Cross border shipping with Trans-Inter Logistik delivers customs-ready freight and transport solutions designed to prevent delays and unexpected costs. We provide compliance support, documentation guidance, transparent rates, and reliable transit times across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, with proactive tracking from pickup to final delivery.

Cross Border Shipping Solutions for Businesses

Trans-Inter Logistik delivers comprehensive cross-border shipping solutions designed for businesses navigating the complexities of international logistics between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Our customs-ready approach ensures your shipments move efficiently across borders while maintaining full compliance with international regulations.

Who We Help

Our cross border shipping service supports manufacturers managing production materials and finished goods, distributors coordinating supply chain networks, eCommerce businesses scaling internationally, and importers/exporters requiring reliable customs clearance and documentation support. Whether you’re shipping commercial goods in small parcels or coordinating full truckload shipping, we provide the infrastructure and expertise to move your freight seamlessly across North American borders.

Common Shipping Lanes

We specialize in North American cross-border shipments across key trade corridors: Canada to U.S., U.S. to Canada, and Canada/U.S. to Mexico routes. Our multimodal network covers major border crossings and freight terminals, ensuring optimal routing regardless of your origin or destination. From Toronto to Texas, Vancouver to California, or Montreal to the Midwest, our carrier network delivers predictable transit times and transparent pricing.

What You Get with Trans-Inter Logistik

As a licensed freight broker with deep roots in cross-border freight logistics, we bring 25+ years of experience navigating customs compliance programs, carrier partnerships, and border clearance procedures. Our compliance-first process means every shipment includes proper customs documentation, accurate HS codes, and coordination with customs brokers to prevent delays. You gain access to our vetted carrier network, competitive carrier rates, and a third-party logistics partner committed to moving your products efficiently.

Our Cross Border Freight Services

Cross Border Trucking (FTL and LTL)

Our truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) services provide flexible capacity for shipments of any size. Full truckload shipping offers dedicated capacity for large volumes, while LTL shipping allows you to share space and reduce costs for smaller freight. Both options include complete customs support, tracking visibility, and documentation handling from pickup through final delivery.

Cross Border Expedited & Express Shipping

When time is critical, our expedited cross-border shipping solutions prioritize your freight through dedicated routing and accelerated customs clearance. Express shipping options deliver faster transit times for urgent manufacturing components, automotive parts, or time-sensitive eCommerce orders, ensuring your customer commitments are met without compromise.

Cross Border Intermodal and Rail Options

Our intermodal services combine truck, rail, and when needed, air freight to optimize cost and speed. Rail options provide economical solutions for non-urgent bulk shipments, while our intermodal network allows seamless transitions between transportation modes, reducing overall shipping costs while maintaining service reliability across longer distances.

Cross Border Temperature-Controlled and Specialized Freight

Regulated goods require specialized handling. We coordinate temperature-controlled shipping for food products, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive freight. Our carrier network includes specialized equipment for oversized loads, pallets with unique handling requirements, and high-value shipments requiring additional security and insurance coverage.

How Cross Border Shipping Works

Understanding the cross-border shipping process helps you plan effectively and avoid common pitfalls that cause delays:

  • Share shipment details: You send us the origin, destination, pickup/delivery dates, commodity, weight/dimensions, and any special handling needs.
  • We recommend the best service: We help you choose the right solution (LTL, FTL, expedited, intermodal) based on transit time, budget, and cargo requirements.
  • Get a fast quote and confirmed plan: You receive clear pricing, estimated transit time, and a shipment plan optimized for cross-border movement.
  • Documentation and compliance check: We guide you on required paperwork (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, HS code, declared value) to reduce customs issues.
  • Pickup and secure transport: Your freight is scheduled for pickup and moved through trusted carriers across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
  • Border crossing and customs coordination: We support the clearance process and help prevent delays caused by missing documents, incorrect classification, or restricted goods.
  • Tracking and proactive updates: You get shipment visibility, milestone tracking, and proactive communication if any exceptions occur. 
  • Final delivery and proof of delivery: We ensure delivery completion, confirm POD, and support any follow-up needs such as claims or recurring lane optimization.

Customs Clearance, Brokerage and Trade Compliance

Trans-Inter Logistik partners with experienced customs brokers who handle classification, valuation, and documentation review, ensuring every shipment meets compliance standards before reaching the border. We take a proactive approach to trade compliance, helping you understand which customs compliance programs may benefit your business.

By managing customs documents, coordinating with border authorities, and maintaining proper records, we minimize the risk of delays, penalties, or rejected shipments that can disrupt your supply chain and disappoint your customer base.

Why Companies Choose Trans-Inter Logistik for Cross Border Shipping

25+ Years of Cross-Border Logistics Experience

We specialize in international logistics across North America. This deep experience means we anticipate challenges before they arise, maintain relationships with border authorities and customs brokers, and understand the nuances of shipping regulations across Canadian, American, and Mexican jurisdictions.

