US to Canada Shipping: Complete Guide
Rates, customs requirements, and carrier options for shipping to Canada - your closest international destination
How much does it cost to ship from US to Canada?
US to Canada shipping costs $10-$18 for packages under 1 lb, $18-$35 for 1-5 lb packages, and $35-$100+ for heavier items. Ground shipping (2-7 days) is available unlike other international destinations. Canada has the lowest de minimis in the developed world at just $20 CAD (~$15 USD) - packages over this value incur GST/HST (5-15%) plus potential duty. USMCA eliminates duty on most US-origin goods.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Intl (8 oz) | $10.50 | 7-21 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail Intl (2 lb) | $32.50 | 6-10 days | |
| UPS | Standard to Canada (2 lb) | $28.00 | 5-7 days | |
| FedEx | International Ground (5 lb) | $42.00 | 5-7 days | |
| DHL | Express (2 lb) | $58.00 | 2-3 days | |
| UPS | Worldwide Express (2 lb) | $65.00 | 1-2 days |
First-Class Intl (8 oz)
Priority Mail Intl (2 lb)
Standard to Canada (2 lb)
International Ground (5 lb)
Express (2 lb)
Worldwide Express (2 lb)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Canadian Customs: The $20 CAD Challenge
Canada has the lowest de minimis threshold in the developed world at just $20 CAD (~$15 USD). This means almost every package from the US incurs customs processing:
GST/HST: 5-15% tax applies to the total value (product + shipping). GST is 5% federal; some provinces add PST or combined HST up to 15%.
Customs Duty: 0-18% depending on product category. Most US-made goods qualify for USMCA duty-free treatment.
Brokerage Fees: The hidden cost! UPS and FedEx charge $10-50+ to clear customs on your behalf. USPS packages are cleared by Canada Post with lower or no brokerage fees.
USMCA: Duty-Free Shipping for US-Origin Goods
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) eliminates customs duty on qualifying goods:
What Qualifies: Products manufactured in the US, or meeting USMCA rules of origin. Most retail goods shipped from US sellers qualify.
How to Claim: Mark customs forms with "Goods qualify for USMCA preferential tariff treatment." Include statement that goods are US-origin.
What Still Gets Taxed: GST/HST always applies regardless of origin. Only duty is eliminated under USMCA.
Ground Shipping: Canadas Unique Advantage
Unlike shipping to Europe or Asia, you can ship to Canada by ground - often cheaper and surprisingly fast:
UPS Standard to Canada: 5-7 business days. Ground shipment, no air freight costs. Great for non-urgent heavy items.
FedEx International Ground: 5-7 business days. Similar to UPS Standard. Competitive for heavier packages.
Ground is particularly cost-effective for shipments to Southern Ontario, British Columbia, and other border-adjacent provinces.
Avoiding Brokerage Fees
Brokerage fees are the surprise cost that frustrates Canada-bound shippers:
Use USPS: USPS packages are cleared by Canada Post, which charges minimal or no brokerage for most shipments.
Self-Clear Option: UPS and FedEx allow recipients to self-clear at a CBSA office. Saves brokerage fee but requires recipient effort.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Pay all duties/taxes upfront. Recipient gets package with no surprise charges.
Carrier Comparison for US to Canada
USPS: Best for lightweight packages. Canada Post delivery means low/no brokerage fees. First-Class Intl is cheapest under 4 lbs.
UPS: Strong ground network. UPS Standard to Canada is cost-effective for heavier items. Brokerage fees can surprise recipients.
FedEx: Similar to UPS. International Ground available. Also has brokerage fee structure.
DHL: Fastest express option. Best for urgent business documents. Includes customs handling in rates.
Pro Tips to Save More
Use USPS to avoid brokerage fees
USPS packages are delivered by Canada Post with minimal brokerage fees compared to UPS/FedEx $10-50 charges.
Claim USMCA for duty-free treatment
Add "Goods qualify for USMCA preferential tariff treatment" to customs forms for US-origin products.
Consider ground for heavy packages
UPS Standard and FedEx Ground take 5-7 days but cost 40-60% less than express for packages over 5 lbs.
Offer DDP for e-commerce
Canadian customers hate surprise brokerage fees. Collecting taxes at checkout reduces cart abandonment.
Include recipient phone number
Canada Post and couriers use phone numbers for delivery issues and customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS First-Class International is cheapest for packages under 4 lbs ($10-25). For heavier items, compare UPS Standard to Canada (ground) with USPS Priority Mail International. Factor in brokerage fees - USPS has lower total landed cost for many shipments.
- Yes, for most packages. Canadas de minimis is only $20 CAD (~$15 USD). Above this, expect 5-15% GST/HST. US-origin goods qualify for duty-free under USMCA, but GST/HST always applies.
- Ground: 5-7 business days. USPS Priority Mail: 6-10 days. Express: 1-3 days. USPS First-Class: 7-21 days. Border proximity matters - BC and Ontario often receive packages faster.
- Canada is international despite proximity. The $20 CAD de minimis means almost all packages face GST/HST plus brokerage fees. Use USPS to minimize brokerage and claim USMCA for duty-free treatment.
- Use USPS - packages are cleared by Canada Post with minimal fees. Alternatively, recipients can self-clear at a CBSA office, or choose DDP shipping.
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