YRC Freight is the only transportation provider to maintain a dedicated full-time staff at primary border crossings between the United States and Canada.
YRC Freight takes the complexity out of your cross-border shipping. We make sure that your shipment moves through customs just as reliably as it does on the road.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Where will my shipment cross the border?
YRC Freight has dedicated border-crossing experts and twelve Canada/U.S. Customs gateway locations.
- Blaine, Wash./Pacific Highway, BC
- Sweetgrass, MT./Coutts, AB
- Pembina, ND./Emerson, MB
- International Falls, MN / Ft Frances, ON
- Detroit, MI/Windsor, ON
- Port Huron, MI/Sarnia, ON
- Lewiston, NY/Niagara Falls, ON (Lewiston Bridge)
- Buffalo, NY/Fort Erie, ON (Peace Bridge)
- Alexandria Bay, NY/Lansdowne, ON
- Champlain, N.Y./Lacolle, QC
- Derbyline, VT/Stanstead, QC
- Calais, ME/St. Stephen, NB
Where your shipment crosses the border depends on its origin and destination. Our highway dispatch network uses the most-direct route for your goods, assuring efficient, on-time delivery.
Is a customs broker required?
If you’re shipping from the United States to Canada, the Canadian importer or purchaser may use a Canadian Customs Broker. If possible, the shipper should identify the broker or party acting as a broker on the bill of lading.
From Canada, a U.S. consignee needs a U.S. broker/freight forwarder, depending on where the goods will clear customs.
YRC Freight offers broker-inclusive service for U.S.-Canada cross-border business, providing customs broker service along with cross-border transportation.
Can a shipper simply select a forwarding agent and customs broker from a list and provide their names and addresses on the bill of lading?
It is important that the responsible party contact the forwarding agent and/or customs broker(s) to set up an account. Like any business relationship, they will need to agree on the services to be provided, the charges for these services, set up payment or credit terms, etc.
When a customer fails to complete this important step of international shipping, delays are unavoidable at the United States and Canadian borders. When a broker and/or forwarder relationship has been established, all parties involved must be informed as to which forwarding agent and customs broker is/are designated to process each shipment through the border. This should be done before we pick up the shipment.
How much will duties and taxes be?
The importer of record is normally billed by his/her broker for duties and taxes. The customs broker determines duty (if applicable) along with the appropriate taxes and reports those taxes to customs on the client’s behalf.
Is my shipment covered against loss or damage when it is being delivered in the United States?
For moves into the United States from Canada, YRC Freight provides you coverage at $2 per pound unless you request additional insurance coverage.
How are my shipping charges calculated?
It depends on your pricing program. Please contact your local sales representative for a full explanation.
Where can I get help to work out the details when shipping between Canada and the United States?
YRC Freight has border coordinators available to answer all your questions and facilitate cross-border moves.
For Northbound (shipping from the U.S. to Canada) Border Ambassadors can be reached at 800-329-0973.
For Southbound (shipping to the U.S. from Canada), Border Ambassadors can be reached at 866-283-5715.
What international documentation does a Canadian shipper need to provide?
The minimum required documentation includes a bill of lading, a commercial invoice and a packing list. These documents should be provided to YRC Freight when we pick up your shipment.
If other documents are required, such as a NAFTA Certificate of Origin (for specific products); an Export License for regulated products, such as alcohol, firearms, tobacco, etc.; and a Transportation and Exportation (T&E) Customs Bond, your freight forwarding agent and/or customs broker can help you prepare the documents. This is another reason we recommend you communicate with a freight forwarding agent and/or customs broker before shipping cross-border.
Can a shipper or importer do anything else before shipping to help expedite the border-crossing process?
Yes:
- Before shipping a product for the first time, provide all available information about the product, its components and manufacturing process to the customs broker.
- The broker may suggest that a product sample be shipped in advance for inspection and classification.
- The process of classifying some products can be time-consuming, depending on the complexity and types of materials in the products. Advance classification can prevent unnecessary delays at the Mexican border.
Is YRC Freight a freight forwarder or customs broker?
- We provide broker-inclusive service for U.S.-Canada cross-border shipments.
- If you are using our direct service in Mexico, you will need to give us the name and address of a freight forwarder in Laredo or El Paso, Texas, to enable us to properly route your shipment and reduce delays at the Mexican border.