How To Ship A Package From Canada To US

Figuring out how to ship from Canada to US in 2025 can be tricky, especially when you have to understand so many carriers, different costs, and customs rules. This complexity can lead to losing customers due to late deliveries, being hit with surprise fees, or scrambling to meet shipping deadlines in a competitive market.

However, by knowing how much to ship from Canada to US, how long it takes to ship from Canada to the US, and the best ways to balance speed, cost, and reliability, you can ship smarter.

After our ultimate guide to shipping from Canada to the USA, this blog post dives into aspects that reduce costs, enable faster deliveries, and fewer complications for cross-border shipping.

Understanding Shipping Options from Canada to the US

If you’re thinking of how to ship a package from Canada to US, picking the right shipping option is crucial to stay on schedule and within budget.  With several companies and services, each carrier offers a range of options to suit your specific shipping needs, such as:

1. ShippingChimp

ShippingChimp is Canada’s #1 eCommerce shipping solution. Not only is shipping from Canada to US affordable with ShippingChimp, all packages are 100% fully tracked. You get eCommerce-friendly rates, fast shipping, dedicated account reps, no complex contracts, and no hidden charges. 

Shipping a 2lbs package from ON to US costs as follows:

• New York (3-5 business days) – $9.52
• LA (3-5 business days) – $11.38
• Houston (3-5 business days) – $9.52

2. Canada Post

Canada Post is Canada’s primary postal service, offering various shipping options to the US:

• Regular Parcel: An economical ground service with delivery times typically between 6 to 10 business days.
• Xpresspost USA: Provides faster delivery, usually within 2 to 3 business days, with tracking and on-time guarantees.
• Priority Worldwide: The fastest option, aiming for next business day delivery to most US destinations, including tracking and insurance.

3. UPS (United Parcel Service)

UPS is a global logistics company known for its reliable shipping services:

• UPS Standard: Economical ground service with delivery times ranging from 3 to 7 business days.
• UPS Worldwide Expedited: Faster delivery, typically within 2 to 5 business days, with customs clearance included.
• UPS Worldwide Express: Offers delivery within 1 to 3 business days by 10:30 AM or 12:00 PM, depending on the destination.

4. FedEx

FedEx provides a variety of international shipping services:

• FedEx International Ground: Cost-effective ground delivery to the US, usually within 2 to 7 business days.
• FedEx International Economy: Delivers within 2 to 5 business days, balancing speed and cost.
• FedEx International Priority: Ensures delivery within 1 to 3 business days, with options for morning delivery times.

5. Purolator

Purolator is a leading integrated freight and parcel solutions provider in Canada:

• Purolator Ground: Economical ground service to the US, with delivery typically within 5 to 7 business days.
• Purolator Express: Offers faster delivery, usually within 2 to 3 business days, with tracking and delivery guarantees.

6. DHL

DHL specializes in international express deliveries:

• DHL Express Worldwide: Provides delivery to the US typically by the end of the next possible business day and comes with comprehensive tracking and customs support.

Choosing the Right Service Level

When deciding how to ship something from Canada to US, consider these factors with your specific shipping needs:

• Delivery Speed: How long does it take to ship from canada to us is something most sellers are worried about. If time is critical, express services from carriers like FedEx International Priority or UPS Worldwide Express may be suitable.

• Cost: For eCommerce-friendly rates, choose ShippingChimp. For budget-conscious shipping, economy or standard services like Canada Post’s Regular Parcel or UPS Standard offer cost savings with longer delivery times.

• Tracking and Guarantees: Services like ShippingChimp have fully tracked packages. Canada Post’s Xpresspost USA or Purolator Express offer peace of mind through tracking and delivery guarantees.

• Package Size and Weight: Some services have size and weight restrictions; ensure your package complies with the chosen service’s limits.

Calculating Shipping Costs

Shipping costs for packages from Canada to the US depend on several factors. Understanding these variables can help your eCommerce business optimize costs and avoid surprises. You can calculate how much to ship from Canada to US based on factors like:

Weight and Dimensions:

The weight of your package mainly determines the shipping cost. Heavier packages cost more, but the dimensional weight (a calculation based on the package size) matters too. Even lightweight packages may cost more if they occupy a lot of space during shipping.

Destination:

The shipping cost depends on the distance between the origin in Canada and the recipient’s address in the US. Shipping packages to remote or rural areas usually costs more than shipping to cities. Carriers use zones to classify destinations, with higher-zone shipments generally being more expensive.

Shipping Speed

Faster services, like overnight or 2-day delivery, are much more expensive than economy or standard shipping options. Therefore, it’s essential to balance the urgency of the delivery against the higher cost.

Using Online Shipping Calculators

Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and DHL provide online tools to estimate shipping costs. Enter your package’s weight, size, destination, and shipping speed for a quick estimate. For more tips on saving money, explore this guide on the cheapest shipping options from Canada to the US, which highlights cost-effective strategies.

