Crossing The Canadian Border As a Commercial Carrier: What Are My Responsibilities?

The biggest challenge to  cross border shipping is understanding the process, and getting everything ready ahead of time. Whether you're crossing into the US or Canada, you need to stay prepared. In order to get a shipment across the Canadian border, carriers will need to supply certain documents and files to assist in the process. While certain documentation is the importer or customs broker's responsibility, carriers are also responsible for a few key parts of the process. Here is a rundown of some things a carrier needs to make sure is in order, before heading for the border.

Carrier Code

As a carrier, you are responsible for the compliance of your commercial vehicles.  In order to cross into Canada commercially, carriers will need to register as a commercial carrier and get their Canada Highway Carrier Code. The carrier code is a 4 character identifier for carriers that are crossing into Canada, and is a requirement.  This code allows for customs to identify carriers engaged in transport of goods between countries and helps manage or track shipments coming in. The code links to a carriers information including their compliance history, so they can be assessed quickly.

Your carrier code matters for many reasons. To move goods into Canada you will need a PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) as well. To get your PARS number, highway carriers need to first be approved to conduct business by a provincial transport authority. Once the approval comes, then you can apply for the highway carrier code...which becomes part of your PARS.

You can apply for a bonded or non-bonded carrier code with Canada Border Services Agency. There are a few differences between bonded and non-bonded carriers, but the primary factor you need to understand is:

• Non-bonded carriers need to have their freight released at the first port of arrival (FPOA)
• Bonded carriers have the option to move any unreleased gods into a bonded warehouse to await release or tranship them through the country. This is because bonded carriers post security with CBSA.

Once you have your carrier code, you can register to process any ACI eManifest or generate your barcode PARS labels.

Are you looking to apply for your carrier code? You can use the Zipments Carrier Code Application Form, which is a digital and simple version of the necessary paperwork, so you're done within minutes! 

The form is easy to follow and our experts ensure that you get approved on the first attempt. These forms 

✔️Guided format so you don't miss any information

✔️Completely free 

✔️Simply print out and submit once done. 

ACI eManifest

The Advance Commercial Information (ACI) eManifest system is a security program attributed to Canada Border Services Agency. It is an online portal through which documentation can be submitted for review and clearance, even before goods arrive at the border. Both importers and transport companies can submit paperwork through this portal for clearance. Highway carriers must submit their eManifest data minimum one hour prior to arrival at the border. 

All carriers crossing into Canada must participate in the ACI program and an ACI must be filed even if you are coming in empty. To register for an ACI eManifest, companies need to fill out an ACI Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) application. It is free to register. Some of the information which a business needs to provide includes:

• Business Type
• Authorized Agents Information (if using a broker)
• Legal Business Status and Name
• Technology Used to Communicate With the ACI server

PARS Labels

The carrier code is combined with a unique shipment number to help create the cargo control number (CCN). This number identifies both the carrier and shipment to CBSA, but each shipment must have its unique shipment number and cannot be reused. Your PARS number combines the highway carrier code and the cargo control number. The first four digits of a PARS number are the carrier code, and the final four are cargo control numbers.

You can track your PARS number to monitor your customs clearance status and address any issues which may arise. A PARS is also one key piece of information needed for the ACI eManifest portal, so staying on top of it is key. 

Turning borders into doorsteps, Zipments has simplified customs clearance. Avoid delays at the border with Zipments real-time PARS tracker, completely free and easy to use on your phone or computer. Why waste time waiting at the border? Tracking your PARS allows consistent visibility over your shipments. 

✔️Make notes and set tags

✔️Share status updates 

✔️Track PARS for any broker

✔️Track PARS for multiple brokers at once

You can purchase affordable PARS or PAPS labels, shipped within one business day on Zipments. 

Port Information

All carriers will need to understand where they are crossing and have this information and any identification documents ready. There are many places to cross into Canada, but not all are commercial crossings. Carriers should provide information on which port of entry will be used. 

Carriers will provide the customs broker or shipper with the PARS labels and information on where they are crossing,  and the broker will then enter the information to request a release at customs. Carriers must complete the ACI eManifest process and submit the info. From there you can print an ACI to give to a customs official, who may stamp the paper once at customs. It is important to keep your stamped copy as sometimes errors occur and you will need proof it was stamped or you may face fines. 

When you cross the border into Canada, you're likely to encounter a lot of red tape. However, when you use the right platform, you can simplify customs clearance. Zipments provides all your necessary customs paperwork and real-time PARS/PAPS tracking, for simplified clearance. Whether you're a new or seasoned carrier in the international transport space, we're here to help you find the right way to cross borders!