Canadian Authority

Prior to entering into Canada, you will need to set up your company with the CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) and apply for a carrier code. Highway carriers, regardless of how often they cross the Canadian border with commercial goods, are required to use a valid, CBSA-issued carrier code. A carrier code is a four- character unique identifier that is assigned by the CBSA to identify a carrier. Use of the generic carrier code 77YY was eliminated on March 31, 2011. The Carrier Code will be used in the PARS (Pre-arrival Review System). Carriers must have printed barcodes available to attach to all BOLS. Barcode stickers can be printed at any of the CBSA suggested companies.

CBSA Carrier Code

Before entering into Canada your Trucking Company must be setup with the CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) and apply for a CBSA-issued carrier code.

A carrier code is a four-character unique identifier that is assigned by the CBSA to identify a carrier.
The generic carrier code 77YY is no longer valid.
The Carrier Code will be used in the PARS (Pre-arrival Review System).
Carriers must have printed barcodes available to attach to all BOLS.

IMPORTANT: After you have Canadian Authority you need:

Trucks transporting goods into Canada will be required to transmit cargo and conveyance data electronically to the CBSA a minimum of one hour before the shipment arrives at the border.

PARS

The PARS sticker must be affixed to the BOL and paperwork, then send to your broker for submittal to CBSA for customs clearance

• Paperwork

Documents must be given to Canadian Customs in the following order

eManifest

BOLS with PARS barcodes attached

Driver Checklist

Remember that it is one PARS per shipper

Enroll for the FAST Program (Free and Secure Trade)

The FAST Commercial Driver Program allows you to use FAST dedicated lanes in Canada and the United States (where available);
Cross the border with accelerated customs and immigration processing
Transport eligible goods for FAST-
approved carriers and importers

Confirm Registration & Insurance Requirements

Add the regions or states you will be crossing to your IRP (CAB Card) registration with the DMV of your state
Add the specific Canadian province/terrory that you will be entering to your IFTA permits.
✓ Acquire liability, cargo and reefer
insurance.
Third party liability coverage for general freight has to be for a minimum of $1,000,000.00.

IRP Vehicle Registration (CAB Card)

Commercial vehicles traveling into Canada are required to register. Register for the International Registration
Plan (IRP) in your State

All drivers that cross into Canada will need the necessary personal documents on hand:

Required Documents

Valid Passport
Social Security Card
Valid CDL-Commercial Drivers License (CDL record must be clean)
FAST Membership Card
Equipment Checklist

Weight:

In general, GVW and axle weight limits are higher in Canada
Any equipment/load that complies with FMCSA regulations in the United States will be legal in Canada.

Length:

Most U.S trailer configurations are allowed in Canada
The 10-ft, 1-in. axle spread is not admitted in western Canada.
The overall length limit is 23 m or 75.5
feet. Some jurisdictions require permits for long wheelbase tractors pulling 53-ft
trailers.

Hours of Service:

Canadian Hours of Service Regulations closely follow that of the FMCSA Canada permits a 13-hour driving time within a 14-hour on duty time

✓ Canada requires 10 hours OFF DUTY time which can be broken down into the mandatory 8 consecutive hours off duty, and a distribution of the other hours throughout the day in blocks of no less than 30 minutes