Shipping: Canada and international | Business (2024)

FAQs

Is shipping to Canada considered international? ›

In short, yes, shipping from the US to Canada is considered international. The same goes for when you are shipping from Canada to the US. Though the two countries boast the longest, unprotected border in the world they are still separate countries.

One reason that drives up your shipping costs is the distance between the USA and Canada. Your packages cross another border when transported a considerable distance, usually by air or ground transportation, to arrive in Canada.

Shipping from Canada to US is considered to be international shipping, so always make sure you keep in mind shipping restrictions, customs clearance, and commercial invoice forms before shipping away.

USPS Shipping Rates to Canada

The shipping rates for Priority Mail Express International to Canada are determined by weight. With expedited package delivery of between 3 to 5 business days, Flat Rate Envelopes start at $44.95.

To get goods cleared through Canada's customs, Canada requires full and accurate information about the products in the shipment. Companies need to have several important documents, including the following: Bill of Lading (BOL) Canada Customs Invoice (CCI)

Shipping to Canada from the US doesn't have to be a hassle. Keep in mind that while free trade is easy between both countries, there are a few rules and customs you have to keep in mind. Partnering with a 3PL like ShipBob with locations in the USA and Canada can make Canadian shipping even easier for your business.

Shipping With First Class Mail International to Canada

First Class Mail International is the cheapest way to send parcels to Canada. Keep in mind, FCMI does not have an estimated delivery timeframe. So, you can expect it take about 2-3 weeks to make final delivery.

Corrosives, nuclear substances, or oxidizing substances. Counterfeit or imitation coins. Drugs, narcotics, and any controlled substances, including illegal drugs and certain prescription medications, are prohibited unless authorized by Health Canada. Firearms, weapons and ammunition.

Do I have to pay customs to ship to Canada? ›

Warning: Scams and fraud. Any item mailed to Canada may be subject to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty. Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail. The CBSA calculates any duties owing based on the value of the goods in Canadian funds.

The CBP requires that all formal shipments entering the U.S. from Canada have: An Importer ID Number: This is either your IRS business registration number or your social security number. Bill of Lading (BOL): A Bill of Lading is required at the time of pick-up and is provided to you by your freight company.

Canada Post Small Packet starts from $22.99 per package but does not include tracking or insurance (which bumps up the price to $26.52). Purolator's U.S. shipping service starts from $57.01 and can go upwards of $159 per package! Pros: Very reputable companies with extensive coverage.

The delivery standard for regular mail sent from Canada to the U.S.A. is four to six business days.

International shipping is importing and exporting goods between different countries via ocean, air, or road.

Benefits of using FedEx to ship packages to Canada

Coverage to 100% of Canadian business and residential addresses. Time-definite delivery in 2 to 7 international business days.

Even better, shipping from the US to Canada is made even easier because of NAFTA. Both countries can freely ship products between their borders (with some exceptions that most ecommerce companies don't have to worry about).

Yes, nearly all packages sent to Canada go through customs. Customs processes are in place to assess duties and taxes and ensure compliance with import regulations. However, some low-value shipments may qualify for simplified customs procedures.