Keeping Up with Demand: Strategies for Scaling Operations in the U.S. and Canada
E-commerce continues to dominate the North American shopping landscape. In the United States alone, sales totalled $1.19 trillion USD in 2024, an increase of around 8% from 2023. In Canada, retail E-commerce sales reached approximately $48.86 billion CAD in 2024, representing an increase of around 8% year-over-year from 2023. This surge is pushing businesses to…
Read MoreMaximizing Section 321 – De Minimis: Cross-Border Fulfillment Strategies for U.S. E-Commerce with Duty-Free Imports from Canada
For U.S. E-commerce businesses, fulfilling orders across borders has traditionally meant grappling with customs delays, added costs, and operational complexity. However, Section 321 of the U.S. Customs regulations is changing the game. Also called de minimis, this provision allows for duty-free imports of shipments valued at $800 USD or less per recipient per day—a regulatory…
Read MoreMastering Section 321 Fulfillment: A Strategic Advantage for Cross-Border E-commerce
📅 March 3, 2025 – Section 321 Status Update As of March 2, 2025, a clarification issued by the White House confirms that duty-free de minimis entry under Section 321 remains active—at least for now. This means eligible goods valued at $800 USD or less can continue to enter the United States without incurring duties,…
Read MoreStreamlining E-Commerce Fulfillment: Best Practices for Pick & Pack Operations
Efficient pick & pack operations are critical to successful E-commerce fulfillment, directly influencing order accuracy, shipping speed, and overall customer satisfaction. In an era where consumers expect rapid, error-free deliveries, businesses must fine-tune their fulfillment processes to remain competitive. This article explores best practices for streamlining pick & pack processes, including integrating cutting-edge technology, optimizing…
Read MoreThe Impact of Location: Why Proximity to Borders Matters in Warehousing
In the intricate web of global supply chains, warehouse location is a key factor in determining success. As trade accelerates and customer expectations demand faster, more efficient deliveries, businesses must implement smarter logistics strategies to stay competitive. For those involved in cross-border trade, border-adjacent warehousing is invaluable. At SFI, our warehouses, located just 20 minutes…
Read MoreTrade, Tariffs, and the U.S. Election: How It Could Impact Cross-Border Shipping
The Canada-U.S. trade relationship is one of the largest in the world, supporting sectors like automotive, technology, and consumer goods. With the 2024 U.S. election just days away, talks of trade policies and tariffs have been stirring up concerns about cross-border shipping. Here’s a closer look at the proposed 10% tariff on U.S. imports, its…
Read MoreBehind the Scenes: The Journey of an E-commerce Order from Click to Doorstep
In today’s digital age, E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop. The convenience of browsing products online, comparing prices, and making purchases with a simple click has made E-commerce an integral part of our lives. But have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes after you click “buy”? This journey from the initial click…
Read MoreThe Complete Guide to E-Commerce Fulfillment
E-commerce fulfillment is a comprehensive process that encompasses the entire journey of a product from the moment an order is placed online to its delivery at the customer’s doorstep. It involves various intricate methodologies and approaches that make up the backbone of any successful online retail operation. Ultimately, this service ensures that customers receive their…
Read MoreFrom Packages to Pallets: Unraveling Logistics
In the fast-evolving world of logistics, understanding the intricacies of shipping methods is crucial. Whether your business aims to optimize its supply chain efficiency, reduce shipping costs, or both, uncovering your options and comprehending what’s available to you can take time. This blog will explain the various shipment sizes, the associated challenges and advantages, and…
Read MoreWhat Do Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Companies Do?
Getting products from Point A to Point B is a complex process that entails much more than just plotting a route on a map. It involves warehousing, distribution, and inventory management—all of which are crucial elements of third-party logistics (3PL) services. 3PL warehouses, in particular, play a strategic role in storing products, optimizing fulfillment, and…
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