Top 10 Shipping Carriers to Ship from Canada to the US

The eCommerce market in Canada is growing at a phenomenal rate. This is why starting a retail business in the country can be profitable for retail merchants. 

The Canadian eCommerce market is set to grow at 9.76% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, with projected revenue of $65.55 billion in 2024. 

A fast-growing eCommerce industry like this needs efficient shipping services. Several reputable shipping companies ship packages from Canada, so eCommerce businesses can reach their customers.

Not just the big players in global shipping, Canada has a host of other shipping companies that provide shipping service to the US and other countries. 

This blog post will cover various aspects of shipping from Canada to the United States, including the top 10 shipping carriers.

Shipping Timeline from Canada to the US

Generally, packages from Canada to the US take between 2 and 7 business days to deliver, depending on the distance. 

While shipping to the US, you need to keep in mind the restricted items, including the following:

• Explosives, fireworks, and ammunition
• Weapons and firearms
• Cannabis
• Food, plants, and pets

If you are seeking faster shipping services, you can hire a carrier that offers express courier service.

Things to consider when choosing a carrier when shipping cross border

Shipping overseas involves more steps and procedures than local shipping. To send packages overseas, you need to fill out documents, commercial invoices, customs forms, and shipping labels.

Here are the things you need to consider when choosing a carrier:

1. Pick a Reputable Shipping Carrier

There are major shipping carriers such as UPS, FedEx, Canada Post, Canpar, and others that operate in Canada, and they all ship to the US. 

Mainly factors like delivery timeline and shipping costs will determine your choice of a carrier. If you want the cheapest shipping options, standard shipping is ideal. 

2. Keep a List of Restricted Items 

When shipping from Canada to the US, review the shipping rules. There are restrictions on shipping items like firearms, weapons, fireworks, ammunition, plants, pets, and cannabis. 

If you are not sure which types of goods to ship from Canada to the US, contact shipping experts to get answers to your questions.

3. Accurately Calculate the Weight and Size of Parcels 

No matter whether you are sending small packets or shipping boxes, accurately calculating the weight and size of your packages is essential to reduce shipping costs. 

You can also try a shipping calculator to easily calculate shipping charges.

4. Pack Your Items Carefully

Pick the shipping box with the right size and leave some space. It will help you adjust packing materials and keep your goods safe. 

Several carriers provide shipping labels for free, and you can make the most of it to lower the cost of shipping when shipping to the US. 

5. Fill & Submit Essential Documents

When shipping from Canada to the US, you need to fill out the following documents at customs.

• Logistics invoice
• Commercial invoice
• Insurance proof

Filling out of various customs might require, depending on the carrier you choose. For more details, you can consult a shipping expert to understand which documents are necessary for shipping.

6. Buy Shipping Insurance

You can take shipping insurance to protect your items from any potential loss, damage, or theft. 

There are various types of shipping insurance are available for overseas shipping. Choose the right type of insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship from Canada to the US?

There is no standardized shipping cost when shipping internationally. The shipping cost from Canada to the US depends on the factors below:

• Weight
• Package dimensions
• Shipping service
• Delivery method

For example, shipping from Canada to New York in the US will take 4 to 5 business days via Xpress shipping and will cost a little over $56. For the same destination, expedited shipping will take 6 to 7 days and will cost nearly $39.

Top 10 Shipping Carriers Shipping from Canada to the US

All the leading carriers offer shipping services in Canada. Besides, different other reputable shipping carriers offer efficient overseas shipping and provide many options to retail businesses. 

Take a look at the top 10 shipping companies below:

1. ShippingChimp

Get truly affordable and high-quality shipping when shipping to the US by partnering with ShippingChimp. 

By partnering with ShippingChimp, your savings can be up to 53% on shipping costs and also get a free pickup facility. Shipping prices start at $5.11, and service coverage of more than 800K postal codes in Canada.

The following are the key advantages:

• You will get deep discounted shipping rates when shipping from Canada to the US 
• ShippingChimp will help your eCommerce business grow globally with seamless shipping, free pickup, order tracking, and more. You and your customers will have visibility of the shipping process.
• You will get regular shipping notifications about the latest status of your shipment to the US.
• You can avail up to $100 in free insurance.

