Resources
Cross-Border Shipping Docs (Canada & Mexico)
The fastest way to delay a truck at the border is dispatching it without paperwork. Send PARS/PAPS details, invoices, and manifests to the broker before the driver arrives so customs can clear the load.
Cross-Border Load Prep Checklist (before you load the truck)
- Confirm shipper and consignee legal names match documents
- Confirm commodity description (plain English) and packaging type
- Confirm piece count, total weight, and dimensions (L/W/H)
- Confirm declared value and currency
- Confirm pickup/delivery contacts, hours, and appointment requirements
- Confirm load is labeled/marked consistently (PO/BOL references)
- Confirm securement/tarp requirements for flatbed moves
- Have photos ready (staged load, packaging, lifting points)
Send these documents BEFORE the driver arrives (avoid border delays)
- Commercial invoice (or proforma if instructed) with value and currency
- Packing list (if available)
- BOL or shipment reference
- Broker contact and reference number
- PARS (Canada) / PAPS (Mexico) barcode or reference when applicable
- Any special instructions (TWIC/port, dock, jobsite, escorts if required)
Flatbed-specific notes that matter at the border
- Overhang and overall length awareness
- Tarping requirements and weather protection expectations
- Securement notes (dunnage, pipe stakes, A-frames) if shipper requires specifics
Before the truck arrives: send these details
- Shipper and consignee names with full addresses and contacts
- Pickup and delivery addresses plus site contact and phone
- Commodity description in plain language (no codes only)
- Piece count, total weight, and key dimensions
- HTS codes if available (optional but helpful)
- Value and currency; Incoterms if used (optional)
Canada shipments (PARS) — what it is and what we need
- PARS is the pre-arrival review for Canada-bound freight; submit before the driver gets to the border.
- Send PARS barcode, commercial invoice, and packing list (if available) to the broker ahead of pickup.
- Confirm broker contact and that they have the documents; note if special routing or port is required.
Mexico shipments (PAPS) — what it is and what we need
- PAPS is used for northbound Mexico to U.S. entries; submit paperwork before arrival at the border.
- Provide PAPS barcode, commercial invoice, broker contact, and required tax ID details for the shipment.
- Share crossing location and any appointment windows so we plan timing and staging correctly.
Flatbed-specific tips
- Call out tarp or securement needs in the paperwork if finish-sensitive freight is involved.
- Note jobsite or yard access, dock vs. ground unload, and if cranes or forklifts are required.
- Share border crossing appointment windows if applicable.
- Flag oversize moves (length/height) early so permits and escorts are planned before dispatch.
Copy/paste for quote notes
Origin ZIP / Dest ZIP:
Pickup date:
Commodity + packaging:
Pieces / weight / dimensions (L/W/H):
Trailer type acceptable (flatbed/step deck/other):
Appointments? Multiple stops? Dock? Port? TWIC? Cross-border?
Broker contact + PARS/PAPS status:
Special securement/tarp/overhang notes:
Copy/paste email to broker / docs desk
Subject: Cross-border load docs — [Shipment ref]
Shipper / Consignee:
Commodity, value, currency:
Weights / dims / pieces:
Requested crossing + timing:
Broker contact + reference:
PARS (Canada) / PAPS (Mexico): [attach or request]
Attached: Invoice, packing list (if any), BOL/reference.
Common reasons drivers get stuck
- Commercial invoice missing or consignee address incorrect
- PARS/PAPS not sent to the broker before arrival
- Piece count or weights don’t match the paperwork
- Commodity described only with codes and not plain language
Need pricing?
Cross-border flatbed quotes
Share pickup/drop ZIPs, PARS/PAPS status, and paperwork so we can dispatch without border delays.
FAQs
What should I send before the driver gets to the shipper?
Send commercial invoice (or proforma), packing list if available, BOL/reference, broker contact and reference, and PARS/PAPS when applicable before the driver is dispatched.
What info causes the most border delays?
Missing commercial invoice or PARS/PAPS, incorrect consignee details, and mismatched weight/piece counts between paperwork and the loaded freight are common causes of delay.
When do I need to send PARS/PAPS paperwork?
Before the truck arrives. Send PARS (Canada) or PAPS (Mexico) details, the commercial invoice, and any packing list to the broker so they can clear the entry ahead of crossing.
Do I need a broker arranged before pickup?
Yes. Share broker contact, PARS/PAPS barcodes, and any account notes before the driver is dispatched to avoid waiting at the border.
What documents are required for commercial shipments?
Commercial invoice with shipper/consignee, full addresses and contacts, commodity description, piece count, weight, dimensions, value and currency; packing list if available; PARS (Canada) or PAPS (Mexico) barcodes.
What’s the #1 reason trucks get delayed at the border?
Paperwork not submitted to the broker before arrival—especially missing commercial invoices or PARS/PAPS info.
Do you handle cross-border flatbed loads?
Yes. We move flatbed, step deck, stretch, curtain-side, and Conestoga shipments between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with broker coordination.
What details help you quote a cross-border shipment fast?
Pickup/drop ZIPs, dates, trailer type, dimensions, weight, commodity description, Incoterms (if used), and whether port/TWIC, appointments, or permits are involved.
Do I need HTS codes?
HTS codes help but aren’t always provided. If available, include them with the invoice to reduce questions from customs or your broker.