With uncertainty on the international trade front, it is particularly important for shippers to leverage skilled freight brokerages that expertly navigate roadblocks and capitalize on cross-border opportunities.
Canada, which buys more U.S. goods than any other country and is the United States’ largest foreign oil supplier, “is bracing for economic disruption” following the re-election of Donald Trump, according to Transport Topics. “Trump’s promise of across-the-board tariffs on everything the U.S. imports will rattle the entire region.”
U.S. retailers also are bracing for disruption and are expected to front-load stock before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
The Growing Demand for Cross-Border Solutions
Trucking freight at the northern and southern U.S. borders has trended steadily upward since November 2000, according to Land Line. In August alone, $91 billion worth of truck freight crossed the borders. Computers and parts, electrical machinery, and vehicles are the top commodities at both borders.
Imports from Mexico have been increasing rapidly this year, Land Line said, because more companies are nearshoring their operations.
“Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. offers more than convenience — it enables faster response times and better adaptability to unexpected disruptions, such as labor strikes or geopolitical conflicts that may affect imports from other regions,” a Motive report said. “By strategically balancing imports from both China and Mexico, retailers are minimizing risks while creating more resilient supply chains.”
But it’s not just U.S. companies moving their manufacturing operations closer to home. “Increasing foreign direct investment from Chinese and European companies into Mexico is fueling a historic increase in cross-border trucking,” CNBC said.
How Brokers Streamline Cross-border Freight
Now more than ever, skilled freight brokers are essential to keep goods moving across the United States’ northern and southern borders.
Navigating Trade Policy and Tariffs
In addition to instituting tariffs on imports, Trump has said he will pursue renegotiation of portions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which he signed in 2018 to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Customs Complexity and Documentation
The list of documents needed to haul freight across international borders is long and includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, carrier information, certificate of origin, and U.S. customs declaration. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can prevent freight from entering the United States. Streamlining documentation and ensuring compliance with international regulations are vital to keep freight moving across borders.
Infrastructure and Supply Chain Stability
Wait times at borders also can be long. To avoid the ports of entry with the highest level of truck traffic congestion and wait times, skilled logistics providers monitor wait periods in real time at the more than 160 crossing sites at the northern and southern borders.
It’s important to work with a logistics provider that is available 24/7/365 to respond to urgent transportation needs, communicate effectively, utilize real-time tracking technology, and make decisions quickly, particularly in times of supply chain disruption.
Opportunities in Cross-Border Brokerage Services
In addition to a wealth of opportunities, cross-border freight transportation presents many challenges. Shippers can avoid these by outsourcing to freight brokerages skilled in cross-border services.
Supply Chain Flexibility and Nearshoring
If successfully implemented, Trump’s proposed 10% to 20% tariffs on all imports (and up to 100% on Chinese goods) would “likely invite retaliation from U.S. trading partners,” NPR said. Any changes in trade regulations will require supply chain and freight broker flexibility.
Enhancing Speed and Efficiency in Transport
Streamlined logistics services and fine-tuned relationships with carriers are essential for efficient cross-border freight solutions. The use of advanced technology is also key when speed and efficiency are paramount.
Strategic Warehousing and Distribution Options
As an example of the growing need for warehousing along the borders, in Laredo, Texas, more than 1.56 million square feet of warehouse space was added in the first quarter alone, according to CBRE. The New York Times reported last year that the city was having trouble keeping up with warehousing demand, as “about $800 million worth of products as diverse as auto parts, clothing, and avocados pass through Laredo every day.”
Why Partnering with an Experienced Broker is Essential
Experience matters. In complex cross-border logistics, experience is absolutely essential.
- Real-Time Visibility and Tracking: Freight brokers who use the most advanced technology tools can provide their customers with complete transparency through real-time tracking and freight visibility, automated processes, and data analytics.
- Custom-Tailored Solutions: Expert freight brokers understand the importance of customizable solutions that address each shipper’s unique needs and challenges in cross-border movements.
- Trusted Partnerships: Shippers can breathe easier knowing their freight brokers work with a vetted network of carriers and have the expertise to mitigate risks, manage costs, and deliver seamless freight solutions.
RJ Logistics Helps Shippers Capitalize on Cross-Border Opportunities
RJ Logistics has a fully staffed facility in Laredo that provides expert customer support in English and Spanish. Our team has extensive experience with cross-border logistics and comprehensive knowledge of customs processes, and it uses that expertise to get freight across the U.S.-Mexico border as quickly and efficiently as possible. We also have logistics experts at our headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, and at our facility in Indianapolis to handle international trade.
We thoroughly vet our carriers to ensure they are compliant with all international regulations and take steps to safeguard freight. We ensure carriers are certified through the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and have access to Fast and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes for efficient and secure cross-border moves. We also require all of our partner carriers to be on MacroPoint, which gives us real-time visibility of all shipments and provides 24/7/365 updates from pickup to delivery.
No matter whether your freight is cross-border, expedited, truckload, or flatbed, RJ Logistics has you covered. We deliver positive experiences for our customers, partners, and community through actions guided by our core values and principles. We provide solutions to even the most complex problems with state-of-the-art technology, industry-favored customer service, and the drive for mutual success.
Schedule a call with RJ Logistics today.
