As the capital of a country that depends on international trade, international shipments from Ottawa- Gatineau to the US and overseas are seeing incredible growth. Along with the government sector, technology companies (led by Shopify) will contribute the most to export parcels to the United States, Europe and around the world. Companies based in Ottawa-Gatineau rely on low cost parcel shipping solutions for delivery to the US.
Jet Worldwide shares our logistics expertise (as evidenced by our industry leading blog articles) and global parcel shipping solutions: Including shipping to the US from Ottawa. For professional insights, a comparison quote or "out of the box" solution, Contact Jet's logistics professionals.
So close… but yet so far…
Even with the renewed NAFTA - USMCA, shipping to the US from Canada require full regulatory compliance with US customs (US-CBP) and other US government agencies.
At a minimum, all parcels shipped to the US from Ottawa - Gatineau Canada must be accompanied by an invoice for customs clearance.
The basic elements of an invoice for customs include:
Keep in mind that some categories of items (such as food and drugs) may require additional information (see below).
When sending from Canada to the USA via parcel post, a postal customs form (CN22) must be completed. Canada Post shipments to the US are imported and delivered by the US Postal Service (USPS). Contact Jet for assistance with your customs paperwork for your parcel to The US.
Other shipping documentation that may be required for parcels shipped from Canada to the USA may include the following:
A Canadian export declaration is not required when shipping parcels to the USA from Canada.
When sending foodstuffs to the USA, you must first register with the United States Food and Drug Administration. All foodstuffs sent to the USA must include a “Prior Notice” authorization number.
Commonly referred as the “PN Number," this number must be included on the invoice along with a copy of the confirmation (which can be obtained from the FDA website).
Goods that were manufactured in Canada may qualify for duty free entry under USMCA. The origin‑certification process (that is no longer a prescribed form) is to include a set of data on the shipping paperwork (most commonly including on the invoice).
The data elements required at a minimum to claim origin underCUSMA:
Check out theCanadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) pagethat describes the new requirements for more information and an example of a valid CUSMA certification oforigin.
If you wish to send Trade Show related items, such as displays, you must include a Customs Form 3325.
Note: Jet Worldwide provides special dedicated Trade Show Services - including dedicated time specific pickup/ delivery, repacking etc.
There are over 40 US government departments that have unique requirements necessary for your goods to clear customs. The most common of the “other government agencies” involved in clearance of your goods include:
Customs entries can be broadly defined in 3 categories. Understanding low value duty free import to the USA.
The main options for sending parcels to the US from Canada include Canada Post (least expensive for small items), Fedex/ UPS (Good ground service but expensive express), Jet Worldwide economy express parcel shipping to the USA and special services), and direct cross border shipping.
Canada post is the preferred option for individuals shipping small parcels and personal items to the USA.
Canada Post Parcel Delivery options to The USA include:
For parcels to The US under 2 kg
For parcel post shipping of larger parcels
Canada Post shipments are delivered by the US Postal Service with limited customer support.
FedEx and UPS dominate the market for delivery to the USA and offer reliable ground and air transport from Canada to the USA. While their ground services offer great value, their air express services can be expensive for small and medium sized Canadian companies.
Get a comparison quote on shipping Ottawa to USA.
FedEx Ground and UPS Standard US Delivery from Canada
The ground delivery options from FedEx and UPS offer the lowest price - especially for larger parcels valued under $800 USD. Delivery via ground to most areas of the US are delivered within 6 business days.
For ground shipments above $800, FedEx and UPS charge an entry preparation fee which can average between US$30 and US$40 (plus applicable duty and taxes). The entry preparation cost is included for most shipments sent via express from Canada to the US.
FedEx Canada and UPS Canada express US delivery
FedEx and UPS have the largest overnight delivery options from Canada to the USA. To major cities, they offer next day morning, afternoon and delivery before close of business. While reliable and well known, their express services can be expensive for small and medium sized businesses.
Clearance of ground shipments to The USA from Canada:
For most shipments valued under $800 to the USA from Canada, ground service includes clearance (see note above on valuation). Ground service is especially cost effective for heavier parcels to the USA.
Contact Jet's team for ground LTL information.
Sending from Quebec to the US via Jet Worldwide
Purolator Delivery to the USA from Canada:
Purolator does not have a major presence in the USA and resells the services of other carriers for their deliveries to the USA (mostly UPS).
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