Expanding your eCommerce business from Canada into the United States is an exciting opportunity. The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 90% of all Canadian SME exports. Affordable and efficient international shipping from Canada to the USA is key to meeting customer expectations and maintaining profitability.
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This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping to the U.S., from choosing the right delivery method to saving money and streamlining logistics.
Cheapest Shipping from Canada to USA
If you are shipping to the USA from Canada, you might expect expensive shipping costs and slower delivery times, however with the right tools, this isn't necessarily the case.
To break down the cheapest shipping rates available from Canada to the United States, we’ll use the popular example of shipping a small package from Quebec to New York, with real rates and delivery times sourced from our all-in-one shipping tool.
First, we’ll use the following standard dimensions and delivery details to compare pre-negotiated rates from hundreds of international shipping companies. Simply enter these details into Easyship’s free Shipping Rate Calculator:
Quick Shipping Quote:
- Weight of Package: 1kg Box
- Dimensions: 15cm x 15cm x 10cm
- Contents: Accessory (no-battery)
- Origin of Shipment: Quebec, Canada
- Destination of Delivery: New York, USA
If you’re shipping from Quebec, Canada to New York, USA, these are the possible courier options for these types of shipments:
Shipping Service |
Courier |
Price |
Ground |
Canpar |
From CA$ 46.16 |
Ground |
UPS Standard |
From CA$ 19.21 |
Ground |
Sendle |
From CA$ 17.12 |
Expedited |
UPS Worldwide Express |
From CA$ 39.44 |
Expedited |
UPS Express Early |
From CA$ 115.65 |
Expedited |
DHL Express |
From CA$ 43.08 |
Postal Services |
Canada Post |
From CA$ 20.55 |
Interested in getting a shipping quote for your business? Try Easyship’s all-in-one shipping tool for eCommerce today. It’s free. Everybody loves free.
How To Compare Multiple Carriers At Once
To help you compare the cheapest international shipping label options available and make an informed choice on the best way to ship from Canada to the U.S., Easyship’s real-time calculator ranks each carrier service based on the:
- Total price (including all fees and charges)
- Quality of tracking and overall reliability
- Estimated delivery speed (based on actual delivery data sourced from millions of shipments)
You can also review customer ratings and delivery reviews for each individual carrier service to make sure you’re always getting the best deal. When shipping from Canada to the US, there are various specialized shipping options available to cater to different business needs.
These shipping solutions include:
- Postal Services: National postal services like Canada Post remain popular options for both domestic and cross-border shipping. They offer a range of services tailored to businesses and individuals, providing reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions.
- Expedited Shipping: For time-sensitive shipments, expedited shipping options like DHL Express and UPS Worldwide Express can ensure fast and reliable delivery. These services are ideal for businesses that need to meet tight deadlines and provide customers with quick turnaround times.
- Ground Shipping: For less urgent shipments, ground shipping options like Purolator Ground US and UPS Standard offer a cost-effective solution. Ground shipping is perfect for businesses looking to balance cost and delivery speed, making it a popular choice for non-perishable goods.
Why Affordable Shipping Matters for Business
Saving money on shipping is vital for Canadian businesses aiming to compete in the U.S. market. Higher shipping costs can drive potential customers toward local, domestic competitors that may be able to offer lower rates or free shipping bundles.
By reducing shipping expenses and utilizing cheap shipping options, Canadian eCommerce businesses can attract more U.S. buyers and boost conversion rates at checkout.
Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from a favorable exchange rate, particularly when exporting to the United States. A weaker Canadian dollar makes Canadian goods and services more affordable for U.S. consumers, enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian exports.
This advantage can lead to increased demand and higher revenues for Canadian SMEs operating in U.S. markets. However, without affordable shipping, they risk losing these advantages to high operational costs. Lowering shipping costs is not just about saving money—it’s about staying competitive.
Best Shipping Methods from Canada to USA
Choosing the right shipping method depends on your shipment size, timeline, and budget. Here are the primary options available for shipping from Canada to USA:
- Postal Services: Canada Post provides affordable and reliable options for small to medium-sized packages. Services like Expedited Parcel and Xpresspost-USA offer competitive delivery times (2–7 business days) and are often a cost-effective choice for eCommerce businesses shipping lightweight items.
- Express Couriers: Services like UPS, FedEx, and DHL Express are ideal for small packages that need fast delivery. Express shipping can take 1–3 business days but usually comes at a higher cost for some faster delivery services.
- Truck Freight: A cost-effective option for medium-sized shipments, particularly for routes that don’t require air or sea travel. Truck freight usually takes 2–6 days.
- Air Freight: Suitable for larger shipments that need to arrive quickly. Air freight can take as little as 2 days but is pricier than truck freight.
