CROSS-BORDER LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS: KEEPING FREIGHT IN MOTION
“When clients send us a commercial invoice, we start pre-clearing the cargo immediately. Our average time is under 60 minutes for the CBSA and CBP freight-release processes,” Cox says. TRI-NATIONAL INC: STREAMLINING NEARSHORING Tri-National Inc. (TNi) has more than 30 years of experience as a cross-border shipping company with a primary focus on seamless cross-border transportation via service points in Mexico, through the Texas border, and across the U.S. Southeast and Midwest. TNi has supported the growth of nearshoring, positioning manufacturing and agricultural producers close to North American consumption centers. The company has invested in meeting the growing demand for transportation and warehouse facilities along the U.S.- Mexico border. “One of the consequences of this shift is the need for more capacity for regional lane support,” says Brad Colvin, director of corporate business development and logistics at Tri-National, Inc. Cross-border shippers are changing inventory philosophies to counteract the threat of sudden tariff shifts and reduce lead times, inventory carrying costs, and the risk of disruption. “This is another area where regional networks are impactful, as they help cut down on overstocking and shorten lead times,” Colvin says. As an asset-based carrier with a base of owned trucks, facilities, and warehousing, Tri-National’s speed, ef ciency, and exibility support shippers’ nearshoring strategies. Shippers rely on TNi for regional and over-the-road services as well as daily Texas “milk runs” along 400 miles of the southern border. In addition, shippers can take advantage of convenient and exible warehousing services, including northbound/southbound consolidation and crossdocking from TNi’s large, multi-bay facility in Laredo. The Laredo terminal boasts 100,000 square feet of storage and 20 trailer bays,
as well as access to the World Trade International Bridge and the Laredo- Colombia Solidarity International Bridge. Two additional Texas terminals are conveniently located along the border at Del Rio and Pharr. These terminals support cross-dock operations, nearshoring strategies, and load consolidation services. The new terminal in San Antonio, expected to open next year, has been expanded to 15,000 square feet. TNi’s warehouse operations support import and export shipments, with capabilities for transloading and continuous cross-docking. TNi’s customer service team provides bilingual support to address any issues. SECURITY OVERSIGHT In Mexico, security concerns continue to be an issue for carriers transporting goods from the border to destinations and back. TNi’s customers can access satellite tracking on all shipments 24/7. Tracking, coupled with door-to- door crossing options, ensures that TNi shipments can reach their destination without transloading, reducing the risk of cargo loss. To address security concerns, shippers are seeking improved processes and technology upgrades to reduce the risk of cargo loss. “We see customers requesting stronger asset-based carrier vetting with multiple tracking capabilities,” Colvin says. As cross-border traf c volumes continue to grow, barriers to ef ciency show up under stress. While
their loads and having the option to choose another carrier.” Polaris’ Priority Plus next-day service by noon provides an elevated level of care for time-sensitive freight, ensuring that pickups are completed on schedule and customs documentation is in order before the shipment reaches the border. MASTERING CUSTOMS COMPLEXITY Reliable, consistent service helps shippers stay on schedule and manage inventories while navigating a volatile tariff environment. Some are evolving from a just-in-time strategy to a just-in- case approach, building buffer stock to mitigate potential disruptions. “We have long-time American partners moving goods to our warehouse facilities in Toronto just in case of tariff disruptions again,” Cox says. “Our service consistency really appeals to our clientele.” Over time, Polaris has cultivated strong working relationships with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to keep freight owing smoothly across the border. Each load is veri ed to ensure accurate, complete documentation that crosses the border without delay. New automation capabilities allow many shipments to be cleared well before pickup and several days before they reach the border. “We have long-time American partners moving goods to our warehouse facilities in Toronto just in case of tariff disruptions again. Our service consistency really appeals to our clientele.” DAVE COX CEO, Polaris
there are technological solutions, removing friction from processes could signi cantly improve cross- border ef ciency.
“From our perspective, the biggest gap today is sharing data between customs of cials,” Colvin says. One current hurdle is the requirement for additional, immediate invoices for cargo destined for entry into Mexico, Colvin notes. “It has added complexity to the invoicing process and requires additional work to be in compliance,” he says.
46 Inbound Logistics • April 2026
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