For U.S. businesses involved in cross-border shipping, especially between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, border delays aren’t just frustrating.
They’re costly.
Missed delivery windows, idle trucks, and disrupted supply chains all lead to lost revenue and unhappy customers.
Whether you’re new to cross-border freight shipping or already shipping at scale, it’s crucial to understand what causes delays. And how to avoid them.
Below are five common reasons shipments get delayed at the border. We also share five practical ways to help prevent those delays before they happen.
Five Common Causes of Cross-Border Delays
Even well-planned cross-border freight shipping can run into trouble if you overlook the basics.
Here are five common reasons shipments get delayed at the border. These are the issues you need to watch for before your freight is on the move.
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Paperwork
The number one reason for border delays is paperwork problems.
Missing documents (such as invoice or bill of lading) or wrong tariff codes can halt shipments.
2. Customs Compliance Issues
Failing to follow country-specific import/export rules leads to inspections, penalties, and delays.
Some products require licenses or special documentation. Compliance standards also differ between countries, especially between the U.S. and Mexico.
3. Poor Communication Between Parties
When shippers, brokers, and carriers aren’t aligned, delays are inevitable.
Missed updates, unclear instructions, or scheduling issues can cause a breakdown in the cross-border shipping service process.
4. Capacity and Infrastructure Constraints
Border crossings often suffer from congestion, especially at high-volume entry points like Laredo, El Paso, and Detroit.
Limited cross-border freight shipping capacity, outdated infrastructure, and inspection backlogs all add to wait times.
5. Carrier Inexperience
Not all cross-border shipping companies are created equal.
Some lack experience with the specific processes, paperwork, and expectations involved in cross-border shipping to Canada or Mexico.
Inexperienced carriers often create more problems than they solve.
Five Ways to Reduce Border Delays
Border delays aren’t always avoidable. However, many are preventable with the right planning and partners.
Here are five practical steps you can take as a U.S. business owner to keep freight moving and avoid costly holdups.
1. Get Your Paperwork Right. Every. Time.
To minimize border delays, companies should focus on the accuracy and timely submission of customs documentation.
You must submit all required customs documentation, like commercial invoices, packing lists, and correct tariff codes, in advance whenever possible.
Ensure the completeness and accuracy of all your documentation too.
Lastly, work with logistics partners who understand the documentation process. They should know how to meet the requirements of both U.S. and foreign customs agencies.
2. Use a Knowledgeable Customs Broker
Customs brokers are your frontline defense against delays.
They know the rules, anticipate issues, and act as a bridge between your company and customs officials.
A good broker ensures your goods clear smoothly, even when regulations change.
3. Choose Experienced Cross-Border Shipping Companies
Partnering with a provider that specializes in cross-border shipping services gives you an edge.
These providers understand timing, communication, and compliance down to the details.
With the right experience, they can schedule handoffs efficiently and steer clear of congestion-prone ports.
4. Maintain Clear, Ongoing Communication
Keep everyone in the loop, from your internal logistics team to your customs broker to your end customer.
Confirm documentation before departure, verify delivery times, and communicate any changes in real time.
5. Build Flexibility Into Your Routing
Delays sometimes happen despite the best planning.
Avoid single points of failure by choosing carriers who offer alternate crossing points, flexible cross-border shipping routes, and contingency planning.
Why This Matters for U.S. Businesses
For U.S. companies, cross-border shipping to Mexico and Canada is a strategic advantage.
But only when it’s executed well.
With manufacturing, e-commerce, and distribution expanding across borders, the ability to move freight reliably and predictably is no longer optional.
Late shipments don’t just frustrate customers. They affect your inventory, cash flow, and long-term reputation.
In today’s economy, businesses need cross-border shipping services that don’t buckle under pressure.
A delay at the border isn’t just a missed delivery but also a missed opportunity.
How Jansson Helps You Clear the Border with Confidence
At Jansson, we understand how much is riding on every shipment, especially when it crosses international lines.
That’s why we bring the same attention to detail and responsiveness to cross-border freight shipping as we do to domestic freight.
Real-World Experience at the Border
We’ve seen the bottlenecks, processed the paperwork, and worked with customs teams from both sides.
Our team knows how to navigate complex cross-border shipping with speed and accuracy.
A Team That Gets It Right the First Time
We don’t guess. We prepare.
That means fully compliant documentation, clear carrier communication, and proactive coordination from origin to delivery.
Reliable Carriers and Smart Routes
Our network includes vetted carriers who specialize in cross-border shipping services.
We have deep insight into how border operations work. That means we know which crossings tend to move faster and which ports to avoid during peak times.
We also know how to keep your freight moving when others get stuck.
Communication You Can Count On
You’ll always know where your freight is and what’s next. Our team stays connected from start to finish, so you’re never left in the dark.
Let’s Make Cross-Border Shipping Free of Delays
Border delays don’t have to be part of doing business. With the right planning and the right cross-border shipping company, you can streamline your operations and avoid the costly setbacks that hurt your bottom line.
Whether you’re shipping to Mexico, Canada, or both, Jansson helps you move smarter, stay compliant, and keep your supply chain strong.
Book a call with a Jansson expert today. Let’s talk about how to eliminate border delays and deliver a better cross-border experience for your business.
