Cross-Border Shipping

Cross-border shipping might feel daunting at first, but FreightSimple streamlines the process for you, so you can spend time on more important things.

Because you are moving goods across a border, those goods must clear customs to be allowed into the destination country. This is similar to when you show your passport at an airport.

FreightSimple streamlines your shipments by working with the carrier to pre-clear your freight.

The key thing to remember is successful pre-clearance means no delays in your freight. Failure to pre-clear will result in multi-day delays.

As the booker of the shipment you have a few responsibilities:

1. Select a customs broker that can handle your shipment

   You will be asked to enter these details when booking a cross-border shipment in FreightSimple. Incorrect details will result in delays to your shipment.

   Please double-check that your broker supports your pickup location and the type of commodity you are moving.For example, not all brokers handle freight moving into Canada.

2. Pay customs duties and fees

   Pay any brokerage or duties that the customs broker advises you about.

3. Complete your customs documents and upload them to FreightSimple before pickup

   Typically, customs documents are made up of a commercial invoice and any relevant certificates of origin. FreightSimple will then relay this electronically to the carrier so that they can contact the broker and begin pre-clearance. You must also make sure the shipper has a copy to give to the driver at pickup. A driver will refuse a cross-border pickup that is missing customs documents.

4. Be responsive

   FreightSimple, the carrier, or your customs broker may need to contact you as part of the pre-clearance process. Missed communication can delay the shipment.

If your pickup locations are close to a border, and you want to book same-day pickups we recommend finding a responsive broker with either extended or 24 hour service. Shipments like this run on a tight schedule with only a couple of hours leeway to clear customs. Failure to clear customs on time will result in a delayed delivery.

Assuming you follow the steps above, pre-clearance should run smoothly and your freight should arrive when you are expecting it!