Required Forms for Cross-border Shipping
Shipping to Canada with R+L Carriers is a just a click, or phone call away. The Transborder Solutions Team is waiting to guide you through the intricacies of international documentation procedures and help make your cross-border shipping a success.
Required Documentation
Make cross-border shipping easy. Avoid paperwork errors which could result in costly shipping delays by understanding the required documentation for international shipping.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The Bill of Lading, is a detailed list of goods to be shipped. The BOL requires complete and accurate information, including the required documentation for international shipping.
Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)
Canada Customs Invoice, verifies the value, quantity and country of origin including the broker information.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Contact your Broker for more information on USMCA.
Commodity Descriptions
To ensure your freight reaches its destination on time, it is essential to understand and adhere to the documentation, commodity descriptions and security requirements.
Provide Detailed Commodity Descriptions:
Provide specific and accurate descriptions on the Bill of Lading (BOL), Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice.
Vague terms can cause delays. For instance:
- Instead of “caps,” specify “baseball caps.”
- Instead of “Tide,” specify “Tide laundry detergent.”
- Instead of “auto parts,” specify “automobile air filters.”
For more examples, refer to: Commercial reporting requirements – Detailed Commodity Descriptions
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/aci-manif-ipec/commod-fret-eng.html
Provide Customs Broker Details:
Include the importer of record or your customs broker details to prevent shipment delays. Ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.
Why it Matters
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) mandates detailed commodity descriptions. Properly described shipments help prevent delays and ensure compliance with regulations.
Contact our Transborder team for assistance at 888.575.2632.
Quick Guide Resource for R+L Carriers Canada-transborder Commodity Descriptions