Canada How to cross the border

[Stranded]

I posted this in another forum but maybe this is the best place for it. Hopefully someone with the knowledge can straighten out the correct procedure.......................

For my benefit as well as those who are still confused, can someone who knows please reply as I attempt to play out a real life example? I plan to print the replies and use them as a check list for when I go across the border........Maybe instead of replying to these questions, it would be better to give a step by step example of all the necessary steps?
I get dispatched on a run picking up GM auto parts in Detroit delivering in Toronto.

I go to the shipper, get loaded and get the BOL and a PARS form.
Do I get the PARS form from the shipper?
Do I fill out the PARS form before I leave and then fax it?
Does my company fill it out and fax it, does the shipper fill it out and fax it or does it matter who does it - just as long as a completed form gets faxed to the broker?
Do I need special permits for my truck in order to enter Canada?
How long do I need to wait before I get to the border?
Can I call the broker prior to my arriving at the border to be sure everything is ok to cross into canada or should my company call the broker?
What other forms do I need?
What else do I need to do?
What else does my company need to do?
What else is there that I am missing?
When does FAST card come into play?

I made it into Canada and now I deliver the load.
Do I need to keep a copy of my PARS to re-enter the U.S.?
Does my PARS need to be signed by consignee?


Now I get dispatched to pick up Chrysler auto parts from a shipper in Toronto to deliver in Detroit.

I get loaded and get the BOL and a PAPS form.
Does the PAPS form need to be filled out and faxed to the broker?
How long do I need to wait before arriving at customs again?
Is a FAST card a necessity or is it only a good thing to have?
What about bar codes - when do I need them?
Where do I get a bar code?
What else do I need to do in order to re-enter the U.S.?

Now I got dispatched to pick up in Detroit to deliver in NY - I just need to take a short cut through Canada.

How does this one work?

 

[RobA]

Are you a CDRP registered driver?
Do you work for a CSA registered carrier?
Are you hauling directly to a CSA approved importer?

If those qualifactions apply; then you can clear directly at the border.

Now if other situations apply; you aren't CDRP approved and have your card etc you will have to use the PARS method.
When using PARS; you must see that the Canada Customs Invoices are faxed to the clearing (Customs)broker. Whether you fax them, the shipper faxes them or the carrier faxes them is immaterial.
The MINIMUM time that you must allow is 2 and one-half hours after faxing the papers. That is the MINIMUM and there is no guarentee that the shipment can be set up in that time frame.
Customs must have 2 -1/2 hours to review the entry.
The papers you fax might be incomplete or incorrect.
The CUSTOMS BROKER'S responsibilty is to the Importer. It is the Importer's responsibilty to ensure that the papers are completed correctly.

A phone call to the clearing Broker is advised; ask them:
"Did you get the fax?"
"Are the papers correct?"
"How long will it be before the entry is submitted to Customs?"

With that information in hand you can detirmine when to actually arrive at Customs.

Your CARRIER is responsible to provide you with the proper procedures as, in Canada, it is the carrier who will be fined for violations.

Your Carrier should have a hand book with all their regular customers and the procdeures for each customer. Each customer might be different; at the least they'll probably have a different Broker.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

 

[Tom Robertson]

hey Rob... no disrespect meant here..but you're supposed to be the expert...
how about answering Stranded questions 1 by 1...

I can answer them... I'm certain you can also.

Stranded asked...

"I go to the shipper, get loaded and get the BOL and a PARS form.
Do I get the PARS form from the shipper?
Do I fill out the PARS form before I leave and then fax it?
Does my company fill it out and fax it, does the shipper fill it out and fax it or does it matter who does it - just as long as a completed form gets faxed to the broker?
Do I need special permits for my truck in order to enter Canada?
How long do I need to wait before I get to the border?
Can I call the broker prior to my arriving at the border to be sure everything is ok to cross into canada or should my company call the broker?
What other forms do I need?
What else do I need to do?
What else does my company need to do?
What else is there that I am missing?
When does FAST card come into play?

I made it into Canada and now I deliver the load.
Do I need to keep a copy of my PARS to re-enter the U.S.?
Does my PARS need to be signed by consignee?


