The import process may seem daunting to many, but armed with the right tools & information, making international purchases can be just as simple as buying locally.
Truck
Part 1| Documentation
To kick off your truck import, you will only need to provide some very basic documentation - A detailed commercial invoice. Below you will find the details required for a valid invoice.
Commercial invoice (Bill of sale)
Lists the name & address of the buyer, seller, and ship to party.
Provides a detailed item description, country of manufacture and HTS classification (if available)
Unit / total cost of each line item
Provided to you by the vendor (seller)
Required to submit a request for Customs Clearance
If any additional forms or documents are required, your assigned service agent will request them through the service ticket, so be sure to keep an eye out for emails or check in frequently. Because truck shipments are so time sensitive, this part of the process will be expedited and all truck shipments are given priority.
If a Bill of lading (BOL) is available, this should be provided as well, however it is not mandatory. Your freight provider (trucking company) will provide a copy of the BOL when they coordinate the crossing.
Step 2: Notify your Freight provider (trucking company)
Your freight provider will need to know who your customs broker is in order to coordinate the crossing and finalize your clearance. Please provide them with the following details:
Customs Broker: Clearit
Paps Contact: paps@clearitusa.com
Clearit Customs Services, inc.
13-100 Walnut Street
Champlain, NY 12919
Step 3: Receipt of PAPS package
Once your freight provider has scheduled the date and time of border crossing for your cargo, they will send Clearit what is known as a PAPS package. This includes a copy of the commercial invoice, bill of lading, the assigned PAPS number (cargo control number), the port and expected date & time of crossing.
Step 4: Customs Clearance
Once Clearit is in receipt of your PAPS package, we will expedite the processing of your customs entry. Our team of experienced customs professionals will create your customs declaration and invoice you. If you have placed a credit card on file with us, the charges will automatically be added to your card. If you have opted out, you will receive a copy of the invoice and link for payment.
Please note, Clearit is a COD service and the Customs entry cannot be transmitted to U.S. customs until the invoice has been paid in full.
If you spot an error on your invoice (duties, additional charges, etc.) Don’t panic! Let us know via the service ticket and your assigned agent will be happy to make an amendment for you. Requests for changes can be made instantly within 5 business days of transmission of your customs entry. After that, Clearit must file a formal amendment with U.S. customs which can take up to 90 days to complete. It is recommended you do not hold payment until a correction is made as it may lead to additional charges from your freight provider.
Congratulations! You now have a clear understanding of the truck import process!
**Please note, while mandatory documents are listed, depending on the nature of your cargo, additional documentation and information may be required.
Truck Imports: How it works, Simplified
