Shipping to and from Canada: What to Expect at the Border

First-time cross-border shippers often worry about customs. A little prep removes most of the friction. Decide the shipment's declared value up front and collect the paperwork before the truck rolls.

For low-value entries, certain Canadian shipments under a set threshold can clear with a simplified process. For anything above that amount, use a licensed broker — they're affordable and they coordinate the hand-off with carriers and customs so your freight isn't idling.

At minimum be ready with: a Commercial Invoice (or Canada/US Customs Invoice), a Bill of Lading, certificate of origin if applicable, and a clean list of what's in the load with serial numbers or identifying marks. Your carrier will present the BOL at the border; your broker will transmit data ahead of time so officers already know what's coming.

Good news: with the right docs and a broker, the border feels routine — not risky.