If you are importing into Canada, exporting to the United States, moving freight internationally, or coordinating Canada–U.S. shipments, the questions below explain how Ramsay Logistics can help.
This FAQ page is a general guide. For detailed service information, use the links in each section or contact Ramsay before your shipment moves.
General Customs Questions
What does a customs broker do?
A customs broker helps importers prepare and submit the information required for customs clearance. This may include reviewing commercial documents, tariff classification, country of origin, duties, taxes, permits, and release requirements.
For goods entering Canada, see our Canadian customs broker services.
Do I need a customs broker to import into Canada?
Many commercial importers use a customs broker to help prepare and submit customs entries, review documents, and coordinate release with CBSA. A broker can also help identify missing information before the shipment is delayed.
Can Ramsay help if I am new to importing?
Yes. Ramsay can help new importers understand what documents are needed, who should act as importer of record, what information is required for release, and what costs may apply before the goods move.
What documents are usually needed for customs clearance?
Common documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or waybill, importer information, origin details, product descriptions, tariff classification support, and any required permits or certificates.
Can Ramsay review documents before my shipment moves?
Yes. Sending documents before pickup gives Ramsay more time to review the shipment, identify missing information, and help reduce avoidable delays.
Importing Into Canada
What is needed to import commercial goods into Canada?
Commercial imports into Canada usually require an importer of record, commercial invoice, product descriptions, value, origin, tariff classification, carrier details, and any applicable permits or program requirements.
For more detail, see our Canadian customs broker services.
What is PARS?
PARS is the Pre-Arrival Review System used for many commercial highway shipments entering Canada. It allows customs information to be submitted before the truck arrives at the border.
Can I track a PARS shipment?
Yes. If Ramsay is handling the Canadian customs clearance, you can use the PARS Tracker to check release status.
What is CARM?
CARM is the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management system. It affects how importers manage customs accounting, duties, taxes, account access, and payment with CBSA.
Can Ramsay help with CARM?
Yes. Ramsay can help importers understand CARM requirements and how CARM affects their Canadian import process.
What is an importer of record?
The importer of record is the party responsible for the import declaration and compliance with customs requirements. This role should be confirmed before the shipment moves.
Freight & Logistics Services
Does Ramsay only handle customs, or can you also arrange freight?
Ramsay provides both customs brokerage and freight forwarding support. This allows shipments to be reviewed from both the customs and transportation side.
For freight support, see our freight forwarding and logistics services.
What freight services does Ramsay provide?
Ramsay can help coordinate international freight forwarding, including ocean, air, road, and related transportation support depending on the shipment details.
Can Ramsay coordinate customs and freight together?
Yes. Customs and freight work better when they are coordinated together. Ramsay can help align documents, carrier instructions, customs release timing, pickup timing, and delivery expectations.
Can Ramsay help with DAP or DDP shipments?
Yes. Ramsay can review the shipment documents and help identify whether the customs, duty, tax, freight, and delivery responsibilities appear to match the agreed shipping terms.
Can Ramsay help with cargo insurance?
Yes. Ramsay can discuss cargo insurance options for freight shipments where coverage is needed.
U.S. Imports & Trade Compliance
Can Ramsay help with U.S. customs clearance?
Yes. Ramsay can support U.S. customs brokerage for businesses shipping goods into the United States.
For more detail, see our U.S. customs broker services.
Can Ramsay help Canadian exporters shipping to the United States?
Yes. Canadian exporters shipping to U.S. customers may need U.S. customs support, HTS classification review, importer details, carrier coordination, and document review before the shipment moves.
What is PAPS?
PAPS is the Pre-Arrival Processing System used for many commercial highway shipments entering the United States. It allows shipment information to be submitted before the truck arrives at the U.S. border.
Can Ramsay help with Section 232 or U.S. duty questions?
Yes. Ramsay can help review U.S. import requirements, including potential duty, tariff, or trade compliance issues based on the product, origin, and shipment details.
Is USMCA or CUSMA always available for Canada–U.S. shipments?
No. Preferential treatment depends on whether the goods qualify and whether the required origin support is available. Ramsay can help review the documents and identify what may be needed.
Canada–U.S. Cross-Border Shipments
What does a Canada–U.S. border broker do?
A Canada–U.S. border broker helps coordinate customs requirements for commercial goods moving across the Canada–U.S. border. Ramsay also helps connect customs clearance with freight timing, carrier instructions, documents, and release planning.
For detailed information, see our Canada–U.S. border brokerage services.
Can Ramsay coordinate customs and freight for cross-border shipments?
Yes. Ramsay can help coordinate customs and freight together for commercial shipments moving between Canada and the United States. This is especially useful when documents, carrier instructions, PARS/PAPS timing, and importer/exporter responsibility need to be aligned before pickup.
Why do Canada–U.S. shipments get delayed?
Many delays happen before the shipment reaches the border. Common causes include incomplete invoices, unclear importer responsibility, missing carrier instructions, late PARS or PAPS setup, incorrect broker information, or DAP/DDP confusion.
Can Ramsay help with shipments moving both directions?
Yes. Ramsay can support businesses moving goods from the U.S. into Canada, from Canada into the U.S., or both directions on recurring lanes.
When should I contact Ramsay about a cross-border shipment?
The best time to contact Ramsay is before pickup. Send the invoice, packing list, carrier details, origin information, freight terms, pickup timing, and delivery instructions as early as possible.
Working With Ramsay Logistics
Where is Ramsay located?
Ramsay Logistics supports clients from Western Canada with service connected to Calgary, Vancouver, Manitoba, and national Canadian customs and freight needs.
Can Ramsay help businesses outside Calgary or Vancouver?
Yes. Ramsay supports customs and logistics clients across Canada, depending on the shipment, service required, and customs process involved.
How do I get started?
Send Ramsay the shipment details, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or carrier information, origin details, buyer and seller information, and pickup or arrival timing.
Can Ramsay take over if another broker or carrier process is causing delays?
Ramsay can review the situation and advise what may be possible. The earlier Ramsay is involved, the easier it is to help prevent repeated issues on future shipments.
Who should I contact?
Contact Ramsay Logistics with your shipment details, documents, and timing information. Our team can review the shipment and direct you to the right customs or freight support.