Customs Requirements (CBP & CBSA)

Crossing The U.S. And Canada As A Commercial Highway Carrier

This page provides a quick overview of what is required to cross into the U.S. and Canada as a commercial highway carrier.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cross-Border Requirements

Getting a USDOT Number Or MC Number

To cross into the United States as a commercial highway carrier, you must first apply with the U.S. Department of Transportation as a commercial carrier, and register to get a DOT number or an MC Number depending on your vehicle.

Get a USDOT Number

Get an MC Number

 

Getting a Standard Carrier Alpha Code

After you have been given a USDOT Number or MC Number, you then qualify to register for a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) with National Motor Freight Traffic Association. This provides carrier data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and shows that you are an approved carrier to do business in the U.S.

Get a SCAC Code

 

Using PAPS Bar Code Labels

Once you have a SCAC Code, you can then use that unique 4 character code for Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) bar code labels.

PAPS bar code labels can be used to provide customs brokers what your shipment control number is. It also helps CBP officers easily process your clearance at the port of entry.

Order PAPS Bar Code Labels

 

Becoming a FAST Approved Highway Carrier

Although this isn't a requirement to cross into the U.S. as a commercial highway carrier, becoming a FAST approved highway carrier has additional benefits.

The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. This trusted traveler/trusted shipper program allows expedited processing for commercial carriers who have completed background checks and fulfill certain eligibility requirements.

Register to become FAST Approved

 

Using NCAP/FAST Lead Sheets

Once a highway carrier becomes FAST approved, they can begin to take FAST shipments with FAST drivers.

FAST shipments are processed through a separate system called National Customs Automation Program (NCAP). Drivers arriving at the port of entry declare these shipments with NCAP/FAST Lead Sheets, which provides the name of the carrier and unique shipment control number.

Register to become FAST Approved

 

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Cross-Border Requirements

Getting a CVOR

To cross into the Canada as a commercial highway carrier, you must first register with the provincial authority as a commercial carrier. To apply for a Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR) in the province of Ontario or for any other province, apply below.

Get a CVOR

Apply In Other Provinces

 

Getting a Highway Carrier Code from CBSA

Once a company is registered with transportation authority in a province they wish to do business in, they can apply to transport into Canada commercially and apply for a Highway Carrier Code from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Register for a Highway Carrier Code (Bonded and non-Bonded)

 

Using PARS Bar Code Labels

Once you have a Highway Carrier Code with CBSA, you can then use that unique 4 character alpha-numeric code for Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) bar code labels.

PARS bar code labels can be used to provide Canadian customs brokers what your cargo control number (CCN) is. It also helps CBSA officers easily process your clearance at the port of arrival.

Order PARS Bar Code Labels

 

Becoming a CSA Approved Highway Carrier

Although this isn't a requirement to cross into the Canada as a commercial highway carrier, becoming a CSA approved highway carrier has additional benefits.

CSA approved highway carriers and drivers have the option of clearing CSA-eligible goods more quickly at the border once identification confirms that the importer, carrier and driver have been pre-approved.

Register to become CSA Approved