Canada–US Cross-Border Trucking from Ontario
Reefer and dry van loads between Ontario and the United States, with border-experienced drivers and paperwork ready before the truck arrives.
KAV provides cross-border trucking between Ontario and the United States for shippers who need their freight to clear customs smoothly and arrive on time. From our Brampton terminal we run southbound loads to the US Midwest, Northeast and beyond, and bring northbound freight back into Canada. Our drivers cross the border every week and know how to keep a truck moving through busy ports such as Windsor–Detroit, Sarnia–Port Huron and the Niagara crossings.
Most border delays come from paperwork, not from the road. We work with your customs broker before pickup so the right documents are filed in advance and the truck is not left waiting in a secondary inspection lane.
Our cross-border process
- Booking. You send pickup and delivery details, commodity, value and your customs broker's contact.
- Pre-clearance. We provide our carrier information to your broker so the required electronic manifest and entry documents are filed before the truck reaches the border.
- Crossing. Our driver presents the load at the port with complete paperwork, and dispatch monitors progress through customs.
- Delivery. Once released, the load continues to your receiver and you get a confirmation and signed proof of delivery.
What you need for a cross-border shipment
- A commercial invoice describing the goods, value and country of origin
- A customs broker on the importing side (we can suggest some if you do not have one)
- Bill of lading with accurate piece counts and weight
- For food and agricultural products, any permits or certificates the importing country requires
We carry the operating authority and credentials needed to run in both countries. Learn more on our safety and compliance page.
Temperature-controlled freight across the border
A large share of our cross-border work is refrigerated trucking: produce coming north in winter, and Canadian dairy, meat, bakery and frozen products going south. Our reefers keep the setpoint throughout the inspection process, and drivers are trained to protect the seal and temperature if a load is selected for examination.
For loads that cannot wait, our expedited freight service uses team drivers to cut transit time. See our full list of US destinations on the service area page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you handle customs clearance?
Customs clearance is handled by a licensed customs broker. We coordinate closely with your broker so that documents are filed before the truck reaches the border.
Which border crossings do you use?
Most of our loads cross at Windsor–Detroit, Sarnia–Port Huron or the Niagara-area crossings, chosen for each load based on destination and wait times.
Ready to move your next load?
Get a fast, clear quote from a carrier that answers the phone 24/7.