Now I get dispatched to pick up Chrysler auto parts from a shipper in Toronto to deliver in Detroit.

I get loaded and get the BOL and a PAPS form.
Does the PAPS form need to be filled out and faxed to the broker?
How long do I need to wait before arriving at customs again?
Is a FAST card a necessity or is it only a good thing to have?
What about bar codes - when do I need them?
Where do I get a bar code?
What else do I need to do in order to re-enter the U.S.?

Now I got dispatched to pick up in Detroit to deliver in NY - I just need to take a short cut through Canada.

How does this one work?"

Others want the answers too. You're the man... so let them know!

 

[terryandrene]

Stranded: Here's what I do for non-automotive fr8 to Canada.

Before you go to Canada, Your carrier should have provided you the necessary copies of Canadian authority, Carrier peculiar PARS stickers, USA Inward Manifests (necessary to get freight back to US). It's also helpful to have Canadian form A8A. You should also have proof of citizenship and rabies vaccination certificates for any pets you may have in your vehicle.

If you are carrying general freight across to Canada you should get from the shipper a BOL and a Canadian Customs Invoice which describes the freight and its value (specified US or CDN dollars).

Attach a PARS sticker to the Canadian Customs invoice and write in your name, truck numeber, license plate, your carrier and your ETA. I add my cell # in case there is a problem. (They've never called when there was but I have hope). Ask the shipper to fax this for to the Broker specified by your carrier. (they should have the FAX and fone #s). Also get a copy of the original with the PARS sticker.

When you get to the border hand the officer in the primary booth the original and copy of the Canadian Custom invoice. If you clear, the officer will stamp your copy and return it to you. If not cleared the officer will direct your to the customs warehouse or compound to see your broker. The broker will either process you right away or require you to fill out an A8A form (they will have them), process your papers and send you to the customs office. The agent there will check the papers and send you on your way. You will now have either the stamped invoice copy or a copy of the A8A. save these for your records or sbmit to your carrier, if required. You do not need to give to consignee nor use it for re-entry to USA.

Just passing thru? Get some copies of an In-Transit manifest. fill out and present to USA then Canada then Canada then USA agents, each will sign, some may check your freight.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

I don't see where RobA screwed up. He kept it simple and answered most of Stranded's questions. Those he didn't answer weren't relevant to crossing the border, such as, about needing a permit to cross into Canada. He went step by step as to how cross the border.

Best thing I can say is, get a cheat-sheet from your carrier showing how and when to fill out each form. I'm sorry to say, that as many times as I've crossed, I still need to look at mine LOL :7

T-hawk - Well... since there's no hockey, I don't hafta cry over the Leafs not making it too

 

[Stranded]

>Are you a CDRP registered driver?
>Do you work for a CSA registered carrier?
>Are you hauling directly to a CSA approved importer?

I don't know. I drive a Dtruck for a small company, I guess I will need to find out what these questions mean. I do know that there is another driver who has been to canada.

>hey Rob... no disrespect meant here..but you're supposed to be the expert...
how about answering Stranded questions 1 by 1...

Thank you Tom, this would really be the help I need. I am still new to trucking - the whole Canada thing just confuses the heck outta me and i don't want to get fined for something because of my ignerance.

So from what I gather from terryandrene, my company will need to supply me with all the paperwork and forms to cross into and out of Canada. But the shipper will provide the tax invoice. Thanks alot!

So lets see if I can do this...............

>>"I go to the shipper, get loaded and get the BOL and a PARS form.>>>>>>> WRONG, I only get BOL and Canadian Customs Invoice from the shipper.

>>Do I get the PARS form from the shipper?>>>>>>> NO, PARS STICKERS (not forms) I will get from my company.

>>Do I fill out the PARS form before I leave and then fax it?
Does my company fill it out and fax it, does the shipper fill it out and fax it or does it matter who does it - just as long as a completed form gets faxed to the broker?>>>>>>> NO, I only need to attach a PARS sticker to the Canadian Customs invoice and write in your name, truck numeber, license plate, your carrier and your ETA. I add my cell # in case there is a problem. Ask the shipper to fax this form to the Broker specified by your carrier. (they should have the FAX and fone #s). Also get a copy of the original with the PARS sticker.