Potential Extra Charges

Based on the specifics of your shipment, carriers may apply additional fees due to the following:

• Fuel Surcharges: Carriers add these fees to account for fluctuating fuel costs.
• Remote Area Delivery Fees: They charge extra for deliveries to remote or hard-to-reach locations.
• Customs Duties and Taxes: Customs officials calculate customs duties and taxes based on your package’s declared value when it crosses international borders.

Preparing Your Package for Shipment

Proper packaging and labeling are just the beginning of the best ways to ship safely and efficiently from Canada to the US. Following the best packaging, labeling, and customs documentation practices ensures your package is secure and compliant with international shipping regulations and prevents delays and damage during transit.

Choosing the Right Packaging

Selecting appropriate packaging protects your items during the journey. Keep your items safely in transit by following these guidelines:

• Use sturdy boxes or padded envelopes suitable for the weight and fragility of your shipment.

• Add bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts to cushion delicate items and prevent movement.
  
• Use durable packing tape to seal your package securely, reinforcing all edges and seams.

Accurate Labeling

Precise and accurate labeling ensures that your package reaches its destination without issues. To avoid delivery hiccups, provide the following:

• Please include the full recipient’s name, address, phone number, and the sender’s return address.
• Use a printed label for readability and affix it securely to the package.
• If reusing a box, remove or cover old labels to avoid confusion.

Customs Documentation

When shipping internationally, completing the necessary customs forms is mandatory. The key customs documents you’ll need to complete are:

• Customs Declaration Form: The carrier provides this form. It outlines your shipment’s contents, value, and purpose (e.g., gift, commercial goods).
• Commercial Invoice: This form outlines item descriptions, quantities, and values for all commercial shipments. It helps customs determine duties and taxes.
• Be honest and precise when filling out customs forms, as inaccuracies can lead to delays or penalties.

Customs Clearance Process

During customs clearance, customs officials inspect and assess shipments entering the country to ensure they follow import rules, safety standards, and tax laws. They decide if duties or taxes apply based on the declared value and contents. Failure to adhere to customs requirements can delay or reject your shipment.

Essential Documents for Customs Clearance

Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth customs clearance process. It typically requires the following documents:

Commercial Invoice: This document outlines the shipment details, including the type, quantity, value, and purpose of the goods. It also specifies the buyer and seller’s information and the country of origin.

Customs Declaration Form: This record identifies the package’s contents, value, and purpose (e.g., gift, sale, personal use) and is mandatory for all international shipments.

Proof of Origin: This form certifies where the goods were manufactured or produced. For particular items, proof of origin can qualify shipments for reduced tariffs under trade agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

Necessary Permits: Depending on the type of goods, additional permits or licenses may be required, especially for regulated items such as food, alcohol, or electronics.

Tips for Compliance

Apart from providing accurate documentation and declarations, here are some key tips to help you stay compliant during the customs clearance process:

• Declare the value of goods accurately to avoid fines.
• Fill out all forms completely and legibly.
• Attach the required documentation in a clear, accessible manner to expedite customs checks.

Estimated Delivery Times from Canada to the US

Delivery times vary based on the carrier and service level you choose. Similarly, if you’re wondering how long does it takes to ship from US to Canada, delivery times generally mirror those from Canada to the US, depending on the carrier and service:

ShippingChimp

ShippingChimp ships from Canada to US within 3-5 days.

Canada Post

• Regular Parcel: This economical ground service delivers packages within 6 to 10 business days.
• Xpresspost USA: For faster deliveries, this service provides expedited delivery to the USA in 2 to 3 business days.
• Priority Worldwide: Ideal for time-sensitive shipments, this premium service ensures next-business-day delivery.

UPS

• Standard: A cost-effective ground service delivering packages within 3 to 7 business days.
• Worldwide Expedited: This service balances speed and cost, offering delivery in 2 to 5 business days.
• Worldwide Express: This premium option delivers for urgent shipments within 1 to 3 business days.

FedEx

• International Ground: This option is a reliable and cost-effective service that delivers packages to the US within 2 to 7 business days.
• International Priority: This service is designed for time-sensitive deliveries and ensures your package arrives in 1 to 3 business days.

DHL

• Express Worldwide: A fast and dependable service that delivers packages to the US within 1 to 2 business days.

Factors Affecting Delivery Times

How long does it takes to ship from Canada to US doesn’t just depend on the carrier and the service level you choose but also on the:

• Weather Conditions: Severe weather events like snowstorms can delay shipments.
• Holidays: Peak holiday seasons result in higher package volumes, leading to potential delays.
• Customs Delays: Incorrect documentation or inspections can add extra days to delivery.

