subject: Requirements For Shipping Across The U.s. Border [print this page] When Canadian businesses are making a shipment into the United States, or shipments are being made from the U.S. to Canada, there are several documents that need to be included with your freight. Most likely, your San Francisco courier service is more than ready to assist you in obtaining the proper documentation when shipping across the Canadian border. The service should also ensure that the forms are completed and accurate before any attempt is made to ship across the border. This is for your protection, as well as that of the delivery company, since any omission in the necessary paperwork can cause delays at border customs. This will hold up the delivery of your shipment, as well as other shipments that the San Francisco courier service has scheduled. Due to this hazard, most couriers are experts at shipping freight through international borders, and will assist you with obtaining and completing the necessary paperwork to make it happen.
First and foremost, you will be required to submit a commercial invoice with any shipment traveling from Canada to the United States or vice-versa. Occasionally, very small personal items can pass without this document, but most of the time, it is required. Purchases made at websites such as Amazon or eBay should include an invoice that is similar to the one required by customs. Most couriers will ask you to just attach an invoice to anything you are attempting to ship across the border. Any delivery service that handles across-the-border shipping will also mention the B13A Export Declaration form. The company may be able to provide you with this document, or assist you in obtaining a printed copy from the Internet.
Lastly, your shipping company may also require additional forms or paperwork that needs to be completed, which is based on the value and description of the materials you are shipping. If the materials are estimated to be worth more than several different values, there will be even more forms for you to complete. Furthermore, if you are transporting freight that is included in the NAFTA (North American Fair Trade Agreement) you will also be required to include paperwork specific to those materials. Contact your delivery company and speak to a representative before shipping any items internationally. They should be able to answer any questions you have, and ensure you are aware of all the forms necessary to avoid any unnecessary hassles or delays.
by: Adam Trammel
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
