If you’re running an e-commerce business, it’s critical to know how standard shipping from Canada to US works. Offering fast, affordable, and reliable shipping is essential to meet customer expectations and sustain profitability.
Standard shipping is a popular choice among the best ways to ship because it balances cost-efficiency and speed. However, it presents unique challenges, including different regulations, customs fees, and how long it takes to get goods across the border. And without a clear understanding of how it works, businesses might encounter delays, extra costs, or unhappy customers.
This guide will walk you through the essential tips for standard shipping from Canada to the US, ensuring your business is fully prepared.
Why Choose Standard Shipping From Canada to the US?
Unlike express shipping, which is fast, expensive, and less ideal for non-urgent deliveries, standard shipping offers a more cost-effective solution with reasonable delivery times. Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your business:
Pros of Standard Shipping:
- Affordable: Standard shipping is cheaper than express shipping, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious businesses.
- Easily Available: Standard shipping is available with most major carriers, so it’s a convenient option for all business sizes.
- Reasonable Delivery Times: Even though it’s not as fast as express shipping, standard shipping offers reasonable transit times, which is great for non-urgent deliveries.
Cons of Standard Shipping:
- Slower Delivery: Standard shipping takes a few more days to deliver than express shipping, which could be a problem for customers needing fast deliveries.
- Potential Delays: There’s a higher chance of delays, especially during busy times like holidays or if customs take longer than usual.
Now that you know how the pros and cons of standard shipping directly impacts your operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, let’s check out the different shipping options available from Canada to the US to find what works best for you.
Standard Shipping Options From Canada to the US
Choosing the right carrier depends on your business needs, such as delivery speed, cost, and reliability. Here’s a look at some of the most popular shipping options for standard shipping:
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Key Features |
| Canada Post | Expedited Parcel USA | 4-7 business days | Suitable for large volumes |
| UPS | UPS Standard | 2-5 business days | Customs clearance included |
| FedEx | International Ground | 2-7 business days | Real-time tracking, customs support |
| DHL | DHL Express Worldwide | 2-5 business days | Customs clearance assistance, reliable |
| ShippingChimp | 2-3 business days | Low Cost Shipping, Best for eCommerce, expedited customs clearance |
Canada Post
As Canada’s leading postal service, Canada Post offers a range of standard shipping options to the US. One popular choice is “Expedited Parcel USA,” which offers affordable rates and delivery in 4-7 business days, suitable for businesses shipping large volumes of packages.
UPS
UPS Standard is a cost-efficient shipping option that guarantees delivery within 2-5 business days. It also handles customs clearance, making it a convenient option for businesses that want to streamline their cross-border operations.
FedEx
FedEx offers “International Ground” as a standard shipping service from Canada to the US. It provides reliable delivery in 2-7 business days, as well as real-time tracking and customs support.
DHL
DHL specializes in international shipping and offers a standard option called “DHL Express Worldwide.” This option delivers in 2-5 business days and includes customs clearance assistance, making cross-border shipping easier.
ShippingChimp
ShippingChimp simplifies shipping for businesses by offering the most cost-effective option for standard shipping to the US. It also helps expedite customs, 100% tracked deliveries making cross-border shipping seamless.
How to calculate Shipping Costs
Unaccounted shipping variables lead to undercharging, which cuts margins, or overcharging, which may drive customers away. Focus on the following factors and tips to manage standard shipping costs better:
Weight
Most carriers have tiered pricing based on the weight of the package, which significantly impacts the shipping cost. For instance, If you send a 2 kg box, you might pay the standard shipping rate. But if the package is large, even though it’s light, you could be charged as if it weighs more, like 5 kg, due to dimensional weight pricing. Double-check carrier-specific weight limits and dimensional weight requirements carefully to avoid unexpected fees.
Dimensions
If your package is light in weight but large, you might have to pay more because of “dimensional weight” pricing. To avoid surprises, always measure the weight and dimensions of your packages. Appropriate packaging can minimize excess space to help keep costs down. For example, If you’re sending something small, like a t-shirt, but you put it in a huge box, you might get charged extra because it takes up too much space. Instead, if you use a smaller, well-fitting box for the t-shirt, you can avoid paying those extra fees.
Destination
Shipping from Canada to more remote areas of the US, like small towns in Nevada, is typically more expensive than shipping to major metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles. Consider using a shipping calculator to estimate pricing based on distance to offset higher costs when sending to distant US locations.
Tips to Minimize Standard Shipping Costs
Use the Right Packaging: Use the smallest possible packaging that protects your items to avoid dimensional weight charges. Compact boxes, padded envelopes, or custom-sized packaging snugly fits items, preventing unnecessary dimensional weight fees and minimizing shipping costs.
Consolidate Shipments: Combine multiple orders going to the same destination into one package to take advantage of bulk shipping rates. Coordinate deliveries with suppliers and use logistics tools to organize and group orders, reducing individual shipments and shipping costs.
Negotiate Rates: If you ship large volumes, negotiate lower rates with carriers. Ask about discounted rates for high-volume shipping or explore contract agreements for better prices. Compare rates with the top shipping carriers for the best offer and leverage that as a bargaining chip.
