What You Need to Know About Cross-Border Trucking Services to Canada

Cross-border freight transportation between the United States and Canada plays a critical role in North American supply chains. In recent months, rising trade volumes, regulatory changes, and evolving customs procedures have underscored the importance of efficiency and compliance in cross-border trucking operations.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S.–Canada cross-border trade reached $67.5 billion in March 2025, a 3.7 percent year-over-year increase. Trucks accounted for $38.7 billion of that volume, marking a 9.5 percent growth from March 2024.

With increased complexity at the border, selecting a qualified and certified carrier has become essential for maintaining shipping timelines, avoiding fines, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What Are Cross-Border Trucking Services to Canada?

Cross-border transportation between the Canadian and U.S. markets

Cross-border trucking services refer to the transport of freight across the Canada–U.S. border under strict regulatory and documentation controls. These services differ from domestic shipping due to customs requirements, carrier certification needs, and inspection processes.

Why they matter:

  • Support the movement of over $600 billion in annual bilateral trade.
  • Require careful coordination between shippers, carriers, and customs officials.
  • Involve increased documentation and risk management.

Key Documents and Customs Requirements

Clear and consistent paperwork is essential for avoiding customs delays and ensuring smooth freight movement across the U.S.–Canada border, as well as regulatory compliance. Carriers and shippers must be aligned in submitting the correct paperwork well in advance of the shipment.

A logistics professional checking the cross-border transportation checklist

At a minimum, the following documents are typically required:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Bill of Lading (BOL)
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (when applicable)
  • ACE Manifest for U.S. exports
  • ACI Manifest for Canadian imports

In addition to the paperwork, shippers are encouraged to work with carriers enrolled in compliance programs that can expedite border processing and reduce inspection delays. These include:

  • C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
  • FAST (Free and Secure Trade)
  • ACI/ACE systems for advance shipment notification

Failure to meet documentation or compliance standards can result in customs delays, additional inspections, penalties, or even the refusal of shipments. Shippers should verify that all documents are consistent, properly labeled, and submitted within required timelines to avoid disruptions at the border.

Common Challenges with Cross-Border Freight

Cross-border shipping introduces challenges that require proactive management. The most common issues include:

  • Delays at customs due to documentation inaccuracies
  • Tariffs that fluctuate unpredictably and impact the cost
  • Equipment shortages for specialized freight like hazmat or reefer loads
  • Visibility gaps when working with uncertified or brokered carriers
  • Handling inconsistencies that compromise time-sensitive deliveries

ET Transport: A Trusted Cross-Border Carrier

For businesses seeking a reliable cross-border logistics partner, choosing a certified, asset-based carrier is essential. ET Transport meets this standard with proven expertise in temperature-sensitive, hazardous materials (HazMat), and time-critical freight. The company’s 24/7 tracking and warehousing capabilities in Moncton, combined with real-time dispatch, ensure dependable performance on U.S.–Canada routes.

Practical Tips to Ensure a Seamless Cross-Border Delivery

A Fleet of ET Transport trucks ready for cross-border freight services

Delays and compliance issues often arise from simple oversights. To help prevent disruptions at the Canada–U.S. border, logistics professionals should keep the following in mind:

  • Prepare documents early: Submitting customs forms and commercial invoices in advance reduces clearance delays.
  • Work with certified carriers: Selecting partners enrolled in C-TPAT and FAST programs streamlines border processing and reduces inspection risks.
  • Avoid high-traffic clearance times: Scheduling shipments to coincide with off-peak customs hours can save hours in transit.
  • Ensure accuracy in cargo details: Discrepancies in value, classification, or quantity are common causes of rejection.
  • Establish clear communication: Share all special handling or timing requirements with your carrier upfront.

Conclusion

Cross-border trucking success depends on reliable partners, accurate documentation, and proper compliance. Selecting a carrier with the necessary certifications, equipment, and expertise can substantially reduce risk and enhance delivery performance.

👉 Request a tailored quote today to streamline your cross-border operations.