What documents does a truck need to cross into the US?

Typically a bill of lading, commercial invoice, PAPS label, ACE eManifest and valid driver documents, plus any product-specific certificates.

Do I need a customs broker?

Most commercial shipments entering the US use a licensed customs broker to file the entry.

CUSMA is the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement; qualifying goods may enter with reduced or no duty.

Canada to USA Cross-Border Freight Checklist

Use this checklist from Agant Elite Logistics in Brampton, Ontario to prepare a truckload moving from Canada into the United States.

Before booking the truck

Start with the freight and the paperwork, not the truck:

Confirm who the US importer of record is.
Choose a customs broker and share their contact with the carrier.
Prepare the commercial invoice with accurate descriptions, values and country of origin.
Check whether the product needs other agency documents, such as FDA prior notice for food.
Confirm whether the goods qualify under CUSMA and have the supporting information.

When the load is booked

Once a carrier is assigned:

The carrier issues the PAPS number and barcode.
Send the PAPS number, commercial invoice and bill of lading to the customs broker.
Confirm the pickup and delivery appointments.
Choose the crossing, for example Windsor–Detroit, Sarnia–Port Huron or Niagara.

Before the truck reaches the border

In the hours before arrival:

The carrier submits the ACE eManifest to CBP.
The customs broker confirms the entry has been filed.
The driver has the PAPS label, bill of lading, commercial invoice and valid driver documents.
The driver has enough hours of service to cross and continue.

At and after the crossing

At the primary inspection booth the officer scans the documents and may release the truck, send it to secondary inspection or ask for more information. After release, the load continues to the receiver. Dispatch should confirm the crossing time and update the delivery estimate for the customer.

How does Agant Elite Logistics help?

Agant Elite Logistics works through this checklist with carriers and shippers on every Canada–USA load, and the 24/7 dispatch desk is available if something changes at the border. The customs broker handles customs clearance itself.

Frequently asked questions

What documents does a truck need to cross into the US?: Typically a bill of lading, commercial invoice, PAPS label, ACE eManifest and valid driver documents, plus any product-specific certificates.
Do I need a customs broker?: Most commercial shipments entering the US use a licensed customs broker to file the entry.
What is CUSMA?: CUSMA is the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement; qualifying goods may enter with reduced or no duty.