Cross-Border Freight — Canada
Full coverage US–Canada including customs clearance support, PAPS/PARS filing, and lane expertise.
Shipping between the US and Canada requires the right paperwork and carriers who know the border. Route 89 Logistics provides full US–Canada coverage with the customs support to keep your freight moving.
From PAPS and PARS filing to lane planning, we handle the details that prevent delays at the border.
What you get
- Full US–Canada lane coverage
- Customs clearance support and PAPS/PARS filing
- Carriers experienced with cross-border crossings
- Dry van, reefer, and flatbed capacity
- Proactive tracking through the crossing
Ideal for
- Shippers on US–Canada lanes
- Freight requiring customs documentation
- Businesses expanding into Canadian markets
- Time-sensitive cross-border shipments
How it works
Prepare cross-border documentation
We help identify the required documents for your shipment — commercial invoice, packing list, USMCA certificate of origin, and any commodity-specific permits or certifications.
PAPS or PARS filing
PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) is required for southbound US imports; PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) for Canadian exports crossing into the US. We coordinate the filing before the truck reaches the border to minimize crossing time.
Carrier crosses the border
Most US–Canada freight moves on a single carrier that is licensed to operate in both countries, which eliminates the carrier interchange required for Mexico crossings and speeds up transit.
Delivery with tracking through the border
We monitor your shipment through the crossing and into final delivery, with proactive updates so you always know where your freight is.
What affects the price
- US and Canadian origin/destination cities
- Commodity type and applicable duties under USMCA
- Equipment type and Canadian weight limits
- Customs broker fees
- Border crossing point and current wait times
Industries we serve
- Automotive and manufacturing
- Consumer goods and retail
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Technology and electronics
- Food and agricultural products
Frequently asked questions
What are PAPS and PARS filings?
PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System) is used by US Customs to pre-clear Canadian imports before they arrive at the border. PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) is the Canadian equivalent for US exports entering Canada. Filing these electronically before the truck reaches the border speeds up clearance significantly.
Does USMCA reduce tariffs on US–Canada freight?
Yes — for qualifying goods, USMCA (the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement) eliminates or reduces tariffs. A certificate of origin is required to claim USMCA preference. We can help ensure this document is prepared correctly to maximize your duty savings.
Can the same carrier operate in both the US and Canada?
Yes — unlike US–Mexico freight, many carriers are licensed to operate in both the US and Canada. This allows a single carrier to complete the full move without a border interchange, which simplifies coordination and often reduces transit time.
How long does US–Canada cross-border shipping take?
Transit times depend on the lane. A shipment from the US Midwest to Ontario typically takes 2–3 business days. Western Canada lanes from states like Utah, Idaho, or Washington can run similar transit times. We provide lane-specific estimates when you request a quote.
More questions? Visit our full FAQ or contact our team.
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