- Sea Freight: Best for heavy or bulk shipments that are less time-sensitive. Sea freight is the slowest option, taking several weeks, but it’s also the cheapest for large volumes.
Evaluating different international shipping services is crucial to determine the best shipping options and costs, considering factors like dimensions and weight for accurate price estimates.
For small eCommerce businesses, express couriers and postal services like those offered by Canada Post are often the most convenient, while larger businesses shipping bulk inventory may benefit from truck or sea freight.
How To Save On Shipping from Canada
Reducing shipping costs is critical to maintaining healthy profit margins. Selecting the right shipping services can optimize costs and delivery times. Here are some cost-effective shipping options:
- Small Parcel Shipping: Ideal for lightweight packages under 2 kg. Services like Canada Post offer affordable rates for small parcels.
- Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipping: Combine shipments with other businesses to save money on truck freight. This option works well for medium-sized shipments.
- Consolidated Volume Services: Ship bulk orders with discounted rates from major carriers. This is particularly useful for businesses shipping large quantities of products to U.S. warehouses.
- Shipping Automation Software: A platform like Easyship takes savings a step further. By automatically comparing courier rates, it ensures you always choose the cheapest option. Features like automatic box selection for minimizing package weight, shipping automation rules, and pre-paid returns reduce manual handling and errors. Easyship’s tools also streamline Pick & Pack processes and sync orders seamlessly, saving businesses both time and money while improving efficiency.
The best way to optimize costs and shipment times is to use an eCommerce automation tool, like Easyship’s 3PL fulfillment services. With warehouses located all over the world, including Toronto, Chicago, and Los Angeles, you can scale your business globally while ensuring efficiency and reliability.
Delivery Times: How Long Does It Take?
Delivery times for shipping from Canada to USA depend on the chosen delivery services and method:
- Express Services: 1–3 business days for fast delivery.
- Standard Postal Services: 4–7 business days for a balance between cost and speed.
- Truck Freight: 2–6 business days depending on distance.
- Air Freight: 2–5 business days for most routes.
- Sea Freight: Several weeks, ideal for non-urgent bulk shipments.
Customs processing can also affect delivery times. To minimize delays, ensure your paperwork is complete and accurate.
How to Save Money on Cross-Border Shipping
Follow these tips to lower your shipping costs:
- Compare Rates Across Couriers: Use tools like Easyship to check prices from multiple carriers and choose the most affordable option.
- Consolidate Shipments: Combine multiple orders into one larger shipment to take advantage of bulk discounts.
- Leverage Discounts: Platforms like Easyship offer discounted rates for small businesses that might otherwise not meet the minimum volume thresholds with individual thresholds. Read more about how Easyship works here.
For instance, Easyship assisted an up-and-coming fashion brand, Modest Mark, by providing the chance to expand their business by highlighting a range of options for shipping solutions, allowing the business to choose the most affordable one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping from Canada to USA
Here’s a straightforward process to ensure smooth international shipping from Canada to the USA:
- Choose a Courier: Select a shipping service that matches your budget, timeline, and shipment size. You can use Easyship to easily compare more than 550 courier rates for your delivery address and choose the best shipping service that matches your budget, timeline, and other needs.
- Check Shipping Restrictions: Ensure your products comply with U.S. import rules, especially for restricted items like alcohol or perishable goods. Easyship's HS code lookup tool can help ensure you correctly identify and declare the retail category of the items you're shipping to comply with U.S. import rules, especially for restricted items like alcohol and perishable goods.
- Measure and Weigh Your Package: Accurate dimensions and weight help determine the correct shipping rate. You can also sync your orders directly from your Shopify store or more than 60 other platforms and let Easyship automatically select the smallest box size for your item dimensions and weight
- Prepare Customs Documentation: Fill out forms like the commercial invoice and proof of origin to avoid border delays. Easyship can help you streamline your paperwork through the tax and duties calculator as well as automatically generate all the necessary import and export documents.
- Package Your Items Securely: Use durable packaging materials and leave space for cushioning to protect items. Easyship’s autobox selection algorithm can help simplify the process of choosing the box that’s perfectly sized for your shipment.
- Label Your Package Clearly: Include the recipient’s address, return address, and any tracking information. You can also import order details and sync updates directly with the e-commerce platform of your choice, including address and delivery details by using Easyship’s store integration software.
- Consider Shipping Insurance: To ensure that you do not face losses in case of theft, loss, or damage, protect your shipments by insuring your packages.
- Schedule Pickup or Drop Off: Arrange for your courier to collect the shipment or deliver it to a drop-off point. You can streamline this process by using Easyship’s integrated courier scheduling tool.
- Track Your Shipment: Use tracking tools to monitor delivery progress and keep customers updated. Easyship offers branded tracking and returns to make your shipping process more efficient.
