What to know: Cross-border fleet management

Managing a fleet that operates across international borders can present challenges. Whether your vehicles are hauling freight between the US and Canada or the US and Mexico, navigating border crossings requires planning, detailed record-keeping, and a clear understanding of regulations.

Pain points for border crossings

Wait Times: Long wait times at ports of entry can disrupt schedules, impact productivity, and increase operating costs. Congestion can be busy at border crossings like Otay Mesa in California or Laredo in Texas. Of course, long wait times translate to increased operating costs for freight transportation. Drivers are paid for their time, even if they’re idling at a border. Fuel use also increases, and potential cargo spoilage can become a concern. Border crossings have limited capacity, and long lines of trucks waiting to cross can impact the entire supply chain.

Compliance: Keeping up with the changing regulations and document requirements of different countries can be a logistical problem. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mexican authorities, and Canadian Border Services each have their own specific procedures. Even within a single country, different agencies may have opinions about procedures. For example, CBP has its own set of rules, while other agencies might have different requirements for specific cargo.

Communication:  Language differences can make exchanges difficult and lead to slower Mexican-American-Canadian crossings and misunderstandings. Drivers may experience issues with cell coverage, data roaming charges, or compatibility with different communication technology.

Technology Integration: It’s important to make sure your fleet tracking and telematics systems work across countries. This can be challenging both at the southern border and in Canada due to differences in in technology infrastructure and regulations.

Driver Stress: Figuring out unfamiliar roads, dealing with border patrol agents, and managing logistics can increase driver stress. Drivers often have the responsibility of managing border crossing, including paperwork, inspections, and potential delays.

10 tips for a better border crossing experience

1. Invest in technology: A fleet management system with GPS tracking can help you choose the best routes, monitor wait times, and make sure everyone is following regulations.
2. Improve documentation: Know what you need for border crossing data. Use electronic logging devices (ELDs) and digital documentation to simplify records and reduce paperwork.
3. Plan ahead: Research ports of entry, anticipated wait times, and any specific requirements for the materials you’re transporting. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides border crossing data to help fleets with planning.
4. Communicate: Make sure drivers know how to communicate with border patrol.
5. Train drivers: Provide training on cross-border procedures, cultural awareness, and best practices.
6. Monitor emissions: Make sure your fleet vehicles comply with emissions standards in all countries of operation.
7. Understand CBP procedures: Familiarize yourself with CBP regulations, including cargo securement, documentation requirements, and inspection procedures.
8. Maintain accurate records: Keep detailed records of vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo information to make sure you keep compliant during border crossings. Check out our reporting features.
9. Utilize FAST and other programs: Enroll in traveler programs like FAST (Free and Secure Trade) to speed up border crossings for qualified drivers and commercial vehicles.
10. Stay informed: Don’t just take it from us. Keep updated on any changes to regulations or procedures by monitoring sites like cbp.gov and usdot.gov.

GPS Insight and cross-border management

GPS Insight provides fleet tracking and telematics solutions designed to help you overcome the challenges of cross-border operations. With GPS Insight, you can use our solutions for real-time visibility of your fleet’s location and activity. We also help with location, as we have geofencing capabilities to automate arrival and departure notifications. Our solutions integrate with ELDs, and we offer detailed reporting to improve routing and efficiency.