Many shippers and freight managers are getting inventive with shipping lanes, temporarily importing goods into Canada or the US where they have secured vessel capacity, or switching modes to get their hands on whatever space they can find, no matter the cost. With giant buyers such as HomeDepot and Walmart chartering entire vessels just to get their store shelves filled, what's a smaller shipper to do?
In this blog, we will look at some insider tips and recommendations on how to navigate this shipping crisis. Global cross border electronic commerce has been growing exponentially over the past few years. The pandemic has accelerated this already growing economy with more people shopping online, resulting in a 40% increase (source).
In this blog, we will look at some insider tips and recommendations on how to navigate this shipping crisis. Global cross border electronic commerce has been growing exponentially over the past few years. The pandemic has accelerated this already growing economy with more people shopping online, resulting in a 40% increase (source).
Services
Provide you with the most compliant and client service driven international trade services. Solve your tough trade problems with compliant trade solutions, and communicate opportunities. PCB Customs Brokers is your trusted customs expert specializing in international trade with roots dating back to 1954.
Not every commodity is allowed entry into Canada while others need to meet specific standards to do so. Determining if the goods you would like to import are allowed to be entered into Canada is your first step to importing. You can begin importing in a matter of days by obtaining your import business account number, providing you a list of regulations related to your commodity and creating your account.
Many importers sail along their importing journey without any issues with Customs for years. Then one day, they receive a letter informing them of an impending audit, or they read an article in the paper about a well known company being issued a multi-million dollar fine for non-compliance. Do not wait for this letter to arrive at your doorstep.
Get your carrier bond in Canada or the U.S. with a little help from our Carrier Help Desk. All for-hire commercial carriers are required to have their own 4-digit customs-assigned carrier code. You can get your carrier code with our assistance. It is not always possible to obtain release at the port of entry.
When importing goods into Canada, your shipments encounter regulatory reviews by as many as 12 government agencies. Depending on the commodity, origin, quality of paperwork, and many other factors, your goods can sail through the border, or screech to a halt. Working with a Customs Broker like us allows you to leverage our knowledge of the regulations that govern your commodities while maximizing your landed costs.
Reviews (13)
Mehrab Khoshbakht
Nov 29, 2021
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I used to use them along time ago but I can tell you that they are a crook now. I recommend their next door aa custom broker.
I walked in for a simple print, and they said they charge. Everyone does it for free but I was fine with it, normally print is like a dollar a a page anywhere u go.
They charged 10 dollar for 2 pages to print and I could hear them laughing about it in the back. I should mention that along time ago They used to do it for free. So unprofessional .I never thought I’ll be this disappointed. She was smiling when giving change back and literally wanted me not to come back
I walked in for a simple print, and they said they charge. Everyone does it for free but I was fine with it, normally print is like a dollar a a page anywhere u go.
They charged 10 dollar for 2 pages to print and I could hear them laughing about it in the back. I should mention that along time ago They used to do it for free. So unprofessional .I never thought I’ll be this disappointed. She was smiling when giving change back and literally wanted me not to come back
Jade Trautman
Jun 27, 2021
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PCB is hands down the best Customs Broker I have used. If a customer asks for a recommendation for a Broker we always point them in their direction. The quality of their service makes them stand out. Thank you for always making my job easier, PCB. Most Customs Brokers like Livingston International make it harder!!
Teresa K.
Jun 08, 2021
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The whole experience was a nightmare!
No only for me but for the poor puppy.
I have not told Caroline as I didn't want to upset her.
Pacific brokers is who I used as you recommend them to me.
There was a real lack of communication between your company and myself.
If you would have just touched base with me to let me know how this was working and explain it would have been helpful to say the least!!!
I landed at 10 in Vancouver waited at the airport till around 1.
Then proceed to look for the Menceci warehouse.
I walked and walked in 30 degree heat with my bags.
Finally getting to
No only for me but for the poor puppy.
I have not told Caroline as I didn't want to upset her.
Pacific brokers is who I used as you recommend them to me.
There was a real lack of communication between your company and myself.
If you would have just touched base with me to let me know how this was working and explain it would have been helpful to say the least!!!
