To help answer the many inquiries we get on shipping from Canada, we defined the key things to consider shipping to the USA. As Canada's biggest trade partner, it's no surprise that shipping packages to the United States is an important destination.
Jet Worldwide provides North American, Canadian and global logistics. Our support refers to the various services regarding international and Canadian movement of goods. This can include things like transportation, rate comparison, storage facilities, and supply chain management. Our logistics support augments your team by not being beholden to a specific carrier or process.
Shipping from Canada to the United States involves navigating the customs regulations and procedures of both countries. Here are basic steps to follow for shipping goods from Canada to the United States:
- Determine the value of the goods: The value of the goods you are shipping will determine the applicable customs duties and taxes. Read more about how to assign a value for international shipping.
- Understand how to benefit from Section 321 rules and the USMCA free trade agreement
- Determine the HS classification of the goods. Although not required for low value items, it is always best to know the HS classification of your goods. Read more about HS Codes.
- Choose a shipping method: You will need to choose a shipping method, such as air, UPS/FedEx Ground, or truck transportation. Consider factors such as the size and weight of your goods, the speed of delivery, and the cost.
- Prepare the necessary documentation including a commercial invoice, certification of origin and other documents that may be required based on the type of goods you are shipping to the United States.
It is important to verify compliance with the consignee/ importer and regulatory authorities prior to shipping to the USA from Canada.
Shipping guide to the USA: Review of the key things to consider shipping to the US
- Required documentation for parcels shipped to the USA
- How valuation affects clearance and online orders shipped to the USA
- Shipping options to the USA from Canada
- Request an rate for economy express parcels and LTL to the USA
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only and is not intended to, constitute legal and/or tax advice. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this site are hereby expressly disclaimed. The content on this posting is provided “as is”; no representations are made that the content is error-free.
When choosing a shipping method, you will need to consider factors such as the size and weight of your freight, the time frame in which you need it to arrive, and your budget. The options are discussed in more detail below.
Get Your Instant Shipping Rate from USA-Canada Now!
Are shipments from Canada duty free to the USA?
All shipments from Canada to the USA are subject to import duty. Most shipments valued under $800 USD can be imported duty free. Goods that qualify as Canadian origin under the USMCA can be imported duty free. Just be shipped from Canada does not, in itself, qualify the import as duty free.
READ MORE: CUSTOMS DUTY EXPLAINED AND HOW IT IS CALCULATED
What does it cost to ship to the the USA from Canada?
The cost of shipping to the USA depends on the weight and size of your shipment. Generally speaking, the cheapest option for individuals shipping small packages and personal items is via Canada Post. The cheapest. option for larger parcels is via ground shipping options. Contact our team for shipping pallets via less than truckload.
1. Required documentation for parcels shipped to the USA
All packages shipped from Canada need to be declared and will go through the US Customs clearance process. While US customs clearance for parcels is streamlined for Canadian parcels, there are a few important points to keep in mind.
All parcel shipments to the USA from another country must be accompanied by an invoice for customs clearance.
Note: When shipping from Canada to the USA via parcel post, a postal customs form (CN22) must be completed.
Documents that may be required if shipping parcels to the USA from Canada and other countries
Customs clearance is the umbrella term for the various stages of getting your goods across the American border. It can involve US Customs and Border Protection but also "other government agencies" such as the Food and Drug Administration or Fish and Wildlife. 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 basic data points required for 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 the item(s) being sent
- Value of the item(s)
The key provisions of the USMCA include:
For low-value shipments (under CAD 2,500 to the USA), a certifying statement must be added to the commercial invoice or any shipping document.
READ MORE: CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN AND WHEN IT IS NEEDED
Understanding USMCA is among the key things to consider when shipping to the USA.
- Duty-free and tax-free entry for most Canada-origin parcels valued under USD 800.
- Simplified "Certification of Origin" for shipments valued under USD 2,500
For low-value shipments (under CAD 2,500 to the USA), a certifying statement must be added to the commercial invoice or any shipping document.
Understanding the difference: Shipping from Canada versus sending Canadian origin goods to the USA
US customs Form 3325 for trade shows items
If you wish to send trade show related items, such as displays, you must include a Customs Form 3325.
