USA Customs — Freight Guide
A practical overview of what Canadian shippers and importers need to know when moving freight into the United States.
Note: RRA Trucking Ltd. is not a licensed customs broker. This guide is for informational purposes. We coordinate the carrier side of cross-border compliance and work alongside your customs broker for all entry requirements.
Required Documentation
Commercial Invoice
Required for all commercial shipments. Must include seller, buyer, description of goods, HS codes, country of origin, value, and terms of sale (Incoterms).
Bill of Lading (BOL)
Carrier's contract of carriage. Must match the invoice and customs entry data exactly.
Packing List
Itemized list of contents — quantities, weights, dimensions, and packaging. Required for CBP review.
ISF (Importer Security Filing) — 10+2
Required for ocean freight entering the U.S. Must be filed at least 24 hours before cargo is loaded at the foreign port.
PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System)
Electronic pre-arrival data for truck shipments. RRA Trucking coordinates PAPS bar codes with brokers before departure.
CBP Entry (7501)
Formal entry document filed by a U.S. licensed customs broker for commercial imports above the de minimis threshold ($800 USD).
Certificate of Origin (USMCA)
For Canadian goods claiming preferential tariff treatment. Must be on file for first shipment and available for CBP review.