The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a popular global carrier that helps businesses send packages worldwide.
However, USPS does not deliver directly in Canada:
- USPS has partnered with Canada Post to deliver packages to addresses in Canada.
- USPS picks up parcels and delivers them to customs. After clearance, Canada Post picks up the parcels and gives them to customers in Canada.
- It is possible to track parcels using a unique tracking number.
USPS offers international shipping services to more than 180 countries, including Canada and Great Britain. Some Services are: Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, Pricing by weight, and Flat rate pricing.
When shipping to packages Canada, you can:
- Print postage and address labels online using the Click-N-Ship service
- Fill out customs forms
- In the center of the label or package, write the delivery address
- Use the right customs forms
If you have questions in your mind such as “Does USPS deliver in Canada?” “Who delivers USPS in Canada?” or “How long does USPS take to deliver to Canada?” this overview will help you.
Who does USPS use in Canada? – USPS Delivery Process
“Who does USPS use in Canada?” is another common question. As mentioned above, Canada Post delivers the mail and packages of USPS in Canada. Even though USPS offers various international mailing services that let people send mail, postcards, and parcels to Canada, it does not do the final delivery in Canada.
When a USPS parcel heads to Canada, it is moved to the US-Canada border where it is handed over to Canada Post for the final delivery in Canada once customs clearance is completed.
Key Pointers:
- Canada Post collects all the USPS deliveries. The USPS drops off the mail and parcels at the border and completes the customs clearance. Next, Canada Post does the last-mile deliveries within Canada.
- Senders can use various international shipping services to send packages to Canada, like First-Class Mail International (FCMI), Global Express Guaranteed (GXG), Priority Mail Express International, and others. They all have different delivery timelines.
- GXG is the fastest option for businesses to send parcels to Canada from the US with a delivery timeline of one day. The slowest method is Airmail M-Bags which does not provide a specific delivery timeline.
- USPS can only provide the tracking feature up to the US borders. However, it depends on the type of shipping service you use as some services provide tracking in Canada too.
Hope this answers the question “Who delivers for USPS in Canada?”
How Does USPS Deliver in Canada?
Now, let’s talk about how does USPS deliver in Canada. USPS has various international mailing options and shipping rates. The delivery options are:
- First-Class Mail International (FCMI): It is one of the most low-cost shipping options for sending letters, large envelopes, postcards, and other printed documents. FCMI service is available to ship packages to 180 countries, including Canada.
Shippers can mail 1 oz postcards and envelopes using a Global Forever stamp, which costs $1.40. These stamps never expire.
FMCI helps USPS in Canada by enabling quick deliveries at low rates. However, you can only send mail that weighs up to 15.994 oz, and the postage depends on the weight and destination.
FMCI also provides senders the Registered Mail option, so they can move their items securely and get tracking updates.
- First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS): Now, let us talk about affordable shipping services for parcels. FCPIS allows shippers to mail packages weighing under 4 lbs or 64 oz at affordable rates.
There are potential restrictions in a few countries, but mailing parcels to Canada from the US is easier now. Shipping rates start at only $17.00, and you can get electronic delivery confirmation by paying an extra fee.
You can use FCPIS for USPS delivery in Canada if your shipments exceed the eligibility for First-Class Mail International.
- Priority Mail International: This shipping service for USPS in Canada allows your parcels up to 70 lbs at weight-based rates. The maximum weight limit for flat-rate mail is 4 lbs, and flat-rate boxes are 20 lbs.
Priority Mail International comes with diverse features, like USPS tracking and insurance. You will get $100 insurance for non-negotiable documents and $200 for items. The flat shipping rates for sending items via Priority Mail International start at $30.90 for USPS shipping in Canada.
Besides, you can also get the facility of free package pick-up from your home or office.
- Priority Mail Express International: This USPS delivery service is ideal for sending time-sensitive mail and parcels.
Priority Mail International can get your envelopes and parcels to their destinations within a week.
This shipping service offers a money-back guarantee for time-specific deliveries, pushing USPS Canada to deliver packages more efficiently.
