A broker cannot file from a photo of a clipboard. The cleaner the file, the faster the entry.

What we need on almost every shipment

  • A commercial invoice with seller, buyer, description, quantity and value
  • A packing list
  • The shipment details from the carrier, including the carrier name and any shipment number
  • The importer and the ship-to
  • Anything that applies to the goods: FDA information, USMCA certification, permits

How to send it

  • Send it as a searchable PDF or a clear scan, in one email, with a subject line that names the shipment.
  • Use the same shipment number on every document.
  • If something changed, send the revised document and say what changed.

When to send it

Before the truck leaves. Documents sent after the truck reaches the plaza turn the crossing into the waiting room.

What slows us down

  • Descriptions like "parts" or "general merchandise"
  • Values that do not match between documents
  • Documents that arrive one at a time over a day

If you are not sure what applies to a shipment, ask the desk before it ships.

Air and ocean

For air and ocean, include the arrival notice or master bill as soon as you have it.