How a GPO Can Help Canadian Businesses Ship Smarter

For Canadian businesses, procurement is about more than finding the right products at the right time. It is about finding smarter ways to manage the many costs and operational challenges that come with running a business.

As a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) and Canada buying group, Entegra Procurement Services Canada helps businesses access purchasing solutions, supplier relationships and services designed to support operational efficiency.

That approach extends beyond traditional procurement. Through strategic partnerships such as Freightcom, Entegra can also help clients find smarter ways to manage shipping, freight and cross-border logistics.

Why Shipping Efficiency Matters

Shipping is often an overlooked part of procurement. Businesses may work with multiple carriers, compare rates manually, manage separate invoices and track shipments across different systems.

For businesses that regularly move products, equipment, supplies or other goods, these processes can take valuable time and create opportunities for errors.

Through our partnership with Freightcom, Entegra clients can access an integrated shipping platform that brings multiple shipping services and carrier options together.

This creates another opportunity for businesses working with a GPO in Canada to identify efficiencies beyond traditional purchasing.

Simplifying Cross-Border Documentation

Cross-border shipping introduces another layer of complexity for Canadian businesses.

Businesses shipping to the United States may need to manage documents such as:

• Commercial invoices
• Bills of Lading
• Shipping labels
• Customs documentation
• Product and shipment information
• Harmonized System (HS) codes
• Certificates or documentation related to trade agreements, when applicable

Missing or inaccurate information can contribute to border delays, additional administrative work and unexpected costs.

An integrated shipping platform can help reduce manual data entry by generating shipping and customs documentation from shipment information. Freightcom provides tools for creating shipping documents and managing shipments, helping businesses streamline the process before a shipment leaves their facility.

This can be particularly valuable for businesses managing a high volume of shipments or multiple shipping destinations.

Getting Customs Values Right

Accurate customs valuation is another important consideration for cross-border businesses.

The value declared for customs purposes needs to accurately reflect the applicable transaction value and meet the requirements of the destination country's customs authority. Errors can occur when businesses accidentally use the wrong value, omit relevant charges or create inconsistencies between commercial invoices and other shipping records.

Even products provided as samples, gifts or warranty replacements may require an appropriate value for customs purposes.

Businesses can reduce risk by establishing consistent processes for:

• Matching invoice information with order records
• Using the appropriate HS codes
• Providing accurate shipment values
• Maintaining supporting payment and transaction records
• Reviewing applicable customs requirements
• Working with qualified customs brokers when appropriate

Technology can help organize and automate parts of this process, but accurate information remains essential.

Supporting CUSMA-Compliant Trade

For businesses moving goods between Canada, the United States and Mexico, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) can play an important role in determining whether goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment.

Eligibility depends on factors such as the product, its origin and applicable rules of origin. Proper documentation is therefore critical.

Businesses should ensure they understand the requirements applicable to their products and maintain appropriate records to support their claims.

Freightcom can help streamline the shipping side of the process by providing tools for generating Bills of Lading and other shipping documentation. For customs-specific requirements, businesses should continue to work with qualified customs brokers or other appropriate trade professionals.

Understanding Duties and Taxes

Cross-border shipments can also be subject to duties and taxes based on factors such as product classification, country of origin and destination.

Determining the applicable costs generally requires identifying the correct HS code and establishing the appropriate customs value. Depending on the shipment and applicable trade rules, businesses may also be able to benefit from preferential tariff treatment.

Understanding these costs before shipping is important. It allows businesses to better anticipate the landed cost of products and avoid unexpected expenses.

For Canadian businesses operating across the border, having reliable shipping processes and access to experienced logistics and customs resources can make international transactions easier to manage.

How a GPO Can Help Simplify Shipping

One of the advantages of working with a GPO in Canada is having access to a broader network of suppliers, solutions and expertise through one procurement relationship.

Entegra's role as a Canada buying group goes beyond helping businesses source food, supplies and equipment. We look for opportunities to help clients improve different areas of their operations.

Our partnership with Freightcom is an example of this approach.

By connecting Entegra clients with a dedicated shipping solution, we can help businesses explore ways to simplify freight management, improve shipment visibility and better manage domestic and cross-border shipping requirements.

For businesses that regularly ship products, equipment or supplies, this provides another opportunity to review procurement and operating processes through a more strategic lens.

How Entegra and Freightcom Can Help

Through Freightcom, Entegra clients can access solutions that can help them:

Simplify shipping

Manage different shipping requirements through an integrated platform rather than relying on multiple disconnected processes.

Compare transportation options

Access multiple carrier options and shipping services to help identify the solution that fits each shipment.

Improve shipment visibility

Track shipments and manage shipping information through a centralized platform.

Streamline documentation

Generate shipping documents and customs paperwork as part of the shipping process.

Support cross-border shipping

Manage domestic and international shipping requirements through a platform designed to support businesses shipping across borders.

Reduce administrative work

Bring quoting, booking, tracking and other shipping activities into a more streamlined workflow.

More Than a Buying Group

A Canada buying group can provide value far beyond purchasing power.

At Entegra, our GPO model combines supplier relationships, procurement expertise, technology and strategic partnerships to help businesses identify opportunities across their operations.

Our partnership with Freightcom is one example of how Entegra can help clients look beyond traditional procurement.

From what you buy to how you move it, Entegra helps Canadian businesses find smarter ways to operate.

Ready to Ship Smarter?