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Shipping oversized freight from the US to Canada or Mexico is an arduous endeavor. You’ll need a reliable carrier that adheres to all customs regulations and safety guidelines. Without the right partner by your side, you could run into a variety of problems. As a 3PL that excels in oversized and cross border shipping, we know what support you need to be successful. We’ll go over how this service works and what to look for in a carrier.
Key takeaways:
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the details.
Cross border heavy and oversized freight is shipped over the border using through-trailer or transloading services.
Through-trailer shipping is faster than transloading. Since your freight won’t have to be transferred from one method of shipping to another, it can travel over the border with less disruption. Reduced handling also means that your freight is less likely to sustain damage.
While transloading might take slightly longer, it’s typically more cost effective. For instance, you could use rail transport, which is cheaper, to move your freight for the majority of a shipment’s distance.Then, you can transfer it to a trailer for the final part of the journey.
Either option is an effective way of shipping your freight, but the best one ultimately comes down to the unique needs of your oversized freight and what you’re able to afford.
Get your heavy cargo moving on schedule! We have a reliable network of carriers and infrastructure in Canada and Mexico that's ready to ship and receive your freight.
There are numerous companies that ship oversized freight to Canada and Mexico. However, not all of them are reliable. That last thing you want is to spend a large sum of money moving your freight and for something to go wrong. We’re going to show you what to look for when searching for a reliable heavy haul cross border carrier.
You don’t want to choose a heavy haul carrier that has little to no experience transporting oversized freight to Canada or Mexico. An experienced carrier has an intimate understanding of the processes required to ship oversized freight over the north and south border of the US. This knowledge helps them avoid delays and guarantee the safety of your cargo.
One good indicator of experience is a carrier that has logistical infrastructure in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Logistical infrastructure can include anything from personnel, to fleets of trucks and equipment. It takes time for companies to build up these resources. If you find a carrier that does, it likely means they’ve been in the industry for many years.
A carrier that can handle your freight with care is extremely important. There are two criteria to consider when checking a carrier’s commitment to safety.
CTPAT is a voluntary program run by Customs Border Protection (CBP) that aims to strengthen the supply chain and border security. Carriers that join CTPAT are required to address specific security concerns and implement best practices to keep their shipments safe.
The FMCSA provides safety ratings that evaluates a carrier’s compliance with safety fitness standards. They assign one of four ratings for carriers after a compliance review.
The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration keeps records of safety ratings with their SAFER system.
When you ship oversized freight across the border to Canada or Mexico, you and your carrier will have to satisfy different regulatory requirements. For the purposes of this article, let’s focus on the regulatory concerns your carrier must follow.
This includes:
The US and Mexico are divided into states, while Canada is divided into provinces and territories. Rather than having unified regulations for heavy and oversized freight, the states, provinces, and territories in each country have slightly different rules. This means your carrier will have to accommodate to the guidelines of the region they’re traveling through.
To verify a carrier’s commitment to regulatory compliance, you could request a compliance dossier. The dossier should include copies of various documents the carrier uses when shipping heavy and oversized freight over the border.
This includes:
The FMCSA has a carrier compliance questionnaire that it freely provides to transportation providers. Carriers use this to verify their adherence to applicable regulations. You could ask some of the questions provided in the document when you reach out to a carrier. Based on their answers, you can make an accurate determination about their commitment to safety.
A cross border heavy haul carrier can’t transport your cargo without the right equipment. For one, they’ll need to have access to a variety of flatbed trailers that can accommodate your heavy and oversized freight.
Carriers should also use pilot cars, as many states in the US require one or two based on their specific regulations. In some cases, carriers use their own pilot cars, while others hire companies to provide the service.
Here are some other types of equipment your carrier should use:
To determine if your carrier has the equipment necessary, you can request an equipment profile or fleet summary. Most carriers are happy to share this information because it showcases their capabilities. When they provide you a list of their assets, you’ll be able to determine if they have the necessary equipment to move your cargo.
Related: Oversize Load Pilot Cars
Heavy and oversized freight can’t travel over every type of road or highway. Whether it’s sharp turns or low hanging bridges, there are many obstacles that could threaten the well-being of a shipment.
That’s why carriers have to carefully plan out the route for heavy and oversized freight. This task becomes even more important when shipping freight to Canada or Mexico.
To find out if your carrier can handle cross border route planning, ask them if they have a dedicated team for this task. You could also find out if they’re open to sharing route survey records for previous shipments.
Heavy Haul & Oversized has the resources you need to ship your freight over the north or south border. We use a vast network of reliable and vetted carriers that have the equipment to accommodate oversized cargo.
They can use the following trailers to ship your freight:
With the help of our reliable carriers, we can guarantee reliable and safe transportation for heavy and oversized freight when it travels to Mexico or Canada. If you’re ready to get started with our services, then fill out your quote today. If you have questions about our services, you can give us a call at (866) 547-0967 or reach out to us on our contact page.
Heavy Haul and Oversized
315 NE 14th Street #4122
Ocala, FL 34470
