top of page

How Does Cross Border Freight Impact Shipping Times?

  • U.S. Traffic Team
  • Aug 18
  • 6 min read
How Does Cross Border Freight Impact Shipping Times?

It’s Not Just a Border, It’s a Bottleneck (Sometimes)

Shipping cargo across town? Easy. Across state lines? Manageable. Across an international border? Now things get interesting.

If your business moves goods between the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, then you already know that cross border freight isn't just a matter of geography—it's a matter of timing, paperwork, compliance, and yes, sometimes a bit of patience. Whether you're shipping a single pallet of electronics or truckloads of raw materials, border crossings can impact your delivery windows more than you might expect.

At U.S. Traffic, we’ve been helping companies navigate the complexities of cross border freight since 1981. Over the decades, we’ve seen how customs procedures, documentation hiccups, regulatory changes, and plain old traffic at the port of entry can turn what should be a routine shipment into a logistical headache. But with the right strategy, planning, and partner in your corner (hi, that's us), you can keep your supply chain running smoothly and your shipping times predictable.

Let’s take a closer look at how cross border freight can affect your delivery timeline—and what you can do to stay ahead of the game.



What Exactly Is Cross Border Freight?

Before we dig into the impact on timelines, let’s define what we’re talking about.

Cross border freight refers to the movement of goods from one country to another—most commonly between the U.S. and Canada, or the U.S. and Mexico. It can involve a variety of shipping modes, including:

  • Truckload (TL) and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)

  • Intermodal (rail + truck)

  • Air freight for expedited delivery

  • Ocean freight for international and offshore shipments

But here’s the catch: once your cargo reaches the border, it doesn’t just roll through like it’s passing a state line. It goes through customs clearance, which includes inspection, documentation review, and sometimes—though hopefully not often—delays.

That’s where the real timeline shifts can begin.



The Top Ways Cross Border Freight Impacts Shipping Times

1. Customs Clearance = Clock Ticking

The most obvious factor affecting shipping time is the customs clearance process. Every shipment that crosses a border must be declared, documented, and cleared by the receiving country’s customs agency.

If all paperwork is accurate and complete? Smooth sailing. But if even one form is missing or a shipment is misclassified, expect delays.

Common customs-related causes of delays:

  • Missing commercial invoices or bills of lading

  • Incorrect HS codes (Harmonized System codes)

  • Misdeclared values or contents

  • Delayed broker submissions

  • Random inspections

The solution? Work with a carrier or freight partner (like U.S. Traffic) who knows the drill and double-checks everything before your truck even hits the road.



2. Border Congestion Is Real—And It’s Seasonal

Just like highways get clogged during rush hour, so do borders—especially the busiest ports of entry like Detroit-Windsor, Buffalo-Niagara, and Laredo.

During peak seasons (think holidays, harvest time, or trade surges), wait times at border crossings can stretch from minutes to hours. Factor in limited customs staff, increased inspections, and—you guessed it—your delivery times start to creep.

Pro tip: Using lesser-known crossings or off-peak travel windows can help. A savvy logistics provider can reroute freight to avoid bottlenecks and keep you on schedule.



3. Broker Coordination: One Missed Email = One Missed Deadline

Your customs broker plays a critical role in keeping cross border freight moving. They handle filings, coordinate with customs officials, and ensure compliance with all entry requirements.

If there’s a breakdown in communication between your freight carrier and your broker—say, paperwork wasn’t submitted in time or the wrong arrival notice was filed—your shipment sits. And when freight sits, you lose time (and money).

Working with a transportation company that coordinates directly with brokers (like we do at U.S. Traffic) ensures smoother handoffs and less time waiting for someone to "find the file."



4. Different Rules in Different Countries = Different Expectations

Even within North America, regulations vary widely. What’s routine on the U.S. side of the border might require extra steps in Canada or Mexico.

Examples:

  • Canada: Requires detailed origin info, NAFTA/USMCA certificates (where applicable), and labeling requirements.

  • Mexico: Uses a pedimento for customs declarations and often requires coordination with a Mexican customs broker.

  • U.S.: Demands strict compliance with FDA, USDA, or DOT regulations depending on the product.

Each layer of compliance adds time—but only if you're unprepared. A provider that understands these nuances can ensure your documents and packaging are right the first time.



