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The short answer

For freight leaving Canada for the United States, the U.S. importer of record and its U.S. customs broker file the entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The carrier sends its ACE truck e-manifest before arrival, usually with a PAPS shipment the broker has linked to the entry. Canada's CARM system plays no part in the U.S. import. Check current U.S. measures on the product, because USMCA preference is not automatic.

This page is part of the U.S.–Canada freight shipping guide.

How the move works

The southbound sequence

  1. Define the Canadian pickupCommodity, quantity, packaging, dimensions, weight, trailer type, pickup window and loading method.
  2. Identify the U.S. importer and brokerThe U.S. importer of record and its U.S. customs broker prepare the CBP entry.
  3. Check other U.S. agenciesDepending on the product, FDA, USDA, EPA, NHTSA or another agency may have requirements alongside CBP.
  4. Build the document setCommercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, USMCA certification when preference is claimed, product certificates.
  5. Carrier files its e-manifestCBP requires truck manifest data at least one hour before arrival at the first U.S. port, or 30 minutes for FAST shipments.
  6. Release at the U.S. portCBP connects the carrier's shipment (the PAPS shipment control number) with the broker's entry.
  7. Deliver in the U.S.The carrier completes the run under U.S. safety and hours-of-service rules.

What PAPS is

PAPS, the Pre-Arrival Processing System, is how most southbound truck freight is released. The carrier gives its shipment a shipment control number, starting with its SCAC code, and passes it to the U.S. customs broker, usually as a barcode label on the paperwork. The broker files the entry against that number; the carrier's e-manifest reports the same number, and CBP links the two. If the numbers disagree, or the broker never received it, the truck waits.

What the shipper needs

  • The U.S. importer of record and its customs broker
  • A commercial invoice with a specific description, value, currency and origin
  • A bill of lading and packing list that match it
  • USMCA certification information if preference is claimed
  • Any agency-specific paperwork for regulated products
  • The carrier's PAPS number sent to the broker before pickup

Current U.S. trade measures

Trade-policy note, verified 27 September 2026: USMCA remains in force. On 8 September 2026 the United States announced further Section 338 measures affecting certain Canadian goods, including import bans on some products and changes to tariff scope. These change quickly. The U.S. importer and its customs broker should confirm current treatment for the specific product before dispatch.

What changes the plan

  • Regulated products. Food and agricultural goods can need prior notice or inspection by another U.S. agency.
  • In-bond moves. Freight that clears inland rather than at the border needs an in-bond movement and a carrier set up for it.
  • The carrier. Canadian carriers can run in the United States but must meet FMCSA requirements, including hours-of-service and ELD rules where they apply.
  • Oversize loads. U.S. state permits start at the border; see oversize freight to Canada and the Oversize Load Planner for the U.S. states.

Common failure points

  • The U.S. broker has no PAPS number, or a different one from the carrier's.
  • The origin claim rests on the pickup being in Canada rather than on the product rules.
  • The invoice and bill of lading disagree on count or weight.
  • Nobody checked whether a current U.S. measure applies to the product.

Before requesting a quote

  • Canadian pickup city, province and postal code
  • U.S. delivery city, state and ZIP
  • Ready date and delivery window
  • Commodity, piece count, dimensions and weight
  • Trailer type, if known
  • U.S. importer of record and customs broker, or "pending"
  • Regulated-product or oversize status
  • Special handling

Common questions

Do Canadian carriers operate in the United States?

Yes, subject to U.S. motor carrier, safety and customs requirements.

Does CARM handle the U.S. import?

No. CARM is Canada's commercial accounting system for imports into Canada. The U.S. entry goes through CBP.

Does USMCA guarantee duty-free U.S. entry?

No. The goods must meet the applicable rule of origin, and current product-specific measures still have to be checked. See CUSMA / USMCA and Canada freight.

Shipping south from Canada?

Send the pickup, delivery, freight and the U.S. broker details, and we will price the transportation and flag what still needs confirming.

Request a Freight Quote

Official sources

Last verified: 27 September 2026 against the official sources listed.