>>Do I need special permits for my truck in order to enter Canada?>>>>>>>>> NO

>>How long do I need to wait before I get to the border?>>>>>>>>> A MINIMUM of 2 1/2 hours after faxing the Canadian Customs invoice.

>>Can I call the broker prior to my arriving at the border to be sure everything is ok to cross into canada or should my company call the broker?>>>>>>>>> YES, I will call - I'd be crazy not to.

>>What other forms do I need?>>>>>>>>> I might need an A8A form - Will my company have these forms too? (seems like a good idea to have one already filled out??) I also need proof of citzenship......is my driver's licence good enough?

>>What else do I need to do?
What else does my company need to do?
What else is there that I am missing?>>>>>>>>> Seems like everything is covered.

>>When does FAST card come into play?>>>>>>>>> WHO KNOWS?

>>Just passing thru? Get some copies of an In-Transit manifest. fill out and present to USA then Canada then Canada then USA agents, each will sign, some may check your freight.>>>>>>>>>> Will my company supply this form?

If someone will check me over on this post, I will make a good post and be able to use it as a step by step good check list for everone of us who are confused.

Thanks

 

[RobA]

Being an Expert RE: How to cross the border

>hey Rob... no disrespect meant here..but you're supposed to
>be the expert...
>how about answering Stranded questions 1 by 1...
>

Hi Tom; no disrespect taken; but because I am an expert I learned a LONG time ago to keep general answers to general questions generally vague. This are too many variables involved.

It all depends on the IMPORTER; what it's system in dealing with Canada Customs is.
That is what I am trying to stress here.
Using PARS on a FAST shipment can put the Carrier into a penalty situation.
Using FAST on a PARS load results in a non-clearance and possible penalty.

The Carrier should keep a record on all their regular customers and the license - compliance department should keep the dispatch and drivers up to date.
The driver should ask if he/she is unclear on what the procedure is.
The Importer also gets a record of violation on it's profile even if it's a carrier issue.
It is to everyone's advantage to know what to do; but the ultimate responsibilty rests on the IMPORTER OF RECORD.

 

[RobA]

Rob asked:
>>Are you a CDRP registered driver?
>>Do you work for a CSA registered carrier?
>>Are you hauling directly to a CSA approved importer?
Stranded Replied:
>I don't know. I drive a Dtruck for a small company, I guess
>I will need to find out what these questions mean. I do know
>that there is another driver who has been to canada.
Rob says:
You don't know?
You are not registered with the CRDP then. That is FAST.
You must be an approved driver, running for an approved Carrier hauling for an Approved Importer.
You're not approved; then you must use the PARS process.
Your carrier must apply for a CARRIER CODE from the CBSA (Canada Customs).
They then get PARS barcodes prepared (in an approved format) and supply these to you. That is the Carrier's responsibilty.

When you load a Canada bound shipment; you will be given a Bill of Lading and a Customs invoice. This can be many pages long. This must be faxed to the CUSTOMS BROKER; with your PARS barcode stuck to the first page.
As well you show:
Truck License Number
Unit Number
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
Your name is helpful.

After the papers are faxed to the Customs Broker; call them and make sure they got the fax and all the pages are there and everything looks to be in order.
Get to the border as close to your ETA as possible (remembering the 2-1/2 hour CUSTOMS minimum) and present your copy with the PARS barcode. They will wand it and if a "release" decision has already been made you are on your way. If there isn't a release decision made you will be sent to the Customs Broker's office. They will have to process the papers manually.

(Another note - keep your copy to prove you faxed the paperwork. that way if customs asks why no PARS in the system you can tell them you did your part)

Another Note:
Watch your piece count.
If you cannot check the pieces and weight when the goods are loaded note that on the Bill of Lading.
Don't let the shipper say:
"Hey there's still some room, we'll send this stuff too."
Make sure they prepare papers for all your goods.
BIG Penalty if you are checked and goods not on the papers are found.

LEAVE YOUR GUNS - MACE - PEPPER SPRAY - SWITCHBLADE KNIFE - Hunting Knife (you're not on a Hunting trip) all at home.
Those are offensive weapons and could result in your arrest, deportation and seizure of your vehicle. We don't let you rot in jail; we throw your azz out of the country if you are caught with those.

