Unassigned Shipments Cause Unnecessary Delays

As a carrier, there are many factors that can play a role in causing delays at the border. While some are out of your control there are certain things you can do to ensure you have the best chance at a hassle-free cross border experience.

One of the most effective measures you can take is to ensure that all loads on board your truck have a customs broker assigned to handle the cross-border customs clearance.

You have a few opportunities to obtain these details:

• At the time the load is dispatched
• At the time the freight is picked up at the shipper’s location
• By calling the owner/purchaser/importer of the freight

The Importer of Record (IOR) is not necessarily the consignee. It can be the vendor or another party involved in the freight as a drop shipment. The IOR is the party responsible for payment of all duties/taxes on the goods being transported. This is why you want to ensure that you confirm all customs broker details with the Importer of Record, so that you can get the commercial documentation to the appropriate customs brokers. Sending your paperwork to the customs broker at the time of pick up will allow them the maximum time to process it before your arrival at the border - resulting in minimal or no delays at the border.

If you have a customer that does not have a customs broker assigned to handle the clearance, please contact Pacific Customs Brokers for assistance. Our 24/7 live reception team (and no voice mail), ALWAYS Open operation and team of experts are here to help all of our trade chain partners with their cross-border needs.

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