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Streamlined Logistics: 3 Strategies for Cross-Border Success

Published on
December 20, 2024
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By
VCPB

With the possible  implementation of wide-ranging tariffs on imports and changes also could be coming to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). And more U.S. companies could join the nearshoring trend and move their manufacturing operations from Asia to North America.

Any of these developments could significantly impact freight moves at the United States’ borders. It’s crucial for shippers to work with skilled logistics specialists who can efficiently handle the complexities specific to cross-border trade.

Navigating Cross-Border Complexities

In cross-border shipping, there are many I’s to dot and T’s to cross. Missing just one of those dots or crosses can cost time, money, and even customer relationships.

“Navigating the complexities of cross-border transportation presents myriad challenges for shippers,” a Global Trade magazine article said. “The first and most important are customs and border procedures. From documentation and security inspections to border clearance processes, customs, and border crossing procedures can be labor-intensive and intricate for shippers and an intimidating aspect of supply chain operations.”

Expert cross-border logistics providers don’t miss even the most minute details, handling a wide range of services, including customs clearance, tariff classification, risk management, and load coordination.

Strategy 1: Mastering Regulatory Requirement

It is vital for shippers to work with cross-border logistics providers that have mastered the long list of regulatory requirements at all U.S. ports of entry.

“For example, many required documents, such as commercial invoices and USMCA-compliant certificate of origin, must be compiled, and key shipment data such as the names of the exporter, importer, and carrier, points of origin and destination, product weight and size, handling unit, container type for handling unit, piece count on the handling unit, container type for pieces, and more must be submitted electronically several hours before a load gets to the border,”  Global Trade said.

Regulations vary from country to country to further complicate cross-border shipping.

“Differences in regulations related to documentation, safety and emissions standards, taxes, product certifications, permits, driver hours-of-service, and more between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico create compliance challenges for shippers, transportation carriers, and logistics providers,” the trade magazine article said. “Goods must not only comply with the regulations and safety standards of the country of origin but also of those of the receiving country.”

Strategy 2: Enhancing Security and Compliance

“Strict security measures are in place to reduce the threat of terrorism, smuggling, and other illegal activity when shipping goods across the border,” Global Trade said. “This includes customs officials reviewing presented documents and checking any other mandated security requirements. For example, some countries, like the U.S., require security seals to be placed on trailers upon loading to prevent tampering during transit.

“While countries use random selection for inspections, factors such as suspicious goods, flagged countries of origin, new shippers, etc., can impact which shipments are selected. Depending on the risk assessment, physical inspections may be non-intrusive using X-ray systems or require containers to be opened and verified. These inspections can add obstacles to the shipping process.”

Skilled cross-border logistics providers remove as many obstacles to the shipping process as possible while ensuring the freight is secure.

Strategy 3: Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Technology plays an essential role in efficient cross-border operations, according to Realty Times, which advises shippers to work with logistics providers that leverage “advanced software systems for automated document processing, real-time tracking, and compliance management. These technological capabilities not only improve transparency and accuracy but also enable proactive decision-making and responsive customer service.”

Shippers should work with cross-border service providers that utilize the most advanced technologies, including logistics software, to streamline processes and ensure the timely delivery of freight.

VCPB’s Proven Expertise in Cross-Border Shipping

“Experienced brokers bring deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks and operational nuances, ensuring compliance and minimizing the risk of costly errors,” the Realty Times article said. “Their familiarity with local customs procedures and international trade agreements can streamline processes and expedite clearance times. Their ability to handle complex scenarios and provide industry-specific strategic guidance can considerably improve operational efficiency and reduce potential issues during customs processing.”

The veteran cross-border logistics providers at VCPB Transportation have that deep knowledge and reliably facilitate seamless freight moves between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

VCPB Is the Best Partner for Cross-Border Success

At VCPB Transportation, we thoroughly understand all the complexities associated with cross-border shipping. We have you covered whether you’re importing to or exporting from Mexico or Canada.

But we’re not just cross-border experts. We deliver for our customers regardless of their shipping needs, whether it’s produce, expedited, over-the-road, intermodal, or overweight and oversized freight.

Start shipping with VCPB.

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