Truckers have the advantage of traveling across the country and seeing new places and people. If you love constantly being on the move, you should consider a career in commercial transportation. You might even be fortunate enough to cross borders into Canada or Mexico. International hauls are usually the highest paying trucking jobs and they provide a unique cultural experience. Local trucking jobs simply don’t compare.
If you’re interested, start updating your truck driver resume with the best qualifications to land you the right international hauls.
In an effort to help our drivers safely cross into Canada, this post aims to clarify all the legal issues involved in US-Canadian hauls and answer some frequently asked questions.
Serious about earning big money on long haul trucking? Here’s the ultimate guide to smoothly crossing the border in Canada for commercial truckers:
5 Needed Documents for US-Canadian Hauls
First off, you’re going to need to gather and securely store important legal documents with you at all times for international hauls. These papers signify you’re a legal representative of your respective country on official business and will expedite border crossings.
Without the proper documents on file and clearly listed on your truck driver resume, you’ll have a difficult time finding work for international hauls.
For your convenience, you should organize documents in a manila folder and keep them within reach of the driver’s seat. You might want to consider placing this folder in large seal tight Zip Lock bag to prevent severe weather damage. As most long-haul truckers know, anything can happen on the road and it’s best to take some precautions.
Have all your paperwork processed and together prior to accepting any international haul job.
Besides your CDL and vehicle registration, you’ll need copies of the following:
(1) – Passport
The easiest way to cross the border quickly is using a valid passport from your respective country. This document gives you the authority on behalf of your government to freely enter and leave the international borders of a nation. It should also double a form of photo ID.
If you don’t have a passport, you might be able to use other documentation, such as a military ID or resident “green” card, to cross the border. However, since other documents take much longer to process at the checkpoints, most truck driver jobs in Canada from or to the US require a valid passport.
Even if you only work local CDL jobs, it’s still a good idea to apply for a passport now and have it ready for when the opportunity arises. It’s a must for any long haul truck driver.
Applying for US Passports
Applying for your US passport is a fairly straightforward process, though the State Department could take four to six weeks to process the paperwork. Be sure to submit the needed documents as soon as possible.
The entire process can be completed online from the official State Department website. Select the form that best applies to you, whether you are applying for the first time or renewing an expired passport. You’ll need emergency contact information, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or social security card), and a 2” by 2” (51 by 51 cm.) photo of yourself.
The photo you upload must have clear lighting with a natural expression. You also cannot wear a hat or any glasses. The photo should come within the last 6 months.
If you’ve legally changed names or genders, you need to apply to update your information. If you don’t, your passport would be considered invalid and you could face penalties for fraud when you attempt to use it.
It’s also very important that you report your passport missing or stolen as soon as possible. The personal information within the document could be used to steal your identity.
US passport applications cost $30-165, depending if you’re renewing, updating, or applying for a new one.
Applying for Canadian Passports
If you are a Canadian citizen and over 16 years old, you can apply for a Canadian passport by mailing all the needed documents to a Passport Office location or bringing them with you and completing the application in person.
The required paperwork can seem extensive and includes:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- Document to support your identity (driver’s ID, foreign passport, etc…)
- Legal guarantor
- Two written references that cannot include your immediate family
Unlike the US and most other countries, Canadian passport photos must be taken in person by a professional photographer or studio with their signature, date, and stamped seal on the back. You must present two of the same images to the Passport Office.
Canadian passport photos must be 2” by 2.75” and have very similar rules to the US for poses and lighting.
Replacing a lost or stolen Canadian passport will cost $45 CAD while an adult new application can cost $120-160 CAD. You also have the option to pay extra for expedited or emergency processing.
(2) – Enhanced License
Using an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) allows you to travel freely between all participating countries of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative by land or sea. If you use it to pass into Canada, you won’t need any other form of identification or documents to prove your citizenship.
EDLs act as both a driver’s license and a passport, yet it’s one card that easily fits in your wallet. For most people, an EDL is usually the most convenient and affordable option.
However, it’s currently only available in four states:
- Michigan
- New York
- Vermont
- Washington
For Canadian citizens, it’s offered in four provinces:
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Quebec
- Ontario
You must be a permanent resident of the state or province to apply. The costs are generally around $40, and processing can take four to six weeks.
The requirements vary by state/province. Generally, first-time applicants need to apply in person at a DMV office. You usually need proof of citizenship, residency, and a form of photo ID. All US states require original copies of documents.