Is that detailed enough for you?

 

[Tom Robertson]

Rob...
Very nice... I am certain your answer will assist more than one person.
Thank you

 

[redytrk]

A long time ago FECC sent out a memo with complete instructions on the use of PARS.As far as I know they never sent any thing on PAPS.I sent them an E-MAIL about the big fines being handed out.They wanted to know if I was the one being fined,if so they wanted it to be sent in so they could pursue it.I told them it had not happened to me,but we sure need detailed instructions.The finally called me this Tue. to say such instructions are going out to the fleet.

 

[BonnieMac]

"Using PARS on a FAST shipment can put the Carrier into a penalty situation.
Using FAST on a PARS load results in a non-clearance and possible penalty."

I understood everything else that was posted other than this. Can someone explain this part to me.

Are you talking about a FAST approved driver or company and how does it present a problem?


Thanks. (Newbie here to the board so be kind).

 

[RobA]

>"Using PARS on a FAST shipment can put the Carrier into a
>penalty situation.
>Using FAST on a PARS load results in a non-clearance and
>possible penalty."
>
>I understood everything else that was posted other than
>this. Can someone explain this part to me.
>
>Are you talking about a FAST approved driver or company and
>how does it present a problem?
>
>
>Thanks. (Newbie here to the board so be kind).
>


Very simple...use the wrong procedure ...another Customs acronym appears....AMPS
ADMINISTRATIVE MONETARY PENALTY SYSTEM
You make a major mistake and your carrier gets a fine.
You have to find out what the system that the IMPORTER of the goods uses to deal with the Canada Customs and clear the goods accordingly.
The driver doesn't decide; the driver must either be told or ask.

 

[Doggie Daddy]

stranded one of your questions that didn't get answered,you need to carry a copy of your birth certificate with you. they don't always ask for it, but you are required to have it if they want to see it.DD.

 

[mcbride]

>
>A phone call to the clearing Broker is advised; ask them:
>"Did you get the fax?"
>"Are the papers correct?"
>"How long will it be before the entry is submitted to
>Customs?"
>

Hi Rob,
The only problem I have heard with this is...no one answers the telephone....thus, how does one find out?

mcbride-
O/O-Super D unit-Team-6yrs
--What goes around comes around--
LEGAL NOTICE: The views and opinions expressed in this post are those held by the posting author and do not represent the views or opinions of Expediters Online.com, On Time Media, LLC, it's agents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertisers or sponsors.

 

[RobA]

>Hi Rob,
>The only problem I have heard with this is...no one answers
>the telephone....thus, how does one find out?
>
>mcbride-
>O/O-Super D unit-Team-6yrs


Um...no one answers the phone???????
They should.
I knows it a PITA but you should call the Customs Broker in the morning and complain to the branch manager.
That shouldn't happen.

 

[Twmaster]

Gee wiz. After *trying* to follow this thread I cannot make heads or tails of this. Why does anybody bother with going into Canada with all that BS.



--
Mike N

Faster than a speeding poulet.

Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)

 

[OntarioVanMan]

TW..It's NOT that complicated at all!
If your carrier uses pars system and you are supplied with them.
Just ONE on the customs invoice and fax it to the broker, Then call the broker to make sure all is well. IF it is wait the 2-3 hrs and cross, IF invoice is incorrect broker can tell you want info you need from shipper.
YOU DON'T need to fill out an INBOUND MANIFEST with the pars! ONLY need one if your not using a pars barcode!
IF you don't have an inbound for some reason you'll need to know your carrier code which is a 4 number code.
I've made a few mistakes in my rookie yrs and NEVER been fined through AMPS! Canada is pretty soft really NOT unlike somewhere else!!! And even then the fine is 50 bucks Can. first offense!

 

[BonnieMac]

Getting IN to Canada isnt the problem. Getting across back to the US is where the stiff fines are for not having all your paperwork in order and making sure BEFORE you get to the border officer that they have your paperwork approved. Its a ridiculous system and the officers coming back into the US are normally jerks about it whenever possible. The fine for not having paperwork in order coming back is $5,000 and they can hit you with that for ANY error.