Purolator USA Offers Regulatory Expertise, Logistics Shortcuts

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JERICHO, NY – April 4, 2008 — Purolator USA, the small-package and freight forwarding subsidiary of Canada’s largest freight services company is pleased to offer unmatched expertise and logistical solutions to U.S. businesses with customers in Canada. Through its “Purolator Trade Solutions” service, customers are able to tap into Purolator USA’s network of trade and logistics specialists to develop transportation plans that allow goods to move between the two countries as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible.

The Trade Solutions service is particularly important now, when U.S. exports to Canada are thriving. The current unfavorable position of the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar has increased the demand among Canadians for “cheaper” U.S. goods. As a result, many U.S. companies are realizing the untapped potential of the Canadian market, and are taking steps to expand their customer base.

However, as enticing as the Canadian market may be, there are still many logistical and regulatory hurdles that a U.S. company must clear.

“Doing business with Canada, despite our similar cultures and shared border, is still doing business with a foreign country,” says Purolator USA President John Costanzo. “U.S. businesses must contend with a range of regulatory and logistical issues before they can ship to Canada. But, through our Trade Solutions services, Purolator USA assumes responsibility for these issues, so our customers can focus on other things.”

Purolator USA Trade Solutions can assist U.S. businesses that do business in Canada in several ways:

Regulatory. Businesses shipping to Canada must comply with an array of statutes and regulations imposed by the U.S. and Canadian governments. While the 1994 USMCA agreement eliminated many trade obstacles and reduced tariffs that previously restricted trade between the two countries, several requirements remain, foremost of which is USMCA’s Certificate of Origin which must be completed.

In addition, both the United States and the Canadian governments have in place numerous programs designed to make it easier for U.S. businesses to ship to Canada. In fact, Canada’s “Non-Resident Importer” program allows U.S. businesses to serve as both exporter and importer of record. This allows U.S. companies to pay fees and tariffs up front, and to “almost” offer service on par with businesses actually located in Canada.

Customs Brokerage. Purolator USA has longstanding relationships with Canadian customs brokers who are experts at navigating the Canadian customs clearance process. This expertise ensures that Purolator USA customers’ shipments are able to move across the border as quickly and seamlessly as possible. In some instances, qualified shipments are able to be “pre-cleared,” meaning that no border delays are incurred. Purolator Trade Solutions offers consultation about this “Pre-Arrival Review System” and all other issues pertaining to customs clearance.

Distribution. Because Purolator USA is the subsidiary of Canada’s largest freight services provider, the company has access to an established distribution network in Canada. This sets Purolator apart from many of its competitors, since Purolator is able to provide access to many lesser-populated regions not serviced by other logistics providers.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that in the 12 months ending January 2008, U.S. businesses exported more than $250 billion in goods to Canada, an increase of 8.8 percent over the same period ending January 2007. This upward trend is expected to continue, as U.S. businesses seek maximum benefit from the favorable export market.

“Purolator Trade Solutions provides invaluable advice and expertise for businesses interested in taking advantage of the favorable export climate,” says Costanzo. “Not many logistics providers offer a service as comprehensive and thoroughly familiar with the Canadian border process.”

For more information about Purolator USA Trade Solutions, please visit www.purolatorusa.com, or call 1-800-511-4811.