Important Information about Shipping from Canada to US

Thousands of products are shipped over the Canada/US border each year as both countries enjoy the benefits of items from the other. However, that does not mean that the border does not present some concerns when shipping. Though these countries share an impressively long border, with many sections easy to drive or even walk over, when shipping between the two countries, it is still considered an international shipment. And, with that distinction, there comes additional documentation and costs.

To make shipping from Canada to US as worry free as possible, we go over some of the concerns and issues that can arise from this transaction and give you actionable solutions for each.

Freight Shipping from Canada to US Cost

No matter the size of a shipment or the distance it must travel, there are always chances for something to go wrong, get delayed or rack up unexpected fees. However, freight shipping presents an exceptional number of concerns and when things go wrong, shipping from Canada to US cost goes up quickly.

Logistically, freight shipping requires a multitude of additional documents and shipping fees over what a single item or small shipment would require. However, with careful planning and the use of a qualified freight broker to plan your shipment, you can minimize shipping from Canada to US cost. Here’s some ways to do this:

Choosing the Right Lane/Route/Carrier: one of the major jobs and advantages of a freight broker is their ability to match a shipment with the right driver, and lane. Depending on your priorities of cost and speed, a broker can match you with drivers who are capable of expedited shipping or slower carriers who are cheaper.

Maximizing Density: The more closely packed your product is, the less space it takes up. This either means you will be able to ship more in a Full Truckload (FTL) or downsize and make better use of a Less Than Truckload (LTL).

Pre-Planning and Documentation: Having proper documents, packing lists and other information like this is important for all shipping but is especially critical for international shipments and long-distance shipments where it may be more difficult to deliver the right information quickly if it is not placed with the driver from the start. RoadLINX provides or can direct you to all proper documentation and information required for successful shipping from Canada to US.

Consider a Dedicated Contract with a Carrier: While it can be tempting to go rate shopping periodically, having strong connections with one carrier can save you more money and time in the long run. By staying with one carrier, you are often able to simplify your shipping which will save you labor hours on your end and also give you peace of mind that your carrier is able to successfully complete your shipping. Signing a contract will also give you a steady rate for a certain period of time, often two to three years which will make it easier to budget. Before hopping to a new carrier, always consider the lost hours and frustration that comes with learning a new company’s ways and methods.

Plan Your Shipments Early: Carriers, just like many other businesses, will have fees associated with rush and expedited deliveries. If you inform your carrier of when shipments are likely to go out, they can better allocate their resources for that time and pass on the savings to you.

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Call us for further information or to request a free quote
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.
905-760-1141
ian@roadlinx.com
Office Address
501 Rowntree Dairy Road, Unit #4, Woodbridge, ON L4L 8H1
Warehouse Address
6221 Highway 7 West, Unit #3, Vaughan, ON L4H 0K8

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