Largest Obstacle to Canadian Markets | Customs

November 17 – JERICHO, NY – – A 2010 study of U.S. businesses that ship regularly to Canada found that of those businesses that had experienced border crossing delays, Customs-related issues were the cause 82 percent of the time. The survey, which was conducted by Peerless Media Research Group on behalf of Logistics Management magazine, reinforces the need for businesses to ensure that their logistics provider has the experience and qualifications necessary to navigate the Canadian customs process.

“These survey results are not surprising,” said Mike Locke, Director of Transportation Services with Purolator USA, a leading provider of U.S./Canada cross border logistics. “Many carriers will inform businesses of their experience with the Canadian border clearance process, assuming it is a simple process.

“Many carriers take a ‘how hard can it be?’ attitude to clearing the Canadian border, since our two countries are in close proximity,” Locke continued. “But the fact is that a high degree of expertise and experience are needed to ensure a hassle-free clearance.”

Purolator USA, a unit of Purolator Courier Ltd., Canada’s leading overnight courier company, is recognized for its expertise and efficiency in U.S./Canada cross border logistics. The company offers seamless compliance with the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) compliance protocols and regulatory mandates. Purolator Courier is a certified participant in the CBSA’s trusted shipper programs including Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and Partners in Protection (PIP).

Purolator’s strong relationships with both the CBSA and the U.S. Customs Border Patrol, allow the company to offer a comprehensive landed cost. “Offering customers a comprehensive “landed” cost is hugely important both to our customers and to us as a reputable carrier,” Locke said. “Many U.S. businesses have had to endure the outrage of having their customers presented with an unexpected bill at time of delivery, for taxes, fees and even penalties that accrued because of the carrier’s oversight.”

With U.S. exports to Canada expected to increase in 2011, so too will the need for qualified logistics providers. The survey revealed that most businesses plan to enlist the services of a freight forwarder for their cross border logistics needs. But with so much at stake, and with so many carriers claiming to have Canadian expertise, it truly is a “buyer beware” situation.

For more information about Purolator USA, please visit www.purolatorusa.com.

About Purolator USA 

Purolator USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Purolator Courier Ltd, Canada’s leading overnight courier company. Purolator USA specializes in the air and surface forwarding of Express, Freight and Parcel shipments, customs brokerage, fulfillment and delivery services to, from and within Canada.

In addition to facilities throughout New York, Purolator USA has locations in key markets including Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto.