Freight & customs guides.
Plain-English answers to the questions Canadian importers and exporters actually ask. We skip the jargon and keep these current.
Start with the basics
Guides for shippers and importers.
New to importing, or just tired of the acronyms? Start here. Each guide is written to be read once and understood, and checked against the primary sources (CBSA, ICC, CIFFA).
Freight forwarder vs. customs broker vs. 3PLThree terms that get used interchangeably and shouldn't be. What each one does, who needs which, and how they overlap.
Do I need a customs broker to import to Canada?No, it is not legally required. What the CBSA actually says, what self-clearing involves, and when a broker is worth it.
Incoterms 2020 explainedFOB, CIF, EXW, DDP and the rest. Who pays what, where risk transfers, and the CIF trap that catches buyers.
CARM
The CBSA's import system, explained.
CARM changed how every Canadian importer deals with the border, and the financial-security part trips up most businesses. These two go together.
CARM explained: what importers must doWhat CARM is, the CARM Client Portal, Release Prior to Payment, and why you now post your own financial security.
CARM financial security: bond vs. cashHow the amount is calculated, non-cash bond (50%, min $5,000) vs. cash deposit (100%), a worked example, and which to choose.
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