Cross-Border Services
Cross-Border Freight Shipping
Ship freight between the United States, Mexico, and Canada with full customs compliance, documentation support, and vetted cross-border carriers.
U.S.–Mexico
Mexico Corridor
Mexico is the largest U.S. trading partner by truck freight volume. Over $400 billion in goods cross the U.S.–Mexico border by truck annually — automotive parts, electronics, agricultural products, and manufactured goods.
We work with carriers experienced in cross-border operations, including those with C-TPAT certification and FAST card eligibility. Our team coordinates with customs brokers at every major crossing to ensure your freight clears smoothly.
Key Border Crossings
- Laredo, TX — busiest U.S.–Mexico commercial crossing (handles ~40% of all cross-border truck freight)
- El Paso, TX / Ciudad Juárez — major corridor for automotive, electronics, and manufacturing
- Nogales, AZ — primary gateway for fresh produce from western Mexico
- Otay Mesa, CA — critical for Pacific Rim goods and maquiladora shipments
U.S.–Canada
Canada Corridor
Canada is the second-largest U.S. trading partner. Over $300 billion in goods move between the two countries by truck each year — automotive, energy products, machinery, forest products, and consumer goods.
We connect you with carriers who operate under both FMCSA and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) regulations, hold valid ACE/ACI manifests, and maintain proper insurance coverage for both countries.
Key Border Crossings
- Detroit, MI / Windsor, ON — Ambassador Bridge and the Gordie Howe International Bridge (opened 2025)
- Buffalo, NY / Fort Erie, ON — Peace Bridge serving Northeast U.S. and Ontario
- Blaine, WA / Surrey, BC — Pacific Highway crossing for West Coast freight
- Champlain, NY / Lacolle, QC — key corridor for Quebec–Northeast U.S. trade
Documentation
Required Cross-Border Documentation
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation is the #1 cause of border delays. We review every document before your freight reaches the crossing point.
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description of goods, value, country of origin, buyer and seller details
Bill of Lading (BOL)
Contract between shipper and carrier detailing shipment contents, weight, and destination
Customs Entry Documentation
U.S. CBP Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery) or Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
USMCA Certificate of Origin
Required to claim duty-free or reduced-duty treatment under the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement
Packing List
Detailed list of contents, piece count, weight, and dimensions per package
Phytosanitary / USDA Certificates
Required for agricultural products, food items, and certain raw materials
FDA Prior Notice
Required for food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices entering the U.S.
Hazmat Documentation
SDS sheets, UN numbers, and proper shipping names for any dangerous goods
Customs Compliance
Cross-border freight requires compliance with multiple regulatory agencies — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mexico's SAT, and Canada's CBSA. Each has different entry requirements, duty structures, and inspection protocols.
We coordinate with licensed customs brokers on both sides of the border to handle classification (HTS codes), duty calculation, USMCA origin determination, and electronic manifest filing (ACE for U.S., ACI for Canada, VUCEM for Mexico).
Our carriers maintain proper cross-border insurance, carry valid permits for the countries they operate in, and comply with cabotage restrictions that govern domestic transportation within each country.
Our Standards
Cross-Border Carrier Requirements
Cross-border freight carries additional risk. We hold our cross-border carriers to strict standards beyond standard domestic requirements.
- Active FMCSA authority with cross-border operating rights
- C-TPAT certification (preferred) or equivalent security program enrollment
- Valid insurance coverage for both U.S. and destination country
- Clean CSA scores with no out-of-service violations in the past 12 months
- ELD compliance and hours-of-service adherence across jurisdictions
- Experience with cross-border documentation and customs procedures
- Proper cabotage permits and operating authority in destination country
Common Questions
Cross-Border Freight FAQs
Do I need a customs broker for cross-border freight?
Yes. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a licensed customs broker to file entry documentation for goods imported into the United States. We coordinate with experienced customs brokers on both the Mexico and Canada corridors to ensure smooth clearance.
What is CTPAT and does it affect my shipments?
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is a voluntary CBP program that expedites border processing for trusted shippers. If your carrier or broker is CTPAT-certified, your freight may experience shorter border wait times — sometimes hours instead of days.
How long does cross-border freight take?
Transit time depends on the crossing, documentation accuracy, and inspection status. Well-documented shipments through major crossings like Laredo or Detroit typically clear within 4–24 hours. Incomplete paperwork or random inspections can add 1–3 days.
Can you ship hazardous materials across the border?
Yes, but hazmat cross-border shipments require additional documentation including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), UN numbers, proper shipping names, and compliance with both U.S. DOT and Mexican SCT or Canadian TDG regulations. Our team ensures all hazmat requirements are met before the truck reaches the border.
What happens if my freight is held at customs?
If CBP or CBSA places a hold on your shipment, it typically means additional documentation is needed or the shipment has been selected for inspection. We monitor every cross-border shipment in real time and work with customs brokers to resolve holds as quickly as possible.
Get a Cross-Border Freight Quote
Shipping to or from Mexico or Canada? Get a quote from carriers with proven cross-border experience. We handle the compliance — you focus on your business.