PAPS & PARS: Complete Guide for Cross-Border Trucking

Understand how the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) and Pre-Arrival Review System (PARS) work, who creates each number, how barcode labels work, and how to check release status before your trucks reach the border.

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What Is PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System)?

PAPS (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 the shipment before the driver reaches the port of entry and release it on arrival.

The carrier assigns each shipment a unique PAPS number: its four-letter Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) followed by up to 12 letters or digits, with no spaces or symbols (an illustrative example is ABCD1234567, where ABCD stands in for a real SCAC). The carrier gives the number to the customs broker, who reports the same number in the entry. 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. See what a PAPS number is and how to get one for the full format rules.

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.

What Is PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System)?

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 the shipment's cargo control number. The carrier normally assigns it from its four-character CBSA carrier code plus a unique shipment number it chooses, up to 25 characters in all, and the customs broker quotes the same number in the release request. 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. Our guide to PARS numbers and labels explains the full CBSA rules.

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. When a CSA-approved importer and carrier move CSA-eligible goods with a registered driver, the shipment can clear through the CSA (Customs Self Assessment) process instead of PARS.

How PAPS & PARS Barcode Labels Work

1. Number Assignment

The carrier normally assigns a unique PAPS or PARS number to each shipment: its SCAC (US) or CBSA carrier code (Canada) plus a shipment number. The broker quotes the same number, linking the cargo to the customs entry.

2. Label Generation

The carrier prints the number as a barcode label. For PAPS, CBP's truck FAQ says the barcode carries the SCAC and shipment number. For PARS, CBSA accepts Code 3 of 9 or Code 128 from approved printers or tested samples.

3. Label Attachment

The barcode label is attached to the commercial invoice, bill of lading, or other shipment documentation that the driver presents at the border.

4. Border Scanning

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.

The 1-Hour Pre-Arrival Rule

Both the United States and Canada require the carrier's eManifest data before the truck arrives, and the standard deadline in both countries is 1 hour before arrival. CBP must receive the ACE eManifest at least 1 hour before the truck reaches the first US port of arrival, or 30 minutes before for shipments that qualify for FAST. CBSA must receive and validate ACI eManifest data at least 1 hour before the truck arrives in Canada. 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 entry or release request well before arrival. CBP's truck FAQ says the carrier should give the broker the PAPS number in time for the broker to transmit it to CBP 1 hour (30 minutes for FAST) before arrival, and CBSA's label guidance says the PARS invoice or bill of lading must be sent to the broker at least two hours before the goods arrive in Canada. The earlier the broker files, the more likely the shipment will be ready for release when the truck arrives.

In TruckerPro's TMS, each cross-border load stores its PAPS or PARS number, and the optional Customs Validation setting can hold dispatch until the right number is on file. If your company files eManifests from the TMS, the load's eManifest panel shows the latest status reported for the filing, such as accepted, held or released, and when it was last checked.

Pro tip: File your eManifest early and have your broker submit the PAPS/PARS entry as soon as possible. The earlier everything is filed, the more likely the shipment will be ready for release when your driver arrives. From a cross-border load's Documents menu in TruckerPro, a dispatcher can email the customs paperwork to the PAPS or PARS email address saved for the load's customs broker.

Frequently Asked Questions About PAPS & PARS

A PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) number is a unique identifier assigned to each shipment entering the United States. The carrier creates it from its four-letter Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) plus up to 12 letters or digits and gives it to the customs broker, who reports the same number in the entry. The PAPS number is printed as a barcode label and attached to the shipment documentation. When the truck arrives at the US border, the PAPS barcode is scanned by CBP, which matches it to the customs broker's electronic entry. If the entry is on file and CBP releases the shipment, the truck can proceed without waiting for manual document processing.

A PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) number is the Canadian equivalent of PAPS. It is a unique identifier used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to link a shipment to the customs broker's release request. The carrier normally creates it from its four-character CBSA carrier code plus a unique shipment number, up to 25 characters in all, and the broker quotes it in the release request. Like PAPS, PARS uses barcode labels that are scanned at the Canadian border. The PARS number allows CBSA to verify that the broker has submitted the required release documentation before the truck arrives.

The carrier normally assigns the PAPS or PARS number and prints it as a barcode label; the customs broker quotes the same number in the entry or release request. For PAPS, CBP's truck FAQ says the barcode carries the carrier's SCAC and shipment number, and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), which assigns SCACs, sells PAPS barcode labels. For PARS, CBSA accepts Code 3 of 9 or Code 128 bar codes, and they must come from a printing company on its approved list or pass its readability test. The label goes on the invoice or bill of lading the driver carries.

If the customs broker's release request or entry is not on file when the truck arrives, the shipment is not released at the booth. CBSA calls this a failed PARS and gives two options: the goods are held at the first port of arrival until the importer or broker submits the release request and CBSA processes it, or a bonded carrier moves them in bond to an inland sufferance warehouse for release, presenting Form A8A(B) as proof of report. On the US side, CBP's eManifest guide says the PAPS number must link the manifest shipment to the broker's entry or in-bond request before the truck can be released. CBSA says failed PARS shipments should not happen regularly; if they do, check with your broker to find the cause.

Yes, through your customs broker or CBSA's own systems. CBSA sends the release status, through its Release Notification System (RNS) or eManifest notices, back to the importer or broker that filed the PARS. A carrier can see its cargo status in the CBSA eManifest Portal or apply to CBSA for its own RNS messages. If your company files eManifests from TruckerPro's TMS, the load's eManifest panel shows the latest status reported for the filing, such as held or released, and when it was last checked. BorderPro, a separate product at borderpro.ai, is in early access, and its site says live CBP and CBSA release status is not available yet.

Further reading on BorderPro

BorderPro is the standalone border-clearing product at borderpro.ai, currently in early access. Its site also has regulatory guides and per-crossing wait-time pages with notes on what to file before you cross.

  • PARS / PAPS workflow preview
    Early-access tools for organizing PARS and PAPS references and broker contacts. BorderPro says live CBP and CBSA release status is not available yet.
  • PARS barcode specification
    How the CBSA carrier code and a carrier-assigned shipment number form the cargo control number, plus the bar code and testing rules.
  • PARS record lookup
    Searches PARS records stored in BorderPro. It does not query CBSA or confirm a release.

Compare BorderPro eManifest Plans

BorderPro is a separate product with a free tier for up to 5 shipments per month; paid plans currently start at $89.95/month. Check the pricing page for current limits and inclusions.

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