Understanding Shipping Costs and Fees
Shipping costs are influenced by several factors:
- Weight and Dimensions: Larger, heavier packages cost more to ship.
- Delivery Speed: Faster services like express couriers charge a premium.
- Destination: Rates vary depending on distance and the shipping route.
- Customs Duties and Taxes: For shipments over $800, additional fees may apply.
Evaluating different international shipping services is crucial for accurately estimating shipping costs and options, as it involves calculating dimensions and weight to find the best rates and delivery times.
Packaging and Labeling Best Practices
Proper packaging ensures items arrive safely:
- Use Sturdy Materials: Choose durable boxes and add cushioning like bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
- Leave Extra Space: Allow at least 1–2 inches of padding to prevent damage.
- Label Accurately: Include the full recipient and return addresses, along with any required customs labels.
For example, a company shipping fragile glassware reduced breakage by switching to reinforced double-box packaging, saving money on replacements.
Import Taxes, Duties, and U.S. Customs Regulations
Understanding the import regulations between Canada and the United States is crucial for businesses and individuals engaged in cross-border trade. Both countries have specific rules regarding duty-free thresholds, required documentation, and restricted items, which can significantly impact the efficiency and cost of importing goods.
Duty-Free Thresholds
- In the United States, the de minimis threshold allows most goods valued under $800 USD to enter duty-free. This means that shipments below this value are generally exempt from customs duties, facilitating smoother trade for low-value items.
- Conversely, Canada's de minimis threshold is set at $150 CAD for customs duties and $40 CAD for taxes on courier shipments from the U.S. or Mexico. Goods valued below these amounts can enter Canada without incurring duties or taxes, provided they are transported by courier.
Documentation Requirements
- Proper documentation is essential to prevent delays and additional fees during the import process. For U.S. imports, required documents typically include a commercial invoice detailing the shipment's contents and value, and, if applicable, a Certificate of Origin to benefit from preferential tariff treatments under agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
- In Canada, importers must provide documents such as the Canada Customs Invoice or a commercial invoice containing equivalent data. Additionally, proof of origin may be necessary to claim preferential tariff treatment under agreements like CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement).
Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Both countries enforce regulations on restricted or prohibited items. In the U.S., items such as firearms, hazardous materials, and certain agricultural products may be restricted or require special permits.
- Similarly, Canada restricts items like firearms, explosives, and certain food products. Importers should consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Accurate and complete documentation is vital to avoid delays or additional fees. Importers should stay informed about the specific requirements and restrictions of each country to ensure a smooth import process.
Comparing DDU and DDP Delivery Options
It’s important to understand your tax and duty obligations when shipping internationally from Canada to the United States. Online sellers have two options when it comes to customs charges: Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU). The key difference lies in the responsibility and balance payable for customs clearance, duties, and taxes.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
Under DDP terms, the seller (in Canada) assumes full responsibility for the shipment, including:
- All shipping costs
- Customs clearance procedures
- Payment of import duties and taxes
- Delivery to the buyer's specified location in the USA
The buyer in the USA receives the goods without any additional charges or customs-related responsibilities. This method provides a seamless experience for the customer, as they only pay the agreed-upon price for the goods without any surprise fees upon delivery or untimely delays where the parcel can get caught up in customs clearance.
Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)
Meanwhile, with DDU terms, the responsibilities are split between the buyer and seller:
- The seller covers the cost of shipping to the specified location in the USA
- The buyer is responsible for customs clearance, import duties, taxes, and additional fees upon arrival.
One of the key risks for business with DDU is that the shipment may be held at customs until the buyer pays the required fees, which can lead to potential delays in delivery and dissatisfied customers if things are not clearly explained or communicated.
Easyship delivers a complete set of tools for successful international shipping, tax, and duties, including declaring DDP or DDU shipments with all necessary documentation. Take a closer look at how you can automatically calculate customs fees here.
Shipping Restrictions and Regulations
When shipping from Canada to the US, it’s essential to comply with various shipping restrictions and regulations. These include:
- Prohibited Items: Certain items like firearms, hazardous materials, and prohibited goods are restricted or prohibited from shipping across the border. It’s crucial to check the list of prohibited items before shipping to avoid legal issues and delays.
- Regulated Items: Items like food, plants, and animal products are subject to regulations and require special permits or documentation. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is vital to prevent shipments from being held up at customs.
- Customs Regulations: Shipments must comply with US Customs regulations, including accurate commercial invoicing, proper classification, and payment of duties and taxes. Proper documentation, such as a commercial invoice and proof of origin, is necessary to avoid delays and additional fees.
- Carrier Restrictions: Each carrier has its own set of restrictions and regulations, including size and weight limits, packaging requirements, and prohibited items. Familiarizing yourself with these restrictions can help ensure a smooth shipping process.
