Best Options to Ship from the US to Canada
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for low-cost, effective, and reliable shipping from the US to Canada. In terms of trade, Canada is second to China as the US’s biggest export market. For eCommerce businesses, Canada offers a promising and cost-effective market to tap into. Given that the two nations share a border, cross-border exports can be completed easily without any problems.
Your business will suffer if your products don’t arrive at their destination undamaged, on schedule, and at a reasonable cost, without any surprise customs fees. Cross-border shipping can be perplexing initially. We created this guide for you in order to help you with that. Considering your requirements, it is advisable to analyze and compare the available options while looking for the best way to ship from the United States to Canada. In this article, we’ll go over the numerous alternatives for shipping from the US to Canada so you can offer the best shipping service to your buyers. Let’s get started!
Key Factors to Consider When Shipping to Canada
1. Delivery Speed
Depending on your shipment’s urgency, delivery speed plays a vital role in choosing the right carrier. Express services like FedEx International Priority or DHL Express offer delivery within 1–3 business days, while economy options such as USPS Priority Mail International may take 6–10 business days. Balance speed with cost based on your needs.
2. Shipping Costs
Shipping rates vary depending on carrier, service level, package dimensions, and weight. While USPS offers lower rates for small packages, carriers like UPS or FedEx may charge more for faster delivery or better tracking. Consider using rate calculators or third-party platforms to compare prices before shipping.
3. Package Size and Weight
Carriers calculate rates based on dimensional weight or actual weight—whichever is higher. Optimizing your packaging to eliminate excess space can reduce your shipping cost. Flat-rate boxes are also a great option for heavier items.
4. Tracking & Insurance
Reliable tracking is essential for both senders and recipients. Most major carriers provide tracking on international shipments, though the detail and accuracy can vary. For valuable items, insurance is recommended to cover potential loss or damage during transit.
5. Customs Duties and Taxes
Shipments to Canada are subject to customs clearance and may incur duties or taxes. Include a commercial invoice with accurate product descriptions and declared values. You can choose between DDU (Delivery Duties Unpaid) or DDP (Delivery Duties Paid) based on who will pay the charges—you or the recipient.
6. Return Options
A seamless return process is crucial for businesses, especially in eCommerce. Choose carriers that support return labels for international shipments. If you anticipate returns, include prepaid labels or opt for services that simplify cross-border returns.
Basics of Shipping from the US to Canada
The presence of a land border means less expensive and speedier shipping. You should be ready to pay all the regular charges associated with international shipping, especially for Canadian destinations that are near your US delivery location. Duty amounts, destination, and shipping service are the three key variables that affect the cost of shipping to Canada.
The cost of your company’s international shipping to Canada is additionally determined by factors including weight, volume, and the desired delivery time. It could take one to sixteen days to ship anything from the US to Canada. Whether you choose land shipping or air shipping, it will affect how long the shipment takes. It is also vital to determine whether you require express delivery or if you are comfortable with standard shipping.
Customs clearance and documentation for Canada
Canada is no different than any other nation in that all packages must be approved by customs. There are a lot of rules in place to ensure public safety, particularly when it comes to imported items.
Here are some things to take into consideration while sending products from the US to Canada:
1. You must declare the contents of the shipment, which includes the products.
2. You must submit the auto-generated customs invoice. A mistake will only result in delays and higher fees, so be sure to fill out every part completely and in as much detail as you can.
3. You’ll be charged tax and duty on anything more expensive than $20 CAD. Any import with a value greater than the specified amount is subject to the goods and services tax, which has a 5 percent cap.
4. If you are sending to Canada with FedEx or UPS, commercial invoices for international shipments are necessary. You can, however, submit these electronically using EDI or ETD.
5. Presents sent from outside Canada that are worth less than 60 CAD must only be marked as gifts.
6. The following taxes and customs may apply to your Canadian shipping.
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Tax on Goods and Services (GST)
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In Canada, the GST plus a few different provincial taxes are combined to form the harmonized tax (HT).
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In provinces where HT does not apply, there is a provincial sales tax.
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Quebec sales taxes.
Prohibited or Restricted Items
Shipping to Canadian post offices or residential addresses is subject to additional restrictions in addition to the usual list of things that are prohibited and restricted for all overseas deliveries.
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All forms of tobacco products are forbidden.
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Bees, leeches, and other live creatures are prohibited even though Canada Post permits day-old chicks and hatching eggs with special permits.
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Products created in Iran are currently subject to an embargo, thus they cannot be shipped to Canada.
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There are several plants that are forbidden.
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Money.
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Packages that have a bad odor or are damp.
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While strollers are permitted, Canada forbids the import or sale of baby walkers due to a potential risk to the infants.
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Gambling-related products of any kind.
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The Canadian health agency prohibits the importation of used mattresses into the nation.
Best Options to Ship from the U.S. to Canada
Cross-border and international shipping is offered by a number of different shipping companies in Canada. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL are all excellent options for sending to Canada. In order to help you choose the best shipping method for your specific requirements, we have broken down the costs and delivery times for these carriers when shipping a parcel to Canada.
UPS
The current cost for UPS Worldwide Expedited shipping from the U.S. to Canada depends on package weight and dimensions. Here are typical examples:
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For a small package (under 3 lb), rates are around US $91.60 for 2–5 business day delivery.
- Using a general international calculator, a 1‑lb parcel is approximately US $94, and a 5‑lb parcel is around US $121 for similar transit times .
