International Parcel Delivery | Blog

Unlocking Seamless Shipping Solutions from California to Canada

Written by Timothy Byrnes | August 28, 2023

California, a prominent trading partner with Canada, holds significant cross-border potential amplified by the USMCA/ CUSMA agreement. Enjoy greater accessibility and reduced non-tariff barriers when exporting goods from California to the Canadian market. Jet Worldwide fosters connections between California businesses and Canadian partners.

Cost-Effective California to Canada Shipping Solutions

Consult our experts at Jet Worldwide today to explore the best shipping modes, carrier options, and customs clearance strategies for unparalleled logistics efficiency. . Contact our team for a consultation.

Download Accompanying PDF

Comprehensive Guide for California to Canada Shipping:

Access this detailed guide forCalifornia to Canada shipping. Review essential considerations for shipping various types of cargo such as e-commerce shipments, parcels, pallets, and LTL. Learn about duty-free imports to Canada via USMCA/CUSMA, common carrier choices, managing returns, customs regulations, and logistics support services.

Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.


Jetship provides shipping quotes, LTL, and Canadian Logistics support

Leverage the USMCA/CUSMA framework for duty-free access to the Canadian market from California, empowering local manufacturers to expand their market reach efficiently. Jet Worldwide facilitates California companies in establishing robust connections with Quebec and Canadian suppliers, enhancing cross-border collaboration.

Cost-Effective California to Canada Shipping Solutions:

Discover the most cost-effective ways to send packages from California to Canada, catering to individual and commercial shipping needs. Get in touch with Jet Worldwide for competitive LTL shipping rates from California to Canada, ensuring efficient and budget-friendly transportation solutions.

Navigating Customs Regulations and Import Fees:

Understand the intricacies of duty and taxes applicable to shipments from California to Canada, including duty-free import eligibility for goods valued under $150 CAD and import processes for items of US origin under USMCA/CUSMA. Learn about export declarations, handling returns from Canada to California, and consolidating online orders for streamlined cross-border shipping.

What is the Cheapest way to send a package from California to Canada?

The cheapest way for individuals to send small packages and personal items to Canada is usually via the US Postal Service (USPS). FedEx and UPS ground are good options for heavier shipments but do not include customs entry preparation.

Contact Jet Worldwide for low cost LTL California to Canada.

Do duty and taxes apply in Canada for shipments from California and the USA?

Shipments from California, USA to Canada are subject to import duty and taxes.

How shipments from California USA import to Canada Duty Free?

Imports from the USA may benefit from duty free status if they are low value or quality of USA origin under CUSMA Rules of Origin.

Do I need to file an export declaration /EEI from California to Canada?

Electronic Export Information (EEI)

EEI’s are not required for most shipments destined to Canada via exception code 30.36. Th exemption does not apply for shipments otherwise requiring an export permit or ultimately destined to a third country.

How can I manage returns from Canada to California USA

If the value of the return is less than $800 USD, the goods can be returned simply via section 321 import processes. Contact Jet Worldwide to get a Canadian address to help manage returns from your Canadian Customers.

Can I consolidate my online orders to Canada and Cross Border Ship from California?

Companies can consolidate their orders via a single customs entry by becoming a non-resident importer. The process involves shipping via LTL or full truck load, single clearance in Canada followed by domestic distribution.

Read more about valuation for non-resident imports to Canada.

Canadian customs CARM Registration

The CARM system facilitates payment of duty and taxes.

Registration is mandatory for all commercial imports regardless of shipping mode.

Using this CBSA portal importers assign a customers broker and provide a surety bond (or deposit). Learn more about CARM.

Confused by the import fees to Canada?No worries, we are here to help. Even with the USMCA/ CUSMA free trade agreement, many consignments imported to Canada are subject to import duty and taxes.

Import Fees for California to Canada shipping

Confused by the import fees to Canada? No worries, we are here to help. Even with the USMCA/ CUSMA free trade agreement, many consignments imported to Canada are subject to import duty and taxes.