Carrier Safety Compliance and Risk Control

We maintain rigorous carrier vetting standards, verifying safety ratings, insurance coverage, and compliance records. Our carrier network consists exclusively of certified, vetted carriers who meet our performance and safety standards, protecting your freight and reducing risk throughout the shipping journey.

Competitive Tariffs and Optimized Routing

Through strategic partnerships and volume negotiations, we secure competitive carrier rates that we pass through to clients. Our route optimization considers border crossing efficiency, traffic patterns, and customs processing times to deliver the best combination of speed and cost-effectiveness.

Sustainable Logistics Practices

Environmental responsibility matters to us and our clients. We optimize routing to reduce empty miles, leverage intermodal services when appropriate to minimize carbon footprint, and partner with carriers implementing fuel-efficient technologies and sustainable operating practices.

 Industries We Support

Manufacturing and Industrial Freight

From raw materials to finished products, we handle the inventory management and shipping coordination that keeps manufacturing operations running smoothly. Whether coordinating just-in-time delivery or managing seasonal production surges, our fulfillment network adapts to your manufacturing cycle.

Retail and eCommerce Cross-Border Shipping

Online sellers need reliable cross-border eCommerce shipping that scales with demand. We support both B2C parcels and B2B shipments, providing the customs expertise and delivery reliability that builds customer trust in your brand while shipping products across borders efficiently.

Automotive and Parts

The automotive industry demands precision timing and careful handling. We coordinate automotive parts shipments with appropriate equipment, proper securing of pallets and crates, and documentation that satisfies industry-specific customs requirements.

Food and Regulated Goods

Temperature-controlled shipping for food products requires specialized equipment and careful compliance with food safety regulations at the Canadian Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs. We coordinate the certifications, documentation, and carrier capabilities needed for regulated goods that must meet stringent safety and quality standards.

Medical and High-Value Shipments

Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and high-value products require enhanced security, precise temperature control, and expedited customs clearance. Our specialized handling protocols protect valuable cargo while meeting regulatory requirements for medical and pharmaceutical logistics.

Ready to ship across the border?

Cross Border Shipping FAQs

What is Cross-Border Shipping?

Cross-border shipping involves transporting goods across international borders between countries, requiring customs clearance, proper documentation, and compliance with both exporting and importing nations’ regulations. This includes moving freight between Canada, the United States, and Mexico across North American trade corridors.

How Do I Ship from Canada to the U.S.?

Shipping from Canada to the U.S. requires a commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, and proper customs documentation including HS codes for classification. You’ll need to determine product value, country of origin, and arrange customs clearance through a customs broker or freight forwarder who coordinates with U.S. Customs on your behalf.

What Documents Do I Need for Cross-Border Shipping?

Essential customs documents include a commercial invoice detailing products and values, Bill of Lading specifying carrier and routing information, Customs Invoice for border authorities, Certificate of Origin proving product origin for preferential duty rates, and packing lists. Some commodities require additional certifications depending on product type and destination.

How Much Does Cross-Border Shipping Cost?

Affordable cross-border shipping service pricing depends on shipment weight, dimensions, distance, service speed, and mode of transport. Freight brokers like Trans-Inter Logistik can compare carrier rates across our network to find optimal pricing. Remember that total cost includes base freight charges plus potential duties and taxes, customs brokerage fees, fuel surcharges, and accessorial charges for special handling.

Do I Need to Pay Duties or Taxes When Shipping Across the Border?

Most commercial goods crossing international borders incur customs duties and taxes based on product classification, declared value, and country of origin. Rates vary by commodity type (determined by HS codes) and whether preferential trade agreements apply. De minimis exemptions may eliminate duties on qualifying low-value shipments. Proper Incoterms clarify who bears responsibility for these charges (shipper or recipient).

How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?

Typical customs clearance takes 1-4 hours for straightforward shipments with proper documentation. Delays occur when customs documents are incomplete, commodity descriptions are unclear, or border agents flag shipments for detailed inspection. Automated customs documentation systems and pre-clearance programs can expedite processing for qualified shippers.

What Causes Border Delays and How Can I Avoid Them?

Common causes include incomplete or inaccurate customs documentation, incorrect HS codes, missing certificates, unclear commodity descriptions, or shipments containing restricted items. Avoid delays by ensuring your commercial invoice matches your Bill of Lading, using precise product descriptions, selecting accurate harmonized system codes, declaring correct product value, and working with experienced customs brokers who verify documentation before your shipment reaches border crossings.

Request a Quote for Cross Border Shipping

Whether you need ocean freight, air freight, or ground transportation across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, our team brings the expertise, carrier network, and customs knowledge to deliver reliable results. We support your shipments with end-to-end coordination, including route planning, documentation guidance, and cross-border compliance support to help prevent delays at the border. From time-sensitive deliveries to high-volume freight lanes, we focus on transparent communication, competitive rates, and consistent transit times so your cargo moves smoothly from origin to final destination.

The Best Cross Border Shipping Service