Shipping Into Canada

Moving freight over the Canada-US border is not as difficult as you may think. Our experts are here to assist you with all of your Canadian importing needs.

Before You Ship Your Freight

To get you the best rates and the best service options, it is important to have a clear understanding of the freight. Different jurisdictions have different rules on what can be moved, permit requirements, and maximum allowable weight. Additionally, there are physical limitations as to what can actually move within specific pieces of equipment or by certain modes of transport (i.e. air cargo). For LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), the freight charges will depend on both the weight and how much physical space it occupies in the trailer or on the deck. This standard is typically applied in either cubic feet or linear foot of trailer. To calculate the cubic foot volume, multiply the LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT (all in inches) and divide that total by 1728. The final number is the density of your freight. If the dimensions are not available, a US-based Shipper should be able to provide the NMFC Class associated with the commodity being moved. The table below illustrates the density equivalent of the various NMFC Classes.
 

 
Documentation

Documentation is a critical part of International shipping; any error can result in costly delays at the border. The following documentations are needed to ensure safe and timely movement of cargo into Canada:

Shipper’s Bill of Lading

A properly completed shipper’s Bill of Lading should have following information:

• Shipping Date
• Shipper’s name and address
• Shipper signature
• Country of Origin
• Consignee’s name
• Importer of Record’s name and address (who is paying the freight charges)
• Destination full address (includes contact name and tel #)
• Shipper’s or Consignee’s order number
• Shipment gross weight and unit of measure
• Number of pieces in the consignment
• Complete and accurate description of the product being shipped including, but not limited to:
  • NMFC Class or dimensions and actual weight
  • Skid or piece count
• UN# if Dangerous Goods
• Any delivery appointment requirements
• Any specific temperature requirements
• Other government agency documents (Dangerous Goods, Quota, etc…)

Commercial Invoice

If a shipment’s value is less than C$1,600 it is classified as an LVS (Low Value Shipment) and the only document needed is the Commercial Invoice. A copy should be attached to the bill of lading. If a shipment’s value is over C$1,600 (HVS), the Shipper must complete the Canada Customs Invoice (CCI). Three copies should be attached to the bill of lading, and copies sent by mail or fax to the consignee and/or the consignee’s broker. (Note it is very important that the quantity/number of pieces and weight match exactly the information on the Bill of Lading). The CCI must include:

• Federal ID# of the Importer of Record
• Currency (USD or CAD)
• Country of Origin
• Date and Signature of person preparing the document(s)

Export Declaration

The U.S. Shipper’s Export Declaration (U.S. Form 7525V) is no longer required for shipments to Canada except under certain circumstances. Goods that are in transit through, or being stored in Canada for ultimate re-export to another country require this document. A U.S. Department of Commerce or U.S. State Department License is required to export from the U.S.A. The goods are subject to U.S. International Arms Traffic Regulations and other US Federal Legislation (i.e. Helms-Burton Act).

Exporter’s Certificate of Origin

Under the NAFTA (North America Free Trade Agreement), Duties or Taxes on certain goods made in the U.S.A. or Canada have been, or soon will be, reduced or eliminated. To benefit from this agreement, exporters / manufacturers must determine whether their goods qualify under the Rules of Origin. These agreed upon Rules of Origin define those goods and materials which are entitled to Free Trade Agreement benefits. The exporter must complete a NAFTA Exporter’s Certificate of Origin and send a copy of it to the importer. This is not a transportation document and is not required to accompany the shipment. However, to claim benefits under the NAFTA at the time of entry, the importer must possess the Exporter’s Certificate of Origin. It must be available if requested by customs. Customs officials in both Canada and the U.S. will accept either country’s certificates. But, if the certificate is not available, the NAFTA benefits will not be applied and the appropriate Most Favored Nation tariff will be applied. Your Customs Broker can work with you to maximize your benefits under NAFTA and other programs.

Tendering a Shipment

• Email all of the details from the BOL to freight@appsexpress.com
  (Telephone & Fax also available)
• APPS will dispatch a driver to pick up your shipment
• Shipments will be billed into APPS system and you can start tracing the shipment
• Customs Documents will be faxed to the designated Customs Broker for PARS clearance
• We forward your original paperwork to cross the border with your shipment
• For northbound intermodal moves, in addition to sending the shipping detail to the customs broker, the shipper must also fax a copy of the bill of lading and the US customs invoice to APPS at 1-905-861-2797

When Your Shipment Arrives at the Border

Canada Customs will clear your shipment immediately through the Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS). If your shipment cannot be cleared at the border, it will move In-Bond from the border to a sufferance warehouse (or to the destination ramp for intermodal). Additional charges will apply.

When Your Shipment Enters Canada

• Shipments cleared at the border are immediately routed per the delivery instructions
• Shipments not cleared at the border (moving in-bond):
  • Goods will be reported to Canada Customs (CBSA) upon arrival
  • Goods will be reported via fax to the importer of record’s broker for clearance
  • Goods will remain in the bonded facility until an electronic release confirmation (EDI) has been received from the CBSA’s Release Notification System (RNS). N.B. For road moves only
  • Shipments will be delivered to the final consignee once clearance confirmation has been received through the RNS systems and any applicable extra charges have been approved