How to Ship Freight to
and from Canada

Shipping documents and shipping information

• Shipper Information
• Consignee Information
• Product Description

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• Get a Rate Quote or call 800.535.1983.

Bill of Lading | Canada Customs Invoice | Certificate of Origin | United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

• Learn more about required documents.

• Bill of Lading (BOL) – The contract between shipper and carrier includes PRO Number and contact information for Customs Broker.

• Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) – The Commercial Invoice document identifies the buyer and seller of goods and all relevant shipping information.

• United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) – Replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement on July 1, 2020. Under the USMCA, importers are no longer required to complete a formal certification document.

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.

Properly packing and labeling freight properly protects freight during transit

• Follow our guidelines for Packing Freight Properly.

Provide Driver with Copies of Required Documents

• Use our online tools to Schedule a Pickup.
• All paperwork is scanned by driver including all Customs Documents.
• Transborder Group immediately begins the PARS process.
• PARS number is assigned by R+L Carriers in order for freight to be cleared at the border.
• Shipment moves through linehaul to one of R+L Carriers’ strategically placed gateways for delivery into Canada.
• Track Shipment to one of our Canada Service Centers, before the final destination.