Canada is a perfect place for importers to send their products and make money which Canadians are willing to buy.

You can quickly ship packages to Canada from the United States. You can use USPS, FedEx, DHLSxx or UPS to ship packages and letters to Canada. The only difference is that you need to know how to calculate shipping rates for packages going to Canada.

Shipping to Canada is more accessible than most people think. However, some considerations must be made when planning your shipment to ensure everything goes smoothly once it arrives in Canada.

This guide walks you through how to ship to Canada, what you need to know about shipping to Canada, and some tips for ensuring your package arrives safely.

Let’s get started!

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Shipping Packages to Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world and is home to approximately 36 million people. Canadian consumers are well known for their love of shopping online, so if you’re selling products online and want to reach a broader audience, shipping to Canada can be an excellent idea.

However, here are some things to know that will help you get started:

  • Get familiar with Canadian customs regulations. You can find information about what items can be imported into Canada here, but it’s best to double-check with your local post office before you ship anything off.
  • Find a courier service that offers international shipping services. If this is your first time using a courier service, it might take some research before finding one that works well for your business needs. 

Many factors need to go into shipping to Canada, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before you begin. It can save you money, time and business if you need the correct information. Have a look at those factors.

Delivery Time

One of the first things to consider is how long it will take for your package to arrive in Canada. Delivery times can vary significantly depending on where you’re sending your package from and how far it has to travel. 

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Generally speaking, shipping something from within the US should arrive within two weeks after being processed by customs officials at the border. 

Suppose you’re shipping from abroad and have selected international tracking. In that case, delivery time is typically about ten days after processing through customs at the border and arrival in Toronto or Montreal.

Moreover, The delivery time of your package also depends on the shipping service you choose. For example, if you choose to ship with UPS, you can expect to receive your package within 2 to 6 business days. If you choose to ship with FedEx, your package will arrive within 3 to 5 business days.

  • Customs Handling Times

When shipping packages to Canada, you must know the custom handling times. The customs department in Canada is an integral part of their government, and they follow many procedures to ensure that your shipments are secure.

The good news is that most shipments are delivered within two weeks of arrival in Canada. If your package does not arrive within seven days or has been more than six weeks since it was shipped, there are some aspects to assume.

Customs handling times vary depending on where your package comes from and what kind of product it contains. For example, if your package comes from Asia or Africa, it may take longer to arrive at its destination because it may need extra time for inspection. 

If your package comes from Europe or South America, it will likely arrive sooner than other shipments from other parts of the world because those areas don’t require as much inspection as other countries do.

In addition, shipping your items as “merchandise” will be treated as commercial goods rather than personal items, which would be shipped as letter mail. 

  • Canada Post

The United States Postal Service (USPS) works with Canada Post, so if you’re shipping an international package from the US, it will likely pass through Canada Post first before reaching its destination in Canada. In this scenario, you should anticipate a delayed package delivery due to the handling.

  • Weather Conditions

Canada has four seasons, and it’s essential to know how the weather may affect your shipment during any given season. The weather determines how fast your package will arrive at its destination. If the weather is warm and dry, your package will be delivered faster than if it were cold and rainy.

However, Shipping packages in the winter can be more difficult in Canada. Snow frequently falls during that time of year so roads may be blocked off or unsafe for travel.

Snowstorms and freezing temperatures also impact mail delivery times and increase the chances that your package will be delayed or lost.

Cost

Shipping packages to Canada can be challenging, especially if you need to learn how to do it right. Knowing how much your shipment will cost before shipping is essential so you can plan accordingly. Here are some factors which can affect the cost of shipping.

  • Handling Fees

If your package arrives in Canada, the recipient must pay customs fees and taxes on their own before receiving their package. The amount they pay depends on how much the item is worth and where it’s coming from (US). 

You can choose whether or not customs fees will be included in your shipping cost when ordering from an online retailer like Amazon or eBay, but this doesn’t guarantee that customs fees won’t apply anyway if something is valued over CAD 20 per item or if it’s imported from outside North America plus handling fee $10.

  • Weight

 The heavier your package is, the more expensive it will be to ship. This is because most carriers charge by weight and volume rather than by some items or distance travelled. If you’re sending a large box full of books, expect to pay more than if you were sending a single book.

  • Size

Another factor affecting shipping costs is size, specifically, how much space your package takes up in transit. Most carriers charge based on size, so larger packages tend to cost more than smaller ones. Some carriers may also have limits on how large their trucks can carry (for example, UPS allows packages up to 10 pounds).

Customs Declaration Form

Every shipment entering Canada must have a Customs Declaration form attached to it. The form contains specific information about your packages, like their value and contents.

If something needs to be added to this document, it could cause delays in customs clearance or even prevent your package from being delivered altogether.

Restricted Items

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has many restrictions on what items can enter the country. These include food, plants, animals, animal products, medications, medical devices, firearms and weapons, fireworks, currency, and stamps.

