How to Ship to Canada | LTL Help Center

We offer you best-in-class reliability, on-time delivery and damage-free results when shipping your LTL freight to Canada from the U.S. or from the U.S. to Canada. Use the resources below to learn more.

Who can I contact with questions?

Download our Shipping Cross-border quick reference guide.

Customs Resource Center

(800) 342-7618 or email Customs Resource Center

What does XPO's service to Canada offer?

9 different crossing points at the U.S.-Canadian border
Seamless transit from a single network optimized to meet your specific needs
Streamlined customs processes and confidence from working with your own customs broker
Electronic filing and cross-border certification
Delivery direct to your destination on either side of the border
24-hour monitoring of your shipment until it crosses the border

What steps do I need to take to ship to Canada?

When shipping cross border between the U.S. and Canada, follow these three steps to ensure a hassle-free shipping experience:

Complete all necessary international shipping documents, including:
- Bill of Lading (BOL) – Be sure to complete the BOL accurately and include the name of the Customs Broker. View our "Canada Bill of Lading" FAQ for tips on completing a Bill of Lading template for cross-border shipments between the U.S. and Canada.
- Commercial/Customs Invoice – This should clearly list all commodities and their dollar values.
- Certification of Origin - effective July 1, 2020 under USMCA and CUSMA, certification of origin can be achieved by using an informal document such as a Commercial Invoice. It is the importer's responsibility to maintain all valid proof of origin when using free trade agreements. Failure to do so can result in substantial duties, interest and penalties.
- U.S. Shipper's Export Declaration – This is required only when shipments fall into certain categories. Read more.
- Canada eManifest – Learn more.
Select a customs broker:
- Your freight cannot clear the border without a Customs Broker. If you do not have a Customs Broker, ask your customer for a reference or contact our Customs Resource Center for a referral.
- Be sure to use a Customs Broker who operates 24 hours a day, since most freight crosses the border late at night.
- If your shipment is scheduled for next day delivery AND your broker does not operate 24 hours a day, be sure to contact our Customs Resource Center to get assistance with customs clearance and avoid potential delays.
Contact XPO to schedule a pickup by creating an online pickup request or calling your local XPO service center.

Which Canadian border crossing points do you service?

XPO services nine border crossing points:

Blaine, WA to Vancouver, BC
Sweetgrass, MT to Coutts, AB
Pembina, ND to Emerson, MB
Grand Portage, MN to Pigeon River, ON
Port Huron, MI to Sarnia, ON
Detroit, MI to Windsor, ON
Buffalo, NY to Niagara Falls, ON
Champlain, NY to Lacolle, QC
Calais, ME to St. Stephen, NB

View the border crossings on a map.

When will my shipments arrive?

Shipments between the U.S. and Canada depart the same day they are picked up. Depending upon the point of origin, transit times to the border will vary. Once cleared by the destination country customs authorities, shipments move directly to their destinations. For actual transit times, check the transit time calculator or call your local service center.

How do I get a rate quote for my shipments?

You can receive a door-to-door rate quote, or you can contact your local service center for immediate assistance (find your nearest service center). Registered users can receive a rate quote here. Not a registered user? Register now.

Who do I contact to arrange a shipment?

Contact your nearest XPO service center. You can locate it here by entering your postal code.

What documents do I need to ship between the U.S. and Canada?

All shipments will need the following documents, at a minimum:

A shipper's bill of lading clearly showing the consignee's name and address and a complete description of the materials, including the name of the consignee's customs broker. View our "Canada Bill of Lading" FAQ for details on completing a Bill of Lading template for cross-border shipments between the U.S. and Canada.
A commercial/customs invoice describing the goods, including the value and country of origin.
Certification of origin for USMCA or CUSMA
Other forms: Shippers Export Declaration, Canada eManifest FAQ

Documentation is a critical part of international shipping, and it is entirely the responsibility of the shipper. Because a carrier cannot correct errors which may occur on the customer's shipping papers, such errors can result in costly delays. Understanding the intricacies of international documentation procedures will help make your international border crossing a success.

What is PARS?

PARS stands for "Pre-Arrival Review System." This process allows the documentation to be processed while the shipment is en route to the border.

What is a PARS number?

The PARS number is the common reference number used by the carrier and the broker to identify the shipment to Canada Customs for clearance.

Your XPO PARS number will be the PRO number preceded by our four digit carrier code, 3959, i.e., 3959123456789.

Under ACI, the PARS number is referred to as a Cargo Control Number (CCN).

What is INPARS?

INPARS stands for Inland Pre-Arrival Review System. The shipment can clear customs while en route to the customs warehouse in Canada.

Canada certificates

PIP Certificate (Partners in Protection)
Canada Free and Secure Trade (Fast)
Canada Customs Self-Assessment Program
Canada Incorporation Letter
Canada Safety Fitness Certification for Alberta

Useful tools and resources when scheduling a shipment

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