You can also get weight-based rates for parcels weighing up to 70 lbs. It is said to be the most reliable and time-sensitive service to ship bulky items.
The shipping rates for using Priority Mail Express International start at $59.50. It has nearly all the features of Priority Mail International except for a full refund on non-delivery to select destinations and fast shipping.
- Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): When businesses and shippers ask questions, like who delivers USPS packages in Canada, GXG is the first shipping the Post Office suggests.
GXG is the most popular service to send parcels to Canada or other foreign countries. However, it carries out international transportation and delivery via FedEx Express instead of Canada Post. For international eCommerce shipping, FedEx has become a competitive choice.
Shipping rates start at a steep $74.95, and $71.20 is for commercial shipment. Direct mail items will reach their destinations in only 1 to 3 business days.
The best feature is you can ship mail weighing up to 70 lbs. Besides, you will also get $100 insurance coverage for all shipments. You can also buy extra coverage for up to $2,499 for valuable mail items.
Other key features of GXG include, guaranteed arrival on a specific date with a money-back guarantee, pickup from the doorstep, and USPS tracking is available for all destinations.
- Airmail M-Bags: USPS Airmail M-Bags enable you to ship huge volumes of printed materials, such as books, magazines, catalogs, and others internationally to a single recipient.
For example, assume you live and study in Canada and need to get some books from your home in California. Airmail M-Bags can help you with them through USPS delivery in Canada at affordable rates.
Tracking USPS Shipments in Canada
You can track USPS packages in Canada in the following ways:
- USPS tracking system: Use the USPS tracking system to track packages on the USPS website.
- ParcelsApp.com: Enter the tracking number specified on the USPS shipping label to track packages on ParcelsApp.com.
You can also track parcels using Canada Post’s online tracking tool. To track a parcel, you can put in the tracking number, reference number, or delivery notice card.
Always inquire at the Post Office about tracking. It helps you know where your packages are, allowing you to take the next steps.
For example, you can pass on the tracking details to your customers, so they know the shipment is on its way to them.
Only First-Class Mail services don’t provide tracking updates. However, you still get an electronic confirmation via FCPIS.
GXG is the only shipping service that offers tracking features for all destination countries. Other options only offer USPS tracking for select locations, including Canada.
How Long Does USPS Take to Deliver in Canada?
All the shipping options we talked about so far have different delivery timelines. Out of all the options, GXG is the fastest as most packages reach Canada in a day.
GXG is your best option if you want USPS to deliver a shipment overnight, but the shipping fees might restrict you.
You can send items a few days in advance and use the USPS in Canada Priority Mail options. Priority Mail International can deliver mail items or packages to their destinations in only 6 to 10 business days.
For even better shipping speed, you can switch to Priority Mail Express International, which offers a delivery timeline of 3 to 5 business days.
You may have to wait 2 or 3 days extra for this USPS delivery in Canada. However, the rates are $20 cheaper than GXG.
There are some common questions that often crop up, like whether USPS delivers to PO boxes in Canada, and how long does it take?
The fact is shipping to PO boxes in Canada is the same as regular addresses, and the delivery timings are the same.
USPS does not specify the accurate delivery timelines for FCMI and FCPIS. The shipping speed is different for every destination country, and there is no way to claim a refund for slow shipping.
The same occurs for the Airmail M-Bags service, which does not specify any time frames for your package delivery.
If you want to send your packages safely and quickly, try direct mail services. They allow you to print and ship your mail to any part of the world.
So, the key points about USPS delivery to Canada are below:
- Quickest delivery option: Priority Mail Express International, with a delivery timeline between 3 and 5 business days.
- Standard shipping option: Priority Mail International, with a delivery timeline between 6 and 10 business days.
- The most economical shipping option: First Class Package International Service, with a delivery timeline between 11 and 20 business days.
