Canada Freight Shipping

U.S. - Canada Freight Shipping FAQs

What is a customs broker?

A customs broker is a licensed business that helps importers and exporters comply with all laws and regulations for shipments crossing international borders. A customs broker typically assists with requirements such as:

• Completion of required cross-border paperwork and documentation
• Proper tariff classification of goods
• Calculating and paying duties, taxes, and other cross-border fees
• Ensuring regulatory compliance, including filing of appropriate paperwork with border agencies

Am I required to have a customs broker?

Yes. To ship with Freightquote you will need to hire a customs broker to assist you with required customs paperwork and the calculation and payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and other cross-border fees. Hiring a customs broker helps ensure a speedy and smooth customs clearance.

How do I find a customs broker?

If you do not already have a customs broker, we recommend using Borderbuddy to get started.

Do I need special documents to ship cross-border?

Yes. At a minimum, you will need the Freightquote BOL, provided when you place your order, and a Commercial Invoice detailing the goods in your shipment.

Beyond these two documents, the number and type of additional documents you will need depends on several factors, including what you are shipping, the value of the goods, and whether you are importing or exporting. Your customs broker will assist you with determining and completing any other required documents for your specific shipment.

What is a Commercial Invoice?

The Commercial Invoice for a shipment lists the details of the goods in a shipment. It identifies the seller, buyer, quantity, unit price, total value, and type of goods being shipped. This document aides customs authorities in determining the calculation of duties and taxes owed. Your customs broker can help answer questions about this document and assist you in completing it.

How reliable are transit times for cross-border shipments?

Carriers’ estimated transit times for cross-border shipments are a little more unpredictable than 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.