BRAMPTON, ON — Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines (M-O) and U.S. Xpress have partnered to launch a cross-border North American freight network that will cover the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Under terms of the agreement, M-O will carry the freight across the Canada/ U.S. border crossing and the Chattanooga, TN.-based U.S. Xpress will be responsible for Mexico/U.S. Border crossings.

Part of the agreement meant that M-O had to earn its C-TPAT certification in Canada and PIPS certification in the United States. U.S. Xpress has been recognized as C-TPAT compliant.

“The bottom line here is that cross-border shipping is not easy, and there are not many good options available to carriers who want one point of contact,” said John White, executive vice-president of sales and marketing, U.S. Xpress. White said that the companies jive well, both are high-performing and like-minded in their approach. It will effectively erase the border and the issues crossing it, White said.

The service will employ truckload, refrigerated, dedicated and some LTL options through team and solo arrangements. Intermodal services will also be used.

The greatest demand will come from the retail sector, the carriers said, but added that the service is also tailored for pharmaceuticals, grocery, and manufacturing.

“While many companies on both sides of the border claim to have an international presence, the extent of their reach is limited,” said Maritime-Ontario chief operating officer, Bill Henderson. “With our partnership, we will have more than just a few trucks over the border.

“Needless to say, we believe this is a true game-changer for North American freight hauling.”