(3) – Bill of Lading (Freight Manifest)
Next, you’ll need the manifest, or bill of lading, for your freight cargo. This is a basic list of all the items and packages you’re shipping. It should include the exact weight, specifications, and any hazardous materials.
You’ll also need to present the proof the delivery and invoice portion of the document, essentially the receipt at the bottom.
We keep all customer information on file and can generate a print form version for you to use.
(4) – CBP International Carrier Bond
Obtaining a Customs Border Protection (CBP) carrier bond will prove you are an authorized commercial transporter and in good standing with the USDOT. Without a bond, you will be rejected to cross the border for any legal transportation hauls.
Contact a surety bond agent to start applying.
You’ll only need one bond for all land ports of entry works for all truck driver jobs into Canada and Mexico.
(5) – FAST Card
The Free And Secure Trade (FAST) program is the most common Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAP) that links all commercial carriers in a transportation chain with electronically transferred information to customs agents.
In other words, your cargo data and driver information are automatically sent the border checkpoint to dramatically speed up the crossing process! This is the quickest way to cross the border for all long haul trucking into Canada.
Because the expedited processing requires every carrier in the chain to have a FAST card, we require it for all Canadian trucking jobs. This also means that if you’re an owner operator with several subcontractors under you, they too need FAST approval.
To apply, set up an account on the Trusted Travelers Program website. Then click the FAST North portal icon. You’ll then select available dates for an interview with a local enrollment center. After setting up your profile online with all your truck and corporate information, you’ll sign the paperwork in person and should receive the card via mail in four to six weeks.
Payment and uploading all documents are completed online. The CBP no longer accepts physical mailed applications for FAST cards.
Canadian CHS
By entering Canada, the US DOT no longer has authority over your HOS and other compliance regulations. Instead, you submit to the authority of the Canadian Commercial Hours of Service (or CHS), which differs in significant ways.
Unlike the US, Canada mandates two CHS cycles, a 70 hours every 7 days (Cycle 1) and a separate 120 hours every 14 days (Cycle 2). You can use either throughout the week as long as you clearly declare your intent in your logbook. In either case, you cannot continue to drive more than 70 consecutive hours without a 24-hour off duty period.
You must reset hours to switch between cycles. For Cycle 1, that means logging 32 hours of off-duty time. On the other hand, resetting Cycle 2 requires taking a 72-hour off duty period.
CHS limits truck drivers to 13 hours of daily driving before they must take an 8 hour rest time. After coming off a rest period, they cannot drive more than 16 hours at a time.
Canada does not have an ELD mandate, though one is scheduled to take effect in 2020. However, the US mandate is honored for international carriers and all the same rules apply for electronically logging hours, albeit with CHS instead of HOS. Keep this in mind for all local and long-haul trucking from the US into Canada.
Tips for Speedy Border Crossing for Truckers
Being tied up at the border checkpoint will waste your precious HOS time.
Here are some basic tips to ensure your crossing is as smooth and painless as possible:
- Call Ahead: giving the checkpoint a courtesy call to remind them of your crossing and FAST authorization will help establish key relationships for future hauls. Put a face to your name for the border agents to know you personally.
- Pet Vaccination Records: if your company has a pet policy that permits you to carry animals across the border, keep documentation for your furry friend’s rabies vaccination. Failure to present any vaccination forms may result in your pet being detained and vaccinated at your expense. This does not apply to service animals.
- Clean Record: multiple DUI or felony convictions will result in Canadian officials denying you entry into the country.
- Reported Delays: You can check the Canada Border Services Agency and/or the CBP Border Wait Times websites to see any significant delays at any checkpoint. You’ll want to report traffic jams to your dispatch and see discuss any alternatives.
- Patience: customs agents on both sides of the border are often swamped with tasks and do the best they can to process everyone fairly. Remain calm and wait patiently for them to review your paperwork. Getting frustrated and angry will make you suspect to a more intensive search and security check.
- Firearms: Even if your company permits licensed truck drivers to have concealed carry firearms, having one will enhance the inspection and may lead to hours of delays in your haul.
US-Canada Haul Jobs for Critical Supply Solutions Inc.
Critical Supply Solutions Inc. is pleased to announce we’re seeking dedicated drivers for international hauls out of Michigan and Toronto. See our website homepage under “Driver Opportunities” for more details about the positions.
Contact us via email or send your truck driver application directly through our Tenstreet link.