Courier and Freight Shipping Between Canada and the United States
Power Link arranges eligible courier, direct drive and freight shipments from confirmed Canadian pickup locations to supported US destinations, as well as shipments moving from the United States into Canada. Options may include same-day, next-day and dedicated transportation for boxes, pallets and other commercial goods.
Cross-border shipments require more than a vehicle and a delivery address. Accurate commodity information, values, origin details, broker instructions and customs documents help prevent avoidable delays. Power Link coordinates the transportation plan and helps customers understand which shipment details must be supplied before pickup.
Does Power Link Ship Between Canada and the US?
Yes. Power Link can support eligible commercial shipments moving southbound from Canada to the United States and northbound from the United States to Canada. Availability depends on the pickup and delivery markets, shipment size, commodity, required timing, equipment, and border requirements.
Power Link's courier service should not be described as operating across all of Canada. Cross-border movements are arranged through the appropriate direct drive, expedited freight, truckload, LTL, or supported courier solution for the shipment.
Cross-Border Shipping Options
- Direct drive: Dedicated ground transportation for urgent boxes, skids, pallets, and commercial goods.
- Same-day cross-border: Available only for eligible nearby routes when pickup timing, documentation and border conditions allow.
- Next-day service: A practical option for supported shipments that do not require immediate dedicated delivery.
- Expedited freight: Priority movement for larger or time-sensitive commercial shipments.
- Truckload and LTL: Full or shared trailer capacity for suitable palletized freight.
What Can Be Shipped Across the Border?
Depending on the service and customs eligibility, Power Link may transport boxes, cartons, skids, pallets, crates, parts, inventory, and other commercial goods. Documents may also be carried when the route and service are appropriate, but commercial cross-border traffic more commonly involves boxes, pallets, and other items.
Restricted, prohibited, dangerous, regulated, temperature-sensitive or unusually high-value goods require review and may not be accepted. Customers must accurately disclose the commodity, value, country of origin, and intended use.
Documents Commonly Needed for Canada-US Shipping
Cross-border commercial shipments commonly require a commercial invoice and accurate shipment details. Depending on the goods and service, a bill of lading, origin information, broker instructions, permits or other customs documents may also be required.
- Commercial invoice with buyer/importer, seller/exporter, description, quantity and value
- Bill of lading and/or packing slip for applicable freight shipments
- Accurate Harmonized System classification when required
- Country-of-origin information
- Importer, exporter and customs broker contact details
- Permits, certificates or agency documentation for regulated goods
- CUSMA certification information when preferential tariff treatment is being claimed and the goods qualify CUSMA replaced NAFTA.
There is no universal requirement to use the former NAFTA Certificate of Origin form. Eligibility and documentation depend on the goods and transaction. Customers should confirm customs, tax and legal requirements with a qualified customs broker or advisor.
Who Handles Customs Clearance?
The shipper is responsible for providing complete and accurate shipment and commodity information. The importer of record, exporter, customs broker and carrier each have different responsibilities. Power Link can coordinate transportation and work with the information supplied, but should not be presented as providing legal, tax or customs advice unless that service has been formally confirmed.
Before pickup, confirm who the customs broker is, who will act as importer of record, and who is responsible for duties, taxes, brokerage and other border charges.
Businesses in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe areas depend on their access to American customers and partners every day. Whether you are a small Marketing & Promotions Company or an enterprise level Retail Distributor, shipping from Canada to the US is quickly becoming a daily requirement. Our USA Shipping Services helps you deliver documents and packages across the border quickly and easily, using the best rates.
Key Shipping Documents You’ll Need
When shipping materials across the Canadian-U.S. border, having the correct documentation is crucial. U.S. Customs requires a variety of forms to classify, inspect, and approve your goods. Below are the essential documents needed to meet compliance standards:
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the foundation of most international shipments. This document details what is being shipped, how much the buyer is paying, and the declared value of the items. Customs officials use this form to calculate duties and taxes. It’s essential to ensure the invoice is accurate and reflects the true value of the goods.
NAFTA Certificate of Origin
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), eligible products may qualify for duty-free entry to the U.S. The NAFTA Certificate of Origin proves that the items originate from North America, ensuring you receive the appropriate duty exemptions. If your shipment qualifies, including this document is non-negotiable for reduced shipping costs.
