Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about border security and shipping cross-border.
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The cross-border shipping experts at YRC freight are here to answer your questions every step of the way.
What is the YRC Freight C-TPAT SVI number?
e52f4f35-a48e-49d8-a54a-c546c0475dc8
What should shippers do to prepare shipments for cross-border deliveries?
It is very important that they provide a good description of the goods being moved on their shipment’s bill of lading. YRC Freight will use that information to complete the eManifest. In addition and as always, ensure that the Importer of Record (party responsible for duties and taxes) and the Broker are clearly notated on your Customs documentation.
Examples of Not Acceptable and Acceptable Cargo Description can be found at the CBSA site: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/requirements-exigences-eng.html
When must FDA receive prior notice?
You must submit the notice electronically, and the FDA must approve your shipment no more than five days and no less than eight hours for food arriving by water; four hours for food arriving by air or rail; and two hours for food arriving by truck before the food is at the arrival port.
Any individual with knowledge of the required information may submit the notice, including, but not limited to, brokers, importers and U.S. agents.
Is YRC Freight C-TPAT-, FAST- and PIP-certified?
Of course, YRC Freight is certified to work with US and Canada Customs. View our certifications.
You can find our C-TPAT SVI number here:
YRC Freight: e52f4f35-a48e-49d8-a54a-c546c0475dc8
What is FAST?
FAST is the acronym for “Free and Secure Trade.” It is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada and the United States and Mexico that gives partnering importers expedited release at national borders when transportation is by truck. It is for qualifying commercial shipments through risk-management principles, supply-chain security, industry partnerships and advanced targeting. Obtain a copy of our FAST certificate.
When can the FAST lane be used?
The fast lane can only be used when the carrier is CTPAT certified and ALL Importers are CTPAT certified.
What is C-TPAT, PIP?
C-TPAT stands for “Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism,” and PIP stands for “Partners in Protection.” C-TPAT is a program of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and PIP is a program of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
How do I sign up for C-TPAT or PIP? How difficult is it?
This depends on the size of your company and your existing security measures. Examples of security measures include: procedural security, trailer seals reconciliation, physical security, personnel security, education and training, manifest procedures and conveyance procedures. It’s mandatory for all eligible C-TPAT participants to use the C-TPAT Security Link Internet Portal for application and communication with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What are the consequences of not signing up for C-TPAT or PIP?
Importers who are not approved for C-TPAT (U.S. companies) or PIP (Canadian companies) will lose their approved status for other Customs programs even if they are already participating. Programs that require participants to be PIP- or C-TPAT-certified include: customs’ existing programs, such as Importer Self Assessment, Low Risk Importers, Customs Self Assessment (CSA), Free and Secure Trade (FAST), Advance Commercial Information, Automated Commercial Environment and National Customs Automation Program (ACENCAP).
What are the advantages of being a FAST, C-TPAT or PIP importer?
- Secure supply chain
- Reduced number of inspections
- Reduced border clearance times
- Protection of company name and reputation
- Reduced cost of compliance with customs requirements
- Corporate citizenship and commitment to supply-chain security
- Dedicated lanes at designated crossing points for greater speed and efficiency in clearing FAST cross-border shipments. If there is another terrorism incident, FAST participants would be first in line for shipment clearance
- Strong and continuing partnership with Canada and U.S. customs administrations
- Open door for future customs programs
- Opportunity to identify other certified supply-chain partners with whom you can do business
Being a FAST, C-TPAT or PIP importer saves time at the border. It avoids delays during inspections and expedites the flow of goods. It may give your company access to the FAST lane. There could be a possible reduction in loss, damage and pilferage of your goods.
Do C-TPAT and PIP eliminate the need for a broker?
No. When you sign the Memorandum of Understanding, you are committing to communicate that everyone in the supply chain has signed up. You must ask your broker to apply for participation in C-TPAT or PIP or find a broker who is already certified.
What is ACI?
ACI (Advanced Commercial Information) eManifest is a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) initiative to make its border more secure while facilitating the movement of low-risk shipments into Canada. ACI eManifest mandates that the CBSA receive electronic pre-arrival cargo and conveyance information so that the agency is equipped with the right information at the right time to identify health, safety and security threats related to commercial goods before those goods arrive in Canada.
What is eManifest?
eManifest requires carriers to electronically submit cargo and conveyance information before shipments reach the border to facilitate efficient, speedy movement of goods across the border.
When will the eManifest go into effect?
Effective January 11, 2016, Canada Border Services Agency mandated ACI eManifest. CBSA has the right to issue penalty, delay and even refuse entry to Highway Carriers that are not compliant. CBSA also can issue fines to carriers transporting freight across the border when the transmission of shipment information is incomplete (i.e. piece count, description and type of packing, complete addresses etc.). In order to avoid delays and possible penalties from CBSA we encourage shippers to provide clear and concise information on the bill of lading which in turn we transmit to CBSA in advance of arrival at the border.
Is YRC Freight compliant with ACI eManifest?
Yes, YRC is fully compliant. We began transmitting ACI advance data to CBSA in October 2012.
Whom do I contact if I have questions about ACI requirements?
For more information about ACI requirements, how they apply to you or what YRC Freight is doing to ensure compliance, call our border ambassadors at 800-329-0973.
What do ACI eManifest changes mean to me as a customer?
The current phase of ACI requires carriers to submit data via eManifest. YRC Freight has been submitting electronic data since 2004, so our customers will experience no changes. As the Best at the Border, we always strive to eliminate complexity and provide a consistent experience to our Cross-Border shippers. While CBP and CBSA are always working to change and improve border security, YRC Freight stays ahead of the curve—we know what’s coming thanks to our strong relationships on both sides of the border, and in many cases even help guide the changes to deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers.
What is NCAP?
The National Customs Automation Program is an automated and electronic system for processing commercial imports.