Customs Clearance for Canada & the USA
Customs clearance and brokerage services for commercial goods entering Canada and the USA, by truck, air or ocean, arranged through our licensed customs brokerage partner.
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1
Send
- Invoice, details, arrival date.
- We check descriptions, values and origins.
- We flag what’s missing early.
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2
Set up
- Flat fee, quoted upfront.
- Duties and taxes shown separately.
- We walk you through importer setup.
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3
File
- File the entry.
- We coordinate any follow-up requests.
- You get status updates without chasing.
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4
Release
- We confirm release and notify your carrier.
- You get the documents for your records.
- We haul it too? It’s all on one invoice.
Already set up? Email the documents or upload through your portal, with your shipment reference so we can match the paperwork to the freight.
Give customs the full picture.
A total and “stuff on a pallet” won’t quite cover it. Use the checklist and sample commercial invoice below to see what details to include before sending yours over.
Get the paperwork ready.
Start with the invoice requirements for the country your goods are entering.
Find the right HS or tariff classification code.
Tariff classification helps determine the duty rate. Start with these tools. We can help you confirm the final classification for your entry.
Welcome to importing. There are forms.
You’ll need a business number and import account, your business registered in CARM, and authorization for the broker handling your entry. That includes granting them access through CARM.
We explain what’s needed and help you work through the setup. You register your business in CARM yourself, because CBSA doesn’t allow a broker to do that part for you.
To have goods released before paying duties and taxes, you’ll also need Release Prior to Payment enrolment and financial security. We help you sort out what applies before your freight shows up.
Less paperwork drama. More happy customers.
4.8 Excellent on Google
- Consistent and efficient delivery service praised by long-time users.
- Friendly and professional customer service team, often going above and beyond.
- Unique personal touches like homemade cookies during visits enhance customer experience.
Moto Transportation is amazing! I wish I could give them 10 stars! They went above and beyond to help me move a giant piece of furniture. It was even more difficult considering the location and space I asked for, and additionally, I was out of town when all of this took place!!! Moto Transportation went through so much trouble to help me and they were so professional and patient. Office manager John, logistic coordinator Tony and Orlando, the clearance department, and the lovely office staffs Mariam and Anastasia. They thought of all the details I would never have thought of.
Jen Ribau5 years ago
Haven't had a bad experience with Moto! Great carrier, very responsive and they make tracking/ tracing a breeze!
Selen Raab2 years ago
I can’t recommend a better company. Superb service!!! Effective and super efficient. Staff are very friendly. Highly recommend for a safe and secure transport.
Lawrence Deshield5 years ago
This is an incredibly wonderful transportation company to work with. Their services are impeccable, easy access to online account and quotations, very responsive to inquiries, easy views of all customs docs, transit times, rates and many more.
Madison Tomkow2 years ago
My family has used Moto for years and I finally got the opportunity to work with them myself and it was the smoothest experience from start to finish. Couldn’t recommend them enough, their team knows exactly what they’re doing!
Mike Bichara5 years ago
Always on the ball, great response time with rates and always on time deliveries.
Kevin Lynch5 years ago
Always a great group to work with - always deliver on time with a great price.
Jim Turnbulla year ago
We have using Moto for 7 years now and they have always been consistent at getting our shipments to there destinations quickly and efficiently.
Chris Boucharda year ago
We use Moto for help with LTL shipments. They have don't a great job for us and their cookies are always awesome.
Martin Bertrand5 years ago
Wow, awesome doing business with Moto transportation, information was sent regarding my package along the way with perfect accuracy, this is amazing, my package was a really fragile piece and arrived as promised, in perfect condition. Thanks for the extra care & time provided to make this delivery from BC to Ontario.
Marc Fryer13 years ago
Used these guys to ship some heavy machinery from Vancouver to Edmonton on a step deck. The staff there was great and really helped me get organized, plus they delivered ahead of schedule.
Reina El2 years ago
I have used Moto for years and trust no one else with my freight. Their customer service team goes above and beyond and you even get your own personal account manager. A bigger plus, freshly baked homemade cookies delivered every visit! Couldn’t recommend them enough.
Ashley Zimmaro-Thompson2 years ago
Moto is super consumer friendly and easy to deal with. They make shipping a breeze and Candace is a pleasure to deal with.
Kirsten D2 years ago
Can’t recommend Moto Transportation enough. You’re wasting your time searching for any other carriers to move your freight
Sergio Terron2 years ago
Moto Transportation Takes Ownership of your freight problems, solves them, and Follows Up every step of the way!
Jon Voigt4 years ago
Wow, what a great team. From the first email to the last call they were on the ball. I'm so happy they were able to find a solution to my complex move. Great people, great price, great service!! Thanks!
Chelsea Houle5 years ago
Since our company switched to Moto we have found booking/quotes and the whole shipping process to be that much easier. So happy to have spent the past year with them and hoping for many more to come. The staff are very professional and are great to deal with. Always going above and beyond for our shipping needs.
David Newton5 years ago
I have been most pleased with the service shown by all the staff at Moto Transportation but especially my Representative John! Thanks for a great year and I hope the next is even BETTER!
Larr Elliott5 years ago
Helped me with my transport need, giving me options to fit my timeline. Friendly service; on time; on budget. Will be using them again!
Carlos Brenes5 years ago
This company worth what we pay. Excellent service, no complain at all. I just wish they could cover more routes.
Philip Belda5 years ago
Moto is Amazing! Great Service & Super easy to communicate with!
kayla Lamoureux5 years ago
Great company to work with, always quick to respond and help with any questions or concerns immediately
Jeanet Dayao5 years ago
Offers options to expedite deliveries, very responsive on email inquiries, rates, and tracing.