2. UPS

UPS is one of the largest among global shipping companies, and is known for fast and efficient shipping. However, it may not be the most affordable option. Besides Canada, UPS Canada ships internationally to the United States and more 220 countries.

UPS Canada offers services, including parcel delivery, express shipping, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and eCommerce-related services.

With UPS Ground shipping, you can send shipments affordably or UPS overnight for express shipping with an estimated delivery in 1-2 days. If you aim to deliver parcels faster, then UPS is ideal, although the shipping cost will be higher.

Main Features:

• UPS has a worldwide network and provides access to quality overseas shipping and logistics solutions.
• UPS offers a wide range of services, including ground delivery, express shipping, freight, and others.
• With its advanced tracking system, UPS enables real-time shipment monitoring.

3. FedEx Canada

FedEx Canada ships both within Canada and across the US. The carrier offers FedEx Ground and FedEx Express/FedEx Air services in the country. 

FedEx can do cross-border shipping with an estimated timeline between one day and a few weeks via economy shipping.

A few other FedEx shipping methods include FedEx International Priority Freight, which reaches the recipient within 1 to 3 business days.

FedEx Canada also offers express shipping service, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and eCommerce solutions. These services allow businesses to move shipments across the across US efficiently.

The carrier provides efficient tracking service. Also, FedEx is the only global carrier initiated the signature confirmation at the time of delivery. 

FedEx Canada stands out due to its fast and reliable service, but its shipping services could cost you more.

Main Features:

• FedEx Canada offers a vast range of shipping services, including ground services, international shipping, and express delivery 
• The carrier has convenient policies for managing package returns, including details on return labels.
• You can use FedEx Delivery Manager to manage incoming packages as per your schedule.
• If you have delivery-related queries, you can access the Resource Wizard for advice and support.

4. DHL 

Having headquarters in Germany, DHL is one of the shipping giants with a worldwide network and offers efficient international shipping service.

DHL even sends shipments to some of the banned countries like Cuba and Iran at affordable pricing than UPS and FedEx.  

The international shipping services of DHL include package delivery, customs brokerage, freight transportation, and eCommerce services.

The presence of DHL is not as widespread in North America as FedEx and UPS but has good international coverage. It also has one of the fastest shipping services from Canada to the US.

Some of the DHL shipping methods are below:

• DHL Express Worldwide: Delivers packages by the end of the day
• DHL Express 9:00: Package delivery by 10.30 am on the next or second business day
• DHL Express 12:00: Package delivery by 12 noon on the next business day

DHL also provides different shipping features, including delivery confirmation, free tracking facility, Saturday delivery, shipping insurance, and more.

Main Features:

• DHL offers global shipping services with cross-border capabilities;
• Provides express shipping services for fast deliveries;
• Offers efficient shipping management solutions;
• Focuses on customer satisfaction through highly responsive customer support.

5. Canada Post

Founded in 1867, Canada Post is the primary and national courier and the largest carrier for shipping within and outside of Canada. The courier provides services regarding delivering mail and parcels in Canada and to over 190 countries, including the US.

Canada Post connects the whole of Canada with its nationwide postal network and delivers letters, goods, and documents. 

The average shipping delivery timeline of Canada Post is 2-3 days and 4-7 days business days.  

Canada Post’s International shipping services are below:

• Priority Worldwide: Guaranteed delivery in 2 to 3 business days
• Xpresspost International: Order delivery in 4 to 7 business days 
• Xpresspost USA:  with delivery in 2 to 3 business days, guaranteed
• Tracked Packet USA with delivery in 4 to 7 business days

Main Features:

• Canada Post offers a worldwide shipping service, covering 190+ countries. 
• Provides a diverse range of services in addition to regular mail and parcel delivery.
• Enables eCommerce integrations
• Supports various initiatives and partnerships

6. Purolator

Purolator is one of the largest and most reliable shipping companies with a vast courier network. Besides domestic shipping, the carrier offers efficient international shipping services. 

The carrier can ship parcels to 99 percent of Canadian addresses, including economy, same-day, or next-day. 

The key services of Purolator are package delivery, express shipping, freight transportation, and supply chain services.

Purolator provides international shipping service partnering with UPS and ships packages from Canada overseas destinations. 

