Services · Cross-border
Freight that crosses a border needs more than a truck: customs brokers, electronic manifests and the right paperwork on both sides. I coordinate the move through the Landstar network, by truck or by rail, so your shipment doesn’t sit at the border.
How it works
Every cross-border shipment needs a customs broker, along with a commercial invoice, a bill of lading and, if you claim duty-free treatment under USMCA, a certification of origin. The carrier files an electronic manifest before the truck reaches the border.
Canada freight usually stays on the same truck from pickup to delivery. Mexico freight either moves through-trailer, with the same trailer going door to door, or changes hands at the border, where a transfer carrier takes the trailer across and a Mexican carrier completes the move. I coordinate the handoffs so the shipment keeps moving.
Landstar is certified under C-TPAT and FAST, the U.S. border security and fast-clearance programs, and has secure drop yards at key border crossings. In Canada, the network includes Canadian-based owner-operators and carriers for freight within Canada as well as across the border, with billing in U.S. or Canadian dollars.
At a glance
Each border works differently. Here’s what to expect.
Through-trailer service is common, with the same truck from pickup to delivery, plus freight within Canada.
Door-to-door service through all major gateways, by through-trailer or with a transfer at the border.
Rail service in and out of Canada and Mexico through contracts with major rail and stack train operators.
Typical loads
Step by step
Commodity, value, HS codes if you have them, weight, and pickup and delivery locations.
Your customs brokers get the commercial invoice and shipping documents before the truck rolls.
The carrier files the electronic manifest and crosses with the release numbers ready.
The shipment completes the move to delivery, with updates along the way.
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In practice, yes. The importing side needs a licensed customs broker to clear the freight, and Mexico shipments need brokers on both sides of the border. If you don’t have one yet, ask me and I’ll help you get set up.
Typically a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, a packing list, and a USMCA certification of origin if you claim duty-free treatment. Mexico shipments also need a Carta Porte and a Mexican customs declaration (pedimento), handled by the Mexican broker.
Usually, for Canada. For Mexico, through-trailer service keeps the same trailer door to door; other shipments transfer at the border, where a crossing carrier takes the trailer across and a Mexican carrier finishes the move.
Yes. Landstar is certified under C-TPAT, U.S. Customs’ supply-chain security program, and FAST, the expedited clearance program for trusted commercial carriers. Both help freight cross with fewer delays.
Yes. Landstar’s rail intermodal service runs in and out of Canada and Mexico through contracts with major rail and stack train operators.
It varies with the crossing, the time of day and the paperwork. Complete documents and pre-filed manifests are the biggest factors in avoiding delays.
Customs requirements change and depend on the commodity. This page is general information, not customs advice; your customs broker confirms what your shipment needs.
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Send the origin, destination, commodity and value, and I’ll plan the crossing with you.
