Shipping freight across Canada is a more complicated process than just booking a truck. It’s about coordinating every step with proper shipping companies in Canada to manage cross-border transitions.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or logistics manager, understanding the process helps you in many ways. Let’s walk through each stage of freight shipping across Canada—and explore how partnering with a 3PL makes it seamless.
Step 1 – Quote and Planning
Every successful shipment with cross-border shipping companies starts with a precise quote and plan. In most cases, the process starts by gathering key shipment details:
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Type of freight (palletized, oversized, hazardous, etc.)
- Load dimensions and weight
- Required equipment (dry van, flatbed, reefer, etc.)
- Timing and urgency
You must then pass this information on to a reputable 3PL that provides a price along with effective strategies. This includes identifying a suitable transportation mode, optimizing the route, and forecasting potential delays by weather or traffic.
Step 2 – Loading and Pickup
Pickup day is all about precision. Delays at this stage can disrupt the entire timeline. Proper communication among the shipper, carrier, and receiving party ensures the safe and accurate loading of freight.
Here’s what to expect during pickup:
- The carrier confirms the arrival time in advance.
- A Bill of Lading (BOL) is issued and signed.
- Freight is secured and inspected before departure.
- Any specific handling requirements are verified.
For sensitive or specialized freight—such as oversized industrial equipment or fragile components—this stage often involves specialized handling or equipment coordination. That’s where a reliable 3PL’s cross-border shipping services make all the difference.
Step 3 – The Route
Canada is vast. Whether you’re shipping within Ontario or across provinces, geography plays a significant role. Most shipping companies in Toronto plan for the following logistical factors:
- Road conditions and seasonal weather
- Preferred transit corridors
- Rest stops and refuelling points for long hauls
- Weigh station and inspection requirements
If your shipment is travelling long distances—say from Toronto to Vancouver—transit time could be 4–7 days. During this time, it is essential to receive real-time tracking updates and proactive communication, especially if there are route changes or delays.
Step 4 – Customs and Border Crossings
For shippers moving freight into the U.S., cross-border coordination becomes essential. This is where many issues arise—but also where a skilled 3PL shows its value.
What you’ll need for a cross-border shipping service:
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Origin
- Carrier Code and PARS (Canada)
- ACE Manifest and SCAC (U.S.)
Missing or inaccurate documents are the primary reason for delays at the border. Make it a point never to underestimate this step. Even within North America, customs delays cost time and money, and reliable 3PLs can remove that risk. They do so by managing every document and checkpoint on your behalf.
Step 5 – Unloading and Final Delivery
Once your shipment reaches its destination, it marks the start of the final stage. Timeliness, unloading assistance, and delivery confirmation all matter here.
Here are some of the most common things that you can expect here:
- The driver confirms ETA before arriving
- Thorough freight inspection before unloading
- Receiving party signs Proof of Delivery (POD)
- Logging any issues regarding shortages, damages, and delays immediately
A reliable 3PL will monitor this stage as closely as the first. One must work with a company that ensures smooth delivery and steps in immediately if anything goes wrong.
Things to Look for in a 3PL to Make This Entire Process Effortless
There is no shortage of shipping companies in Canada, making it even more crucial to conduct thorough research and make an informed decision. One must look for a 3PL that helps realize certain specific goals, including;
1. Save Time and Resources
- One point of contact for quoting, booking, compliance, and tracking
- No need to juggle multiple carriers or brokers
- Automated document handling
2. Reduce Errors and Delays
- Real-time communication and alerts
- Compliance management for both Canadian and U.S. shipping
- Contingency planning for seasonal or road disruptions
3. Improve Visibility and Control
- Track your freight from pickup to delivery
- Transparent costs and timelines
- Access to vetted carrier networks
4. Ensure Full Documentation Support
- No guesswork on customs paperwork
- Streamlined process for cross-border shipping companies
- Faster clearance at U.S. and Canadian ports of entry
Final Thoughts: Freight Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Whether you’re shipping within Ontario or across the country, knowing what to expect makes the process smoother. By understanding each step—and working with a partner handling the complexities—one can ensure their freight moves on time, every time.
At NATS Canada, we support your entire logistics journey, from local planning to the execution of cross-border shipping services. For manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors across Canada, we’re not just a carrier—we’re your logistics partner.
Contact NATS Canada today and discover how our 3PL solutions take the stress out of shipping. Waste no time and take this opportunity to focus on growing your business.