Question:
Southbound:
First thing you need to do is make sure you have all the comercial invoices and anything that says where the stuff is made. Next you will need a blank (some places have a partially filled out) Inward Cargo Manifest (ICM) form. Fill out the ICM as follows: Box 1 is where you put the year, make and plate number (not unit number) of your tractor. Box 2 is where you put your name. Box 3 is where you put your companys name and address in full. Box 4 is where you put the city, town, village where you loaded the load, or if there is a switch invovled, the place where the trailer was loaded. If more that one location then put 'Various'. Box 5 is where you are taking the load. Follow the instructions for Box 4. Box 6 is where you put the name of the border crossing you are going to use to enter the USA. YOU MUST PUT THE AMERICAN CROSSING THERE. Box 7 with the date you are crossing. Columns 1, 2, 3 and 4 are your next places you need to fill out. DO NOT use Column 5. If you have more than one shipment then you need to separate the lines with a blank line. Column 1 is where you put the Bill of Lading or Commercial Invoice Number. Column 2 is there you put the plate number (not unit number) of your trailer or trailers, depending on which trailer which shipment is on. If your shipment is on both trialers, then put both plate numbers with the '&' to attach them together. Column 3 you will need to put what it is you are carrying. You put the piece count and on how many pallets, skids etc, and exactly what it is, and the weight of the load, and the value of the load in dollars and indicate USD OR CAD. Column 4 is where you put the receivers name and address. Down at the bottom of the form just above the date and signature line is another blank. This is where you but the Customs Brokers name. The date line at the the bottom is the date you filled out this form. It DOES NOT have to match the date in Box 7. The last step is to sign it.
Now if you have PAPS stickers, NOT PARS, then attach one to the ICM and one your Commercial invoice and fax to the Customs Broker. Hit the line like you have a 'Line Release' and way you go.
Line Release is a bar code that the shipper has attached to the Commercail Invoice. Not all shipments are Line Release.
If you do not have PAPS then stop before the border at the truck parking provided and go walk into US Customs and say you need to see your Broker. After a few questions they will let you procede to your Broker. Take you paperwork with you, unless you faxed it ahead (even without PAPS). Get you paperwork from the Broker and go back to your truck and then head for US Customs with the unit.
Northbound:
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE SHIPPERS make sure you have a Commercial Invoice that lists the 1) Country of Origin 2) Value of shipment 3) Currency type 4) Piece count 5) you know who the Customs Broker is or that you have confirmation that the paperwork has already been sent ahead.
PARS: Attach a PARS sticker to the Commercial Invoice or you Bill of Lading. MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT COVER UP ANY WRITING. Fax this to the Customs Broker and make a second copy. You will need two copies of this when you reach the border. When faxing to the Custons Broker, attach a cover letter stating which Port Of Entry (POE) you are using. USE THE CANADIAN NAME FOR THE CROSSING. The ETA at the POE. Arrive at the POE and present you PARS paperwork and let it all happen from there.
No PARS: Filling out an A8A form. This form is used to get into the Customs compound so you can get to your Customs Broker. Fill it out as follows, US Port of Exit is the name of the US side of the crossing you are at. Manifest from is the Canadian crossing you are at now. Manifest to is the crossing you are at now. This would only be different if you are going In Bond to another location. Consignee Name and Address is where you put that information. If more than one then use 'VARIOUS'. Shipper Name and Address is where you put that information. Again if more that one, use 'VARIOUS'. No. of pkgs. is the piece count, NOT skid or pallet count. Description or Marks is where you put down what it is. Weight is where you put how heavy the load is. Do not worry about Rate, Advances, Prepaid, or Collect. Foreign Port of Lading is where you put the city, town, or village where you loaded this. Use 'VARIOUS' for more that one location. (Most times this is the same as the location in the Shippers block) Name of Carrier is the trucking companies name you are driving for. Location of goods is where you put the plate numbers of your truck and trailer or trailers. Do not worry about the Vehicle Identifaction block.
Now if you are going In Bond you will need the 5 decals that have the same number on all of them (looks like a PARS decal) and put one on each of the A8A forms in the Carrier Code block. Some carriers have them already preprinted on their A8A forms.
Answer:
This brought back memories of my CFI, days.
Thank GoodnessCFI, had us stop at the terminal BEFORE crossing into Canada & they(CFI), would go over our paperwork & make sure everything was in order.
Although they used the Barcodes we really didn't have much to worry about.
Coming Out of Canada, CFI, would have the drvr Call the terminal & dispatch would walk us thru each step of the process.