Tips for Cost-Effective Shipping

Cost-effective shipping on how to send a package from Canada to US doesn’t have to break the bank. Make informed decisions and optimize your shipping strategy to minimize costs while ensuring reliable delivery with:

Optimize Packaging

• Use the smallest possible box that fits your items safely. 
• Avoid oversized or unnecessarily large boxes to reduce dimensional weight charges. Use snug, efficient packaging to keep costs low.

Choose the Right Carrier and Service Level

• Compare rates across carriers like ShippingChimp, Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and Purolator using their online calculators. Each carrier offers varying rates based on weight, dimensions, and delivery speed.
• For non-urgent deliveries, opt for economy or standard shipping services; they are significantly more affordable than express services.

Leverage Carrier Discounts and Shipping Platforms

• Sign up for carrier accounts to access volume-based discounts and promotional rates.
• Use shipping platforms like ShippingChimp, which compares rates across multiple carriers and provides discounted pricing options tailored to your needs.

Consolidate Shipments

• Whenever possible, combine multiple items into a single package. Shipping several items one by one increases costs due to individual handling fees, while consolidating them reduces overall expenses.
• Consider batch shipping orders to the US to save on bulk shipping rates.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Determining the best shipping method from Canada to the US often presents challenges, such as customs delays and managing customer returns. Understanding these hurdles and proactively preparing for them ensures a smoother shipping experience.

Minimizing Delays During Customs Clearance

• Provide Accurate Documentation: Incorrect or incomplete customs paperwork is a leading cause of delays. Ensure you complete all required forms, such as the commercial invoice and proof of origin, and attach them securely to the package.

• Avoid Prohibited Items: Check the destination country’s restricted or prohibited items list to avoid rejection or confiscation of your shipment.

• Prepare for Duties and Taxes: Be transparent about the shipment’s value. For high-value items, inform the recipient of potential duties to prevent delays in clearance.

• Partner with Reliable Carriers: Choose carriers with experience in cross-border shipping and customs handling to streamline the process.

• Clear Descriptions: Use detailed and accurate descriptions of the package contents. Avoid vague terms like “gift” or “samples” without context.

• Proper Valuation: Declare the correct value of items to avoid additional scrutiny or fines.

Handling Returns Efficiently

• Provide Clear Return Instructions: Shipments should include prepaid return labels. This approach makes returning items easier for US customers and improves customer satisfaction.

• Leverage Local Return Addresses: Partner with US-based fulfillment centers to offer local return addresses. This reduces return shipping costs and speeds up processing times.

• Clear Return Policies: Provide detailed return instructions and policies on your website to set expectations and streamline the process.

• Communicate with Customers: Keep customers informed about return timelines and any fees involved to maintain transparency and satisfaction. How long to ship from Canada to US shouldn’t be something they constantly worry about. 

Shipping a package from Canada to the US becomes simple when you take the proper steps. First, understand how long does it take to ship from US to Canada. Then, explore your shipping options, estimate costs accurately, and follow best practices for packaging and customs. Finally, combine shipments, use cost-saving strategies, and choose the right carrier to avoid common pitfalls and ensure on-time delivery.

Streamline your cross-border shipping process, reduce expenses, and deliver a smooth, hassle-free experience for both senders and recipients. Cross-border shipping has never been easier – let ShippingChimp help you make it seamless and efficient every time.

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest way to ship a package from Canada to the US?

The most cost-effective option depends on the package’s weight, size, and destination. Canada Post Regular Parcel or UPS Standard often has the lowest prices for small packages. You can use online shipping calculators to find the cheapest carrier and the best deals for your shipment.

2. How long does it typically take for a package to be delivered from Canada to the US?

Delivery times vary by carrier and service level. Economy options, like Canada Post Regular Parcel, take 6-10 business days, while express services, such as FedEx International Priority, deliver within 1-3 business days. External factors like customs clearance, holidays, and weather can also affect delivery times and how long to ship from Canada to the US.

3. What customs forms are required when shipping from Canada to the US?

For international shipping, provide a Customs Declaration Form listing your shipment’s contents, value, and purpose. Include a Commercial Invoice with item descriptions, quantities, and values for commercial shipments. Apply for extra permits if you’re shipping restricted items, like food or electronics.

4. How can I track my package once it’s shipped to the US?

Major carriers like Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer online tracking tools. You can use the tracking number provided at shipment to monitor your package’s journey in real-time on the carrier’s website or app. Some services, such as ShippingChimp, simplify this process by combining tracking for multiple carriers in one place.

5. Are there size and weight restrictions for shipping packages to the US?

Yes, each carrier has specific size and weight limits. For instance, Canada Post sets generous weight limits for shipments and adjusts size restrictions according to the selected service. UPS and FedEx typically handle larger and heavier shipments; additional fees apply for oversized packages.