In order to ensure your individual requirements are met and your shipping concerns are always getting the personal attention they deserve, we employ a unique approach to global trade that focuses on combining trusted technologies and talented people that know how to use them.
As a customer-focused company, we provide you with a single source of unmatched Customs Brokerage (Canadian, US, Mexican), Trade Managed Solutions, Freight Forwarding, Trade Technologies and Warehousing/Distribution Services.
Buckland Customers
When we are able to create a mutually-beneficial long-term relationship with you, every strategy we employ will be done with you in mind.
Buckland Employees
Providing rewarding opportunities to develop and apply skills is a priority for our staff. We do not underestimate the power of a positive and supportive work environment.
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Buckland Suppliers
The strong relationships we build to provide quality services together, aim to bring about customer satisfaction and our mutual success.
Buckland Community
Corporate and personal involvement makes sure we are always part of something bigger than ourselves.
The Buckland Quality System
The Buckland Quality System can be found in action, every step of the way.
We’ve developed, documented, implemented, monitored and improved each process to form an integrated system that promises complete customer satisfaction. The strong enforcement of regulatory requirement programs is what makes implementing the Buckland Quality System so important to us. It means that your risk of experiencing border delays, fees and re-assessments are minimized and the execution accuracy of your entire shipment is maximized.
What’s In It For You?
There is a strong need for compliance in the face of continually increasing Customs complexity. Add to that ongoing enforcement of regulatory requirement programs and it can be summed up pretty easily in saying “monetary” and “penalty” are two words no one likes to hear in the same sentence. Implementing the Buckland Quality System means that your risk of experiencing border delays, fees and re-assessments are minimized and the execution accuracy of your entire shipment is maximized.
The Buckland Advantage
How we ensure that progress and success is always on the way in.
Our Staff
Continued training, education and opportunities for our incoming and existing staff.
We’ll keep our Buckland family growing with strategic role additions and the support of constant self-expansion for those currently on our team.
Market Monitoring
Keep stakeholders, employees and customers informed of government regulations and changes in the industry.
If there are changes occurring that will impact trade, we’ll react in a way that brings our customers the most benefit.
Technology Development
Creating technology that is a step ahead of the evolving industry.
Our in-house development team creates cutting-edge applications that bring our customers unique value and advantages.
Environmental Consciousness
Choosing to go the greenest way when considering all materials and processes.
We’ll keep our carbon footprint light, but our contribution and interest in improving the environment heavy.
Thought Leadership
Providing and producing education content is an ongoing effort.
We’ll use webinars, social media and other online platforms to keep our customers constantly in the know with industry information.
Service Selection
Finding new areas where you need help and offering support accordingly.
We’re always working to understand and get ahead of emerging global business trends so that we can add or update our services in a way that will effectively support our customers.
Our Vision
Buckland develops enduring relationships with our customers and partners throughout the global supply chain. We strive to provide customized services in a memorable way.
Our customers trust us to simplify the complex world of Customs and Logistics by bringing together innovative and customer focused people, processes and technology. In doing so, we strive to drive the success of all Customers and Stakeholders.
Our Values
We are continually developing new relationships and advancing existing partnerships. We demonstrate our desire to exceed customer expectations by being:
- Problem Solvers
- Passionate & Forward Thinking
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
Key Members of the Buckland Executive Team:
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Shirley Smith
President
As Buckland’s President, Shirley is responsible for leading the company’s strategic direction. Shirley became president and co-owner of Buckland in 1994 when she and her husband Craig purchased the business from her father. Building on 50 years of customs brokerage, consulting and logistics business, Shirley and Craig have continued to expand Buckland over the last 20 years with offices across Canada and the US. Shirley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario, an MA in International Trade from the University of Toronto and is a Licensed Customs Broker. She is a member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers and has been both President and Vice Chair as a National Board member. Shirley is also involved with many of her local charities.
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CRAIG SMITH
CEO
As Buckland’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig is responsible for leading the company’s strategic direction and growth. Craig became co-owner of Buckland in 1994 with his wife Shirley. Craig has grown the company exponentially, expanding companies into the US and Mexico. He founded the international freight forwarding division, opening air/ocean services primarily in China, Western UK, and the Pacific Rim. In addition, Craig initiated domestic and cross-border trucking/warehousing distribution operations. This complimented Buckland offering clients complete global logistics and supply chain solutions. Craig’s vision and recognition of the importance of opportunities in technology has resulted in continual investment and commitment to developing significant software systems. These technological advances combined with timely execution and utilization promotes ongoing efficiencies and continues to catapult Buckland's growth in the global trade services industry. Craig holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administrative Commercial Studies from Western University. He has previous success in the pharmaceutical industry as well as real estate development prior to taking on international logistics. Craig has been a board member on both private and non-profit organizations including, The Federated Group, Economic Development Corp., United Way and Chamber of Commerce. He has been active and chaired and co-chaired numerous events in YPO (Young Presidents Organization) and WPO (World Presidents Organization). Along with his wife Shirley, Craig is actively involved in many local organizations and charities.
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JOHN MERRYLEES
CSO
As Buckland’s Chief Strategy Officer, John is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization and planning, both in the short term and long term. John is focused on the ongoing improvement of the organization's business model, Buckland's Mexican entity, overall processes, and establishing key long-term relationships with business partners that enhance Buckland’s market position. In addition to this oversight role, John is responsible for the Information Technology group, Corporate Facilities and Compliance. John began his career at Buckland as Controller in 2003, where he was an integral part in the development of Buckland internal processing network. Over the years he has held various executive positions, including Chief Operating Officer, and most recently Chief Strategy Officer in 2020. John holds an Honors Business Administration degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He obtained his CPA, CA designation from the ICAO and CPA (US) designation along with both the US and Canadian CCS designations. John is actively involved in local sports organizations.
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KELLEY ZYLSTRA
CFO
As Buckland’s Chief Financial Officer, Kelley is responsible for leading the company’s strategic fiscal management and overseeing the Operations teams across North America. She began her career at Buckland as a General Accountant in 2006 and has since held the positions of Controller, VP Finance and Special Projects and Vice President of Finance and Northern Border Operations. Kelley studied Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Finance at Fanshawe College as well as Sociology at Western University. Kelley holds her CPA, CGA designation in addition to her Certified Customs Specialist designation from the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers.
"I am extremely happy with the exceptional services provided by Buckland’s customer service team, they ensure all of our customs needs are taken care of, even hanging in beyond the end of their “shift” to ensure any unforeseen issues that may arise are dealt with in order to get our driver on his way. It is reassuring to know I can rely on them. "
Shannondoe Farm
"Thanks again for the great job Buckland does for us. "
MAHLE Filter Systems Canada, ULC
"Buckland is our year long partner in Canada who offers a great customer service and always timely clearance. "
Egetrans USA, Inc