Shipping Parcels from Canada to the USA: Useful Shipping Advice

To help answer the many inquiries we get on Shipping to the United States from Canada, we are pleased to provide information on US customs, USMCA free trade, and common carrier shipping options to the USA

Benefit from best in class logistics support between Canada and North America. Realizing that the best support includes referring other carrier options as best suited for your needs.

There are several shipping options available for sending goods from Canada to the USA. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as the type and size of the goods you are shipping, the speed of delivery you require. Here are some common shipping options that you might consider:

• Ground Transit via FedEx and UPS: This is a common option that works well for heavy parcels. Keep in mind ground shipments charge a customs entry preparation fee for shipments valued over $800 US.
• Truck Load: This is a slower but more economical option for shipping a full truck load (FTL) and a couple pallets / less than truck load (LTL).
• Cargo integrated air carriers such as FedEx, DHL, UPS and their partners.
• Postal service: Canada Post is generally the best option for individuals shipping small shipments and personal items to the USA.

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In this shipping guide, our team has listed important considerations when sending to the USA from Canada.

• What documentation is required of Canadian shippers sending to the USA
• How the value of the shipment effects American custom clearance processes
• Shipping options to the USA from Canada
• Fill in form below to get feedback on rates on logistics questions

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

Required documentation for parcels to the USA:

The most important part of Customs clearance is ensuring that your shipment is accompanied by the correct paperwork (this is true for all international courier shipments!).

The basics elements of an invoice for customs include:

• Date of shipment
• Name, address and telephone number of shipper
• Name, address and telephone number of consignee
• Detailed description of item(s) being sent
• Value of the item(s)

Shipping to the USA via Canada Post: When sending from Canada to the USA via parcel post, a postal customs form must be completed.

Other documents that may be required when shipping to the USA from Canada include:

• CERS/ B-13 Canadian Export Declaration to the USA: A Canadian B-13 / CERS export declaration is not required when shipping parcels to the USA from Canada.
• Prior Notice for food items 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). Contact Jet to develop shipping solutions for food items to the USA.

PDF Presentation: Review the Types of US Customs Entries for import to the USA

Certificate of Origin for duty free under USMCA CUSMA

 Read more about USMCA/ CUSMA.

The key provisions of CUSMA USMCA (i.e. new NAFTA) include:

• Duty free and tax free entry for most items shipped from Canada valued under US$800
• Simplified "Certification of Origin" for shipments valued under US$2,500
• Simplified country of origin/ COO declaration processes

What is a certificate of origin and why is it needed

Shipping from Canada versus Canadian origin

US customs Form 3325 for Trade Show Items

If you wish to send Trade Show related items, such as displays, you must include a Customs Form 3325.

Paperwork for “Other Government Agencies”

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:

• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Fish and Wildlife

HOW DOES VALUE PARCEL EFFECT CLEARANCE IN THE USA?

Customs entries can be broadly defined in 3 categories:

• Many shipments valued under $800: Section 321 Entry
• Over $800 but less than $2,500: Informal Entry
• Over $2,500: Formal Entry: Many importers prefer to have such shipments cleared by their designated customs broker.

Note: When shipping to the USA from Canada, many shipments are subject to approval of other government agencies and - regardless of value - require a formal entry. For food items to the USA, please see note above regarding "prior notice requirements." Contact Jet for information on restricted items to the USA. Read about potential new regulations for Section 321 entries

Carrier options for shipping to the USA from Canada:

The main options for sending parcels to the US from Canada include

• Canada Post (least expensive for small items),
• FedEx/ UPS (ground and air options)
• Purolator (who partners with UPS)
• Full and partial truck load

Sending with Canada Post from Canada to the USA:

Lowest cost option for small “packets” to the USA. The service is by far the best value but tracking and customer support can be difficult. Canada Post becomes less cost effective as shipments get heavier than around 3 kg. Canada Post is one of the largest international partners of the US Postal Service (USPS).

Canada Post shipments are delivered by the US Postal Service. Customer service support is limited to on-line tracking only. For large volumes, Jet can provide direct injection to the USPS.

FedEx/ UPS Shipping from Canada to the USA:

No other private parcel carriers can compare to FedEx and UPS for delivery to the USA. FedEx and UPS ground shipping options offer low cost and the preferred option for many shippers. Shippers can access FedEx and UPS directly or via a reseller (Jet Worldwide provides access to major carriers with value added services and logistics support).

Jet Worldwide provides logistics support within the USA, economy air to and from the USA, and reverse logistics.

Verify the correct declared value prior to shipping

Jet Worldwide works with - and recommend all the above mentioned carriers - and support your logistics efforts with transparency, innovation and incredible support.

Information required for a shipping quote Economy Air to the USA.

Ground service is the preferred option for shipping parcels to the USA with delivery usually within 1 week to most of the USA.

Purolator Delivery to the USA from Canada:

Purolator does not have a major presence in the USA and resells the services of other carriers - such as UPS - for their deliveries to the USA.

Note: Purolator offers parcel delivery to Canada for large e-commerce and industrial shippers in the USA TO Canada. They have advanced programs for "north bound shipments." Jet can help American shippers arrange for delivery across Canada for US origin shipments.

Delivery between the USA and Canada via Jet Worldwide

• Jet Worldwide offers economy air options and logistics support for shipping between the USA and Canada for parcels, pallets, USA Address for returns and reverse logistics.