(604) 757 2441
When you’re involved with cross-border shipping, there will always be a possibility that your shipment may be stopped for inspection. The purpose of this inspection is not to waste anyone’s time, but to ensure correct taxation and to protect the health and wellness of the population. There are many restrictions in place on what can be imported and exported across the border, and there are individuals who continually abuse and break those laws. If you are crossing the border, follow the procedures below and be prepared, this can make your stop much faster and go smoothly.
Have the Correct Documentation
When crossing the border our trailer may be opened so that border guards can inspect the cargo. In some cases they may open up boxes and crates for a more thorough inspection. You should be prepared for a border crossing by having all of the correct documentation ready for review well in advance of crossing the border. These items include:
- Customs invoices
- Certificates of origin
- Bill of lading
- Hazardous Goods Information
These documents will assist the border guards identifying everything that needs to be identified. Additionally, if all of your cargo is properly labeled, this will help speed up the process. These will reduce the amount of questions the guards need to ask, and provide them with answers quickly.
Possible Inspection Fees
When your shipment is selected for inspection, it is quite common to be charged for associated costs. Driver wait time, trailer detention, warehouse labor, storage, in-bond fees, customs brokerage and re delivery are all charges that could be incurred during the border inspection process.
Be Honest & Transparent
To prevent any problems at the border, be honest with the customs broker and inspection agent. If you answer their questions clearly it will help prevent any issues during the process. If you withhold any information from the agent and they discover this later in their inspection it may result in a much longer interview process, or the shipment could be refused entry into the country (that gets really expensive).
Be prepared when you are transporting goods across the border. Equip your driver or yourself with sufficient documentation and understanding of what’s being shipped, and what restrictions apply. If you have any questions about your shipment, and taking it across the border, contact us at 1-604-757-2441. We have been trucking cross-border for years and we understand the rules and regulations of cross-border shipping.