Understand how the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) and Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) work, how to generate barcode labels, and how real-time tracking keeps your trucks moving at the border.
Start Free Learn MorePAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) is a border clearance mechanism used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for commercial shipments entering the United States. The system allows customs brokers to submit entry documentation electronically before the truck arrives at the border, enabling CBP to pre-screen and potentially release the shipment before the driver even reaches the port of entry.
Each shipment is assigned a unique PAPS number, which is formatted as the customs broker's filer code followed by a sequential number (for example, K489-1234567). This number is printed as a barcode label and attached to the shipment's commercial documents. When the driver arrives at the border, the PAPS barcode is scanned by CBP officers, instantly linking the physical shipment to the electronic entry.
The PAPS system dramatically speeds up border processing by allowing most of the customs work to happen before the truck arrives. When a shipment has been pre-cleared through PAPS, the driver can often proceed through the port of entry in minutes rather than hours.
PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) is the Canadian equivalent of PAPS, operated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Like PAPS, PARS enables customs brokers to submit release requests electronically before the truck arrives at the Canadian border. The system links the physical shipment to the broker's electronic documentation through a unique barcode number.
The PARS number is assigned by the customs broker and follows a format defined by CBSA. The barcode label is attached to the shipment paperwork and scanned at the Canadian port of entry. If the broker's release request has been processed and approved, CBSA can release the shipment immediately upon scanning.
PARS works in conjunction with the ACI eManifest system. While the eManifest provides advance cargo information to CBSA, PARS handles the customs release process. Both must be completed for a shipment to clear the Canadian border smoothly. Carriers enrolled in the CSA (Customs Self Assessment) program may have simplified PARS requirements.
Your customs broker assigns a unique PAPS or PARS number to each shipment. This number links the physical cargo to the electronic customs entry.
TruckerPro generates barcode labels in the exact format required by CBP (Code 128) and CBSA. Labels can be printed on standard label stock or paper.
The barcode label is attached to the commercial invoice, bill of lading, or other shipment documentation that the driver presents at the border.
At the port of entry, customs officers scan the barcode, instantly matching the shipment to the broker's electronic entry. If pre-cleared, the truck proceeds.
Both the United States and Canada require that eManifest data be submitted at least 1 hour before the truck arrives at the port of entry. This pre-arrival window gives customs officers time to review the shipment information and make a risk assessment before the truck reaches the border.
For PAPS and PARS to work effectively, the customs broker should also submit the release request well before arrival. While there is no strict time requirement for the broker's PAPS/PARS submission, the earlier it is filed, the more likely the shipment will be pre-cleared by the time the truck arrives.
TruckerPro's crossing planner and ETA countdown timers help you coordinate the timing of eManifest filing, broker notifications, and driver dispatch to ensure everything is submitted within the required pre-arrival window. The RNS (Release Notification System) tracker then monitors the release status in real time, so dispatch knows the instant a PAPS or PARS release comes through.
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