Supply Chain Mistakes & Best Practices Crossing the Canadian Border
In global supply chain management that spans across North America, shipments and carriers constantly have to cross borders in and out of multiple ports. Border crossing might seem like a complicated task, but it can go smoothly as long as the rules are followed and the paperwork is prepared correctly.
In global supply chain management that spans across North America, shipments and carriers constantly have to cross borders in and out of multiple ports. Border crossing might seem like a complicated task, but it can go smoothly as long as the rules are followed and the paperwork is prepared correctly.
Carter Truck
In this blog, for a better understanding of border crossing, we will discuss the process of border crossing in and out of Canada, required documents, common mistakes, and some best practices.
To Be Cleared to Cross the Border
The appropriate team member or personnel will apply a unique barcode (PAPS/PARS) to the customs documents for processing. The customs team will process the paperwork, send it to the appropriate customs broker, and enter all of the customs document information into the designated portal. Then, the customs team will print either an eManifest Leadsheet (when crossing into Canada) or an ACE Manifest (when crossing into the US from Canada), with which the driver will cross the border.
The customs team checks with the appropriate customs brokers to make sure all shipments on the eManifest Leadsheet or ACE Manifest are clear with the US customs or Canadian customs to cross the border. Once the shipments have been cleared, the entry and transaction numbers are added onto the eManifest/ACE Manifest. The ACE Manifest/eManifest is sent to the driver at the designated place and the driver will be notified that he or she is cleared to cross the border.
Required Documents
The driver must have a valid ID such as a FAST card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or valid CDL with a passport. If the driver has a passenger, the passenger must have a passport and a government-issued ID.
When crossing into Canada, the driver must produce an eManifest Leadsheet to the Canadian customs officer in the first booth at the Canadian/US border.
When crossing into the US, the driver must produce an ACE Manifest to the US customs officer in the first booth at the Canadian/US border.
Invoice (Commercial Invoice, Customs invoice, or a Proforma Invoice – the Shipper determines this.)
BOL (Bill of Lading)
Mill Certifications for shipments with certain Tariff codes coming out of Canada
Packing slips if available
Certificate of Origin if available
The documents must contain the following information:
Gross weight with a correct unit of measure
Piece/skid count
Dollar value with a correct unit of currency
Description of freight
Country of Origin
Where freight is being shipped from
Where freight is being shipped to
Who is paying the duties/broker fees on the shipment
Common Mistakes Carriers Make in the Process of Border Crossing
The appropriate team member or personnel fails to send complete documents to the proper customs broker in a timely manner.
The customs team fails to follow up with the appropriate customs broker after two hours of sending documents (most brokers require two to four hours to clear a shipment).
The customs team fails to accurately enter the information into the appropriate portal.
The customs team fails to enter specific descriptions and information about freight into the portal.
The driver does not have a good knowledge of the shipment he or she is transporting.
The driver is sent to the border before he or she is cleared to cross.
The driver fails to provide the appropriate documents for crossing.
The driver fails to seal the trailer.
Tips and Best Practices
Make sure your logistics provider belongs to a security program such as CTPAT (Customs Trade Partners Against Terrorism) US or PIP (Partners in Protection) Canada.
Make sure truck drivers are trained on border crossings and security programs (if any).
Always have drivers complete inspections before crossing the border.
Sign up for the CBSA and CBP e-mail updates in case of border or portal delays or issues.
Make sure that your business partners are in a security program or meet the security criteria.
Have drivers use high-security seals on his/her trailer.
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