Customs Compliance Guide (CBP and CBSA)

This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

The BorderConnect Customs Compliance Guide provides basic information for highway carriers crossing commercially into Canada and the United States. It includes links to port information, carrier registration topics, trusted trader programs, customs documents, and related BorderConnect guides.

For information about eManifest software, see the BorderConnect ACE Manifest Software User Guide or the ACI eManifest Software User Guide.

For more advanced information on getting started crossing the border, or for help with specific customs compliance programs, visit BorderConnect Do-It-Yourself Customs Consulting, or contact BorderConnect toll-free at 1-800-596-5176.

Crossing into the U.S. (CBP)

To cross commercially into the United States, the carrier may need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and obtain a USDOT number or operating authority, depending on the carrier's operation. The carrier will also need a valid Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) before processing ACE truck manifests.

Once the carrier has the required authority and a valid SCAC, the carrier can order PAPS barcode labels and begin processing ACE electronic manifests.

Helpful articles for crossing commercially into the United States:

U.S. customs compliance resources (CBP)

Crossing into Canada (CBSA)

To cross commercially into Canada, a highway carrier must have a CBSA-issued carrier code. CBSA now directs highway carriers to apply through the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) Client Portal. Bonded carriers must also post security with CBSA through the accepted methods for bonded operations.

Carriers may also need provincial operating authority. In Ontario, this is handled through the Ministry of Transportation's Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) program.

Once the carrier code is valid, the carrier can obtain PARS barcode labels and register to transmit advance commercial information through ACI eManifest.

Helpful articles for crossing commercially into Canada:

Canadian customs compliance resources (CBSA)

Trusted trader programs

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) is a joint initiative between CBP and CBSA designed to enhance border security while speeding up the processing of low-risk shipments. Carriers that are FAST approved for the U.S. are able to transport FAST shipments and are afforded special processing at the border, including dedicated lanes and front-of-line processing in the case of inspections.

Customs Self Assessment (CSA) allows for the clearance of goods imported by a CSA-approved importer and transported by a CSA-approved carrier. For a shipment to clear under CSA, both the importer and carrier must be CSA-approved, and the driver must be registered with either the Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) or the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) driver registration program.

Partners in Protection (PIP) is a cooperative program between private industry and the CBSA aimed at enhancing border and trade chain security. This voluntary program has no membership fee. It is designed to streamline and make border processes more efficient for low-risk, pre-approved businesses recognized as trusted traders.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary public-private sector supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.

Do-It-Yourself Customs Consulting Guide

The DIY Customs Consulting Guide explains how to cross commercially into the U.S. and Canada as a highway carrier, including what documentation is required and which programs a carrier may need to register for.

Crossing into Canada

Crossing into the United States