Requirements For Shipping Across The U.s./canadian Border

There are a number of documents and forms that a business needs when shipping materials across the border of Canada to the United States

. Canadian courier services should be able to assist you in acquiring the necessary forms, or inform you where to obtain them. Any courier company that use to transport goods across the Canadian border will ensure that you have the appropriate paperwork needed, completed and accurate before your freight will be shipped. This is done for the protection of the shipper, receiver, and the intermediate courier service. Incomplete or missing forms can cause unnecessary delays at customs, which holds up the delivery of your shipments, as well as others who may be included with your cargo on the courier truck. Fortunately, most courier companies are well-versed in all documents required at the various customs locations along the border. They will thoroughly check the documents to ensure they are complete and accurate.

Standard paperwork for any shipping transaction usually consists of a commercial invoice, which is an agreement between the shipper and purchaser. It contains information about the transaction, including a description of the item(s) being shipped, the date purchased, the shipping methods, and the cost and/or fees related to the transaction. This is not a usual requirement, but is noted here to clarify its need in any border-crossings situations as well. Another document that is generally required is called a B13A Export Declaration form. This is only needed when shipping goods to the United States. Your courier company should be able to supply you with this document in hand, or you may be able to print off the document at their website online. This allows you to fill it out beforehand, and ask questions of the carrier (if you have any) when your shipment is picked up.

Lastly, there may be more documents necessary to include with your shipment, depending upon which courier service you use. If you are shipping goods that are included under the NAFTA (North American Fair Trade Agreement), there will be additional forms required specific to those goods. It is easiest to call the courier office beforehand and ask specific questions of the representative. He or she should be able to give you the information necessary and allow you to be prepared with all the required documents. This will likely avoid any delays in your shipment through customs due to missing or incomplete paperwork.

by: Chris Ellis

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