7 Reasons Your Shipment Gets Stuck at the Canada–US Border (And How a Customs Broker Can Help)

Cross-border trade between Canada and the United States moves more than $1 trillion in goods every year. Most shipments move smoothly through the border, but when delays happen, they can disrupt delivery schedules, increase costs, and create frustration for importers.

In many cases, shipments get held at the border because of compliance or documentation issues, not transportation problems. Understanding the most common causes can help businesses avoid delays and keep freight moving.

Here are seven reasons shipments commonly get stuck at the Canada–US border.

Missing or Incorrect PARS / ACI Filings

One of the most common reasons shipments are delayed is missing or incorrect PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) or ACI (Advance Commercial Information) filings.

These systems allow the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to review shipment information before the truck arrives at the border. If the required information isn’t submitted correctly, the shipment cannot clear customs.

Working with an experienced customs broker helps ensure PARS filings are accurate and submitted on time so freight can move through customs clearance without delays.

Incorrect HS Classification

Every imported product must be assigned a Harmonized System (HS) classification code. This code determines the duties, tariffs, and regulatory requirements applied to the shipment.

Incorrect tariff classification can trigger customs reviews or inspections. In some cases, CBSA may request additional documentation or corrections before allowing the shipment to proceed.

Accurate classification is a key part of cross-border compliance and helps prevent unexpected delays or duty issues.

Country of Origin Errors

The country of origin declaration on a shipment determines how tariffs and trade agreements apply.

If origin information is missing or inconsistent with the documentation provided, customs authorities may hold the shipment while they verify the details.

This is particularly important when goods qualify for preferential duty treatment under trade agreements such as CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement).

Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation

Customs clearance relies on accurate paperwork.

Common documentation issues that cause delays include:

• Incomplete or missing commercial invoices
• Missing product descriptions
• Incorrect values or quantities
• Missing supporting documentation

Even small discrepancies can cause customs authorities to pause clearance until the information is corrected.

CBSA Risk Assessments and Inspections

Not all shipment delays are caused by errors.

Customs authorities use risk assessment systems to identify shipments that may require further review. These inspections are a normal part of border operations and help ensure compliance with trade regulations.

When a shipment is selected for inspection, it may be temporarily held at the port of entry until CBSA completes the review.

Value Declaration Issues

Declared values must accurately reflect the transaction value of the goods.

If customs authorities believe the value reported does not align with the documentation or market value, they may request additional information or conduct a review before releasing the shipment.

Proper valuation is an important part of customs compliance and helps ensure duties and taxes are calculated correctly.

Terminal or Carrier Holds

In some cases, delays occur due to operational issues rather than compliance problems.

Cargo may be temporarily held due to terminal congestion, carrier processing delays, or scheduling issues at the port of entry. While these situations are less common, they can still affect delivery timelines.

Strong logistics coordination helps minimize the impact of these delays.

How Businesses Can Avoid Border Delays

While some inspections are unavoidable, many shipment delays can be prevented through proper planning and documentation.

Businesses involved in cross-border trade can reduce risk by:

• Ensuring accurate HS classification for imported goods
• Submitting PARS and ACI filings correctly and on time
• Providing complete and consistent documentation
• Confirming country of origin declarations
• Working with an experienced customs broker

These steps help ensure shipments meet CBSA requirements before arriving at the border.

How Ramsay Customs & Logistics Helps Keep Shipments Moving

As an experienced Vancouver customs broker and Canada-US customs broker, Ramsay helps importers navigate cross-border compliance, customs clearance, and freight coordination.

Our team supports importers and exporters with:

• PARS filings and customs clearance coordination
• Tariff classification and duty analysis
• Cross-border compliance guidance
• Freight forwarding and logistics planning

By managing both the customs and logistics sides of the supply chain, we help businesses avoid delays and keep shipments moving efficiently across the border.

Border delays are often connected to larger supply chain disruptions. Businesses looking to strengthen their logistics strategies can also review our guide on supply chain resilience and cross-border logistics in Canada.

👉 Contact Ramsay today to review your customs documentation and reduce the risk of border delays.