Packaging Tips for Safe and Cost-Effective Shipping
Poor packaging that’s too big or not protective enough leads to broken items or higher costs. To help you choose the most suitable packaging to supplement the best shipping method, let’s explore some tips below:
Use the Right Size Box: If the box is too big, it can increase shipping costs due to dimensional weight pricing. Choose a box that fits your product snugly, and add enough padding inside it. This keeps fragile items like electronics or glassware from moving around and getting damaged during transit.
Choose Lightweight, Durable Materials: Heavier packaging materials make the whole shipment weigh more, leading to higher shipping fees. Opt for packaging materials like corrugated cardboard, to minimize shipping costs without compromising on safety.
Invest in Proper Padding: Fragile items are at high risk of damage during shipping, especially if they aren’t properly protected against impact. Cushion them with bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts, especially at the corners, to absorb shock during transportation.
Seal Your Packages Securely: Packages that aren’t properly sealed can open during shipping, leading to damaged or lost items and negatively impacting customer satisfaction. Use high-quality packing tape to seal the edges of your box so it doesn’t open while being shipped.
Try Eco-Friendly Packaging: Regular packaging materials like plastic wraps, styrofoam, and non-recyclable boxes contribute to environmental waste. Eco-friendly packaging is a greener option, and some carriers offer discounts for using sustainable materials, reducing costs and your environmental footprint.
With efficient packaging practices in mind, let’s look at the timing of deliveries and the customer expectations that shape standard shipping time from Canada to US.
Delivery Timeframes and Expectations
Besides considering how long does it take for standard shipping from Canada to US, it’s equally important to manage customer expectations. Here’s what to pay attention to:
Factors Affecting Delivery Times:
How long is standard shipping from Canada to US depends on factors like the shipping carrier, the destination, and the time of year. In standard shipping, city areas often receive packages faster than remote or rural locations.
ShippingChimp provides live tracking across multiple carriers, showing where the shipment is at every stage, accounting for location and time of year, and ensuring better-managed and on-time deliveries.
Average Delivery Time for Standard Shipping:
Canada Post’s Expedited Parcel USA delivers in 4 to 7 days, while UPS Standard and FedEx International Ground take 2 to 5 days. However, delays can occur during busy holiday seasons or due to customs.
ShippingChimp offers expedited shipping options starting at $9.52, along with smooth customs clearance, providing a hassle-free experience and giving the best balance between speed and price without any hassles.
Managing Customer Expectations with Delivery Estimate:
To manage customer expectations effectively, businesses should provide accurate delivery estimates and consider the variables that cause potential delays, like weekends, holidays, or peak seasons.
ShippingChimp enhances the shipping experience with a range of features, including offering free pick-up, $100 worth of insurance for free, and 24/7 customer support if you ever require help. With 100% tracked deliveries, businesses can provide their customers with real-time updates, reducing inquiries and improving satisfaction.
Customer Satisfaction with Cost-Effective Solutions:
To maintain customer satisfaction, it’s important to set realistic delivery times, ensuring a positive shipping experience even when packages take longer than expected.
ShippingChimp gives you the best shipping rates tailored to e-commerce businesses without any complicated contracts or hidden fees. Instead of prioritizing large profits, ShippingChimp uses smart methods like zone skipping and line hauls to save money on shipping costs, passing those savings to the business. Plus, having warehouses in strategic locations such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary also helps keep shipping costs low, giving you competitive shipping rates without excessive markups
With standard shipping offering a cost-effective balance between delivery time and price, here are some tips to help you choose the best shipping partner for your business:
Compare Delivery Speed and Cost:
Standard shipping is generally more affordable. For example, Roots offers standard shipping throughout Canada and the US, with free shipping available on Canadian orders that meet a minimum purchase requirement.
Well.ca offers free shipping in most parts of Canada when you meet the minimum purchase requirement by buying enough items. However, the delivery time frame may differ between carriers. Find a balance between cost and speed to find a partner that meets your needs.
Customer Support
A shipping partner with responsive support channels that’s easy to contact helps you resolve problems quickly, whether it’s delayed deliveries or customs challenges. ShippingChimp’s customer support proactively manages customer inquiries and delivery issues, fostering a more human, approachable customer experience.
Look for Technology Integration:
Many modern shipping companies offer tools that integrate with your online store, such as real-time tracking and automatic label printing. ShippingChimp integrates smoothly with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon, automatically importing orders, generating bulk shipping labels, and offering real-time tracking and simplified return management.
Conclusion
Shipping from Canada to the US can seem complicated, but understanding costs based on weight, size, and delivery times makes it much more manageable. In addition to understanding the above, packaging is another factor critical to reducing expenses and ensuring your goods arrive safely.
So, it’s not just about finding the cheapest option but ensuring the shipping is fast, reliable, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s also finding that sweet spot between saving money and giving your customers a great experience. Ready to apply these essential tips for standard shipping? Discover unbeatable shipping pricing options for standard shipping with ShippingChimp, and start saving today.
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