If you’re unsure whether your shipment will make it through customs, you can contact the CBSA for more information.

  • Prohibited Items

There is also a list of items that are prohibited from entering Canada. These include alcohol, drugs, pornography, and lottery tickets. 

If you need clarification on whether your package contains any of these items or if you want to ship gift cards or alcohol as gifts during the holidays, contact the CBSA before shipping anything to Canada.

  • Fragile Items

Fragile items such as glassware and porcelain can only be shipped if packed in a sturdy box that protects them from damage during transport. 

If these items are not properly packaged, they may break during shipment and can cause harm to other things in the package or even those who handle the shipment. In addition, fragile items should be double-boxed so they can be cushioned between two layers of cardboard.

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Couriers Shipping to Canada

Every e-commerce business needs to ship its products to Canada. Shipping to Canada is a complex process, and you must ensure that you do it correctly. There are courier shipping options available to ship to Canada. The courier service providers are well known for their fast shipping and delivery in Canada.

They offer express shipping services, which an international seller can use to ship products from Canada to any part of the world. You must know about your business’s various courier shipping options as a seller. 

You can get more information about these options from the couriers or other online resources like blogs and forums.

There are many shipping methods, and the one you choose will depend on the product you are shipping, the size of your package, and the delivery time your customers need.

If you’re shipping to Canada, the following are couriers that can help you ship to Canada:

UPS

UPS is the largest package delivery company in the world and an industry leader, providing innovative delivery options to consumers and businesses around the world as well as a wide variety of services related to the transportation of packages and freight.

In addition to offering services in over 220 locations, UPS employs more than 500,000 people worldwide. UPS delivers 26 million packages daily and hundreds of thousands of shipments every night.

Customers worldwide can use the company’s integrated business solutions, such as shipping packages and freight, easing international trade, and using cutting-edge technology to run the business world more efficiently. UPS is committed to operating responsibly while developing a sustainable future for generations.

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FedEx

FedEx is the most popular courier shipping company for ecommerce business. The company has been operating for years and has a reputation for providing quality services.

It offers you a wide range of services, including international shipping,ecommerce, and local delivery. The company has more than 230 locations in Canada and provides affordable prices.

FedEx has different types of courier shipping services to get what you need. This includes air and FedEx international ground.

FedEx offers overnight delivery or within a few days depending on where you live in Canada. Their prices are very reasonable, especially compared to other carriers such as UPS. 

FedEx also offers free tracking, which can help identify delays or problems with your shipment so that they can be resolved quickly before they become too big of an issue for both parties involved (buyer/seller).

USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a government-owned corporation that offers various services to businesses. USPS rates are based on the weight and distance of your package and the type of service you choose. You can use this calculator to estimate your discounted shipping rates.

USPS offers flat-rate pricing on many shipping options. This is especially useful if you’re sending out products to different locations. The flat rates are available for USPS priority mail international packages that weigh less than 70 pounds and First Class Mail parcels. 

This means that if you have many small items to send out, this will be much cheaper than buying individual mailers for each one.

Moreover, USPS has affordable prices compared to other carriers like FedEx and UPS. When it comes to shipping internationally, though, the prices may not be as competitive as some other options. You’ll need to research this beforehand, so you only end up paying what you need for your shipments.

DHLsxx

DHL is the most popular choice for e-commerce shipping in Canada. It’s fast and reliable, but it’s also expensive. It offers door-to-door delivery, including air and overseas shipping. DHL is one of the leading logistics companies in the world and has a global network.

However, if you are looking for a service that is both affordable and economical, you should not go with DHL because of the high cost of their services.

How To Ship Packages Outside Canada?

Shipping outside of Canada is easier than you might think. You can ship your items to other countries in many different ways. If you are thinking about shipping items, whether for individuals or businesses, here is a quick guideline to help you out.

For Individuals and Households

  1. The first thing you need to do is check whether or not it’s legal for Canadians to ship goods across international borders.
  2.  Find out if there are any restrictions on what you can ship.
  3. Find some helpful hints for wrapping your package so it can be shipped.
  4. Entering the specifics of your parcel into Find a Rate will generate a list of available shipping services, along with their associated costs, features, and options.
  5. Before you send your item, complete the customs form that is available online; you will then receive a barcode that you should bring to the post office with your package.

For Businesses

Shipping outside Canada is an excellent way for businesses to expand their reach and grow their customer base. But it cannot be easy to navigate the international shipping process, especially if it’s your first time. Here are some guidelines that will help you get started:

  1. Contact your carrier about the rules for importing goods from Canada into your country.
  2. Make sure you know what kind of products you are shipping and what their value is (if you’re shipping with a carrier that charges by weight)
  3.  Decide whether you use a courier or a shipping company to ship your goods.
  4. Find out if there are any restrictions on the type of packaging materials you can use, such as if they must be biodegradable or recyclable to qualify for free shipping services.
  5. Determine which items will require tracking numbers and why those items need them.
  6. Learn more about the rules and regulations governing exports and customs.
  7. Get your packages ready to send out or receive.

