Tariffs threaten cross-border family business where Canadians collect their U.S. packages

Tariffs are spelling uncertainty for a family business that allows Canadians to use its U.S. shipping address to receive packages from the States. Halfway House Freight Forwarding is a unique parcel pick-up spot that sits right in the middle of the Canada-U.S. border crossings in Dundee, Que., and Fort Covington, N.Y. Customers enter the property by driving along Chemin de Dundee Centre, a gravel road about 100 kilometres south of Montreal.

The main floor of the house is divided by a black line, marking the boundary between Canada and the United States. Canadians can enter through one door, Americans through the other, to pick up their packages which are neatly stacked on handmade two-by-four shelves created by the Patenaude family. The house has a rich history, initially transforming from a hotel into a bar by Louis Patenaude’s father, Paul-Maurice, who later became the mayor of Dundee.

Today, the house is solely used for receiving packages. Customers order a variety of items ranging from car parts to personal everyday items from U.S. stores that do not ship across the border. The house receives packages from companies such as Target and eBay, allowing Quebecers to access products that are not available in Canada.

However, the business has faced challenges in recent months due to tariffs and economic uncertainty. With a 25% levy on some goods coming from the U.S. since March 4, customers are facing increased costs when importing items. Customers must declare their packages with Canadian customs officers at the nearby location, where duty and taxes are collected on imported items.

Louis Patenaude expresses concern for the future of the business as uncertainty looms. While he understands the push for buying local, he believes there is still a need for Canadians to have access to products from the U.S. Despite the challenges, the family is determined to preserve the business and its history, hoping to make renovations to the building to keep it running smoothly.

As the trade war continues, Patenaude hopes to navigate the uncertainties and continue serving the community. The family business has become a staple in the area, providing a vital service for Canadians looking to access products from the United States. With a focus on maintaining the building and providing excellent service, Halfway House Freight Forwarding remains a beacon of cross-border trade in the face of economic challenges.