International Parcel Delivery | Blog

The Best way to ship to the UK

Written by Timothy Byrnes | May 03, 2021

Canada and the UK have a strong cultural and economic connection. They share membership in the Commonwealth and a free trade agreement. Companies and British expats are searching for the best way of sending to the UK from Canada.

Size or your Shipment and cost of shipping to the UK

The cost of shipping to UK primarily depends on the size and weight. A single box is best shipped via the post office or express carrier. Freight over 220 pounds/ 100 kg from Canada to UK can book via air freight options.

There are a variety of ways to ship packages to the UK from Canada. In general, the most economical options include a longer delivery time. Visit our shipping form for a quote for your parcel delivery to UK.

  • Sending personal items: Canada Post is a good option
  • Individuals shipping small packages: Use a resellers website
  • For businesses, e-commerce, and heavier parcels: Contact Jet

Best way to send small packages to the UK

The most common way to ship to the UK for small packages is often via Canada Post packet shipping options. The packet shipping from Canada post includes low cost surface. Canada Post surface is cheap but can take a number of months to deliver. Parcel post shipments may not be the best option if you need to track your parcel.

International Shipping Rate between Canada and the UK

Shipping food to the UK

We advise against shipping food to the UK as it is a restricted item even in limited quantities.

Best way of sending a heavy package to the UK

Service to the UK via FedEx, UPS and DHL are well known. Finding the best way to ship to the UK is whether you should use them directly or via a reseller. Shipments sent via commercial carriers to the UK are usually delivered within 2-5 business days. There are online websites that are a great guide for getting an example of the price comparison rates via the major carriers. Get a shipping quote to the UK.

Look at the address in the UK as the final destination could be subject to an outside area charge.

Download accompanying PDF

Help for e-commerce packages direct to the UK

A new service to the UK is to use direct airfreight from YVR, YUL and YYZ to the UK. Jet Worldwide helps e-commerce retailers who need lower costs and prepaid customs fees. Contact our team to ship direct to the UK with delivery via DPD.

Understanding Canadian export requirements to the UK

Shipments exported from Canada to the UK may require an export declaration. An export declaration is required if the shipment is valued at CAD 2,000 or more (or otherwise restricted, prohibited or a controlled product). Read more about CERS Canadian export declaration.

Understanding Import Fees to the UK

When importing from Canada to UK, the receiver of your package will need to pay Customs Duty and value added tax (VAT). It is important to understand that customs and VAT can be significant to the UK. If you do not want your international customer to pay for the import fees in their home country, choose our delivery duty paid option. Read more about UK import fees.

Check to ensure the correct customs documents to the UK

The list of required documents include the carrier waybill and invoice for customs. The actual required documents when sending to the UK from Canada can depend on the item you are sending. Having the correct documentation can mean fewer delays.

The importance of packaging when shipping to the world

The way to pack an item is the best way to ensure your item arrives in good condition. An easy step to follow is to ensure your package can remain intact if the goods are dropped from around 5 feet. The most common insurance claim come from goods damaged in transit. And the biggest reason for rejected claims is insufficient packaging.

Sample costs for shipping to the UK from Canada

The cost to ship to the UK depends on the size and weight of your package. Below are some sample costs. Keep in mind that your final costs is affected by your level of discount, final address in the UK and fuel surcharge.

The prices below are estimates only and meant as a general guide. Canada Post's website is a great place to start when sending to the UK from Canada.

Sample Costs via Canada Post to the UK

2 pounds/ 1 kg via Canada Post to the UK

  • Surface ~$25 (delivery in a couple of months)
  • Air: ~$48 (delivery in 2-3 weeks)
  • Air With tracking: ~$75 (delivery in 2-3 weeks)

4 pounds/ 2 kg via Canada Post to the UK

  • Surface ~$35 (delivery in a couple of months)
  • Air: ~$74 (delivery in 2-3 weeks)
  • Air With tracking: ~$94 (delivery in 2-3 weeks)

10 pounds/ 4.5 kg via Canada Post

Surface ~$110 (delivery in a couple of months)

Air With tracking: ~$175 (delivery in 2-3 weeks)

Contact Canada post for information on additional discounts available for business accounts. 

Shipping via a commercial carrier to the UK

Shipping via commercial carrier to the UK is more cost-effective for heavier weights. Below are some sample pricing either direct or shipping via one of their partners. Your actual cost for sending to the UK from Canada will vary based on the fuel surcharge, level of discount and address in the UK.

Sample shipping cost to the UK via commercial carrier

  • 10 pounds/ 4.5 kg: ~$150
  • 22 pounds/ 10 kg: ~$190
  • 44 pounds/ 20 kg: ~$300
  • 88 pounds/ 40 kg: ~$530

Get our best shipping rate to the UK

A note on chargeable weight when shipping to the UK

For shipping via air, the size of the package matters. The size of a package can be a serious factor in determining the cost. Read more about chargeable weight.

A complete Guide for Shipping to the UK

Shipping to the UK can be incredibly simple and, at the time, very complex. We cover the major issues to consider including payment of VAT, duty calculation, low value duty free threshold, business and product registrations, and the Canadian UK free trade agreement (CUKTCA).  See our guide for shipping to the UK from Canada.

 

JetWorldwide.com/contact