Best Practices for Palletizing LTL Freight in 2026
If you're shipping goods across the Northern border, you know the process can be complex—and it's becoming increasingly important to navigate as trade between the two countries continues to rise.
As a Modern 4PL, Redwood has robust cross-border capabilities to help our customers participate in and seamlessly execute US-Canadian trade.
In order to optimize international trade, the two countries have curated a large set of shared shipping and customs requirements. Because of this, the border-crossing process into and out of the US and Canada is enticing for shippers looking to capitalize on the streamlined processes.
In this blog post, we'll cover the five essential documents you'll need to prepare in order to move products between the US and Canada.
Five Primary Documents Required for Cross-Border Shipping
1. Bill of Lading
The bill of lading, or BOL, is a must-have document for any freight moved across the US-Canadian border. It includes three items that must be documented:
Shipper Information: The company name, point of contact, shipping address, contact phone number, and email.
Consignee Information: The province, city, postal code, and physical address of the recipient.
Freight Description: A detailed description of the goods being shipped.
You'll need at least three copies of the BOL — one copy each for the shipper, driver, and consignee. But it's a good idea to have a few extra copies of all paperwork sent with the shipment.
2. Proof of Delivery
The next required item is the proof of delivery, or POD, form — basically a signature from the recipient verifying that the goods have been received. Typically, the proof of delivery will be a signature on the bill of lading. But some companies require a specific form or an electronic signature for proof of delivery. When shipping freight to Canada, it's worth confirming the recipient's POD requirements before the shipment moves.
3. Commercial Invoice
If you've ever shipped a package to an international destination via FedEx or UPS, then you're already familiar with a commercial invoice, or CI. The CI is a standard invoice describing the items you're shipping and their monetary value. The CI determines customs duties and helps calculate applicable tariffs.
While shippers might be tempted to devalue their declared goods to save money on tariffs and fees, any inaccuracy could result in delays at the border, loss of revenue, and even the inability to ship freight across easily. Often, the purchaser on the other side of the border cannot get those undervalued items through customs at all.
4. Canadian Customs Invoice
The Canadian customs invoice, or the CCI, can be obtained from your cross-border importer, owner, or broker. A CCI is mandatory if your freight meets certain criteria. The goods must be a commercial shipment valued at over $2500 CAD.
5. Electronic Export Information Form
The final document required for freight moving across the Canadian border is the Electronic Export Information (EEI) form, which has replaced the previously used shipper's export declaration. The EEI is a required form for all exported goods valued at $2500 USD or higher. Statistical data from the EEI form is used by the US Census Bureau to analyze, compare, and alter trade regulations.
Redwood: Your Ideal Travel Companion
Whatever border you're crossing — and wherever in the world your business takes you — Redwood can help you navigate the required documentation and other complexities. Backed by over two decades of experience and hundreds of successful customer engagements, Redwood knows logistics. No one is better qualified to help you optimize the strategic and financial impacts of your international trade efforts, both digitally and physically.
Whether you need freight brokerage services, consulting support, hands-on transportation and warehousing execution, or technology integration, Redwood is your ideal travel companion.
Contact us, and we can start mapping out your successful cross-border journey together.
FAQs
What cross-border shipping documents do I need to ship freight from the U.S. to Canada?
The core cross-border shipping documents for U.S.-Canada freight are a bill of lading, proof of delivery, a commercial invoice, a Canadian customs invoice, and a certificate of origin. These documents help identify the shipment, verify delivery, and support customs clearance. Having complete and accurate paperwork ready before the move reduces the chance of border delays and customs issues.
Why is a commercial invoice so important for cross-border shipping?
A commercial invoice is important because it describes the items being shipped and their monetary value, which customs uses to determine duties and applicable tariffs. If the declared value is inaccurate, the shipment can face delays at the border and the consignee may have trouble clearing customs. Accurate valuation is essential for smooth international movement.
What information should be included on a bill of lading for Canada shipments?
A bill of lading for Canada shipments should include shipper information, consignee information, and a detailed freight description. Shipper details include the company name, point of contact, shipping address, phone number, and email. Consignee details should include the province, city, postal code, and physical address. A clear freight description helps prevent confusion at pickup and delivery.
What is proof of delivery, and is it always required for cross-border freight?
Proof of delivery is a signed confirmation that the shipment was received, and it is often captured on the bill of lading. Some companies also require a separate form or an electronic signature. For freight moving into Canada, it is smart to confirm the recipient’s proof of delivery requirement before the shipment moves so you do not run into documentation problems later.
What is a Canadian customs invoice, and when do you need one?
A Canadian customs invoice is a customs document used for shipments entering Canada, and it supports the import clearance process. It works alongside the commercial invoice by giving customs the details needed to review the shipment properly. When moving freight across the U.S.-Canada border, it is one of the key documents that should be prepared in advance.
What is a certificate of origin in cross-border shipping?
A certificate of origin identifies where the shipped goods were made or produced. In cross-border shipping, it helps customs understand the shipment’s origin and may be required as part of the clearance process. Including it with the rest of the paperwork helps keep the border crossing organized and reduces the chance of missing-document delays.
How many copies of cross-border shipping documents should I prepare?
For the bill of lading, you should have at least three copies: one for the shipper, one for the driver, and one for the consignee. It is also a good idea to carry extra copies of all paperwork with the shipment. Having backups on hand can save time if a document is lost, damaged, or requested again at the border.
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