What Is The Difference Between A Bonded And Non-Bonded U.S. Highway Carrier (DIY Customs Consulting)

🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

Bonded vs. Non-Bonded U.S. Highway Carriers

Understanding U.S. customs clearance locations, in-bond transportation, and CBP financial security requirements.

Type: Customs Procedures Region: United States (CBP)

Overview

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The primary difference between a non-bonded and a U.S. bonded highway carrier dictates where U.S.-bound shipments can be legally released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

• Non-Bonded Carrier: Must have all commercial shipments fully released by a U.S. customs broker at the First Port of Entry (the physical border crossing). If the shipment is not cleared, the truck cannot proceed into the United States.
• Bonded Carrier: Is licensed to move uncleared freight through or across the U.S. without having to pay duties, taxes, or fees on those goods during that specific portion of their transportation. To do this, the carrier must post financial security (a customs bond) with U.S. CBP.

Although registering as a non-bonded highway carrier is a much simpler process, registering to become a bonded U.S. highway carrier opens up entirely new logistical routes and trusted trader opportunities.

Bonded Carrier Privileges

Taking the extra steps to become a bonded U.S. highway carrier allows a transportation company to take advantage of several highly beneficial customs procedures:

• Transit Through the U.S.: Move commercial merchandise "in-transit" using the United States as a corridor (for example, moving a load from Ontario, Canada, driving through the U.S., and delivering it to British Columbia, Canada).
• Move Goods Inland (In-Bond): Transport uncleared commercial goods away from the congested border to an inland CBP port or a licensed Bonded Warehouse for final clearance.
• Apply to Trusted Trader Programs: You must be a bonded carrier to apply for expedited border clearance programs, such as the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program.

Financial Security: The Continuous Customs Bond

A CBP Form 301 Customs Bond Application

To operate as a bonded carrier and move goods inland or in-transit, you must guarantee to the U.S. government that all duties, taxes, and penalties will be paid if the goods go missing or fail to clear customs properly.

This is accomplished by filing a CBP Form 301 (Customs Bond). A highway carrier acting as a custodian of bonded merchandise typically requires a Continuous Bond, which is valid for a full 12-month period and automatically renews.

• Surety Companies: You cannot post a continuous bond directly with cash. You must work with a U.S. Treasury-approved surety company or insurance broker who underwrites the bond on your behalf.
• Activity Codes: On the CBP Form 301, highway carriers typically apply under Activity Code 2 (Custodian of Bonded Merchandise) or Activity Code 3 (International Carrier), depending on their specific operational needs.

DIY Consulting: The process of becoming a U.S. bonded highway carrier involves coordinating with sureties and submitting precise paperwork to CBP's Revenue Division. For a step-by-step breakdown, please review the DIY Process of Registering to Become a U.S. Bonded Carrier.

Single Entry Bonds (SEB) for Non-Bonded Carriers

Because non-bonded carriers are normally restricted to releasing commercial goods at the first U.S. port of entry, exceptions are sometimes necessary—such as if a shipment is unexpectedly referred for an inland inspection or needs to be routed to a specific facility.

In these limited instances, a non-bonded highway carrier can bring commercial loads in-bond by purchasing a Single Entry Bond (SEB) (also known as a Single Transaction Bond).

• What it is: A bond that only covers the single entry or transaction for which it was written. It is filed at the specific port where the entry will be made.
• How to obtain it: Single Entry Bonds can be obtained either directly through U.S. CBP (by posting security using cash or a certified cheque) or, more commonly, through a Customs Broker that offers SEB services for a fee.

⚠️ Cost Efficiency: If you plan on doing more than two or three in-bond shipments a year, purchasing Single Entry Bonds becomes highly cost-prohibitive. Upgrading to a Continuous Bond is vastly more economical for frequent cross-border carriers.

Official Resources & Forms

• CBP Form 301: Download Official CBP Form 301
• Continuous vs. Single Entry Bonds: CBP Info Center - Types of Bonds
• Carrier Bond Guidelines: General Guidelines for Completing CBP Form 301
• Consulting Guide: How to Become a U.S. Bonded Highway Carrier

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