Want the cheapest way to ship from Canada to the UK without sacrificing reliability? This guide compares postal, courier, air freight, and ocean options, typical delivery times, UK duties & VAT, essential documents, and real-world sample pricing. Use our free Canada → UK shipping cost estimator to model weight, dimensions, and volume by mode.
The best option depends on weight/size, speed, commodity, and budget:
Tip: Compare chargeable (volumetric) weight vs. actual weight—this can swing courier/air costs significantly.
The tables below show typical, illustrative price ranges under common scenarios. Actual quotes vary by size/weight, surcharges, fuel, seasonality, and lane.
Note: This guide provides a rough estimate only. The general guidelines to consider are:
| Scenario | Weight | Mode | Est. Cost (CAD) | Typical Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget gift / personal | 1 lb (0.45 kg) | Canada Post Surface | $15–$25 | 4–8 weeks (limited tracking) |
| Small e-commerce parcel | 2 lb (0.9 kg) | Canada Post Air / Tracked | $28–$45 | 7–14 business days |
| Time-sensitive | 4 lb (1.8 kg) | Courier Express | $80–$100 | 1–3 business days |
Note: Express examples reflect typical small-parcel courier ranges; postal reflects economy/air. Final costs depend on dimensions, surcharges, fuel & remote area service.
| Chargeable Weight | Est. Cost/kg (CAD) | Door-to-Door (Typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100–150 kg | $7–$10/kg | 3–7 business days | Better value than courier at this weight band |
| 150–300 kg | $6–$9/kg | 3–7 business days | Strong mid-volume B2B option |
| Load Type | Est. Cost | Door-to-Door | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (1–5 pallets) | $80–$140 per m3 + local | 30–45 days | Consolidation/de-consolidation adds time |
| FCL (20'/40') | Market based | 25–35 days | Lowest per-unit for bulk |
Request a Canada → UK comparison quote (courier vs. air vs. ocean).
Higher monthly parcel volumes typically unlock deeper discounts. Ranges are illustrative and vary by carrier, service mix, and DIM profile.
| Monthly Volume (Parcels) | Typical Discount vs. Retail | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 | 5–15% | Occasional shippers |
| 100–500 | 15–30% | Growing e-commerce |
| 500–2,000 | 30–45% | Scaling DTC brands |
| 2,000+ | 45%+ (custom) | High-volume programs |
All consignments to the UK must clear customs. Low-value consignments (≤£135) and qualifying CUKTCA origin can benefit from zero duty, but VAT applies in most cases. See: UK import fees explained.
For very small personal parcels (≤2 kg), Canada Post economy/surface is usually cheapest (slow). For business parcels, compare tracked postal air vs. courier economy. For pallets/large orders, ocean LCL/FCL wins on cost per unit.
Courier express: 1–3 business days; air freight: 3–7 days; postal air: 7–14 days; surface: 4–8 weeks; ocean: 25–45 days.
A commercial invoice, packing list (if multiple boxes), and an air waybill/bill of lading are typical. Include HS codes and, if claiming preference, a certificate of origin for CUKTCA.
Most shipments are subject to UK VAT. Duty depends on HS code and origin; CUKTCA may reduce duty to 0% for qualifying goods. Low-value thresholds apply to some e-commerce models.
Get a Canada → UK quote • Full UK Shipping Guide