Canadian Authority
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- The generic carrier code 77YY is no longer valid.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.
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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