What you Should Know About Shipping from US to Canada

Though the US and Canada enjoy the longest international border and friendly relations, shipping from US to Canada comes with many of the same issues as shipping to anywhere else internationally. Because there is greater security involved with shipping internationally and a variety of additional fees, taxes and other costs, your total shipping amount is likely to be more than it would be if you shipped between states or between provinces.

There are also issues of documentation, classification of product, additional logistics concerns and a host of other matters that a professional, international shipping company like RoadLINX can help you navigate. Unlike some other shipping companies, we help you at each step of your shipment to reduce costs, time and delays.

Here we’ll discuss tips about shipping from US to Canada along with potential costs and issues that can occur at the border plus methods to make shipping more affordable.

Your Bill of Lading when Shipping from US to Canada

One special piece of documentation required when your products make the journey from the US to Canada, is the Bill of Lading (BOL). In short, a BOL is a receipt-like document which details a multitude of information about a shipment and it is legally required for all shipments, even domestic ones.

This document serves multiple purposes but is most important to prevent theft from a shipment and to keep all parties honest. It serves as a kind of double check and comparison document to what is listed on a purchase order. When the BOL and PO match up, then both parties can rest assured that the right items were delivered and paid for.

While a BOL is an important part in all shipments, there are several kinds and one that is particular to international shipping: An Inland BOL. The form for this BOL specifically allows a carrier to move items across land. For international shipments over water, an Ocean Bill of Lading would be required.

Other Documentation Required When Shipping from US to Canada

  • Contract of Sale
  • Certificate of Origin, NAFTA
  • List Detailing Items
  • Invoice, Proforma
  • Declaration for Customs
  • Policy of Insurance
  • Automated Export System Filing

Additional information for shipping: the duty rate of each item and the tariff classification number are also required. Each document and piece of information must also find its way to the appropriate parties, especially the driver who will need many of these items to successfully complete the delivery. If the driver is left out of the loop, your shipment will not make it to its destination.

Shipping from US to Canada Cost

Shipping from US to Canada Cost, like all shipping, is affected by several factors.

  • How much the shipment weighs
  • How tightly packed the shipment is
  • Distance the shipment travels
  • Rates for tariffs
  • Classification of the freight

Avoiding Extra Shipping from US to Canada Cost: While there will always be fees, costs, documents and other logistical concerns that will raise the price of shipping, some of these can be avoided or reduced. Taking the time to properly check that all documentation is in place before a shipment sends can help you avoid unexpected fees.

For instance, if a driver is unable to successfully deliver items, they may need to go into storage and the costs for that storage will be added on to your bill. Additionally, this will add on time to the shipment which could cost money in the form of frustrated customers who may cancel their orders or decide not to order in the future.

Shipping from US to Canada with RoadLINX

RoadLINX offers some of the most convenient and affordable shipping options for US and Canadian shipments. Our experienced drivers enjoy privileges on both sides of the border to expedite the process which not only allows us to offer competitive pricing but also faster shipping timeframes which, for many companies, equals even bigger advantages in the long run.

For a free consultation to discuss your shipping from US to Canada needs, contact RoadLINX today at 905-784-2963. We offer a wide range of services and shipping options to ensure your items get there affordably, safely and on time!

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RoadLINX has been providing expert full truckload shipping throughout our many years of operation and know how to make this method safe, fast and cost-effective for our customers.
Call us at 905-760-1141 to talk with one of our logistics experts to determine if an FTL is right for your shipment and company.
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ian@roadlinx.com
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