Under the leadership of President Trump, enforcement actions on cross-border cargo have significantly increased, causing delays and financial burdens for shippers, according to industry experts.
As a result of the implementation of tariffs and stricter customs regulations in the U.S., freight inspections and penalties have surged, creating a more challenging environment for trade, say insiders in the transportation sector.
According to Breanna Leininger, who manages U.S. operations for Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver, there has been a substantial shift in the level of scrutiny imposed by border officials on the documentation accompanying shipped goods. The volume of requests for detailed documentation has multiplied, reflecting a more rigorous stance on customs procedures compared to previous years.
“The frequency of customs scrutinizing our shipments has drastically increased. While a few years ago, we only encountered a handful of intensive inspections per quarter, now we face multiple instances daily,” stated Leininger, whose responsibilities include overseeing the transportation of products for 5,000 clients across the border.
Importers are now required to furnish extensive documentation, such as labor and production records, to demonstrate compliance with product classifications and trade agreements. The level of evidence requested and the specific items subject to tariffs appear to be evolving on a monthly basis, creating additional challenges for businesses.
“The expectations keep changing. The information we need to provide is constantly shifting,” Leininger remarked.
Official statistics corroborate the accounts of stringent enforcement measures.
According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of audits conducted this year is projected to increase by 26% compared to 2024.
An audit involves a thorough examination of an importer’s records to verify compliance with tariff classifications, customs valuations, and adherence to trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
In the first half of this year, U.S. customs authorities collected $70.6 million US in various trade penalties by late July, marking a 169% surge compared to the entirety of 2024.
This figure for the initial six months also reflects a 53% increase from the total penalties collected in 2025.
Intensifying Trade Dispute
The heightened enforcement actions coincide with an escalating trade conflict between Canada and the United States, with both sides imposing new tariffs in recent weeks.
The delays at the border and the increased administrative burden of providing detailed product records contribute to higher costs and, in some cases, discourage cross-border trade.
“The additional expenses are significant. Storing