Best for: Reliable ground or air service with comprehensive tracking
Popular Services:
Pros:
- Faster delivery than USPS for most routes
- Full end-to-end tracking
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Advanced customs clearance options, including DDP
Cons:
- Can be pricey, especially for small packages
- Brokerage fees may apply if not prepaid
USPS
USPS Priority Mail International – Small Flat Rate Box costs approximately $32 and is delivered within 6-10 days.
Best for: Small, lightweight packages and budget-conscious shipping
Popular Services:
Pros:
- Most affordable option for smaller shipments
- Extensive delivery network
- Easy access via post offices nationwide
Cons:
- Slower delivery speeds (especially First-Class)
- Limited tracking details compared to private carriers
Customs:
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Includes CN22 or CN23 customs forms; duties and taxes may apply upon arrival.
FedEx
FedEx has a superior tracking system and quick shipping service, FedEx is well-known among eCommerce businesses. They have an extensive global logistics network, which helps them provide quick services. FedEx also offers express and overnight delivery of Canadian shipments. FedEx also offers various International services to Canada for shipments that aren’t as urgent. Although, when shipping packages that weigh more than ten pounds, FedEx can be quite expensive, just like UPS.
FedEx International Economy costs approximately $96.67 and is delivered within 6-10 days.
Best for: Time-sensitive business shipments and superior tracking
Popular Services:
Pros:
- Excellent speed and service reliability
- Robust tracking and customer support
- Strong customs handling for smooth delivery
Cons:
- Higher shipping rates, especially for lightweight or personal parcels
DHL
Due to their affordable international shipping rates, DHL is regarded as one of the best carriers for international deliveries. Because the US and Canada have a land border, most US-based businesses are unlikely to utilize DHL frequently because they are more expensive than other shipping carriers. DHL is a fantastic choice if you’re sending packages internationally.
DHL Worldwide Air costs approximately $93 and is delivered within 3 days.
Best for: Fastest international delivery and premium service
Popular Service:
- Fastest delivery to most Canadian locations (1–3 days)
- Expertise in international customs processes
- Real-time tracking and notifications
Cons:
- Premium pricing, best suited for urgent or high-value shipments
Best Option by Shipping Scenario to ship from US to Canada
1. For Small eCommerce Packages:
USPS with Tracking
USPS offers affordable international services like First-Class Package International and Priority Mail International, ideal for small, lightweight parcels. These services include tracking and basic customs support, making them perfect for startups and small eCommerce sellers.
2. For Fast Delivery:
DHL Express or FedEx International Priority
When speed is critical, DHL and FedEx offer premium express services that deliver to most Canadian addresses within 1–3 business days. These carriers are known for reliable tracking, customs expertise, and excellent customer support.
3. For Budget-Conscious Shipping:
USPS or UPS Standard
If cost is a top priority and delivery time is flexible, USPS and UPS Standard to Canada are solid choices. While USPS is more economical for smaller packages, UPS Standard provides competitive rates for larger items with reliable tracking.
4. For Large/Bulk Shipments:
Freight Services or Consolidated Shipping Platforms
For heavy, oversized, or multiple packages, freight carriers or third-party logistics (3PL) platforms like ReachShip, ShipStation, or Easyship offer consolidated options and bulk shipping discounts. These solutions help reduce per-unit costs and streamline cross-border logistics.
How to Ship from the US to Canada with ReachShip
It is critical for eCommerce businesses to develop a shipping strategy that will enable them to clearly communicate their shipping options to their customers. International shipping is now simpler and more streamlined than ever thanks to ReachShip.
Obtaining real-time rates from all four major carriers, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL, is possible once you register with ReachShip. From one centralized location, you can compare the prices and the dates of delivery for each of them. ReachShip allows you to automate every step of the shipping process, including postage purchases, shipping label printing, package creation, pickup scheduling, and shipment tracking.
Conclusion
Canada is an accessible and thriving international market to enter. The Canadian market is a valuable choice for US companies because of its geographical proximity. With ReachShip, you can avoid getting bogged down in the details of how to compute shipping costs because it will do so automatically while accounting for all the key factors.
USPS is the best and cheapest alternative for you if you are open with your delivery time and have no urgent requirements; but, if you need to deliver quickly, UPS and FedEx is the best choice for you, although they cost comparatively higher. Although it is rather pricey, DHL is also a fantastic option. If you have any questions regarding shipping from the US to Canada, please let us know in the comments section below.
FAQs
1.Can I track a package shipped from the US to Canada?
Absolutely. Most major carriers offer tracking services for shipments from the US to Canada. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all provide end-to-end tracking options depending on the service you choose.
2. What’s the best carrier for fast delivery from the US to Canada?
For fast and reliable delivery, FedEx International Priority, DHL Express Worldwide, and UPS Worldwide Express are excellent choices for shipping from the US to Canada.
3. Can I return items shipped from the US to Canada?
Yes, but return shipping can be costly. To simplify the process, consider using prepaid return labels or services that offer reverse logistics for cross-border shipments.
4. Does Amazon ship from the US to Canada?
Yes, Amazon does ship from the US to Canada, but not all items are eligible. If the item is not available for international delivery, you can use freight forwarders or third-party logistics services.
5. Is insurance available when shipping from the US to Canada?
Yes, most carriers offer insurance for international shipments. USPS includes limited coverage, and services like FedEx, UPS, and DHL allow you to purchase additional insurance for higher-value shipments from the US to Canada.
Further Reading
4 Best Options to Ship from the USA to India
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