Canada Canadian Border Crossing Insights

[danielsf]

I posted a while back about industry info for an academic project I am doing. Thanks to every who replied.

My project involves researching ways that expedite companies can grow in the midwest facing a declining automotive industry.

I have had two people mention the value that an expediter could provide by improving on the Canadian border crossing experience. It seems that because of all the border complications, most carriers would rather avoid these freights rather than deal with customs and regulations.

I am wondering if anyone has any personal insight into a crossing the Canadian border frequently. Would a carrier "specializing" in such a service provide value for owner/operators? Is it even possible for a carrier to invest in border crossing? Why has this not happened already?

On a side not, I am curious why a carrier just does not use two owner/operators, one on the US side, and the other on the Canadian side, and just switch the freight. It seems like this would solve the problem of communicating expedite between US/Canadian carriers.

Thanks,
Matthew
[email protected]

 

[greg334]

The complications are with the US side. In order for this to actually improve there has to be a clear goal and a visionary leader in the DHS to push this to a reality.

Border crossings are more or less governed by treaties, not by general agreements. Treaties are ratified through congress and parliment and changes to the system is something that could be a problem with the ida of investing into the system.

I don't believe that a new bridge will help, but what would would be a better comunications between the US officals and the public.

On the idea of transfering a load, this is a more time consuming operation, and time is money.

 

[simon says]

Several points in response:
1) Many expeditors do not want to DU into Canada (or cannot due to personal/legal issues. There are some who will not even do an in-transit move across Ontario to Buffalo.
For most, it's the issue of dealing with U.S. customs coming back in. IF one has the FAST card (for which you are finger-printed), has his paperwork in order (bar-coded PARS sticker or line release form), then crossing into & out of Canada is usually a breeze. But, I have had my cab and sleeper turned upside down just coming back empty through the FAST (literally) quick lane passing all the other trucks. Customs was allegedly looking for smuggled drugs utilizing the FASt lane to clear quickly...and they don't act too nice about upsetting your stuff with their muddy shoes.

2) Most expediting carriers love to have Canada authorized trucks, but to force them to cross means they would lose trucks. At times, some companies are very weak at getting freight out (not mentioning names!)

3) A new bridge span will help crossing at Windsor, and new regs will mean that by 2008, those crossing will need passports and pre-authorized freight clearance, or will be turned away.

4) Every major company has cross-border freight; we can pick up in the US and deliver into Canada, Pick up in Canada and back to US. No picks & deliveries inside Canada. Same for Canadian drivers.

As Greg mentioned, if all trucks stopped at one side or other to transfer, all trade would grind to a halt. Terminals large enough do not exist! Currently, most US bound freight from Mexico works this way: we drop in Laredo, and Mexican trucks pick it up and go back over. But that is changing...Some US companies now service Mexico as well, and a pilot program to let Mexican companies in to US is underway.