Cross-border trucking
Bay Area freight to and from Canada and Mexico, customs paperwork lined up before the truck reaches the border. One dispatcher to the final dock.
- COUNTRIES
- US · Canada · Mexico
- CROSSINGS
- Laredo · Otay Mesa · Blaine
- CUSTOMS
- Broker coordinated
- EQUIPMENT
- Van · reefer · flatbed
- QUOTE COST
- Free
01 / WHAT WE MOVE
Freight between the U.S., Canada and Mexico
Cross-border trucking moves freight from the Bay Area into Canada or Mexico, or back, with the customs paperwork filed before the truck reaches the crossing. Loads into Mexico usually transfer to a Mexican carrier at the border.
- Full truckloads to Canada and Mexico
- LTL pallets across the border
- Produce and food in reefers
- Steel and machinery on flatbeds
- Parts for plants in Mexico and Canada
- Imports back to the Bay Area
02 / WHAT WE HANDLE
Paperwork, the crossing and both sides
One dispatcher plans the move from your dock to the final dock across the border.
Customs coordination
We work with your customs broker or ours and pre-file the entry.
Bonded carriers
Carriers with the bonds, permits and border programs the crossing needs.
Border transfer
Freight handed to a Mexican or Canadian carrier at the border when the lane needs it.
Border drayage
Short moves to and from the terminals and warehouses at the crossing.
Warehousing near the border
Freight held near the crossing until it can clear or deliver.
Door to door
Pickup in the Bay Area to delivery in Canada or Mexico, or back.
03 / WHAT'S INCLUDED
Paperwork first, then the border
Most border delays are paperwork. We check it before the truck leaves.
Documents checked
Commercial invoice, packing list and certificates reviewed before pickup.
Customs broker coordinated
We work with your broker or ours, and pre-file the entry.
Bonded carriers
Carriers with the bonds, permits and border programs the crossing needs.
Crossing picked for the lane
The port of entry chosen for speed and the kind of freight.
Border status
An update when the truck reaches the border, clears and rolls on.
Appointments on both sides
Pickup and delivery times booked in both countries.
04 / EQUIPMENT
Tell us the lane. We'll match the trailer.
Send the lane, the commodity and the Incoterms. Dispatch plans the crossing.
MOST BOOKEDDry van
Palletized freight across the border in one trailer.
TEMPERATUREReefer
Produce and food across the border at a set temperature.
OPEN DECKFlatbed
Steel, machinery and materials to plants in Mexico and Canada.
05 / WHAT CHECKED PAPERS AVOID
Why documents come before the truck
Most border delays are paperwork. Checking it before pickup avoids these four.
- 01
Hours at the crossing
No truck waiting at the border while a document is chased.
- 02
Storage and detention
Freight held at the border runs up charges by the day.
- 03
A refused entry
Goods that need certificates or permits are checked before they ship.
- 04
A missed delivery
A load that clears on time makes its appointment on the other side.
06 / BORDER LANES
Example border crossings
Miles from the Bay Area to the crossing. Transit includes customs clearance on a normal day.
| LANE | MILES | TRANSIT | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland CAOtay Mesa CA / Tijuana | 510 | 2 days | GET RATE |
| San Jose CANogales AZ / Sonora | 870 | 3 days | GET RATE |
| Stockton CABlaine WA / Vancouver BC | 870 | 3 days | GET RATE |
| Fremont CALaredo TX / Nuevo Laredo | 1,700 | 4–5 days | GET RATE |
| Oakland CADetroit MI / Windsor ON | 2,370 | 5–6 days | GET RATE |
07 / WHAT SETS THE PRICE
Your rate depends on four things
Border and transfer charges are listed on the quote before the freight is booked.
Distance and countries
Miles to the crossing and from the crossing to delivery.
Freight and equipment
Dry van, reefer or flatbed, and how much of the trailer you use.
Customs and brokerage
Broker fees and the filings and documents the goods need.
Time at the border
The crossing chosen, inspections and the wait on the day.
Freight crossing the border?
Send the lane, the commodity and the Incoterms. A dispatcher replies with a rate and the crossing.
08 / WHY SFO FREIGHT
Why shippers book with us
- 01
One dispatcher to the final dock The same person on both sides of the border.
- 02
Paperwork checked before pickup Invoice, packing list and certificates reviewed first.
- 03
On-time guarantee Pickup and delivery happen at the times confirmed when you book the truck.
- 04
Status at the border An update when the truck arrives, clears and rolls on.
- 05
A bilingual team Documents and calls with customs handled by a bilingual team.
- 06
Canada and Mexico Bonded carriers and pre-filed entries at both borders.
10 / CROSS-BORDER QUESTIONS
Straight answers
Don’t see yours? Add it to your quote request and a dispatcher will reply.
What is cross-border trucking?
Cross-border trucking moves freight between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico, with customs paperwork filed and cleared at the border crossing. Loads into Mexico usually transfer to a Mexican carrier at the border.
Do I need my own customs broker?
You can use yours, or we can connect you with one we work with. Either way we coordinate the entry with them.
What documents do I need?
A commercial invoice and packing list at minimum. Some goods also need certificates of origin or permits; we check before pickup.
How long does the border take?
Usually a few hours when the paperwork is filed ahead. Inspections can add time, and we tell you right away.
Can one truck go all the way into Mexico?
On some lanes, yes. On others the freight is transferred at the border to a Mexican carrier. The quote says which.
Do you handle Canada the same way?
Yes, with bonded carriers and pre-filed entries at Blaine, Detroit and other crossings.
11 / GET A QUOTE
Ready to move?
Tell us where it’s going, what it is and when it needs to be there. A dispatcher replies with a rate. No account, no commitment.
- COMMITMENT
- NONE
- QUOTE COST
- FREE