A Shipment Type, also known as a clearance type or release option, is the method by which goods being transported by a highway carrier obtain Customs’ permission to enter the country. 

In general, it is the responsibility of the importer or their agent (or broker) to select the shipment type. With very few exceptions, the carrier should not make a decision as to which shipment type should be used, but instead, rely on their client to supply them with those instructions.

The most common shipment type for commercial goods entering Canada is PARS, in which goods obtain CBSA clearance ahead of arrival at the border. Its counterpart for goods entering the U.S. is PAPS.