Top Insider Tips for Simple Canada Shipping

You have a buyer that wants your product, but you're in the U.S., and they are in Canada. You’re eager to make the sale and ship it, but terms like commercial invoices, customs clearance, and duties sound intimidating. Not to worry! We’ve got you covered with tips to simplify the process for shipping to Canada, so you’ll feel like a cross-border pro.

And now, Freightquote has made it simpler than ever to quote and book your less than truckload (LTL) and full truckload shipments to, from, and within Canada. New this year, you can compare competitive LTL and full truckload quotes from vetted carriers for shipments, right in our online booking tool, just as you do for U.S. shipments! How easy is that?

The basics on Canadian freight quotes

Shipping freight to, from, or within Canada might seem like a challenge for U.S.—based businesses, but with a little preparation, it’s easier than you think. Sure, Canada shipping has its quirks—like unfamiliar postal codes and holidays that don’t always line up with U.S. calendars—but the process itself isn’t drastically different.

The main distinctions? You’ll need a broker to ensure smooth customs clearance and a bit of extra paperwork to keep everything moving without delays. In this post, we’re diving into the essentials of Canadian shipping, covering everything from navigating LTL and full truckload freight to understanding the key documents and partnerships you’ll need. Let’s make cross-border logistics hassle-free!

Do I need a customs broker when shipping to Canada?

When shipping freight across the border, a trusted customs broker will make the process easier. Customs brokers handle the clearance of goods into Canada, navigate regulations, and ensure a smooth shipping process. A good customs broker is invaluable for cross-border shipping. They help:

• Standardize procedures and ensure compliance
• Provide assistance filling out customs paperwork
• Simplify the customs process with automated tools

If you don’t already have a customs broker, Freightquote by C.H. Robinson frequently works with and recommends Borderbuddy. You can benefit from their expertise in both U.S. and Canadian customs protocols to make your Canadian shipping go even more smoothly.

Required paperwork for shipping to Canada

To move a cross-border shipment you will need some extra paperwork, but don’t worry because your customs broker will help you with this. Like any other shipment within the United States, a Bill of Lading (BOL) will be provided to you after booking, but there are at least two additional documents required to get your shipment into Canada—the commercial invoice and a packing list. In addition, you may need documents like a Certificate of Origin or Insurance Certificate for your freight to be cleared through the customs process at the border. Your customs broker can help you determine which paperwork is needed for your shipment.

Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)

This critical document allows customs authorities to evaluate shipment value, calculate duties, and confirm who is responsible for payment. Make sure to double-check details like zip codes (remember, Canadian postal codes use a letter-number pattern, e.g., A1B2C3) and attach copies of the CCI to both the BOL and the freight. Here’s an example of a typical CCI:

Packing list:

The packing list is a document that provides a detailed breakdown of what’s inside each package in a shipment. It includes the number of items in each box, the content of the package, their weight, size, and date of issue. It outlines how the goods were packed and arranged as agreed between the buyer and seller. Here’s an example of a typical packing list:

If a border crossing is held up, the culprit is often incomplete information on the commercial invoice or poor communication between the carrier and the customs broker. So, be precise and make sure your pickup location has all necessary paperwork ready for the driver.

Canadian freight quotes and cross-border considerations

It is important to know that carriers’ estimated transit times for cross-border shipments are a little more unpredictable than they are with domestic shipments. Factors like lines at border crossings and customs inspections are difficult to estimate, so carriers cannot guarantee transit times across borders. However, ensuring you work closely with your customs broker to fill out all paperwork and pay all duties and taxes appropriately will help your shipment avoid delays at the border. Booking with Freightquote’s reliable carrier network, which provides estimated transit windows, can help set more accurate expectations.

How freight clears customs in Canada

So, you've loaded your freight, and the driver has left your dock. Now what? If you've taken steps to thoroughly prepare your shipment, the rest should be smooth sailing.

While your shipment is in transit, your customs broker is confirming the Importer of Record and the assignment of import duties and taxes so when your freight gets to the border it clears seamlessly. When it's all in order, your customs broker will send the paperwork to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and your freight will be ready to enter Canada. Since all customs clearance communication is handled electronically, the customs broker will never see your freight.

Once your freight clears customs, the carrier will proceed to the destination and deliver the shipment to your customer. If the carrier you chose also has operations in Canada, they will be the company that completes the delivery. However, there are several U.S. LTL carriers that have relationships with Canadian LTL carriers that deliver the freight once it crosses the border.

Here's a typical step-by-step after your freight is picked up:

1. The carrier lets the customs broker know when they are scheduled to arrive in Canada
2. The customs broker prepares a customs entry and sends it to the CBSA
3. The driver reports to the CBSA office, usually a drive-up window at the port of entry
4. A CBSA inspector reviews the information and customs clears the shipment
5. The driver proceeds to delivery. For LTL, the driver will take the freight to the destination terminal

Save time and money when shipping to Canada

Shipping freight from the U.S. to Canada doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you book with Freightquote. With the right customs broker, accurate paperwork, and reliable carriers, you can navigate the process without a hitch. Freightquote's technology and self-service tools can guide you from pickup through customs and on to delivery. Plus our online tools allow you to select a customs broker and automate the entire process. And Freightquote Rewards helps you earn savings and rewards on future LTL and full truckload shipments.

With these helpful tips and thorough preparation, your smooth border crossing is straight ahead!

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