The shipping services Purolator offers are below:

• Ground Shipping: Package delivery in 2 to 4 business days.
• Express Shipping: Package delivery in 1 to 2 business days.

Main Features:

• Purolator offers fast and efficient shipping services, including expedited, same-day, and next-day shipping.
• The carrier uses its vast network and drop-off points, ensuring convenient and easy access for clients.
• Supports eCommerce businesses by providing customized shipping solutions, including integrated solutions with the help of popular platforms.

7. Canpar

Established in 1976, Canpar is the second-largest carrier in Canada which comprises 62 delivery hubs across the country. Canpar covers over 215 countries, including the US, and offers diverse shipping options.

The carrier specializes in expedited shipping service from major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to the US. 

Canpar Express Select USA is an ideal option if you need expedited package delivery to the US, which guarantees on-time delivery.

The shipping prices of Canpar may vary depending on the origin and destination of shipment, weight, and dimensions, along with the type of shipping.

Canpar offers the following shipping services:

• Ground shipping with the estimated delivery in 1 to 4 business days;
• Overnight shipping with the estimated delivery in 1 to 6 business days;
• Canpar Letter Select with the estimated delivery in 2 to 10 business days.
• International shipping with the estimated delivery in 2 to 10 business days.

Main Features:

• Canpar provides geographical coverage all over North America, including the US and various other international locations.
• Canpar uses several advanced tools for seamless eCommerce shipping and delivery.
• The company provides extensive tracking facilities to businesses that can track packages using tracking numbers, delivery notices, pickup tags, and reference numbers.

8. DTDC Canada 

DTDC Canada has been serving Canadian businesses for over 25 years, covering 10,000+ locations in the country. The carrier also provides international shipping to over 240 countries, including the US.

The carrier can get you customized shipping and warehouse fulfillment services at affordable rates. 

Besides implementing integrated automation to lower operational costs, DTDC warehouses are fully secured with 24/7 security management. They also have a sophisticated temperature control system that keeps the items intact.

DTDC provides various international shipping services at reasonable rates and all the customs clearance procedures.

Main Features:

• DTDC Canada offers a wide array of services to international customers, starting from shipping, warehousing, distribution, and value-added services.
• The carrier provides B2B and B2C cross-border transactions by moving eCommerce packages, express packages, documents, and international freight. 
• The other customized solutions the company offers, include defined transit time, complete information regarding declarations and authorities, and real-time tracking details.

9. DB Schenker Logistics 

DB Schenker is another leading carrier that has been offering its services for over 50 years. The company has more than 2000 offices worldwide, including across the border to the US.

The diverse range of services of the carrier enables it to efficiently provide all types of logistics solutions to different industries, including eCommerce. 

The carrier has a dedicated portal called ‘ESchenker’ for managing shipments, tracking orders, and data analytics. ESchenker also enables its clients by providing 24/7 support.

Main Features:

• DB Schenker offers logistics services, including land transport, air freight, ocean freight, intermodal solutions, and cargo insurance;
• As part of its contract logistics services, the carrier provides fulfillment plus service, omnichannel/eCommerce service, network design & supply chain service, and others.
• The advanced logistics services of DB Schenker include freight management, dynamic logistics planning, and order management.
• The digital services hub of the company helps with booking and tracking shipments, conditions monitoring, and carrier business.

10. General Logistics Systems (GLS)

General Logistics Systems (GLS) earlier operated as Dicom before its acquisition in 2018. GLS is primarily a regional shipping company located in Quebec. The carrier also ships packages to more than 160 countries, and the US is one of them. 

The carrier has 28 shipping terminals, which specialize in delivering packages to Canadian addresses. For international shipping, the estimated delivery time is generally within 5 to 7 business days or a week to a half.

The carrier also offers freight shipping for eCommerce businesses that need to move high volumes of inventories. 

Main Features:

• GLS helps businesses to create/manage their shipments efficiently;
• The carrier offers the rate estimate feature through which you quickly estimate shipping charges by filling out pickup and delivery location;
• You can schedule or manage your pickup;
• The transit time calculator will help you find out the estimated delivery time based on the pickup and delivery postal codes;
• You can track your shipment easily through the GLS tracking tool submitting up to 99 waybill numbers.