Answer:
At Roehl, they cover everything in the drivers handbook/manual. The go over cross transits and delivery into Canada. I just found out that my next dispatch is going to be a delivery into Canada, just north of Toronto. This will be my first delivery into Canada, all others have been cross transits with a flatbed. Doing those it was extremely easy and hassle free, as it was an "open" load. They have me crossing at Detroit. I have heard some horror stories about crossing there, but I am hopefuly this will not be the case.
On a side note, I had to break down and get a new mapping software package. DeLorme does not cover Canada, so I am going to try MS Streets & Trips 2004. Installing it now. Will post my experience on it on the old hightech trucking thread, which I have neglected.
But one thing I would say that will help alot when dealing with a crossing, make sure you have all of your paper work complete, accurate, and ready before you get to customs. This will greatly speed up the process.

Answer:

The biggest problem is the traffic backups which often start on I-75 (heading southbound into Windsor) and wind their way out to the 401.
The most important thing to remember is that if a Canadian Customs official asks you if you've ever been in front of a magistrate/court/judge, the only acceptable answer is NO (unless you have a Minister's Permit and several hours to waste).
The second most important thing to remember is that if a Canadian Customs official asks you if you have a weapon/gun/knife in the truck, the only acceptable answer is NO (unless you have several hours to waste and an intense curiousity to see your truck searched).
If you need to change some U.S. funds into Canadian, stay in the right lane when you get off the Ambassador Bridge; there is a money exchange with enough room to park two trucks about 150 yards past the 2nd stop light.- - no overnight parking there.
There is also a small, Husky truckstop in Windsor if you need a break. Let me know if you need directions. BOL

Answer:
One major reason why I don`t run canada.

Answer:
1. Look the border agent directly in the eye.
2. Remove your cap and shades.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. At night turn on your inside light.
5. No smart assed answers. ie: You are mt and tell the agent you have a load of sail boat fuel.
6. Do not volunteer information you have not been asked for.
7. Have your ID and load papers ready, no fumbling at the booth.
8. Be polite and pleasant, but business like and to the point. No joking.
9. Consider getting a passport if you don't already have one.
Border wait times link:
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/customs/general/times/menu-e.html

Answer:
Canada, USA, and Mexico have an agreement that says all that is needed it a vaild Drivers Licence. After 9/11 though a valid Birth Certificate is also required. No Passport required.
Answer:
I agree that a passport isn't required to cross the border into Canada and the U.S. but, for some reason, it does seem to make entry a bit easier. Maybe it's because it indicates that the driver is a "seasoned" traveller? Darned if I know; just seems to work that way for me.
BTW, that was a superb post concerning the paperwork, Westline. Thanks a lot.

Answer:

That is correct.
A passport is not required, and perhaps for some one of those "nice to have" items.
It was just reported on Canadian news last evening where out in British Columbia certain people through bribing of officials have been running around with driver's permits that are not valid. ie: They did not pass any of the tests or take lessons.
A passport is nice to have because it rounds out your "arsenal" of personal ID... along with your driver's permit and birth certificate. If for any reason at all the border agents are ever not satisfied with the driver's permit and birth certificate... you have your passport as backup.
Although not necessary the Canadian government still recommends anyone travelling outside the country obtain valid passport.

