Cross-Border Routes: How to Train Drivers for International Trips

Cross-border driver training helps fleets avoid the biggest border problems: missing paperwork, incorrect advance filings, cargo security gaps, and poor crossing-time planning. Even if dispatch or a customs broker handles submissions, drivers still need to understand the process, because they’re the ones at the booth when something doesn’t match.

This guide covers Canada US trucking requirements, customs and border procedures, cross-border compliance, documentation basics, ACE/ACI basics, cargo security expectations, and border wait-time planning.

1) Canada–U.S. Trucking Requirements Drivers Should Know

Cross-border trips involve more than a standard run. Training should ensure drivers understand:

The role of the carrier, customs broker, and driver (who submits what, who presents what)
That advance commercial information is commonly required before arrival, not at the border
That the load must match the paperwork exactly (pieces, description, pickup/delivery info)

On the Canada side, CBSA’s ACI/eManifest program requires advance electronic cargo and conveyance reporting for commercial shipments.

On the U.S. side, carriers submit electronic truck manifests through CBP’s ACE e-Manifest process.

2) Customs and Border Procedures: Train the “Booth Routine”

A smooth crossing is usually the result of a consistent routine.

What drivers should do every crossing

Arrive with paperwork organized and accessible
Confirm trip/load identifiers match what dispatch/broker provided
Answer questions clearly and briefly (shipper, commodity, destination)
Follow secondary inspection instructions calmly if selected
Report delays or holds immediately to dispatch

For U.S. entries, drivers may need to present paperwork that helps CBP locate the trip/manifest in ACE (for example, a trip number/shipment control reference on documents).

3) Paperwork and Documentation Training That Prevents Holds

Your paperwork and documentation training should focus on what drivers must verify, not just what they carry.

Documents drivers should be trained to confirm (common set)

Bill of Lading (BOL) details match the load
Commercial invoice details are consistent with the shipment
Any required special documents for the freight (as instructed by shipper/broker)

The exact document set varies by shipment, but training should emphasize accuracy and consistency, that’s what reduces inspections and delays.

4) ACE/ACI Basics: What Drivers Need to Understand

Drivers don’t always file electronic data themselves, but they must understand what it is and why it matters.

ACI (Canada) essentials

CBSA’s ACI/eManifest requires electronic cargo and conveyance data to be submitted in advance for highway shipments.

Also train drivers to recognize common ACI references such as cargo control numbers (CCNs) and to confirm they match dispatch instructions.

ACE e-Manifest (U.S.) essentials

CBP’s e-Manifest: Trucks capability is used for electronic manifests prior to arrival, and guidance documents outline submission methods and timing expectations.

Training tip: Build a one-page “Driver Border Packet” that lists:

Trip/manifest reference(s)
Shipper/consignee names
Commodity description (plain language)
Dispatch + broker contact numbers
What to do if sent to secondary

5) Cross-Border Compliance: Don’t Skip the “Small Stuff”

Your cross-border compliance module should cover:

Consistent pre-trip checks (lights, tires, securement)
Clear rules on prohibited items and personal declarations (fleet policy)
What to do if a seal is broken or paperwork doesn’t match the freight

On the security side, CBSA’s Partners in Protection (PIP) outlines security expectations across transport, handling, clearance, and storage in the supply chain.

6) Cargo Security Rules: Seals, Chain-of-Custody, and FAST Awareness

Cargo security training should be practical:

Seal checks at pickup and during stops
Photo documentation when required by policy
Parking discipline (well-lit areas, avoid high-risk locations)
“No unauthorized access” rules for trailer contents

If your fleet uses FAST lanes, training should include eligibility awareness. CBSA notes FAST lane use is tied to specific program participation/authorization requirements (including PIP-related conditions).

7) Border Wait-Time Planning: Teach Drivers How to Plan the Crossing

Wait times can break a schedule. Drivers should be trained to:

Choose crossings based on operational constraints (appointment windows, HOS, parking)
Communicate early if they’re approaching HOS risk due to congestion
Use official tools when dispatch provides them

CBP provides a Border Wait Times tool (and app) that shows estimated waits and lane status at ports of entry.

Canada also publishes border wait time data through open government resources, which some planning tools use.

Train for the Cross-Border Routes, Not Just the Highway

Crossings run smoothly when drivers know the routine, documents are consistent, ACE/ACI basics are understood, cargo security is protected, and border timing is planned like any other operational constraint. Build your cross-border driver training around checklists and repeatable habits, and the border becomes predictable instead of stressful.

Need Help Getting Cross-Border Ready?

Reach out to us at www.welocity.ca, call 905-901-1601, or email info@welocity.ca if you need any trucking-related services. Whether it is ELD setup, compliance training, or vehicle inspections, we have you covered.

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