With a variety of trusted carriers that offer shipping to Canada, trying to figure out which one is best for you can be overwhelming. Obtaining quotes is a great way to start, but it will also help if you know what your shipping demands are.
There is a plethora of delivery options available, all from varying carriers, and the right one for you will depend on your needs. For instance, how fast do you need the package to arrive? And how large is your shipment? Knowing the answers to questions like these can help with the process of shipping to Canada.
Quicklook: Top Companies That Ship To Canada
- Best For Consistent Shipping Costs: ShipBob
- Best For Affordable Shipping Costs: USPS
- Best For Quick Shipment Times: UPS
- Best For Tracking Shipments: FedEx
- Best For Flexible Shipping Services: DHL
5 U.S. Carriers That Ship To Canada
When you’re looking to ship across the border to Canada, you can do so confidently by partnering with the following trusted carriers.
ShipBob
ShipBob keeps international shipping convenient thanks to its locations in both the U.S. and Canada. They also make it easy to budget as they have true fulfillment and shipping prices available online. This keeps the variances to a minimum, helping you plan your expenses accordingly.
Services Offered:
- Total fulfillment services
- Shipping services
Insurance: Lost or damaged shipments up to $100 and are also verified will be covered under ShipBob. It is recommended that you obtain additional insurance for higher value orders, such as those valued over $100. Insurance for these shipments is 1.875% of the package’s value, and the additional costs will be added to the shipment’s invoice.
Delivery Options:
- International standard carrier options: Seven to 30 business days
- International expedited carrier options: One to six business days
USPS
Since the USPS offers flat rate shipping options, even to Canada, the USPS is generally one of the most affordable carriers when shipping to Canada. The USPS also keeps it convenient as you can drop off your package at nearly any location across the country. Delayed delivery might happen as the USPS does transfer packages over to the Canada Post across the border.
Services Offered:
- Fulfillment services
- Certain live animal shipping services
- Shipping services
Insurance: International shipments with Priority Mail are insured up to $200 at no additional cost. Additional coverage is also available.
Delivery Options:
- Priority Mail Express International: Estimated shipping time of two to five business days
- Priority Mail International: Estimated shipping time of six to 10 business days
- First Class International Service: Estimated shipping time of 11 to 20 business days
UPS
As one of the largest custom brokers in the world, the UPS can help to get your shipments across the border without the hassle. The UPS has a number of facilities in Canada, helping to minimize the number of delays that you’ll experience when your shipment arrives across the border. No matter the size of your shipments, you can trust in the team at UPS to get everything delivered in a safe and timely manner.
Services Offered:
- Fulfillment services
- Shipping services
- Freight services
Insurance: UPS international shipments up to $100 are covered at no additional cost. Additional coverage is also available.
Delivery Options:
- Worldwide Expedited: Estimated shipping time of two to five business days
- Worldwide Saver: Estimated shipping time of six to 10 business days
FedEx
Yet another company with an expansive network, FedEx is able to get your shipments to Canada in a timely manner. While heavier shipments could end up costing quite a bit, FedEx does keep its prices fairly competitive otherwise. With flexible shipping options and 24/7 tracking, it’s easy to make FedEx international shipping work for you.
Services Offered:
- Fulfillment services
- Shipping services
Insurance:
- Up to $100 worth of international shipments at no additional cost
- Additional coverage available
Delivery Options:
- International Priority: Estimated shipping time of business two to five days
- International Economy: Estimated shipping time of six to 10 business days
DHL
DHL is known for its competitive shipping costs, especially when it comes to shipping internationally. That said, while DHL is a trusted option for shipping to Canada, the company may have a higher price point than their competitors. With on-demand delivery, no pick-up fees and so much more, DHL has a lot to offer.
Services Offered:
- Fulfillment services
- Live animal shipping services
- Shipping services
- Courier services
Insurance:
- Optional
- Available
Delivery Options:
- International Express
- Estimated shipping time of one to six business days
How Does Shipping To Canada Work?
With the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in place, shipping to Canada has been simplified immensely. Of course, duty and custom taxes as well as handling fees will still be incurred.
However, with each of these carriers, you will have options to either complete your shipment online or in person at one of their locations. Customs forms will be required for your shipment to Canada.
Costs Associated With Shipping To Canada
International shipping will naturally cost more, but being prepared by knowing what costs you can expect is key.
Handling Fees
A handling fee is the amount of money a customer will be charged on top of the order total. Handling fees cover the shipping and handling of packages, and they are generally around $10 for customs in Canada.
Duty and Custom Taxes
The GST, or the Goods and Services Tax, will generally amount to 5% on items that are shipped to Canada. That said, certain shipments may be exempt.
Things To Consider When Shipping To Canada
When shipping to Canada, being prepared is the best way to keep things simple and efficient. Knowing which documents you’ll need can save you time and help you avoid any hassles.
The following documents will be required when shipping to Canada:
- Commercial Invoice or a Canada Customs Invoice
- Shipper’s Export Declaration
- Manifest
- Bill of Lading (BOL)
Weather Conditions
If you are planning shipments to Canada in the winter months, it’s good to expect delays. This is because adverse winter weather conditions can greatly affect the ability to easily transport your shipment. Snow and ice covered roads can be treacherous and slow down the shipment process.
Handling and Customs Times
Customs can be unpredictable. Generally your shipment will likely only remain in customs for a day or two or up to a week, but knowing there is the potential for greater hold times is key to your shipping success. Custom holds could be for up to a month depending on the circumstances.
Canada Post
Shipping with the USPS is the only time you’ll have to be concerned with the Canada Post. The USPS transfers shipments to Canada Post once across the border and this can add a delay in delivery with additional customs and the requirement of a new tracking number.
Ship To Canada With Confidence
Shipping to Canada has gotten easier over the years, especially thanks to the enactment of NAFTA in the 1990s. Of course, you’ll still need to be certain that you’re crossing your Ts and dotting your Is accordingly, but this is where working with the right carrier can help.
Finding the right carrier is easier when you know what your shipping requirements are. Consider your shipping needs and pick a carrier that can make it a breeze to ship to anywhere.
FAQ
When you aren’t in a rush to get your shipment to Canada, the cheapest way to ship to Canada is via USPS.
Shipping to Canada can be expensive, though the total cost fully depends on your requirements. If you aren’t in a time crunch, it can be affordable to ship to Canada.
Yes, the USPS offers a variety of delivery options when you are looking to ship to Canada.
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