How Your Shipping and Logistics Partner Helps You Transport Goods Over the US/Canada Border

Transporting products over the US/Canada border is not a lot different than moving goods within a state or province or even across a country. But it is slightly more complicated, and for that reason, it is a good idea to use an experienced 3PL partner. In today’s blog we are going to talk about what is different about transporting goods over the border. 

Customs 

The single biggest difference is that your products have to clear customs. That means you need a customs broker. There is significant paperwork involved, and all the paperwork has to filled out completely and appropriately. It is also possible to get “pre-clearance” for some loads, which may save time. Our company, Pacific Coast, does not process customs brokerage and clients would still need a customs broker. However, we can still make your life easier facilitating carriers to move your freight and help you find a customs broker to suit your needs. 

Timing   

The timing of shipping may be different when a border is involved. Certain times may be more crowded than others at the border, so for the sake of efficiency your 3PL partner will decide carefully when the shipments should cross the border. During the worst delays of COVID-19, there were nightmarish delays at border crossings. 

Security 

Crossing a border involves security inspections and often delays. This is especially true since 9-11 when security at borders was reinvented and strengthened. If you use Pacific Coast, we are C-TPAT/PIP certified, which cuts down on time lost at the border. 

C-TPAT stands for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, and PIP stands for Partners in Protection. These are both organizations that aim to ensure safe and secure transport of goods. C-TPAT is the US organization, and PIP is the Canadian equivalent. 3PL companies that belong to these organizations—which is voluntary—are pre-vetted for transporting products over the border. When you choose a 3PL partner (like us) that belongs to both organizations, then you will experience a significant reduction in time delays at the border. 

This is just a brief summary of the complications involved in shipping over the border. If you need a 3PL partner to help you with your cross-border shipping and logistics, then call us at the number below. 

Pacific Coast Distribution, based in Langley, BC, on the Lower Mainland, is a proud asset-based 3PL company, and can help you with your shipping and logistics and warehousing needs. Call us at (877) 999-8489 if you need help moving your products quickly and efficiently. 

Pacific Coast Distribution, LTD, is a family-owned transportation and logistics company, based in Langley, British Columbia, with 20 years of experience and a fleet of 50 trucks and a 60,000-square-foot warehouse. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your transportation and freight needs, give us a call at (877) 999-8489.