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:
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
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
If you wish to send trade show related items, such as displays, you must include a Customs Form 3325.
Shipping personal effects required the additional paperwork of CBP Form 3299.
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.
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:
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
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
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?
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
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.
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.
Note: For individuals shipping small parcels and personal items, the best option is usually the local post.