Canadian Tax & Duties

Canada has one of the highest levels of taxes in the world. This means you will have to pay duties and taxes on any items you import into Canada.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) collects duties and taxes on incoming goods. Duties are charged on imported goods at both the time of entry into Canada and at the time of sale or consumption when they leave Canada.

Duties on imported goods are based on three factors:

  • The type of good being imported;
  • Its value
  • The country where it was manufactured.

You must pay taxes and duties on imported goods when they enter Canada from another country. These charges vary depending on the type of imported goods and the province where they’re being shipped from or delivered to. 

On imports with a value of more than CAD 20, the Canadian Customs Service levies a tax and duty of 5%. However, some items, such as basic groceries, prescription drugs, medical devices, and residential rent, are exempt from tax and duty. 

Some provinces also have their own provincial sales taxes (PST) that may apply when purchasing certain goods, such as alcohol or gasoline.

Tips when Shipping to Canada

Shipping to Canada is a breeze. With just a few extra steps, you can deliver your packages to Canada without hassle.

Here are some tips to help you ship to Canada:

  1. Make sure that your label shows the correct destination country and postal code.
  2. Use customs forms correctly and ensure they have all necessary information (including value).
  3. Use a package tracking number when possible. This will help ensure that your package gets through customs without any problems.
  4. Ship your packages using a variety of different delivery services.
  5. Mark packages as gifts when possible and declare the actual price of the items in Canadian dollars if necessary. This helps reduce duties and taxes charged by Canadian Customs upon arrival at their border.
  6. Make sure your products meet Canadian requirements for safety and quality. This includes all food products, toys, child equipment and more.

FAQs

Is it Cheaper to Ship through UPS or Canada Post?

Plenty of factors determine the shipping cost, so it’s easier to provide an accurate answer if you know more about your shipment. But in general, Canada post is less expensive than USP.

If you have a large shipment and want to ship at least $1,000 worth of goods, then you can use Canada Post because their rates are much lower than the ones offered by UPS.

The shipping cost depends on the package’s size and weight, where it’s going, and what type of carrier you choose. Try using a shipping price calculator to find out how much your shipment will cost.

When you ship something internationally, there are additional fees that you need to take into consideration. When sending packages from Canada, UPS, for instance, adds a surcharge.

How Do You Know if You Have to Pay Customs on a Package?

They may have to pay customs fees when they buy things from other countries. This is because each country has rules about what can be shipped and how much it will cost.

If you’re buying from a foreign country, you might only know how much the customs fees will be once your package arrives at your doorstep. But don’t worry! You can still find out about them so that you are okay when you get hit with a bill when it arrives.

If the total value of what you ordered is less than $800 (including shipping charges), you won’t have to pay customs fees.

However, if your package is valued at more than $2500, you will have to pay customs fees on top of whatever shipping charges were included in the price of the item being sent to you. The value of the imported goods must be declared on specific forms and documents accompanying shipments into the United States.

How Can I Ship Cheap?

Shipping is expensive, but there are a few ways to get it done for less. Use any of these tips to save money on your next shipment.

– Use a shipping calculator online to compare rates from different carriers.
Compare the size of your shipment with the size of boxes and envelopes, so you only pay a little for packaging materials.

– Use flat-rate boxes and envelopes when possible, it gives you cheapest shipping than other options because they are considered standard-size, and only one type of packaging material is used. 

– Send packages through ground transportation rather than air transportation whenever possible; ground shipments cost less because they’re less likely to be delayed due to weather or other factors (such as airline delays) that increase costs associated with air shipments.

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Why is International Shipping so Expensive?

International shipping can be expensive, but it’s only sometimes the case that the cost of shipping something is directly proportional to its weight. Many factors affect the price of shipping an item internationally, and some of them may surprise you!

– International shipping can be expensive because of fuel, labour, and other expenses. The fuel cost is determined by the price of oil on the world market, which fluctuates daily. 

– Shipping costs money to get the product from the manufacturer to your door. The more distance the product has to travel, the more it costs. We charge a flat rate of $50 per order for international shipments.

– Customs fees vary by country and are applied by local authorities upon arrival of your package at its destination. These fees are out of our control as they are set by individual countries and can change without notice.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that Canada is a great country to do business in, but it can be tough to navigate the legal and logistical hurdles of shipping there. As an ecommerce merchants, you may be wondering how you can get your goods into Canada or across borders. 

Regarding shipping within North America (US and Canada), UPS and FedEx are usually the most cost-effective options. Regarding international shipping (anywhere outside North America), DHL is usually the most cost-effective option.

In this guide, we’ve covered all the basics of shipping to Canada. We hope that you found it helpful and that you’re well on shipping your products to Canadian customers and worldwide.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns!