Ontario to US Border Crossings for Trucks: Windsor-Detroit, Sarnia-Port Huron and Fort Erie-Buffalo
- MC 1425624 · USDOT 3883624
- Canada and USA lanes
- Hot load and emergency service
- Cambridge, Ontario
Ontario shippers have several commercial border crossings to choose from when sending a truckload into the United States. The best crossing depends on where the freight is going, the type of load, and current conditions at the border. This guide covers the main Ontario to US border crossings for trucks and what to consider when routing a load.
Windsor to Detroit
The Windsor-Detroit corridor is one of the busiest commercial crossings between Canada and the United States, carrying a large share of cross border automotive and manufacturing freight. It connects Highway 401 in Ontario to the Michigan interstate network, including I-75 and I-94, and is the natural choice for freight headed to Michigan, Ohio and the Midwest. A new international bridge is being added to this corridor, so it is worth checking which crossings are currently open to trucks when you plan a route.
Sarnia to Port Huron
The Blue Water Bridge links Sarnia, Ontario with Port Huron, Michigan and connects to I-94 and I-69. It is often used as an alternative to Windsor-Detroit when you want to avoid heavy traffic in the Detroit area, especially for loads heading toward Chicago or other Midwest destinations.
Ask your carrier for a backup crossing in case the first choice is congested.
Fort Erie to Buffalo
The Peace Bridge connects Fort Erie, Ontario with Buffalo, New York and ties into the New York State Thruway and I-90. It is a common choice for freight bound for New York, New England and the northeastern states.
Niagara area crossings
The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge near Niagara Falls also handles commercial traffic and is another option for freight heading into western New York and the Northeast. Not every Niagara bridge accepts trucks, so confirm the commercial crossing before you route.
How to choose the right crossing
- Start with the destination: pick the crossing that gives the most direct highway route to the delivery point.
- Check commercial hours and capabilities: confirm the crossing processes commercial freight at the time you plan to arrive.
- Consider FAST lanes: if your carrier, driver and importer are enrolled in FAST, check which crossings have dedicated lanes.
- Watch current conditions: use the official border wait time tools from CBSA and U.S. CBP to compare crossings on the day.
- Plan for your load type: oversize, hazardous or time-sensitive loads can have different requirements at different crossings.
Key takeaway: There is no single best crossing. Match the crossing to the destination, the paperwork status and current border conditions, and keep a backup option in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Which border crossing is best for trucks from Ontario to Michigan?
Windsor-Detroit is the most direct crossing for Michigan and Ohio, while Sarnia-Port Huron can be a good alternative when you want to avoid the Detroit area.
Which crossing should I use for freight going to New York?
Fort Erie-Buffalo (the Peace Bridge) is the usual choice for New York and the Northeast, with the Niagara area crossings as another option.
How do I check border wait times?
Both the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection publish wait times online. Check them on the day of travel because conditions change.
A Cambridge, Ontario carrier hauling dry van, reefer, open flatbed and Flatbed Conestoga freight between Canada and the USA. Carrier authority: MC 1425624, USDOT 3883624.
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