U.S. Customs Clearance: A Quick Start Guide

Shipping commercial freight from Canada into the US? Before you book the truck, confirm who’s importing the goods, who’s handling the US entry and whether the importer needs a customs bond. The delivery address answers where the freight is going. It doesn’t tell us who’s clearing it.

1. Confirm the US importer of record

The importer of record is responsible for the accuracy of the entry and for applicable duties, taxes and fees. If you’re the Canadian seller, confirm whether you or your US customer is taking that role. Don’t list the delivery warehouse as the importer just because that’s where the pallets are going.

If this is the importer’s first US shipment, ask the broker to confirm whether CBP needs importer identity information created or updated, commonly through Form 5106. If you’re using a broker, finish the authorization paperwork before the shipment is ready to cross.

2. Check the entry type and customs bond

Send the broker the product description, origin, value and intended use. They can confirm the entry type, tariff classification and whether the goods need anything from another US agency. If a bond is required, ask whether a single-transaction bond fits this shipment or a continuous bond makes more sense for recurring imports. An importer’s customs bond is separate from the carrier’s arrangements and from cargo insurance.

3. Give the broker and carrier matching information

Send the commercial invoice and packing details to the broker. Give Moto the pickup and delivery details, broker contact and any references they need tied to the shipment. Use our customs document checklist if you’re pulling the paperwork together for the first time.

The carrier submits advance truck cargo information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The importer or authorized broker handles the import entry. These are separate filings that need to refer to the same freight. If the supplier changes the piece count, product or value after the paperwork is prepared, tell both teams before the truck crosses.

4. Check where the shipment stands before it crosses

Ask whether the broker has what they need and whether anything is still outstanding. A submitted entry doesn’t mean the goods are released. CBP can ask for more information or select the freight for examination. If a hold comes up, find out what CBP needs and who’s handling the response before you promise the receiver a delivery time.

Already have a US customs broker? We’ll coordinate with them. If you need one, ask Moto about arranging customs clearance when you plan the move.