment, crew, passenger, and shipment data has been transmitted to CBP, while customs release depends on the broker's entry and CBP's release decision.

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

For driver entry documents, CBP states that Canadian citizens entering the United States by land must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant document, such as a trusted traveler card or enhanced driver's license where applicable.[6] Canadian truck drivers should also confirm they are only performing permitted international trucking activity and not unauthorized domestic point-to-point transportation within the United States.

Step 7: Confirm Special Load Requirements

Some shipments require more than a standard ACE eManifest and PAPS entry. 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, drugs, medical devices, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, hazardous materials, 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 the required FMCSA registration, USDOT number, and operating authority where applicable.
  • Apply for and maintain a valid SCAC with NMFTA.
  • Add the company's SCAC and carrier details in BorderConnect.
  • Create truck, trailer, driver, shipper, consignee, and commodity profiles.
  • Order BorderPrint PAPS labels and align the Shipment Control Number sequence with the carrier's workflow.
  • Train dispatchers on creating and submitting ACE eManifests.
  • Train drivers on carrying ACE lead sheets and shipment paperwork.
  • Confirm broker communication and PAPS release-status workflows before dispatching.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming Canadian operating authority is enough to operate commercially in the United States.
  • Applying for a SCAC before confirming the carrier has the FMCSA authority needed for its operation.
  • Forgetting to renew or maintain the SCAC.
  • Assuming an ACE eManifest acceptance means the shipment is released.
  • Sending the driver to the border before the broker has processed the PAPS entry.
  • Using PAPS labels or Shipment Control Numbers that are not unique.
  • Dispatching regulated goods without confirming permits, certificates, or inspection requirements.
  • Performing domestic U.S. point-to-point moves that are not allowed for the carrier or driver.

References

  1. ↑ FMCSA - Registration
  2. ↑ Get Authority to Operate (MC Number)
  3. ↑ Cross-Border Transportation FAQs | FMCSA
  4. ↑ NMFTA - Apply for a SCAC Code
  5. ↑ 19 CFR 123.92 - Electronic information for truck cargo required in advance of arrival
  6. ↑ Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
Retrieved from "https://wiki.borderconnect.com/index.php?title=What_Are_The_Steps_I_Need_To_Complete_To_Start_Crossing_Into_The_United_States_(DIY_Customs_Consulting)&oldid=2899"