Choose your cross-border corridor
Every corridor has its own rules, documents and pitfalls. We built a dedicated page for each of the two major North American routes, with the customs details specific to each.
Getting your freight across the border should not be a headache. Trans-Inter Logistik coordinates your cross-border shipments between Canada, the United States and Mexico: the right carrier, the border crossing and end-to-end tracking, all under one roof.
Twenty-five years of outsmarting borders so your freight arrives on time.
Canada–United States cross-border shipping
The highest-volume corridor: direct border crossing, C-TPAT and FAST programs, US documentation.
See our Canada–United States cross-border shipping page for the full picture.
Canada–Mexico cross-border shipping
A double border (transiting through the United States), Mexican customs formalities and direct CPKC rail.
See our Canada–Mexico cross-border shipping page for the full picture.
Every mode of cross-border freight
Our strength is managing every mode under one roof. We pick the one that best balances cost and transit time for your shipment.
Road transport, FTL and LTL
Trucking remains the backbone of cross-border freight. We arrange full truckload (FTL) for your large volumes and less than truckload (LTL) when you share the trailer, all through road transport across North America.
Intermodal and rail
For long distances, intermodal transportation combines road and rail to cut your costs and your carbon footprint.
Air and ocean
When the clock is ticking or the distance demands it, air freight and ocean freight take over.
Temperature-controlled and specialized freight
Food, pharmaceutical or oversized loads: our temperature-controlled shipping and specialized equipment keep your sensitive goods safe.
Get your cross-border shipping rates
Tell us from where to where, and we will come back to you with the right mode at the best rate.
How cross-border shipping works
Understanding the process helps you avoid the pitfalls that cause delays at the border. Here is how we work:
- You share the details. Origin, destination, dates, cargo, weight and dimensions.
- We recommend the right service. LTL, FTL, expedited or intermodal, depending on your timeline and budget.
- You receive a clear quote. Rate, estimated transit time and an optimized shipping plan.
- We verify the documentation. We make sure your file is complete before departure to avoid holdups at the border.
- We coordinate the border crossing. With customs brokers and our vetted carriers, we track your load through to final delivery, with proof of delivery.
Border crossing, documents and compliance
This is where most shipments go off the rails: one missing document or a wrong classification, and your freight sits at the border. We work with experienced customs brokers who handle classification, valuation and document review before your shipment reaches the border crossing.
The documents that keep a crossing smooth:
- the commercial invoice detailing value and goods;
- the bill of lading (BOL) and the packing list;
- the HS code for customs classification;
- the certificate of origin for preferential duty rates.
One point that often gets confused: a freight broker and a freight forwarder do not play the same role. We coordinate and negotiate; customs clearance goes through a licensed customs broker we work with hand in hand.
Why choose Trans-Inter Logistik
- Over 25 years of experience. Active across North America since 2000, we anticipate challenges before they arise and know the regulatory nuances of all three countries.
- A network of vetted carriers. Safety ratings, insurance and compliance all validated: your freight travels only with carriers that meet our standards.
- Competitive rates and optimized routing. Our volumes and partnerships earn us strong rates, which we optimize around border-crossing efficiency.
- More sustainable logistics. We favour intermodal where it makes sense to reduce the carbon footprint of your shipments.
Since 2000, we have treated every load as if it were our own.
Industries we serve
We move freight for businesses across every sector: manufacturing and industrial (raw materials and finished goods on just-in-time flows), retail and e-commerce (B2C parcels and B2B shipments), automotive and parts (precise timing and careful handling), food and regulated goods (cold chain and compliance), as well as medical and high-value shipments (enhanced security and priority border crossing).
Frequently asked questions about cross-border shipping
What is cross-border shipping?
It is the transportation of goods across international borders, which requires customs clearance, proper documentation and compliance with the regulations of both the exporting and importing countries. In North America, it covers freight moving between Canada, the United States and Mexico.
What documents are required?
The essential documents include the commercial invoice, the bill of lading, the packing list, the HS code for classification and the certificate of origin for preferential duty rates. Some goods require additional certifications depending on the product and the destination.
How long does customs clearance take?
With complete and accurate documentation, customs clearance often takes 1 to 4 hours. Delays mostly come from incomplete documents, incorrect HS codes or shipments flagged for inspection. A customs broker who reviews everything in advance keeps that risk to a minimum.
Which corridor applies to my shipment?
If you are shipping to the United States, see our Canada–United States page; to Mexico, our Canada–Mexico page. Each one details the programs, documents and transit times specific to that corridor.
Your cross-border shipping partner
Ready to get your goods across without the stress? We handle the border, you run your business.