Managing Risks with Shipping Insurance and Tracking
Protect your shipments with insurance and tracking:
- Insurance: Covers loss, theft, or damage during transit, giving you peace of mind.
- Tracking: Allows you and your customers to monitor the shipment’s status and delivery milestones.
A business selling high-value electronics insured their shipments for their total value of $500 each at a fraction of the price, avoiding significant financial losses when a package was misplaced. This protects your profits, ensures your customers are happy, and gives you a clear way to claim if a courier damages or misplaces your parcel. Take a closer look at shipping insurance with Easyship today.
Canadian Business Shipping Solutions
For businesses shipping from Canada to the US, there are various shipping solutions available to streamline the shipping process and reduce costs. These include:
- Shipping Software: Shipping software like Easyship can help businesses automate the shipping process, print shipping labels, and track shipments. These tools can save time and reduce errors, making the shipping process more efficient.
- Carrier Discounts: Businesses can avail carrier discounts through platforms like Easyship, where there are pre-negotiated rates available for you to compare and choose between.
- Freight Consolidation: Freight consolidation services can help businesses combine multiple shipments into a single shipment, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This method is particularly useful for businesses that ship large quantities of products regularly. Making use of 3PL fulfillment software, available on platforms like Easyship, can also be a great way to automate and track your orders and shipments.
- Customs Brokerage: Customs brokerage services can help businesses navigate complex customs regulations and ensure compliance. These services can handle the necessary paperwork and facilitate smooth cross-border shipments, reducing the risk of delays and additional fees.
Shipping from Canada to the USA is a valuable opportunity for Canadian businesses to grow their customer base. By choosing the right shipping methods, reducing costs, and ensuring proper packaging and documentation, you can streamline cross-border logistics and enhance customer satisfaction. Affordable, reliable shipping solutions are the key to staying competitive in the U.S. market.
Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.
Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.
Our most popular App features:
- Discounted Shipping Rates: Get instant access to the largest selection of pre-negotiated volume discounts on shipping labels (up to 91% off retail rates).
- Multi-Carrier Comparison: Effortlessly compare 550+ global courier services to find the best option with our intelligent courier selection algorithm.
- Simple Set-Up & Integration: Connect your store and sales channels to Easyship in minutes to automatically sync orders and manage all shipments in one dashboard.
- Instant Rates At Checkout: Increase conversions by showcasing the cheapest, fastest and best value shipping rates live at checkout.
- Automatic Tax & Duties: Calculate, pre-pay, or pass on all tax and duty obligations for international orders, including generating all relevant customs paperwork.
- Shipping Automation Rules: Streamline shipping workflows, bulk print labels and reduce manual pick and pack errors with simple automation rules.
- Branded Tracking & Returns: Deliver a superior customer experience from checkout to delivery with branded tracking updates, delivery status, and pre-paid return labels.
- Shipping Insurance: Protect your brand and reputation from parcel theft, loss, or damage with affordable insurance options for domestic and international shipments.
More free shipping tools:
- Shipping Rate Calculator: Compare and calculate the cheapest way to ship anything to anywhere with our shipping cost calculator for international and domestic.
- Tax & Duties Calculator: Create an estimate of your customs duties and import taxes for every country and retail category.
- Country Import Rules: Understand the individual import rules, requirements, and restrictions for every country with our helpful guides.
- HS Code Lookup Tool: Search for the correct HS/HST Code for international orders with our universal HS Code Lookup Tool.
- Shipping Policy Generator: A clear and enticing shipping policy is a sales tool for stores, setting clear expectations and building trust with prospective customers.
Join our community of eCommerce sellers and get started with Easyship for free today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about shipping from Canada to the US:
- What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to the US?
The cheapest way to ship from Canada to the US depends on the size, weight, and destination of the shipment. Using shipping software like Easyship or Secureship can help businesses compare rates and find the most affordable shipping options. - How long does it take to ship from Canada to the US?
Delivery times vary depending on the carrier and service level chosen. Expedited shipping options can take as little as 1-3 business days, while ground shipping options can take 2-7 business days. Factors like customs processing can also affect delivery times. - What are some alternatives to Canada Post?
Courier services like Sendle, UPS, Canpar, Purolator, and DHL Express are some great alternatives. You can check out some more information about these options here. - Do I need shipping insurance?
Shipping insurance can provide protection against loss, damage, or theft. It’s recommended to purchase shipping insurance, especially for high-value or sensitive shipments, to ensure peace of mind and financial protection. - What is the expected delivery date? The expected delivery date depends on the carrier and service level chosen. Businesses can track shipments and receive updates on the expected delivery date, allowing them to keep customers informed and manage expectations effectively.
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