Best options shipping between California and Canada

California and Canada have a strong economic relationship, with significant trade and investment between the two regions. California is one of Canada's top trading partners. California exports to Canada, including machinery, computers and electronics, and agricultural products. Shippers are searching for effective shipping solutions and logistics support.

There are several options for shipping from California to Canada. The most common options are:

1. Postal Service: The US Postal Service (USPS) offers international shipping to Canada.  The USPS is generally the best option for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to Canada. USPS flat rate boxes are a popular option.
2. Global carriers including FedEx, UPS, and DHL offer international shipping to Canada. These carriers generally offer a range of options for shipping packages to Canada, including standard ground service, air service, and express service.
3. Freight carriers: Cargo carriers offer a range of options for shipping large items to Canada, including less-than-truckload (LTL) service and full truckload (FTL) service.

In general, the best option for shipping from California to Canada will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of the package, the shipping speed required, and the budget.

Useful Video (~10 min): Shipping USA to Canada 

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To ship from California to Canada, you will need to prepare your package including a customs invoice, with a product description (read more: about HS codes). Be aware of the restrictions on what you can send to Canada.

California and Canada have strong economic ties. California is one of Canada's top trading partners, with goods and services worth billions of dollars being traded between the two regions each year. The main exports from California to Canada include machinery, electronic equipment, and agricultural products, while the main imports from Canada to California include energy products, forestry products, and mineral fuels.

There are also many Canadian companies that have a significant presence in California, particularly in the tech sector. In addition, there are many Californian companies that do business in Canada, including major firms in the entertainment, aerospace, and retail industries.

Benefit from USMCA/ CUSMA duty free import Canada to California

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA./CUSMA) is a trade agreement (new NAFTA) that includes provisions that make it easier for businesses in California to trade with Canada. Reduced tariffs and other trade barriers promotes trade between California and Canada.   Read more: about USMCA/CUSMA.

Read More: Certificate of Origin and why it is needed

Canadian Logistics Support for movie productions

Many movie productions that are based in California choose to film in Canada for a variety of reasons. Canada has a thriving film industry and offers many attractive locations for movie productions, as well as a variety of tax incentives and other benefits that can help to lower production costs. Get Canadian logistics support from our team.

Read more: Import duty and how it is calculated.

Duty Free low value threshold imports to Canada

Most goods shipped via courier from California valued under CA$150 can be imported to Canada duty free. 

Keep in mind, however, that provincial and federal sales tax applies even if goods benefit from duty free import. Other import fees can include customs entry preparation for ground shipments to Canada and carrier disbursement fees.

PDF: Fedex and UPS ground entry fees to Canada

There are a few common issues that can arise when sending shipments to Canada:

1. Customs: All international shipments to Canada must go through customs, and you will need to fill out a customs declaration form indicating the contents and value of your shipment. Read more: What is the correct declared value.
2. Prohibited items: There are certain items that are prohibited or restricted from being shipped to Canada, such as firearms, illegal drugs, alcohol, certain types of food

3. Taxes and duties: Your shipment may be subject to Canadian taxes and duties upon arrival. Read more about common Canadian import fees.

4. Delivery delays: Shipping to Canada can sometimes be slower than shipping within the US, due to the additional customs clearance process. It is important to plan ahead and allow extra time for your shipment to arrive.

How to get lower shipping costs to Canada from California:

• Use a shipping cost calculator to compare rates from different carriers.
• Ship smaller packages to reduce the volume weight. Read about chargeable weight.
• If you are shipping a large volume of packages, you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate directly with the major carriers.
• Consider using a third-party shipping service that can provide both savings and - more important - logistics support.
• Consider using ground transportation instead of air shipping. Ground shipping is usually less expensive than air shipping, but it  keep in mind the longer transit time to eastern Canada. Also, ground shipments are charged a customs entry fee.

I hope these suggestions help! Is there anything else we can help with? Benefit from best in class Canadian logistics support. JetWorldwide.com/contact