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Cross-Border Trucking Safety Tips

Driving a truck poses challenges in any location, but can be especially challenging when crossing borders. OTR drivers who regularly transport cross-border freight are required to have a thorough understanding of international regulations, be prepared to overcome potential language and cultural barriers, and remain vigilant with documentation.

If you’re new to cross-border trucking, we’ve broken down some of the most important things you should know as you’re preparing for your first trip.

1. Be Aware of Cross-Border Regulations

Customs requirements, weight restrictions, and inspection protocols can vary significantly between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Familiarizing yourself with these rules beforehand can help you avoid delays and penalties:

  • Cabotage Laws: Cabotage laws restrict foreign carriers from transporting goods within another country. For example, if you’re a U.S. driver, you can only deliver international loads but cannot perform domestic hauls in Canada and Mexico.
  • Immigration Requirements: Drivers must hold proper visas or travel permits based on each country’s entry policies.
  • DOT Standards: DOT’s hours of service, vehicle safety, and maintenance requirements must be met to maintain compliance and safe operation.
  • Country-Specific Regulations: You’ll run into unique standards for vehicle safety, load limits, and driver requirements when you’re shipping from the U.S. to Mexico or from the U.S. to Canada. For example, in Mexico, truck weight limits are generally higher than in the U.S., allowing for heavier loads per axle. This difference means that you might need to adjust your load distribution if you’re crossing into Mexico. Without this knowledge, you could pay fines, be denied entry, or even be held at the border. Being well-informed allows for smoother, more efficient trips.

2. Plan Your Trip

Ever heard the phrase, “The best defense is a good offense?” Taking the time to thoughtfully plan your haul is one of the smartest ways to make sure you won’t run into issues. You’ll be glad you did!

Here are a few ways you can plan your trip:

  • Plan Your Route: Figure out which roads you will take. Be sure to include border crossings in your prep work. You can always use an app like TruckMap to help plan the most efficient route. The app even provides insight into the best rest stops and eating locations.
  • Organize Your Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, such as passports, commercial driver’s licenses, Certificates of Origin, Certificates of Insurance, Bills of Lading, Invoices, B3 Coding Forms, etc., are current and easily accessible. Organized documents will help you prevent delays at the border.
  • Inspect Your Vehicle Before You Get On the Road: Don’t wait for border security to inform you of an issue with your truck. Conduct a detailed vehicle inspection. Focus on checking your brakes, tire pressure, fluid levels, and more. You can visit this blog for more extensive maintenance and inspection tips.
  • Prepare for the Worst: Being overprepared is always better than being underprepared. Get a list of emergency contacts together and read guidelines for handling vehicle breakdowns or traffic incidents in your destination country.

3. Practice Defensive Driving

Driving defensively is one of the most important cross-border trucking best practices you can follow. It helps you stay alert to potential hazards and keep everyone on the road safe. Here are some essential tips for your next haul:

  • Manage Blind Spots: Regularly check your mirrors to check for drivers in your blind spot. This is especially important when merging or switching lines.
  • Drive Rested: Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making. Get a good night’s sleep before long hauls, and take breaks as you need them (which we’ll discuss more in-depth in a few sections).
  • Stay Focused: Minimize distractions by avoiding mobile devices and setting up your GPS and other equipment before you leave. Paying full attention lets you respond quickly to sudden changes.
  • Maintain Safe Following Distances: Semi-trucks need significantly longer stopping distances. Always keep a safe gap, especially in adverse weather conditions. It doesn’t matter how badly you need to get the shipment to its destination. Even if you’re running late, be safe.
  • Prepare for Emergency Situations: Always be on the look out for sudden traffic changes or road hazards by reducing your speed in high-risk areas.

4. Always Communicate With Dispatch

You should never feel alone during a cross-border haul. Staying in touch with dispatch:

  • Gives you access to real-time updates on route changes, border delays, or unexpected weather conditions.
  • Keeps your team informed about your location and estimated arrival times.
  • Provides you with specific instructions for safely handling high-value or sensitive cargo, especially in unpredictable situations or high-risk areas.
  • Facilitates help by quickly coordinating roadside assistance or directing you to nearby repair services.
  • Helps track hours of service and other regulatory requirements so you stay within legal limits and avoid potential fines or penalties.

5. Take Breaks When Needed

Regular breaks keep truck drivers alert and prevent fatigue-related accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces driving limits to prevent fatigue. If you’re on duty for 14 hours, you are only allowed to drive for 11 hours during that 14-hour period, with a 30-minute break. Additionally, you aren’t allowed to be on the road if it’s been more than 8 hours since you last slept/were off-duty. Once you’ve reached your 11-hour limit, you must be off-duty for 10 consecutive hours before your next shift starts.

Although these limits may seem strict, they are vital for drivers to follow and a key part of defensive driving. You can’t be alert when you’re asleep.

6. Get More Tips From TSI

TSI is committed to employee safety. We work tirelessly to train, protect, and prepare our drivers for cross-border trips. If you’re new to the trucking industry, you can sign up for our new driver program, where you’ll learn even more safety tips and practices. This program runs for just six weeks and includes a combination of in-classroom training and over-the-road driving. If you’ve already gone through a training program, you can visit our blog for more helpful resources, including in-depth guides to cross-border trucking from the U.S. to Mexico and the U.S. to Canada.