Field notes from the Canadian border.
Practical playbooks and case studies from our brokers. No thought-leadership fluff — just the stuff we wish every importer knew before they called us in a panic.
CBSA Seizes 380 kg at Coutts: Carrier Risk and Your Next Crossing
CBSA seized 300 kg methamphetamine and 80 kg cocaine from a commercial truck at Coutts, Alberta. For importers using cross-border carriers, a seizure event means enhanced CBSA scrutiny, longer exam times, and carrier due diligence most skip.
Read article →New Border Crossing, Old System Lag — GHIB TRQ Permits Go Through Windsor for Now
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is open, but GAC's permit system hasn't caught up. If you're filing TRQ permits for GHIB crossings today, use Windsor Ambassador as the port code until tonight's fix lands.
Read article →Non-Resident Importer Liability: What a $604M U.S. Freight Broker Verdict Means for Canadian Customs Compliance
A Dallas jury's $604 million verdict against freight broker C.H. Robinson underscores the cost of inadequate vetting. For Canadian customs brokers handling non-resident importer arrangements, the principle is parallel: when you file CADs as importer of record for a foreign principal, you own the compliance risk and CBSA liability.
Read article →US Customs Broker vs Canadian Customs Broker: What European Shipping Changes Mean for Your Canadian Import Program
CLdN's acquisition of Samskip's UK-Continent routes reshapes European shipping options for Canadian importers. If your European cargo routes through US ports, you need to understand the difference between a US customs broker and a Canadian customs broker—and when you need both for CBSA clearance and CETA origin claims.
Read article →AIRS Updates Hit Chapter 01 and 07: What Changed for Live Animals and Onions
CFIA updated AIRS Chapters 01 and 07 on July 28, modifying import conditions for live animals and fresh onions from the US — changes that affect CAD filings and OGD clearance timing.
Read article →CARM Portal Transaction Details Back Online: Rerun Your Month-End Downloads
CARM Client Portal's transaction list was missing description fields for weeks, breaking month-end reconciliation for importers tracking duties and RPP bond charges. CBSA says the bug is fixed. If you closed April or May books already, rerun your financial history downloads and check whether your accruals actually matched what posted.
Read article →CBSA CARM Client Portal: Release Prior to Payment and Financial Security Under the New System
CBSA CARM replaced the old B3 system with CADs, RPP bonds, and portal-based accounting. Here's what changed for Canadian importers and how to file correctly.
Read article →CN's Q2 Growth Signals Sustained Canada and US Border Crossing Volume Through 2026
Canadian National Railway raised its full-year 2026 guidance after a strong second quarter, pointing to sustained growth in Canada and US border crossing freight volumes. For importers, higher rail throughput translates to heavier CBSA workload, longer CAD filing queues, and tighter capacity planning at cross-border terminals.
Read article →Emergency Fuel Surcharges and HS Tariff Classification Number Lookup Canada: Why Accurate Classification Matters More When Freight Costs Spike
When container lines impose emergency fuel surcharges, Canadian importers face higher landed costs. Getting your HS tariff classification number lookup right becomes critical because duty percentages now apply to a larger base, and misclassification costs multiply fast.
Read article →Freight Forwarder Company: What Canadian Importers Need to Know Before You Sign
A freight forwarder company handles ocean/air consolidation, customs clearance, and last-mile for Canadian importers. Here's what to verify before you commit.
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