Inbound Logistics | July 2023

Mapping Out Cross-Border Connections

U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) has worked to support the alignment of regulations to reduce barriers to trade,” the report notes. “Continuing work should help support greater policy alignment between Canada and the United States in key areas of potential joint action, such as medical devices, critical minerals, electric vehicles and batteries, and solar energy, and strengthen supply chain resiliency between the two countries.” In its nal report, Canada’s National Supply Chain Force likewise stressed supply chain resiliency, especially in relation to the United States: “In 2021, at the height of the COVID supply chain shutdowns, trade still accounted for 61% of Canada’s GDP. In 2021, Canada’s international merchandise trade amounted to approximately $1.24 trillion, a 16.8% increase from 2020—and the highest annual value of total trade on record,” the report states. “In 2021 the United States accounted for $774 billion in total trade, comprising 62% of all Canadian trade that year. This trade would not occur without the backbone of the transportation supply chain.” CHARTING A CLEAR PATH Canadian wildres may have sent a haze of smoke over U.S. cities caught in their wind ow, but the skies remain clear and bright for continued cooperation in U.S.-Canada border crossings. For example, the RCC has worked with numerous Canadian and U.S. departments and agencies to develop successful regulatory work plans in transportation and other sectors. As evidenced by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau’s statements, both countries understand international regulatory cooperation enhances economic competitiveness while maintaining high standards of health, safety, and environmental protection. That’s good news for shippers and logistics service providers that contribute to a healthy bottom line for countries that are jointly mapping a path to progress. n

FLS Transportation maximizes the benefits of cross-border trade between the United States and Canada by leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence systems. The team uses tracking and visibility tools to o¤er real-time shipping updates and enhance collaboration.

the specic requirements of cross- border shipping. Their services cover freight forwarding, customs brokerage, compliance assistance, and transportation management across trucking, rail, air, and ocean services. Although crossing processes between Canada and the United States are relatively smooth, FLS recognizes the importance of knowledge and familiarity. Their experienced professionals are well-versed in cross-border regulations, documentation requirements, and compliance procedures, ensuring smooth customs clearance and minimizing potential delays. ENHANCING SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE The U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada continue to work together to identify key data and metrics to assess the exibility, travel time, and cost effectiveness of supply chain performance, notes a U.S.- Canada Supply Chains progress report issued by the White House in 2022. The agencies aim to develop “a common approach to supply chain logistics data” that would allow them to build shared contingency plans to address any future supply chain disruptions. “Over the past decade, the

This has allowed shippers to recover some of the cost overages experienced during the pandemic, making cost a primary focus. Moore emphasizes the importance of relationships in the logistics sector. While the close relationship between Canada and the United States provides an advantage for cross-border shippers, he also highlights the signicance of strong relationships within transportation providers’ networks. Maintaining a list of dedicated and satised partners should be a priority, as capacity is expected to tighten in the third quarter of 223, he says. LEVERAGING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FLS Transportation maximizes the benets of cross-border trade between the United States and Canada by leveraging advanced technology and AI systems. Their tracking and visibility tools offer real-time shipping updates, enhancing transparency, communication, and collaboration among the FLS team, carriers, and customers. This ultimately improves overall supply chain efciency. With their deep understanding of cross-border logistics, FLS provides comprehensive solutions tailored to

170 Inbound Logistics • July 2023