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is both a shipping contract and a receipt issued by the carrier. It outlines what is being shipped, the terms of transportation, and proof of ownership for the shipment. There are two types of Bills of Lading—straight and negotiable—depending on whether the goods may be sold while in transit. For high-stakes shipments, retaining an original copy is vital to avoid complications.
Air Waybill
For air freight, the Air Waybill is a shipment-specific document ensuring the carrier and customs understand the shipping details. It includes the description of goods, shipping terms, and tracking information, enabling all parties to keep shipments secure and visible throughout transit.
Certificate of Origin
While the NAFTA Certificate of Origin focuses on duty-free shipments, the Certificate of Origin is broader and verifies where your goods were manufactured. Some items, especially those subjected to restrictive trade policies, may face additional scrutiny without this document.
Inspection Certificate
For goods requiring third-party verification, such as machinery or high-value equipment, an inspection certificate validates the accuracy of the shipment specifications. This document is often mandatory for specialty shipments like industrial parts or pharmaceuticals.
Dock/Warehouse Receipt
This receipt ensures accountability beyond your shipping point. Issued when a courier moves your shipment to the port or warehouse, the Dock/Warehouse Receipt serves as proof that your goods are in the carrier’s possession and ready for transit.
Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)
Required when the value of your shipment exceeds certain thresholds (e.g., more than $500 when using USPS or $2,500 via other services), the SED reports the details of your export to the U.S. government. Accurate data in this declaration helps prevent penalties or delays during customs inspections.
Export Packing List
Providing a detailed breakdown of the shipment’s contents, dimensions, and weights, the Export Packing List reinforces the legitimacy of your declarations. Customs officials use this document to confirm that what is being shipped aligns with the details provided in other forms.
How Long Does Cross-Border Shipping Take?
Transit time depends on the route, service level, pickup readiness, shipment size, driver availability, documentation, customs processing, border traffic, weather, and road conditions. Same-day delivery may be possible for eligible nearby routes, but it should never be guaranteed before the shipment and documents are reviewed.
How Cross-Border Shipping Works
- Request a quote with Canadian and US postal or ZIP codes.
- Provide dimensions, weight, piece or pallet count and a precise commodity description.
- Confirm the service, vehicle, broker and required customs documents.
- Prepare the goods and paperwork before the scheduled pickup.
- Power Link coordinates transportation and provides shipment updates.
- The shipment clears the border and is delivered to the confirmed destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Canada-US Shipping
Does Power Link ship from Canada to the United States?
Yes. Power Link can arrange eligible courier, direct drive, and freight movements from confirmed Canadian pickup locations to supported US destinations.
Can Power Link ship from the United States to Canada?
Yes. Eligible northbound shipments can also be arranged from supported US pickup locations to Canada, subject to transportation and customs requirements.
Can a pallet be shipped across the border?
Yes, when the commodity, packaging, dimensions, weight, and customs documentation meet the requirements of the selected service.
What documents are needed for a commercial shipment?
A commercial invoice is commonly required. Bills of lading and/or packing slips, origin information, broker details, permits, and other records may also be needed depending on the goods and services.
Who pays duties, taxes and brokerage fees?
Responsibility depends on the sales terms and customs arrangement. The shipper and receiver should confirm this with their customs broker before pickup.
Can Power Link guarantee same-day cross-border delivery?
No blanket guarantee should be made. Same-day service may be available for eligible routes, but documentation, border processing and operating conditions can affect the final timing.
Can I track a cross-border shipment?
Shipment updates and proof of delivery are available according to the selected service. Ask which tracking and notification options apply to your quote.
How much does it cost to ship from Canada to the US?
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
Our courier and delivery services are tailored for: Automotive, Construction, Distribution, Financial, Healthcare, Industrial, Label & Packaging, Legal, Marketing & Signs, Manufacturing, Mining, Pharmaceutical, Wholesale and many more!
AREAS WE SERVE
Over 20 years ago, we started delivering in the GTA and Golden Horseshoe. Today our experience expands across Canada & the USA.