Main Services
Cross-border freight.
Cross-border freight transportation between the United States, Mexico and Canada requires more than a border crossing. Connect inland legs, documentation contacts and equipment handoffs before the shipment moves.
Shipment planning priorities
Two sides of the border
Match origin-side pickup with destination-side equipment and receiving access.
Prepared handoffs
Establish broker contacts, transfer locations and cargo handling instructions.
Connected communication
Share border status and changes that affect the next transportation leg.
Cross-Border Transportation
Beyond the crossing.
A cross-border shipment starts at the loading location and ends at the consignee, not at the border. Cargo readiness, the chosen crossing, equipment compatibility and delivery appointments need to work together across the route.
Prisma Freight coordinates the transportation plan and communication between the parties involved. The appointed customs broker handles customs filings and clearance with the relevant authorities; transportation handoffs are aligned with that process.
North American Corridors
Different borders. A connected plan.
The origin, destination and cargo determine the crossing and inland connections to evaluate. Confirm the lane and operating requirements before booking.
U.S.–Mexico transportation
Plan the U.S. and Mexico transportation legs together, including the proposed crossing, broker contacts and any equipment transfer or transloading requirements.
U.S.–Canada transportation
Align U.S. and Canada pickup and delivery conditions with border documentation readiness, operating hours and the contacts responsible for each handoff.
Inland transportation
Select capacity and equipment for the legs before and after the crossing, considering cargo dimensions, loading methods and access at each location.
Transload when applicable
When the transportation plan requires a cargo transfer, confirm the location, handling method, packaging suitability and receiving equipment before the load arrives.
Border Coordination
Make the handoffs explicit.
A border delay or an incomplete handoff can affect the next leg. Identify who provides documents, reports release status and coordinates onward transportation.
Documentation coordination
Connect shipper and consignee information with the appointed broker's document requirements. Confirm readiness and resolve missing shipment details before dispatch.
Shipment handoffs
Specify the transfer point, equipment changes and handling instructions. Where a transload is needed, align the arriving load with the next vehicle and facility appointment.
Communication through the move
Keep the relevant contacts informed of pickup, arrival at the crossing, release status and delivery changes so the next party can prepare for the shipment.
Shipment Journey
From pickup through the crossing.
Each transportation leg has a different readiness requirement. This sequence shows how those responsibilities connect across a typical cross-border move.
Origin Pickup
Check cargo, loading access and pickup timing. Confirm the shipment details needed by the appointed broker.
Inland Transit
Move toward the selected crossing with the origin-side equipment and agreed handoff plan.
Border Crossing
Coordinate the crossing and any equipment transfer around broker and authority release requirements.
Inland Transit
After applicable release, connect the load to the destination-side route and transportation arrangements.
Final Delivery
Align the final appointment, unloading method and receiving contacts with shipment arrival.
Crossing selection, equipment transfers and release requirements vary by lane and cargo. Confirm the agreed sequence for the shipment.
FAQ
Cross-border freight questions.
What information is needed to plan a cross-border shipment?
Share the origin and destination, commodity, packaged dimensions, total weight, requested dates and loading requirements. Include the shipper, consignee and appointed customs broker contacts, plus any known documentation or transfer requirements.
Does Prisma Freight perform customs clearance?
Prisma Freight's role is transportation coordination. Customs filings and clearance are handled by the appointed customs broker and the relevant authorities. Transportation milestones are coordinated around those requirements.
Will the shipment need a transload?
Not every cross-border load requires transloading. It may be considered when the route or equipment arrangements call for transferring cargo to another vehicle. Confirm the need, transfer location, handling method and packaging suitability before booking.
Continue Exploring
Connect the inland legs.
Explore related transportation and warehouse support for the wider cross-border move.
Let's Move Forward
Plan the complete cross-border move.
Start with the origin, destination, cargo and freight-ready date. Include your appointed broker's contact details and known transfer requirements so the border and inland legs can be reviewed together.