Advice For Sending International Courier and Parcel Shipments from Montreal.
With the many inquiries we get from new shippers who send international shipments from Montreal, we though it best to address the most common questions in our blog.
Learn more from Jet's Logistics Experts :
- Prepayment of UK VAT when shipping online orders to the UK
- Prepayment of Value Added Tax to European Union Countries
- Understanding Benefits of the "new NAFTA" USMCA/ CUSMA
- Request a call back for your business shipping from Jet's logistics support team
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only. Producers, shippers, exporters, importers should confirm their processes with their customs brokers, carriers and regulating authorities.
Things to consider when
Shipping Online orders and Parcels from Montreal
Consider the various carriers for international shipping from Montreal
Sending International shipments from Montreal using Parcel Post:
For many shippers, especially very small volume shippers, postal delivery works best. This is especially true for individuals sending gifts to their family and friends.
Shipments under 2 kilograms sent via Canada Post are most cost effective via their international "packet" services. To most areas, Canada Post offers Montreal shippers both surface and air services for packets and parcel post. Contact Jet for updates on direct shipping options to the UK, EU, Caribbean, Japan, and across Asia.
Many of the initial inquiries we get are from small companies who are not satisfied with the delivery quality of parcel post and need solutions for their international parcels.
Sending international shipments from Montreal using a commercial carrier
Commercial carriers - namely FedEx Canada and UPS Canada - offer time definite international delivery form Montreal. They can, however, be expensive for small and medium size Montreal companies.
FedEx and UPS International Shipping Options from Montreal Include:
- International air express
- International Air Economy
- Get a comparison quote for shipping international
Using an International Courier Reseller
Resellers, such as Jet Worldwide Canada offer a way for small companies to obtain the quality service of an integrator with a lower cost of using FedEx/ UPS directly.
Jet Worldwide is one of the oldest international parcel carriers in Canada with over 35 years of experience and unique partnerships around the world.
Prepare a list of items being sent and invoice for customs
For all the complexities of international delivery from Montreal, the key difference between an international and domestic parcel is simply customs clearance. For international parcels, most important is to clearly list exactly what is being via an invoice for customs.
- Name an address of shipper
- Name address, phone, and email of receiver
- Exact description of item(s) being sent
- Value of each item (be sure to indicate the currency code)
The most common error we see for international shipments sent from Montreal from new shippers is an incomplete description. The description should be as specific as possible and include the reason for export. If, as is often the case, the shipment is a gift or sample, this should be noted on the customs paperwork.
Jet Worldwide's shipping system incorporates easy preparation of customs paperwork.
Verify with your carrier and/or receiver to ensure the item you are sending is not restricted.
A common restriction we see for international shipments from Montreal is food shipments sent to the USA. (Food shipments require a “Prior Notice” number from the USA Food and Drug Administration/ FDA).
Prepared a CERS export if your shipment is valued over $2,000 CD
For international shipments sent from from Canada valued over $2,000, the shipper must prepare a Canadian export declaration / B-13. Shipments sent to the USA do not require a B-13 export declaration.
Decide who will be paying for duty and taxes before sending your international parcels.
Before sending your international shipment from Montreal, you should determine who will be paying any duties/taxes/customs fees. By default, clearance and duty fees are charged forward to the receiver.
VAT Payment for online orders to the UK and European Union should be prepaid.
International shipments where the receiver or consignee pays should be noted as “Delivery Duty Unpaid/ DDU” on the customs paperwork. If you wish to pay for the duties and taxes, you should not “Delivery To Place/ DTP” on the customs paperwork.
Jet Worldwide specializes in helping Montreal companies connect to global suppliers and customers. Our expert staff offers a consultative approach to help you find the best solution from Montreal or to and from virtually everywhere!