I landed at 10 in Vancouver waited at the airport till around 1.
Then proceed to look for the Menceci warehouse.
I walked and walked in 30 degree heat with my bags.
Finally getting to
Benjamin Perrin
Mar 27, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
We trusted PCB to bring our new puppy across the border and they did an absolutely amazing job from start to finish! Thank you so much to Donna and the entire team for making the process easy and bringing our newest family member home! Highly recommended.
We trusted PCB to bring our new puppy across the border and they did an absolutely amazing job from start to finish! Thank you so much to Donna and the entire team for making the process easy and bringing our newest family member home! Highly recommended.
Cole Vineyard
Dec 16, 2020
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This is one of the worse companies I have ever had to deal with in my life. I honestly have no idea how this gong show is still in business. First of all, don't believe the quote you are given- it's a lie. I am now looking at 6-8x the initial quote. Their fees are now almost OVER the items I am trying to import. Second, their customer service is terrible. It seems like when you send an email; it's CC'd to EVERYONE at the company, which means that you get a random response from anyone or everyone on the issue at hand. This also means absolutely nobody at the company knows the full story, so your
Dave Kenway
Nov 05, 2020
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Layne Pennell
Aug 25, 2020
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I've been using PCB for six years. Everyone is very helpful and patient as you learn the process of international trade. As my company grows, my customs needs grow. PCB has been able to help me meet every need. From importing to North America to exporting to Europe and Australia, they have always been there for my company. I highly recommend Pacific Custom Brokers.
Charlotte Brenner
Sep 25, 2019
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Emanuel Susnjar
Sep 22, 2019
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It takes a lot of effort and time to clear shipments. I’ve never worked with a broker that requires so much attention and cares less about time. It’s extremely frustrating to work with someone that needs constant reminders and pushing to get things done. You can never just submit the paperwork, move on with your day and be at ease. If a truck can get from New York to Vancouver and you still haven’t processed ONE shipment, you’re doing something wrong.
Jim Guy
Sep 10, 2019
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Several of my encounters with this place have been late at night when they've had inexperienced staff at the counter. Being a business owner myself, I can't imagine trying to keep a good, knowledgable staff on 24 hours. The experiences late at night have been fairly painful, but we managed to muddle through.
They saved my butt today when I was turned around while trying to import a scooter into the US. They helped me unload the scooter from the back of my pickup, and they are storing it in a safe, secure lot at a reasonable rate while I sort out the paperwork.
They saved my butt today when I was turned around while trying to import a scooter into the US. They helped me unload the scooter from the back of my pickup, and they are storing it in a safe, secure lot at a reasonable rate while I sort out the paperwork.
Joseph G.
Feb 20, 2019
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PCB was a life saver. Trying to import two of my cars from the U.S. to Canada during a Government shutdown proved to be impossible to do independently with services I needed to access closed. Viola at PCB took the time to educate me about exporting my car to Canada, walked me through completing the forms, and provided detailed instructions on how to proceed at the border. PCB prices were extremely reasonable and their turnaround fast (especially considering I was calling them close to my departure date from the U.S.). PCB and Viola made the process easy, providing outstanding customer service every
Joby Oommen
Jul 11, 2018
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We had a major error by our supplier/foreign shipper, who shipped our goods to Toronto, instead of Vancouver! PCB’s staff were beyond amazing! Their response, service and ability to get the customs completed and getting our goods to end destination is phenomenal. Nothing but praise for their staff and complete service. Considering this is only the second time we’ve used your services, I can’t convey how impressed I am. You’ve won a long term customer PCB!
Jen M.
Nov 16, 2015
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I found Cindy to be very rude, condescending, irritable and incapable. She complained even though we were paying her. She couldn't help me, rather she sent me an email saying she was going to charge me for 10 hours of printing when I printed the same documents in less than 2 hours. She couldn't explain what I needed to do. Instead she got flustered on the phone and snapped at me. A waste of money and it was not at all easy dealing with them. Cherie was good but unfortunately it was Cindy that was in and processing our shipment. I'd rather deal with customs directly than use them
