Southbound Crossborder Shipping Process
(Canada to the U.S.)

The Canadian rail customer first establishes a business relationship with a Canadian Customs broker. Tower Group is the leading Customs broker/freight forwarder at the Canadian border.  With more than 1.6 million entries filed annually, they are the largest northern border broker. Tower Group is also the Customs clearance partner with CN & CP and it supports the current technology standards Automated Manifest Systems (AMS).

Account Management Rail/Broker

• Account manager promotes partnership
• Shipper needs analysis and joint rail business planning; and
• Develops operating procedures between Canadian shipper and railroad

Client Focus Rail/Broker

• Ensures compliance with Customs and other agencies
• Minimizes duty liabilities
• Streamlines documentation and record keeping

Key Activities Rail/Broker

• Customer meetings public and private
• Product dictionary and tariff classification
• Regulatory compliance assessments (audits)
• Brokers are NAFTA certified

AMS Border locations implemented with U.S. Customs

• Champlain, NY - CN & CP
• Ranier, MN. -  CN
• Niagara Falls, NY. - CP
• Detroit, MI. - CP & CN
• Port Huron, MI. - CN
• Buffalo, NY. - CN
• Norton, VT. - CN
• Highgate Springs, VT. - CN

Northern Border Rail Release

• Shipper sends EDI or fax to railway
• Rail carrier sends data to U.S. Customs
• U.S. Customs sends data to broker for clearance info
• Canadian Broker applies goods information and sends back to U.S. Customs
• U.S. Customs updates CN/CP car cleared or not cleared to cross into the states

Benefits to rail shipper

• Pre-Processing of traffic 1 to 2 days in advance of shipment arrival at Canadian/U.S. border
• Review of manifest prior to border arrival
• Expedited clearance at borders
• Enhanced Customs compliance
• Reduced paper and associated costs
• Use of standards that ensures continued viability in the current business environment
• On-line tracking