What a Customs Broker Does (And Why You Need One)

Published: June 10, 2025

Yes, we do more than just stamp things.

If you’ve ever wondered what a customs broker actually does, besides wearing blazers and saying “it’s stuck in customs,” this one’s for you. At Ramsay Customs & Logistics, we’ve heard it all: “Do you just deal with paperwork?” “Aren’t you like a freight travel agent?” “Wait… you’re real?” Yes, and we do a lot more than people think.

Here’s a peek behind the curtain at what we actually do and why having a licensed customs broker in Canada is more important than ever.

Customs? It’s Complicated. We Make It Simple.

Let’s be honest. Canada’s customs system isn’t exactly light reading. Between tariff codes, CARM requirements, RPP bonds, HS classifications, declarations, release times, and compliance checks, it can feel like your freight is trying to pass the bar exam.

Enter: your customs broker. We act as your interpreter, strategist, and yes, paperwork magician. Whether you’re based in Calgary or shipping into Canada from across the globe, we ensure your goods are declared correctly, cleared efficiently, and released without drama. Think of us as your customs translator with a freight obsession.

We Deal With the Government So You Don’t Have To

It’s not just about knowing the rules. It’s about navigating the agencies that enforce them. At Ramsay, we speak fluent CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency), CFIA (for agriculture), and every port authority from Vancouver to Montreal.

We make sure you’re CARM compliant, your RPP bond is active, and your Statement of Account doesn’t surprise you at the end of the month. We file your entries, respond to inspections, correct errors before they cost you, and if CBSA comes knocking, we’re already standing at the door with the paperwork in hand. You’re welcome. 

Logistics + Customs = One Smooth Freight Journey

If your customs broker doesn’t understand logistics, you’re only getting half the service. That’s why Ramsay combines both. We handle the customs side AND the freight side, so your cargo isn’t bouncing between 3 different providers and 12 different emails.

We’re talking door-to-door freight coordination. Need LTL or FTL trucking across Canada? Done. Air or ocean freight to Vancouver? Easy. Special handling? Handled. Because we manage both sides of the logistics equation, we can preempt delays, avoid unnecessary fees, and ensure your shipments are moving, not sitting in port purgatory.

Still Think You Don’t Need a Broker? Let’s Talk Risk

Without a customs broker, you’re responsible for every detail of your import. And we mean every single one. One wrong code? One missed payment? One unfiled document? That’s enough to delay your shipment or get it refused altogether.

The cost of getting it wrong far outweighs the cost of getting it right the first time. Customs brokers like Ramsay exist to protect your time, your money, and your peace of mind. Plus, we make it fun. Well, as fun as importing can be. Which, you know, with us, is actually pretty fun.

A Good Customs Broker = Your Secret Weapon

Whether you import once a year or 300 times a month, working with a customs broker is one of the smartest moves you can make. And when that broker handles logistics too? Even better. At Ramsay, we’re proud to offer both under one roof with a team that knows what it’s doing, likes a challenge, and still answers emails with actual solutions.

If you’re done guessing your way through customs, we’ve got you.

📩 Reach out at he***@*************cs.com and let’s make your next shipment smooth, compliant, and stress-free.