Top 5 Reasons Why Hemisphere Is One of Canada’s Leading Custom Brokers
- Erangie Kulatilaka
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
Introduction: Why Customs Brokerage Matters
International trade is the backbone of many Canadian industries, from construction and manufacturing to retail and e-commerce. But every shipment must pass through the customs clearance process—a complex set of regulations, paperwork, and compliance checks overseen by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
A customs broker is a licensed professional or firm that helps businesses navigate this process. They classify goods, prepare documentation, calculate duties and taxes, and ensure shipments meet regulatory requirements. Without this support, businesses face delays, penalties, and compliance risks that can disrupt their supply chains.
For over 40 years, Hemisphere Freight has been one of Canada’s leading custom brokers, supporting clients across industries with personalized, full-service customs brokerage solutions. Here are five reasons why businesses continue to trust Hemisphere as their partner in trade.
1. Personalized, Bespoke Services Across Industries
Every importer and exporter faces unique challenges. A food business managing perishable shipments doesn’t have the same needs as a construction company importing heavy equipment. That’s why Hemisphere takes a personalized approach to customs brokerage.
This client-first approach is a big reason why Hemisphere has built long-term partnerships across Canada.
2. A Comprehensive Customs Brokerage Partner
Hemisphere isn’t just about clearing paperwork at the border—we provide a full-service trade infrastructure. Our solutions integrate:
Customs clearance for imports and exports
Freight forwarding by air, sea, rail, and highway
Warehousing and bonded facilities to manage inventory securely
Transportation services through our sister company, CGL, which offers real-time truck tracking and reliable on-time delivery
By combining brokerage, logistics, and transportation, Hemisphere ensures that every part of the process connects seamlessly. Instead of coordinating multiple vendors, businesses gain a single trusted partner who handles everything from compliance to last-mile delivery.
3. Over 40 Years of Proven Experience and History
Trade regulations, tariffs, and technology have changed dramatically in the last four decades—but at Hemisphere we have navigated every shift. The company was founded in 1985 by Penny Downer, one of the few women leading in the Canadian customs brokerage industry at the time. Nearly three decades later, in 2013, Lisa McEwan and Charles Grybowski took over leadership of the firm. Under their direction, Hemisphere expanded its integrated services while maintaining the same client-first values it was built on.
This history matters. It shows continuity, resilience, and a proven ability to adapt through tariff disputes, regulatory reforms, and evolving global supply chains. When businesses choose Hemisphere, they gain a partner who has truly seen it all—and who continues to lead with experience and foresight.
4. Expertise in a Turbulent Trade Environment
In 2025, cross-border trade is more complex than ever. From sudden tariff announcements to regulatory reforms, businesses are being forced to adapt quickly.
Recent challenges include:
U.S.–Canada tariff tensions, including new duties on steel, aluminum, and autos
The elimination of the De Minimis Threshold, which added duties and paperwork for shipments under US$800
The rollout of CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management), which shifts financial and compliance responsibility directly onto importers
These changes create higher costs, more compliance risks, and greater uncertainty. This is exactly when businesses need an experienced customs broker.
Hemisphere provides:
Real-time monitoring of policy and tariff updates
Scenario planning to forecast cost impacts
Hands-on CARM support, from portal registration to Release Prior to Payment (RPP) bond setup
Proactive communication to keep clients informed before regulations take effect
By blending regulatory expertise with practical support, Hemisphere helps businesses stay compliant and competitive—even in turbulent times.
5. Recognized as One of Canada’s Leading Custom Brokers
What sets Hemisphere apart is not only what we do, but how we do it.
Personalized support: Every client receives tailored solutions, not generic templates
24/7 availability: Because trade challenges don’t wait for office hours
Industry expertise: From construction and agriculture to retail and pharma, we understand sector-specific needs
Integrated solutions: Customs brokerage, freight forwarding, warehousing, and transportation under one roof
Our reputation as one of Canada’s leading custom brokers comes from building trust over decades and delivering on the details that matter most—compliance, speed, and reliability.
Why Hemisphere Services Are Needed Now More Than Ever
Today’s trade environment demands more than a transactional broker. Businesses need a partner who can anticipate disruptions, guide them through reforms like CARM, and minimize costs during tariff shifts.
With Hemisphere, you gain more than customs brokerage, you gain peace of mind that your shipments are managed by experts who have seen it all and who continue to adapt with every new challenge.
Final Thoughts: Your Partner in Customs Brokerage
The customs clearance process in Canada has never been more complex, but it doesn’t have to slow your business down. Hemisphere combines four decades of experience, comprehensive service offerings, and a client-first approach to keep your goods moving.
Whether you’re importing construction materials, exporting Canadian goods to the U.S., or managing complex multi-country supply chains, Hemisphere is here to help.
Contact Hemisphere today to see why businesses across industries consider us one of Canada’s leading custom brokers.
Comments