Customs Duties and Taxes
Parcels shipped to Canada via USPS will be subject to customs duties and taxes, including:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): It is a 5% federal tax that applies to most imported items
- Handling charges: Canada Post charges this to process imported items that are subject to duty and/or tax
- Duty: The calculation of duty is based on the value of the items and the type of goods imported
- Excise duty or excise tax: Applicable to luxury items
Here are a few more things to know about customs duties and taxes for USPS in Canada:
- Products with a value of CAN$20 or less are exempt from duty and tax.
- Several items do not qualify for the CAN$20 exemption, including books, periodicals, magazines, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and items ordered through a Canadian post office box.
- Canada Post collects excise taxes, duties, and a handling fee for items with a value under CAD 1,600.
- Canada Customs and Excise holds commercial mail valuing over CAD 1,600 until the addressee provides the right invoice and accounting documents.
- The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will attach a Form E14 and a CBSA Postal Import Form to your mail item. It will show if you owe any duty and/or tax.
- You can verify the applicable shipping and handling fees before sending a shipment.
Handling Delivery Issues
If you are facing issues handling USPS delivery in Canada, try these steps:
- Try to Track the Shipment
If your parcel has tracking, you can check its whereabouts on USPS Tracking.
- File a Missing Mail Search Request with the USPS
If you do not see any progress in your shipment, you can contact USPS customer support to file a missing mail search request. You need to give them your tracking numbers and other details.
- File an International Claim
If you are shipping a package to an international destination, you can file a claim by:
- Logging into your USPS.com account
- Clicking “Create an Inquiry”
- Filling out the online form
- Check for Service Disruptions
You can go through the Mail Service Disruptions website to get details about mail delivery in your area. You can also dial USPS customer service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).
- Contact USPS
You can also contact USPS by:
- Answering the questions in the online form about your issue
- Providing all the relevant details
For misrouted parcels, you can allow some time for redirection. If the issue is not resolved, you can reach out to USPS for help.
Conclusion
This overview answers the frequent questions such as “Who delivers USPS packages in Canada?” and it is no longer a secret. USPS and Canada Post have entered into a mutual agreement where Canada Post will ship USPS packages in Canada. This contract enables businesses and shippers to send mail and parcels to and fro from the US to Canada without any issue.
If you need faster and more efficient shipping methods, you can look for a shipping carrier that provides flexibility in delivery timelines and offers deep discounts. This way you can save shipping costs and pass on the benefit to your customers by offering them free or cheap shipping.
FAQs
Q: Summarize key points about USPS deliveries to Canada.
Ans: When sending parcels to Canada via USPS, the key points are:
- USPS hands over parcels to Canada Post for final delivery.
- With shipping services like Priority Mail International packages can reach their destinations in 6 to 10 business days
- Global Express guarantees faster delivery in 1 to 3 days
- Depending on the shipping service, tracking is usually included
- Depending on the item’s origin, Canadian customers may need to pay tariffs while receiving a package.
Q: Can you track a USPS package in Canada?
Ans: You can track a USPS parcel in Canada using the USPS tracking tool or international tracking websites like Ship24.
You can also reach out to USPS customer service at 1-800-222-1811 for help to track your package.
Q: How long does USPS take to deliver to Canada?
Ans: The delivery timeline is different based on the shipping service chosen:
- USPS International Shipping Services: Shipping Time
- Priority Mail International: 6 to 10 business days
- First-Class Package International: 2 to 8 business days
- First-Class Mail International: 2 to 8 business days
- Airmail M-Bags: 4 to 8 weeks
Q: What are the weight limits for USPS packages sent to Canada?
Ans: The weight limit for USPS packages sent to Canada is 70 lbs. However, some countries may have lower weight limits.
Q: What is the fastest USPS shipping option to Canada?
Ans: The fastest USPS shipping option to Canada is Priority Mail Express International, which delivers packages in 3 to 5 business days.
Q: Are there additional fees for USPS packages delivered in Canada?
Ans: Although USPS does not usually charge additional fees for packages delivered to Canada, the recipient may have to pay customs duties and taxes that Canadian customs charges.
Any additional charges will depend on the item value and type of goods. However, due to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), duties typically don’t apply to packages sent between the US and Canada.
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