Purolator International, the leading provider of cross-border logistics between the U.S. and Canada and a subsidiary of Canada's largest integrated delivery services provider, Purolator Inc., has announced the opening of a new U.S. branch office in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore branch joins six established branches in Purolator International's eastern district that support Purolator's rapid growth in the eastern United States and beyond.

'Purolator International continues to improve customer service with an increased presence in key U.S. markets,' said Purolator International President John T. Costanzo. 'Baltimore is such a location and we are pleased to open a branch here to more efficiently oversee air and surface transportation to and from Canada, the premier destination for Maryland trade.'

A growing number of Maryland businesses are recognizing the opportunities and growth potential that exist in the Canadian market. Exports to Canada topped $1.69 billion during 2011, and accounted for 16 percent of the state's total merchandise sales. Canada is Maryland's top export destination and in fact, the state sells more goods to Canada than to the next two largest foreign markets combined.

Almost $600 billion in goods and services crossed the U.S./Canadian border in 2011 ' a rate of more than $1.6 billion per day. The breadth and scope of Purolator International's network and the company's well-established history with the Canadian market make business expansion into Canada seamless

The proper logistics partner can help navigate the challenges and obstacles that can impede a smooth entry to the Canadian market. Purolator is an established expert in U.S./Canadian border clearance, Canadian logistics, and the Canadian marketplace. Purolator fully understands the regulatory climate, market practices and cultural differences of conducting business in a foreign country.

Purolator International, headquartered in Jericho, NY, has opened its new branch at 3510 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21227. The office is under the supervision of Branch Manager Jeffrey Wooten, a veteran of the transportation industry. He can be reached at (410) 242-7767 or emailing: [email protected].

'Purolator International is an industry leader,' said Wooten. 'I'm excited to be heading up this new office that will enable companies in Maryland to smoothly and easily expand north of the border into Canada.'

To facilitate cross border logistics for shipments traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Purolator International opened seven new branch offices in 2012 in key U.S. markets and anticipates three additional office locations will open during the first quarter of 2013.

Exports have played an important role in the U.S. recovery and in the fourth quarter of 2011, exceeded $2 trillion. Canada is the United States' major export destination, but most businesses choose to remain on the sidelines or make the mistake of entrusting their Canada-bound shipments to a U.S. logistics provider that may not have experience in the Canadian market.