Business as usual has become tougher in recent years.

New global trade regulations are affecting the ability to keep business moving across International borders.

According to published reports, in 2005, security induced delays increased border crossing times by an average of 32 minutes resulting in a $239 million cost to businesses. With goods estimated at $1.5 billion crossing the Canada-U.S. border, understanding how those costs can be reduced is vital to the success of your business.

What can be done to create a predictable and stable environment where Canadian companies can not only survive, but also thrive?

That was the question UPS posed when it gathered key government and business officials from Canada and the United States to meet face to face with Canadian exporters who rely on fast, accurate customs clearance for their International shipments. The UPS sponsored Cross Border Trade Summit held in July in Toronto, Ontario, gave both sides a chance to better understand how changing security regulations affect importing and exporting.

A new way of doing business

Regulations and processes for shipments that cross the border continue to change. Customs programs such as the Advance Commercial Information (ACI) regulations in Canada or the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in the U.S. require companies to understand and act according to a whole new set of rules. Your company will need to understand new requirements of the government programs or risk delays that could seriously affect your cross border business.

Amgad Shehata, Vice President, Strategic Development and Public Affairs for UPS Americas participated in the panel discussion and stated:

"As a customer, if you are not already working with your carrier and your broker to make the required information available electronically, you are already ten years behind." What can companies do to get up to speed? Turn to UPS.

UPS has developed technology solutions that help businesses navigate these recent regulatory changes. UPS TradeAbility™, Quantum View™ Manage for Importers and other UPS-developed products help you to avoid potential restrictions and hurdles to your shipment's delivery, and help you to deal with them quickly and with the least amount of interruption to your business.

And like any good leader, UPS is listening to our customers. The Summit brought together businesses that share two key strategic similarities: they rely on International shipments and they trust them to UPS.

With solutions that offer faster customs clearance and more visibility of the process from start to finish, UPS helps you retain control of your packages in an ever changing trade environment.

An expert trade summit, innovative solutions and a commitment to your success: it’s all part of UPS Canada’s determination to help your company navigate the new reality of global business. UPS ensures that your business continues to move quickly and seamlessly across the border.

Providing expert advice and helpful tools for your changing business needs – that’s what Brown® can do for you.