Frequently Asked
Questions

We provide full truckload (FTL) dry van freight hauling across Canada and the USA, cross-border trucking between BC and California, pan-Canada freight services, and specialized refrigerated delivery for perishable goods. Based in Abbotsford, BC, we serve local, regional, and national routes.

We transport general dry freight, perishable goods, refrigerated cargo, fresh and frozen seafood, produce, and temperature-sensitive shipments. We're experienced with time-sensitive deliveries and cargo requiring precise handling throughout transit.

We specialize in FTL (Full Truckload) shipments, typically 20–26 pallets on a 53-foot dry van trailer. FTL provides faster, direct routes with no shared handling, ideal for time-sensitive or high-volume freight. Contact us to discuss your load requirements and we'll find the right solution.

Local trucking covers routes within BC (typically under 150 miles). Regional trucking covers BC and western Canada, including Alberta and the Pacific Northwest. National trucking spans coast-to-coast across Canada. Keylink operates across all three levels, plus cross-border USA routes, giving you one reliable partner for any distance.

We offer flexible scheduling with short-notice pickups available for urgent shipments. Contact our dispatch team at 778-666-3626 or dispatch@keylinktransport.ca to arrange your pickup as quickly as possible.

Yes. All trailers are inspected and cleaned between loads to maintain freight quality and meet food safety standards for perishable cargo. We maintain complete sanitization records for every food-grade shipment.

Rates are calculated based on weight, dimensions, distance, lane demand, and any special handling requirements. Fuel surcharges are applied based on current market rates. We provide transparent, all-in quotes with no hidden fees and no surprise charges at delivery.

Refrigerated (reefer) trucking typically costs 10–20% more than dry freight due to specialized equipment, continuous temperature monitoring, and higher operational requirements. For perishable goods, this investment protects your product integrity and ensures regulatory compliance. The cost of spoilage or non-compliance is far greater.

Our quotes are all-inclusive: carrier fees, fuel surcharges, and standard handling charges. Any additional services (after-hours delivery, specialized handling requirements) are clearly itemized upfront before you commit. You'll never receive a surprise invoice.

Quotes are valid for 7 days from the date issued. After 7 days, market conditions and fuel prices may have changed, and we'll provide a refreshed quote quickly. For ongoing freight needs, we can discuss rate agreements that provide more stability.

We accept commercial credit accounts (Net 30 terms for qualified businesses), EFT/bank transfer, and major credit cards. Contact us to set up a commercial account for ongoing freight needs. It's the easiest way to manage recurring shipments.

Once your load is booked, our dispatch team keeps you updated at every key milestone: pickup confirmation, in-transit status, and delivery confirmation. For real-time updates, contact us at 778-666-3626 or dispatch@keylinktransport.ca any time.

Our team provides current location updates, estimated delivery windows, and temperature readings throughout transit (including live readings for refrigerated cargo). We proactively communicate any changes to your delivery timeline so you're never left waiting for an update.

Yes. We provide pickup confirmations and delivery notifications via phone or email, based on your preference. For high-value or time-sensitive shipments, we maintain direct, proactive communication throughout the entire transit.

Typical transit times: Local BC deliveries: 1–2 days. Regional BC/Alberta: 2–3 days. BC to California: 2–4 days. Pan-Canada: 3–7 days depending on destination. These are estimates; factors like border processing and weather can affect timing. Rush and expedited services are available on request.

We communicate proactively. If delays occur due to weather, border processing, or road conditions, our dispatch team notifies you immediately and provides a revised delivery estimate. We don't leave you guessing. Transparency is part of how we operate.

You'll need a Bill of Lading (BOL), commercial invoice, and packing list. For USMCA-eligible goods, a certificate of origin can facilitate duty-free clearance. We guide you through all documentation requirements and review everything before crossing to prevent border delays.

BC to California typically takes 2–4 days depending on destination city, border wait times, and customs processing. Common crossings include Pacific Highway/Blaine and Oroville. We factor in typical border processing times when providing delivery estimates so you can plan accurately.

Most delays result from documentation errors, missing information on the BOL or commercial invoice, or random customs inspections. Our team thoroughly reviews all documents before crossing to minimize holds and keep your freight moving efficiently.

Yes. Our drivers are enrolled in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program, which provides expedited border clearance for pre-approved carriers and shipments. FAST enrollment significantly speeds up your cross-border transit and reduces wait times at the border.

No action required on your part. Our experienced drivers handle all border procedures, customs requirements, and inspections. We keep you informed of your shipment's progress through each stage of the crossing. You'll know when it clears customs and resumes transit.

A reefer truck is an insulated trailer equipped with a refrigeration unit powered by a diesel engine and compressor. It maintains precise temperature ranges from frozen (−25°C) to chilled (+15°C), ensuring your perishable cargo stays in optimal condition from pickup to delivery.

We maintain temperatures from −25°C to +15°C. Fresh seafood: 0–2°C. Fresh produce: 2–4°C. Frozen goods: −18°C or colder. Temperature is monitored continuously using digital systems and recorded throughout every trip for compliance and quality assurance.

All reefer units are pre-cooled before loading to bring the trailer to the correct temperature before cargo enters. Digital temperature monitoring runs continuously throughout transit, and any deviation from the set range triggers an immediate alert so we can intervene before cargo is compromised.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandates vehicle cleanliness, driver training, temperature controls, and record-keeping for food transport. All Keylink drivers are FSMA-trained and we maintain complete documentation, including sanitization and temperature records, for every perishable shipment.

We specialize in fresh fish and seafood delivery with expertise in maintaining 0–4°C throughout transit. We're experienced with expedited local seafood deliveries to restaurants, retailers, and distributors across BC, ensuring product integrity and shelf life from the moment we pick up your cargo.

Our digital monitoring systems alert us immediately to any temperature deviation. We intervene promptly to address the cause and minimize exposure time. All incidents are fully documented, and we work with you to assess cargo viability and discuss appropriate next steps.

Extremely critical. An 8°F increase (from 32°F to 40°F) can cut shelf life in half. Fresh seafood must remain below 32°F (0°C) throughout transport. We maintain detailed temperature logs for every shipment to ensure FDA/USDA compliance and protect the quality your customers expect.

Yes. Fresh seafood is maintained at 0–4°C in chilled environments. Frozen seafood is held at −18°C or colder throughout transit. We adjust trailer settings, loading procedures, and handling protocols based on your specific product requirements to maintain quality at every stage.

We maintain full FSMA compliance, complete sanitization records, and temperature documentation for all food-grade shipments. Our drivers receive ongoing food safety training and our equipment meets all regulatory standards for perishable cargo transport in both Canada and the USA.

We carry $750,000 ICBC motor truck cargo liability insurance (USDOT 2832041 | MC# 946449) as required for cross-border operations. Your freight is protected while in our care, custody, and control throughout transit. For high-value or specialized shipments, additional cargo insurance options can be arranged. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

We investigate immediately, document the incident thoroughly with photos and all relevant records, and work with you and our insurer to process the claim as efficiently as possible. Our goal is a fair, transparent resolution, not a bureaucratic runaround. Contact us at info@keylinktransport.com as soon as an issue is identified.