Shipping from the USA ≠ USA origin goods

While goods made in the USA can benefit from preferential duty free entry under USMCA/CUSMA provisions, this benefit does not extend to goods “shipped from the USA to Canada.”

Understanding the difference between goods shipped from the USA versus US origin goods.

Goods shipped from the USA will benefit from duty free entry if they are shipped courier and valued under CA$150.See graphic below.

Read more: USMCA/ CUSMA

Managing Canadian Amazon RemovalOrders to California USA

Simplified processing for your customer.

Contact our team to develop solutions for Canadian returns of online orders.

Read more about a solution for your Canadian Amazon removal orders. A Canadian address, consolidation and shipping back to the USA via low cost ground.

California companies becoming a Canadian Importer or Record

Canada’s non-resident importer program enables United States exporters to obtain a business number and act as the “importer of record.” Being able to act as the importer of record removes the burden of customs clearance from the Canadian customer and can facilitates the sale.

CBSA CARM

Registration in Canadian Custom's CARM online portal is mandatory. Via this system, importers assign a customs broker along with a surety bond. Read more about CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)

Common Carrier Shipping Options from California to Canada

Besides the LTL carriers, the most common shipping options when shipping to Canada from California includes mega carriers UPS and FedEx (who offer both ground and express) as well as the USPS (the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels to Canada). Information via these carriers is readily available online.

Clearance and Entry Fees to Canada via UPS and FedEx

Carrier clearance fees in Canada vary by the service type. Shippers can minimize these fees through single entry consolidated entry. Jet Worldwide can receive and store shipments from California for on-demand distribution throughout Canada.

See FedEx and UPS entry fees to Canada for ground shipments

Canada import fees for USPS/ Canada Post packages

Dutiable and taxable items mailed to Canada are subject to a handling fee of CA$9.95 per dutiable or taxable parcel. If charges are applied, the parcel will be delivered along with a CBSA Invoice (E14). Canada Post collects the fees on behalf of the CBSA and accepts payment online via credit card and other methods.

Gifts between individuals can be considered duty and tax exempt, not otherwise restricted and valued under CA$60. To qualify as tax exempt, the gift must be sent to the recipient personally and include a card or other notice indicating that it is a gift. Advertising material and alcohol cannot be cleared as tax exempt gifts.

Duty Free to Canada packages from California, USA

  • Duty free and tax free entry for most US parcels shipped courier valued under CA$40
  • Duty free entry for most US parcels shipped courier valued under CA$150
  • Simplified "Certification of Origin" for shipments shipped courier valued under CA$3,300

For low value shipments (under CAD $3,300 to Canada) a certifying statement added to the commercial invoice or any shipping document

“I hereby certify that the goods covered by this shipment qualifies as an originating good for the purposes of preferential tariff treatment under USMCA/T-MEC/CUSMA.”

Learn more from Jet's Logistics Experts : USMCA/ CUSMA New NAFTA

Maximize your cross-border shipping potential with Jet Worldwide's tailored solutions for seamless transportation from California to Canada. Explore our comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and competitive shipping rates to elevate your logistics efficiency and enhance your market presence in Canada.

Getting a quote for shipping between California and Canada.

Jet builds solutions based on trucking, courier, ground and zone jump considerations. . Provide information about the type of goods that will be shipped, shipping volume and restrictions that should be taken into account.

Canadian storage and distribution from California

For specific items, many shippers in California can find it cost effective to store and distribute their goods stored in Canada for on demand distribution. For information on Canadian warehouse solutions, contact our parcel logistics team.

Sending e-commerce online orders from California to Canada

Canada is the largest international market for most US based e-commerce merchants.

  • Orders may qualify for duty free import thanks to CUSMA free trade provisions.
  • USPS offers a low cost to Canada for occasional shippers
  • Contact Jet for zone jump opportunities