Cabotage — Point-to-point transportation

Scope

Goods moved into and out of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, are involved in international transportation. Goods moved point-to-point within the United States, within Canada, or within Mexico are involved in domestic transportation.

Both immigration and customs govern cabotage. In broad terms, customs laws cover the truck, immigration laws cover the driver. Sometimes, under customs laws, a particular movement is legal for the truck, but illegal under immigration laws without the necessary authorization.

To conduct legal motor carriage under cabotage rules, compliance with both customs and immigration laws in the country of travel is required.

Regulatory citations

• 19 CFR 123.14 — Entry of foreign-based trucks, busses, and taxicabs, in international traffic

Key definitions

• Cabotage: The point-to-point, or domestic, movement by a foreign-based carrier/vehicle within another country.

Summary of requirements

See the following for more information:

• U.S. cabotage rules for Canadian drivers
• U.S. cabotage information for Mexico-based drivers
• Canadian cabotage rules