Susan Gillis5 years ago
answer all requests for quotes in a timely manner and very courteous and professional staff.
Anna Niedbala5 years ago
Great experience. Competitive rates, amazing customer service.
The engine arrived first thing this morning. I want to thank you and the Moto team for making this happen flawlessly. Job well done!
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We use Moto Transportation to ship 6X6 Military trucks from the US to Canada, the pricing is competitive and the staff are great to deal with. I have nothing but good to say about there service.
Moto Transportation understands their business, building relationships and delivering on time; claim free. Their service is excellent and pricing competitive. I’ve known Mike and his team for many years now and refer Moto Transportation to most anyone looking for simplified domestic and international trucking & freight, cross-border services. Give them a shot, you won’t be disappointed.
Great response to email requests for rates and tracing. Usually get the response within 15 minutes, so important for those of us in a 3pl companies. Great updates for shipments picked up and/or delivered. They have been nothing but a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommend this company for all your LTL moves.
We use Moto multiple times weekly. Their portal is very easy to use, the team is incredibly responsive and always provides the best rates. Our rep (Christina) is incredible, often responding in under 2 minutes to any inquiries we have. Tracking shipments is a breeze due to their system providing location updates daily while shipments are in transit. If I could give 10 stars, I would! Highly recommend for all your transportation needs, LTL or FTL
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They provide us an excellent service. Very honest in letting you know if it is doable or not. Dmitri and Motto Staff are a strong professional team.
A few things worth clearing up.
Customs basics & costs
Do I need a customs broker to import goods into Canada or the USA?
Not always. Importers can handle their own clearance if they meet the applicable requirements. That also means taking responsibility for the documents, classification, payments and filings.
A licensed broker handles that work on your behalf. Moto arranges the service through our brokerage partner and coordinates the documents and follow-up. Less homework for you. The importer still has legal responsibilities, even when using a broker.
How much does customs clearance cost?
We quote a flat brokerage fee for your shipment’s agreed requirements before filing. The price depends on the entry’s complexity, including the number of product classifications and any special requirements.
Duties, taxes and additional services are separate. Send us your shipment details and we’ll explain what’s included. “We’ll figure out the bill later” isn’t much of a quote.
How are import duties and taxes calculated?
The amount depends on what the goods are, their customs value, their country of origin and the rules in the destination country. Brokerage fees pay for the clearance service and are separate from government charges.
Goods may qualify for preferential duty treatment under agreements such as CUSMA, called USMCA in the USA. But shipping from an American warehouse doesn’t make something American. Eligibility depends on the goods and the applicable origin rules.
We coordinate with our brokerage partner to help you understand the charges for your shipment.
Documents & importer setup
What documents do I need for customs clearance?
Start with a commercial invoice identifying the buyer, seller and importer, with clear product descriptions, quantities, values, currency and countries of origin.
Depending on the shipment, you may also need transport documents, a packing list, permits, certificates or supporting origin documentation. We confirm the requirements with our brokerage partner.
“Parts” usually leads to more questions. “Steel shelf brackets” gives everyone something to work with. Check the document checklist.
Do I need CARM registration to import commercial goods into Canada?
Generally, yes. Your business needs the appropriate import account and registration in CBSA’s CARM Client Portal. You also need to authorize the broker handling your customs transactions.
We explain the setup and help you identify what’s outstanding, but you register your business yourself. CBSA doesn’t allow a broker to do that part for you.
To use Release Prior to Payment, you must also enrol and provide the required financial security, such as a qualifying surety bond or cash security deposit. That’s separate from hiring a broker.
What do I need to import commercial goods into the USA?
You’ll need shipment documents and appropriate importer identification. Depending on the entry, a customs bond, permits or other agency requirements may also apply.
Our licensed brokerage partner confirms what your goods require and completes the brokerage authorization directly with you. Moto gathers the shipment details and follows up on anything outstanding.
Send the information before the goods arrive. A container at the port is an expensive reminder to finish your setup.
Clearance, holds & release
How long does customs clearance take?
There’s no single clearance time for every shipment. Timing depends on complete documents, importer setup, the goods involved and any customs review or inspection.
We check for missing information early and follow up with the broker handling your entry. If something is outstanding, we explain what’s needed and the next step. We can chase an answer. We can’t set customs’ schedule.
Why is my shipment held in customs, and what happens next?
Customs may need more information, supporting documents, payment or an inspection before releasing the goods. A hold doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done something wrong.
We coordinate with the broker to find out what’s outstanding and who needs to provide it. You get an explanation of the status, the next steps and any confirmed additional charges.
Handling, examination, transportation or storage costs may apply. Responding promptly helps avoid adding preventable delays, but customs controls the release decision.
What does it mean when a shipment goes in bond?
“In bond” means goods are moving or being held under customs control before release. They may have crossed the border, but they aren’t cleared for delivery yet.
For eligible shipments entering Canada on our equipment, we can hold freight at our bonded facilities in Surrey, Calgary or Toronto while clearance is completed. We coordinate with the broker and arrange the next move once release is confirmed.
Clearance through Moto
Can Moto arrange customs clearance if another carrier is shipping my goods?
Yes. We arrange clearance for commercial goods entering Canada and the USA by truck, air or ocean, whether Moto or another carrier handles transportation.
Send us the shipment documents, carrier details and expected arrival date. Our brokerage partner handles the entry; Moto coordinates the information and follows up through release.
Book transportation with us too and the freight and clearance appear on one invoice. Fewer places to look when accounting comes calling.