5. Transloading and Equipment Changes Take Time

Many cross border shipments involve transloading—the process of transferring cargo from one trailer or carrier to another, often due to regulations, insurance requirements, or geographic limitations.

For example:

  • A Canadian truck can only travel so far into the U.S. before handing off to a U.S. carrier, and vice versa.

  • In Mexico, it’s common to switch trailers and drivers at the border due to local laws.

These transitions are planned, but they add steps—and steps add time. The good news? When managed well, these transfers are seamless and barely noticeable to you or your customer.



How to Minimize Shipping Delays in Cross Border Freight

Now that we’ve identified the challenges, let’s talk solutions. Because here’s the truth: cross border freight doesn’t have to slow you down—but it does require a different level of planning and expertise.

Here’s how to keep your timelines tight:

Use a Single-Source Logistics Partner

When one provider manages your shipment from origin to destination, there’s less risk of miscommunication and delay. U.S. Traffic offers door-to-door cross border freight coordination so there’s no confusion between carriers, brokers, or dispatchers.

Plan Ahead for Clearance

Don’t wait until your shipment reaches the border to submit documents. Our team ensures customs paperwork is pre-submitted and pre-cleared whenever possible, so trucks can keep rolling.

Leverage Technology for Real-Time Tracking

We provide tracking updates and shipment visibility, so you know exactly where your cargo is—and if there’s a hiccup, we’re on it before it becomes a full-blown issue.

Know (and Respect) the Details

From packing lists to invoices to proper classification codes, the details matter. We help our clients get it right upfront, preventing costly and time-consuming rework later.



Case Study – From Warehouse to Warehouse, On Time and In Sync

Let’s say you’re a Canadian manufacturer shipping precision components to a customer in Ohio. Time is tight. Your delivery needs to arrive within 48 hours to prevent a production delay.

Here’s how U.S. Traffic gets it done:

  1. We pre-clear the shipment with U.S. Customs and ensure the commercial invoice, NAFTA/USMCA certificate, and bill of lading are correct.

  2. We coordinate with both brokers—one on the Canadian side and one on the U.S. side—to streamline documentation.

  3. We schedule a dedicated truck with team drivers to minimize downtime.

  4. Our tracking software provides real-time updates from pickup to delivery.

  5. Delivery is completed ahead of schedule, avoiding penalties and production downtime.

That’s not just logistics—it’s logistics with intention.



Why U.S. Traffic Is Your Cross Border Freight Ally

We’re not just another freight company—we’re your partner in cross border logistics. Since 1981, U.S. Traffic has helped companies throughout North America move their goods efficiently, safely, and without surprises.

Here’s why clients trust us:

  • 40+ years of cross border expertise between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

  • 24/7 support and dedicated account managers who actually answer the phone

  • In-house compliance specialists to keep you aligned with changing regulations

  • Custom solutions whether you're moving one skid or a full truckload

  • Bilingual staff for seamless coordination across all borders

We believe cross border freight shouldn’t feel like crossing your fingers. It should be predictable, proactive, and handled by people who actually know what they’re doing (and we do).



Final Thoughts – Crossing Borders Without Crossed Wires

When it comes to managing timelines, cross border freight doesn’t have to be a wild card. Yes, borders bring extra layers of logistics complexity—but with preparation, experience, and the right partners in place, you can move your goods quickly and reliably between countries without blowing up your schedule (or your blood pressure).

At U.S. Traffic, we bring clarity to the chaos of international shipping. From customs clearance and broker coordination to route planning and real-time tracking, we handle the details so you can focus on your business—not on border delays.

If your shipments are crossing into the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, let us help you build a smarter, smoother freight strategy. Because whether you're shipping widgets or wind turbines, on-time delivery doesn't stop at the border—it starts with the right partner.



Ready to Move Freight Across Borders Without the Headache?

If you're shipping freight between the U.S., Canada, or Mexico and you want reliable delivery without red tape delays, U.S. Traffic is your trusted logistics ally. We’ve been helping North American businesses streamline their cross border freight since 1981. Whether you're looking for full truckload, LTL, intermodal, or expedited options, our experienced team delivers clear communication, real-time tracking, and compliance support every step of the way.

Let us help you simplify your shipping and keep your timelines on track.

We hope you continue to browse our page at www.ustraffic.com or contact us directly to learn how our cross border freight solutions can give your business a competitive edge—without the delays.


Comments


bottom of page