US customs Form 3299 for Shipping Personal Effects
Shipping personal effects required the additional paperwork of CBP Form 3299.
US customs for Shipping Wine to the USA
Alcohol products must comply with US Requirements both by each state and the federal level. Contact our team for details for importing wine from another country to the USA.
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
2. How valuation affects clearance to the USA
A Low Value Shipment (LVS) destined for the US undergoes Informal Entry or Informal Custom Clearance Process. It is designed to provide the courier industry with an express clearances of your package(s). Most shipments accessed under $2,500 USD qualify for an informal entry.
Useful information on how to correctly value your international shipment
Most goods between US$800 and US $2,500 qualify for an informal entry but are subject to duty. Understanding valuation is among the things to consider when shipping to the USA.
The value of the import to the USA is a key factor in determining the entry type to the USA: Under $800 (section 321), under $2500 (informal entry), over $2500 (formal entry).
Useful information: Global duty free low value thresholds
Other documents that may be required when shipping parcels to the USA from Canada, include:
- CERS export declaration: A Canadian B-13/ CERS export declaration is not required when shipping parcels to the USA from Canada.
- Prior Notice for food items: 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 our team to set up processes for shipping food with PN's to the USA. Contact Jet Regarding shipping food to the USA. See contact form below.
- Certification of Origin for Items to enter duty-free under the USMCA Goods that were manufactured in Canada may qualify for duty-free entry under the USMCA (the updated NAFTA). To get preferential duty-free clearance to the US, Canada-origin goods to the US must be accompanied by a certification of origin / COO in order to be considered for duty-free status under the USMCA.
3. Carrier options for shipping parcels to the USA from Canada
The cheapest way to ship to your packages to the United States will vary based on the size, weight, and address. For individuals shipping small packages, the best option is usually Canada Post. For businesses are better off shipping using a shipping platform like Jetship.
The main options for sending parcels to the US from Canada include
- Canada Post (best option for individuals shipping small parcels)
- FedEx/ UPS ground (best option for larger parcels that at not time sensitive)
- FedEx, UPS and DHL air express (includes customs entry preparation)
- Website resellers of FedEx, UPS and DHL
- Logistics support of Jet Worldwide partnering with major carriers
- Less than truck load: LTL and logistics support
- USPS cross border solutions for high volume e-commerce
How can I get lower shipping costs to the USA?
- Use a shipping cost calculator to compare rates from different carriers including Canada Post.
- 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 direct shipping across the border for delivery by USPS. Minimum volumes are required but there are companies that provide such services.
- Consider using a third-party shipping service that can provide both savings and - more important - logistics support. Contact Jet's team.
Consider using ground transportation instead of air shipping. Ground shipping is usually much less expensive than air shipping, but it keep in mind the longer transit time. Also, ground shipments are charged a customs entry fee.
I hope these suggestions help! Is there anything else we can help with?
Sending with Canada Post from Canada to the USA
Lowest-cost option for small “packets” to the USA.
This service is by far the best deal for small shipments and personal items but offers limited tracking and customer support. Canada Post becomes less cost-effective as shipments get heavier and when service reliability is important.
For parcels to the USA under 2 kg:Small Packet
For parcel post shipping of shipments to the USA over 2 kg: International Parcel
Delivery from Canada to the USA via FedEx Canada and UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS dominate the market for delivery to the USA and offer both ground and air express.
For heavier parcels oversized packages to the United States, merchants commonly use Canada Post Expedited Parcel, FedEx Ground, UPS Standard/Ground, and Purolator Ground. These services offer roughly the same services with varying shipping rates and a delivery timeframe of around 3-7 business days—depending on the distance.
FedEx and UPS offer cost-effective ground delivery to the USA for delivery within 6 days.
Shipping to the USA via Jet Worldwide
Shipping Quote, USA, Canada Logistics Support
Jet Worldwide gives access to all companies seeking for shipping rates between Canada to the USA for LTL, economy air parcels and pallets.
You can send your packages with economy express through Jetship and get the support you need.
- Jet Worldwide offers shipping solutions for parcels and LTL
- Our team offers transparency and advise on best practices.
- LTL shipping between Canada and USA: Contact Jet.
Note: For individuals shipping small parcels and personal items, the best option is usually the local post.
JetWorldwide.com/contact
