What you need before your freight crosses the border
Every cross-border shipment needs a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and -- depending on what you're shipping -- a customs entry filed by a licensed broker on the US side. Missing or incomplete paperwork is the single most common reason freight gets held at the border, so having your documents accurate and ready before pickup is the difference between a smooth crossing and a multi-day delay.
Shipmate works with customs brokers on both sides of the border and can help make sure your paperwork matches what's actually on the truck before it arrives at the crossing, which is where most hold-ups start.
FTL vs LTL for cross-border freight
Full truckload keeps your freight on one trailer and one bill of lading for the entire trip, which simplifies customs clearance since there's only one shipment to process at the border. It's the more straightforward option for larger loads and for anything time-sensitive.
LTL cross-border freight moves with other shippers' freight in the same trailer, which means multiple bills of lading and potentially multiple customs entries processed at once. It costs less for smaller shipments but can add time at the border compared to a dedicated FTL truck.
Avoiding delays at the border
Beyond paperwork, delays usually come down to timing -- crossing during peak hours at a busy port of entry, or arriving without a pre-filed customs entry. Working with a broker who books capacity on your specific lane and knows which crossings run faster for your freight type makes a real difference on transit time.
Ready to price your next load? Request a free estimate and a Shipmate specialist will respond with exact rates during business hours, or call (905) 508-6632.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to ship freight from Canada to the US?
At minimum you'll need a commercial invoice and a bill of lading, plus a customs entry filed by a licensed broker. Certain goods also require additional permits or certificates. Shipmate can walk you through exactly what your shipment needs before it ships.
How long does cross-border shipping take from Canada to the US?
FTL freight typically clears and delivers in 1 to 5 business days depending on the lane and how busy the border crossing is. LTL freight usually takes 2 to 7 business days since it may share a trailer and make multiple stops.
Is FTL or LTL cheaper for cross-border freight?
For smaller shipments, LTL is usually cheaper since you only pay for the space you use. For larger shipments, FTL often becomes the better value once you factor in LTL's per-shipment accessorial and customs handling fees. Request a quote and we'll tell you which makes more sense for your load.