Freight-Canada Shipping FAQ
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 service 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 any one of the more than 460 Con-way service centers 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?
Using Con-way to ship between the U.S. and Canada is as easy as calling your nearest Con-way service center (find your nearest service center).
What documents do I need to ship between the U.S. and Canada?
All shipments will need the following (minimum) documents:
- A shipper’s bill of lading clearly showing the consignee’s name and address, and a complete description of the materials, including the name, locations and telephone number of the consignee’s broker.
- A commercial invoice describing the goods, including the value. Note: For shipments to Canada over $1,000 USD, a Canada Customs invoice is required and can be used instead of a commercial invoice.
- A NAFTA certificate of origin is optional, and is not needed for the actual transport of the materials. However, it could be beneficial to the consignee because it allows possible reduction in duties. Check with your customer (or their broker) in the U.S. or Canada.
Documentation is a critical part of international shipping, and it is entirely the responsibility of the shipper. Because a carrier cannot correct errors that 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. View additional information.
What is PARS/INPARS?
PARS stands for "pre-arrival review system" and INPARS stands for "inland pre-arrival review system." This innovative service allows Canada Customs to review shipments while they are still in transit, which reduces overall transit time. Shipments moving into Canada from other countries are typically delivered to a “highway sufferance warehouse” where they are held for clearance by Canada Customs. When using INPARS, the shipment documentation is submitted by the custom’s broker to Canada Customs in advance of the actual arrival of the shipment. Canada Customs then reviews the documentation and decides whether to clear or inspect the shipment when it arrives. Upon reaching the highway sufferance warehouse, INPARS-cleared shipments are free to travel to their destination. The same process is used for border clearances with the PARS process.
Helpful Links
Transport Canada Information Service
Canadian Transportation Agency
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Certifies Con-way Freight C-TPAT Program