Answer:
Paula, tell me about areas between the Canadian/united aggressor states of america(ugsa) border that are unguarded.
(Roads leading in out of Canada with no guardposts)

Answer:
always good to see what it looks like
manifest
certificate of origin
Answer:
Do not let these folks scare the newbie. Go to Canada and make the extra money if paid to you!
Crossing into Canada is very easy. Getting back into the states is even easier. (You do hit some bumps, but nothing like you have heard”
You do need to make sure you have the paper work right before crossing.
You may ask. What is you just show up at the crossing without the paper work filled out? Nothing. They tell you; you need to go to the broker. That is it. They will ask you a few questions. Like were do you keep your gun. How many other people are you bringing in? Then you get the real easy questions. Like cigs. Once you have crossed a few times they will not even ask you. You will hand them the paper work, they will ask you if you have anything to declare. And depending on the paper work (some times it is wrong) say you need to go to your broker) that is it.
I have crossed over 100 times, prob more like 200 or close to it.
You should carry some forms with you (if you have the chance to get some grab some of ALL of them, why not?). If you do not have them, or have never crossed into Canada. Tell the boarder check person. They will figure you out either way.
Once they run you lic, which you have to hand over for them to look at and declare residency. They will see how many times you have crossed. The days and all. They will also see the last full inspection. Also, anything that happened before you were 18 is a US thing not a Canadian thing. If they do a full immigration check they will find out about that pot charge at 16. I speak from experience. Once the check is done. They also do not bother you. Seems that Canadians also screw up and understand that folks go through changes.
Canadian customs is not like US. They do not just let every one in. They are looking for the person that is trying to look like they have crossed before. These folks get extra attention.
The lay out into Canada and US is very easy and set up for you to have a small problem. You should also plan on wasting 1 hour at the boarder. Some times you cross real fast (under 10 mins). No problems. The shipper or receiver and re shipper has all the paper work you need already set and ready to go. Other times they give you very little and you are placed to go to the broker or wait in a LONG line at Windsor/Detroit due to traffic. I have waited 2 hours easy at night around 6 pm to cross.
It isn’t bad at all. Canadians coming here the first, second, and third time hate it also. After a few times it is just a day at the office. You have to figure out the screws. Some of the Customs folks either side are very help full, others are real pricks and dicks. I have found once you communicate to them. Tell them I have a question, Or I am new to this, basically straight up were do I go; I have no clue this is new to me. They can be very helpful. You should also remember that after telling 1000 driver a night the same thing they get a little tired or old. It takes you telling them “I am new to this and have never been here” to get them set back into normal person state.
Also, the “I can not go to Canada because I owe back child support” Is a joke. You can go under NAFTA. You can not go if you are seeking residency. A felony also doesn’t discude you, unless you are wanted. You can have been arrested and sent to prison in the US. Served your time. Then cross the boarder. Yes, you can. You can have been assessed a felony charged and releasesd and cross for “work”. You will prob get some screteny at first. Once they check it out. You are cool, real cool. You will cross very quick. I spreak from experience.202 N Main Street
Summerfield Il 62289
TRUCK PARKING AVAILABLE!

Answer:
There has been a change in the PARS system for entry into Canada. Due to the AMPS (Applied Monetary Penalty System), the Customs Brokers are now requiring that the Bill of Ladings be faxed in with the Canada Customs Comercial Invoice if your PARS sticker is on the CCCI. If all you have is a Bill of Lading and attach your PARS sticker that and dont have a CCCI then just fax the B/L and any other customs forms.
Answer:
Here are what the forms look like that are discribed above.
A8A Form*
Canada Customs (Commercial) Invoice*
Inward Cargo Manifest
Commercial Invoice (US Customs)
* requires Acrobat Reader. If you need it you can get it at
Answer:
I have not been to Canada for a few years,I heard about needing a birth certificate to cross the border.However, I was killing time in Buffalo waiting on paperwork by reading the local paper .A local girl wrote a letter to the editor complaing about the treatment her friends recieved. She said she didnt need a birth certf. and was never asked for one while they were put through the wringer. They were from one of the asian countries. Marmon