Canada and the United States share an incredibly close relationship on multiple fronts, particularly in trade and logistics. These neighboring nations have fostered an enduring friendship, both geographically and economically. The extent of their cooperation becomes evident at border crossings, where experienced logistics providers ensure a seamless movement of freight in both directions.
Geographically, the two countries share the longest international land border globally, and their close proximity is further emphasized by their connections through three oceans and the Great Lakes.
This geographic interconnectedness results in a remarkably cooperative experience at border crossings, whether for goods or people. Vacationers often experience the ease of crossing from Niagara Falls, New York, to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and back, highlighting the seamlessness of this process.
Logistics companies and shippers operating along the Canada-U.S. border confirm the relatively smooth nature of customs procedures as products traverse between the countries. These experienced entities keep abreast of any real-time changes and adjustments in the rules and regulations governing cross-border trade.
The bond between Canada and the United States is deeply rooted, and there are no signs of this relationship changing anytime soon. Both countries prioritize various aspects of cooperation, such as the protection of shared waters, environmental conservation, and the development of net-zero economies. Their partnership in commerce and trade is particularly strong.
U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledges Canada as the United States’ closest friend and ally, emphasizing the intertwined destinies of the two nations. In 2022, almost $2.6 billion in goods and services crossed the shared border daily, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year. This trade is pivotal for both economies, providing support for millions of jobs on both sides of the border.
To further bolster their partnership, both countries have implemented initiatives aimed at ensuring smooth and efficient border crossings. The U.S. and Canada have established the U.S.-Canada Supply Chain Working Group to support the “Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership,” a blueprint created in 2021. This roadmap aims to strengthen supply chain security and reinforce the mutually beneficial economic relationship between the two nations.
The Supply Chain Working Group focuses on enhancing cooperation in key areas, including trade, with the goal of achieving greater alignment and identifying potential vulnerabilities. One of their key projects is a Joint Economic Analysis to map supply chains and explore issues such as skills development and regulatory cooperation.
In 2021, the White House introduced the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to address bottlenecks caused by the pandemic around borders and major ports. This task force has worked to improve digital information flow between private companies operating logistics supply chains.
Canada also established its own Supply Chain Task Force to gather recommendations from industry experts, businesses, and workers regarding short- and long-term solutions to supply chain challenges.
The outcome of these efforts has been the establishment and adaptation of requirements to ensure that manufacturers and shippers can comply with regulations without undue stress, provided they are adequately prepared.
Experienced logistics providers based in the U.S. and Canada, including companies like FLS Transportation and Polaris Transportation Group, are well-equipped to offer their services in cross-border logistics.
The strong partnership between Canada and the United States underscores the significance of cross-border trade and the ongoing commitment to enhancing cooperation in the supply chain arena.