Does your Canadian company use US-made parts in its supply chain? Are you looking to reduce expenses and shipping complications?
You are part of $700 billion in annual US Canada shipping. Canadian companies are moving millions in goods and services across the border, and it all has to be carefully coordinated with US Customs and Border Protection and the Canadian Border Services Agency.
It’s smart to consider cross-docking, which saves a huge amount of hassle and cost. Cross-docking is a type of cross-border shipping that involves delivering your US-made parts and supplies to a distribution hub located in the US and close to the US-Canada border.
Here are 4 ways cross-docking makes doing business easier for US Canada shipping.
1- Fast Turnaround Times for Cross Border Shipping
By positioning your US-made parts near the Canadian border, these supplies are ready to move across the border at a moment’s notice. This means your company can fulfill orders with relatively short turnaround times.
There’s also the benefit of delaying the customs process until the point that you’re selling goods and actually ready to use the US-made parts. At every point in the cross-border shipping process, things can move as quickly as possible with cross-docking.
2- Cost Savings from Combined Loads
In the cross-docking model, a Canadian company ships to a central location and can combine shipments rather than making multiple trips across the border. Plus, multiple loads can be combined onto a single truck, saving time and money.
Ultimately, this brings lower costs for US-Canada shipping in terms of customs, freight, handling, and storage of goods. That has a positive effect on the company’s bottom line.
3- Prevention of Errors and Penalties
When you’re working with customs, all it takes is one mistake, and you could face severe penalties and fines from one but two countries. The U.S. CBP, for example, has a severe border compliance penalties program that tracks down and prosecutes importers who don’t play by the rules.
Your US cross-docking partner will provide you with shipping receipt information documenting where the shipment is from, the correct weight, and a description of what was received. Work with your customs broker to ensure you provide them with the required documentation, and that you are authorized to cross the border. Your US cross-docking partner will work with you to provide receiving services and safe storage of your materials until it is time to cross the border.
4- More Reliable Supply Chain (With the Right Partner)
Cross-docking relies heavily on the capability of your cross-border partner to ensure the process happens quickly and accurately, every time. This is why it’s essential to work with an experienced company that is well-versed in successful cross-docking.
Some Canadian import businesses make the mistake of buying their own Detroit-area warehousing — or even purchasing their own delivery trucks — without talking to a skilled cross-border shipping company first. These are risky moves you could come to regret later.
It takes experience and wisdom to carefully orchestrate cross-border deliveries. Handle it incorrectly, and your business could have angry customers waiting long periods for their orders. Meanwhile, your US-made parts are stuck at the border while fees are stacking up.
The Experts in Windsor Detroit Cross-Docking
Consider a cross-docking solution that keeps your supply chain flowing smoothly at all times. Cross-docking in the Windsor Detroit area comes with the bonus of easy proximity to the Metro Detroit business region.
Mayer Alloys Corporation is one of the most experienced cross-docking companies for US Canada shipping. Since 1981, our experienced warehouse team has handled warehousing, distribution, and US Canada cross-docking border crossing, so you can rest assured the process will always be handled professionally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cross Docking?
It’s a shipping technique that saves hassle and cost. It involves delivering your US-made parts and supplies to a distribution hub located in the US and close to the US-Canada border.
How is Cross Docking Different From Traditional Distribution?
Traditional distribution moves parts and supplies across the border right away. Cross-docking uses timed movements to save resources.
What Are The Advantages of Cross Docking for Export?
The primary advantages are faster turnaround times, cost savings, prevention of errors, prevention of penalties, and a more reliable supply chain.
Are There Any Limitations to Cross Docking?
One major limitation would be choosing the wrong cross-docking partner who introduces costs and delays. With the right partner, however, cross-docking has minimal limitations.
Mayer Alloys Corporation brings together the resources to meet your manufacturing, assembly and supply chain needs. From metal distribution specializing in tin and lead products, to mil-spec, contract and hazmat packaging, warehouse and distribution services and electronic waste and scrap metal recycling. Contact us today to see how we can meet your needs!