Shipping Costs to Canada: Expert Strategies and Insights
Looking to reduce your shipping costs to Canada? Our logistics professionals guide individuals, e-commerce sellers, and businesses in finding the most affordable and reliable solutions. In this post, we explain the best shipping modes, carriers, and cost-saving strategies—so you can achieve maximum discounts and efficiency when shipping to Canada.
Essential Modes of Shipping to Canada
The best way to ship to Canada depends on several factors: weight, size, delivery speed, commodity type, and compliance requirements. Understanding these helps determine the most cost-effective mode of transport.
Main modes of shipping to Canada include:
- Postal shipping (local post, USPS, Canada Post)
- Commercial courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL)
- Truckload & Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
- Air freight cargo
- Ocean freight (LCL and FCL containers)
Can I Ship with FedEx, UPS, or USPS to Canada?
Yes. All major couriers provide international shipping services to Canada. Shipping costs depend on the courier, delivery speed, and service level. USPS often provides the lowest-cost option for individuals, while FedEx and UPS offer premium express and ground delivery to Canada.
📺 Watch: International Shipping to Canada Explained
Optimize your shipping to Canada with expert guidance. Get a quote now.
What’s the Cheapest Shipping Option from the USA to Canada?
For individuals, the cheapest option is usually USPS flat rate boxes. For heavier commercial shipments, ground shipping offers the lowest cost per unit. Truckload is best when sending pallets. U.S. e-commerce sellers can save by consolidating shipments and handing off to Canadian carriers.
What’s the Cheapest Overseas Shipping Option to Canada?
For personal parcels, local post offices offer the lowest rates. For business shipments, commercial couriers are better for time-sensitive delivery. For large commercial orders, ocean freight (LCL/FCL) provides the lowest cost per unit.
📘 Download: Jet International Shipping Guide to Canada (PDF)
Tip: Contact Jet’s logistics team for tailored advice and sample pricing tables to better plan your shipments.
Shipping Tips to Save on Canada Deliveries
- Use local post for small parcels
- Book ground shipping directly with carriers for cost savings
- For urgent shipments, work with partner brokers (such as Jet)
- Use LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) for multi-lot shipments
- Consider LCL ocean freight for pallets
- Always compare landed costs (shipping + duties + carrier fees)
Postal Shipping to Canada
Local postal services (like USPS) are best for individuals. USPS offers flat-rate boxes and international priority options, while Canada Post handles final delivery.
USPS Costs to Canada
Typical USPS delivery time to Canada: 10–14 business days. Flat rate boxes work well for small businesses and individuals shipping light parcels.
Overseas Postal Shipping to Canada
Overseas post is often the lowest-cost option for individuals. Services include:
- Small Packet – up to 2kg, lowest price
- Standard Parcel – air, delivery in 1–2 weeks
- Surface Shipping – lowest cost for heavy parcels; 1–2 months delivery
Commercial Courier Shipping to Canada
Couriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL offer fast, reliable express shipping to Canada. They also provide ground shipping options for heavier non-urgent parcels.
Read: Canadian Import Fees Explained
How Long Does Shipping to Canada Take?
- Express couriers: 1–3 business days
- Air freight: 3–7 business days
- Ground shipping: 5–10 business days
- Postal shipping: 10–14 business days
- Ocean freight: 25–45 days
How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Canada?
Costs vary by mode, weight, and distance. Example: a 4 lb package from the USA can cost:
- USPS Mail: ~$35–$40
- Express Courier: ~$80–$100
- Ground Courier: ~$50–$70
Get your personalized shipping quote here.
Understanding Canadian Customs, Duties & CARM
All imports to Canada require customs clearance. Key considerations:
- Complete a commercial invoice
- Understand declared value rules
- Confirm certificate of origin for trade agreements
- Register in CBSA CARM portal
