In-Transit Pilot Project

The In-Transit Pilot Project, which will soon be ready to move forward, introduces an automated option to initially allow for the processing of highway shipments transiting the United States. This pilot project will involve advance notification of highway cargo and conveyance data, from the carrier, to the CBSA and the U.S. CBP. It will also include status notifications between the CBSA and CBP to advise when cargo has exited their respective countries.

Meaning of "In-transit"

"In-transit shipment" and "in-transit movement" are terms used to describe a cross-border route taken by a driver or carrier. For example, a truck moving domestic goods in Canada may take a shortcut through the United States, even though none of the shipment will be unloaded in the U.S. Similarly, a truck moving domestic goods in the United States may travel through Canada on its way to a U.S. destination, without unloading any of its shipment in Canada.

In both of these cases, a security seal is put on the truck when it crosses the border so that it can be determined whether goods were unloaded while the truck was en route.

How to Participate

To participate in the In-Transit Pilot Project, carrier clients must:

• be approved members of the Customs Self Assessment program and/or the Free and Secure Trade program;
• conduct in-transit shipments from Canada → United States → Canada (i.e. goods are shipped from Canada through the United States and returned to Canada);
• conduct in-transit movements under seal (no deliveries are made en route); and
• be willing to make the appropriate changes to their systems to support the In-Transit Pilot Project.

If you would like more information on the In-Transit Pilot Project, send an e-mail to eManifest@cbsa.gc.ca.