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To help answer the many inquiries we get on shipping to the United States from Canada, here is our updated 2026 guide to US customs, USMCA / CUSMA free trade, and how to choose the right carrier.
Benefit from best-in-class logistics support between Canada and North America. Whether you are an e-commerce seller or an industrial manufacturer, choosing between postal, courier, or trucking is the first step to optimizing your costs.
Read about new Section 338 tariffs: September 2026 update
Read more about the new Entry Type 13 for postal imports to the USA
Shipping from Canada to the USA - while subject to new obstacles - remains the same. But details are more important than ever: Most Canadian-origin goods still qualify under USMCA (CUSMA) still enter duty-free. A detailed commercial invoice with the tariff classification is still necessary - albeit more important than ever. And the shipping modes and carrier choices remain largely the same - but getting professional support is more important the ever. Which is why more companies are reaching out to Jet Worldwide!
📥 Download the PDF guide: Principles of Importing to the USA
Please feel free to send your shipping details to request a quote to the USA:
Make sure the company you are shipping to is registered, and able to receive goods, as the Importer of Record.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best option depends on your volume, weight, and urgency.
Best for: individuals and low-volume e-commerce sending light parcels under 2 kg.
Pros: no residential surcharges; low brokerage or disbursement fees
Best for: urgent and commercial parcels
Pros: detailed tracking, reliable delivery, integrated customs clearance.
Best for: pallets, bulk inventory, and heavy industrial equipment.
Pros: lowest cost per kg for large shipments; flexible pickup options.
| Feature | Canada Post (packet) | Courier (FedEx / UPS ground) | Courier (express air) | Trucking (LTL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow (1 to 3 weeks) | Medium (1 to 7 days) | Fast (1 to 3 days) | Medium (2 to 8 days) |
| Tracking | Limited | Full visibility | Real-time | key events |
| Customs brokerage | Usually included | Entry fee applies | Included but with a disbursement fee | Requires a broker |
| Best weight | Under 2 kg | 2 kg to 68 kg | Under 50 kg | Over 100 kg |
Run every Canada-to-USA shipment through these four questions in order. The first "yes" usually points to your mode.
2026 has been the most active year for US import rules in a generation. These are the dates that change how a Canada-to-USA parcel clears and what it costs.
As of July 2026 the overall US effective tariff rate stood near 6.7 percent, down from its early-2026 peak, while about 80 percent of imports from Canada and Mexico cleared duty-free by claiming USMCA preference. In other words, rules of origin, not carrier choice, are now the largest lever on your landed cost.
The most common reason for delays is paperwork. Whether you ship by post or courier, accuracy is key.
This is the passport for your goods. It must include:
If you ship specific commodities, you need more than customs clearance:
Understanding the current duty rules can save you and your customers significant money.
All shipments from Canada are now subject to a US customs entry and duty assessment, regardless of value. The main duty types to consider:
If your goods are made in Canada or Mexico, they qualify for duty-free import under the USMCA agreement, which shields them from the base MFN duty. You must provide a valid certification of origin.
If the value of the goods entering the USA exceeds 2500 USD, there must be a clearly defined Importer of Record (IOR). The IOR usually submits a Power of Attorney (POA) authorizing their customs broker to make entry on their behalf, via Form 5106. Note that the receiver or consignee is not always the Importer of Record.
For example, if the client you sold the goods to asks you to ship directly to their customer, the consignee would not be the IOR.
An importer that has not submitted an entry within a 366-day period is viewed as inactive. IORs with this "Inactive for Entry Purposes" status are ineligible to transmit an entry. Source: Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS number 69241265.
Yes. A Canadian company can register as a Foreign Importer of Record with US Customs by assigning a broker (Form 5106) and obtaining a customs surety bond, with a continuous-bond minimum of 50000 USD. This lets the Canadian seller act as importer and deliver duty paid, just like a domestic supplier. Even when clearing goods through a Foreign Importer of Record, customs requires the IRS or EIN number of the consignee.
No. The 800 USD Section 321 de minimis exemption is no longer available
Technically, the US importer can self-clear but usually chooses to use a customs broker. Couriers include integrated brokerage for their express services. Ground and trucking shipments usually require a broker and a separate entry preparation fee. Shipments valued over 2500 USD require a formal entry with a defined Importer of Record.
At minimum, a commercial invoice and a waybill. The invoice must show the shipper and consignee, a clear product description, the transaction value, and the country of origin. Some goods also need other government agency clearance, such as FDA Prior Notice for food or FCC for electronics.
Yes. A Canadian company can register as a Foreign Importer of Record with US Customs, assign a broker using Form 5106, and obtain a customs surety bond with a continuous-bond minimum of $50,000 USD. This has recently been subject to new restrictions. Even when clearing goods through a Foreign Importer of Record, customs requires the IRS or EIN number of the consignee.
For light, low-value parcels, Canada Post usually has the lowest landed cost because it avoids residential surcharges and most brokerage fees. For commercial volume, express courier or trucking is more economical per kilogram, but watch for entry preparation fees on ground services. Contact our team for rates.
The standard "Most Favoured Nation" (Column 1) duty is the base rate. In addition, Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs and Section 301 measures of 10 to 12.5 percent may apply. Canadian-origin goods qualifying under USMCA can avoid the base duty with a certification of origin. Always verify current rates before quoting.
Expand your cross-border opportunity with Jet's professionals. We help you choose the right mix of courier and trucking
Timothy Byrnes, Jet Worldwide
Timothy has led Jet Worldwide, a Montreal-based international logistics and customs brokerage firm, since 1988, specializing in Canada-US cross-border shipping and trade compliance.
Talk to an expert.Disclaimer: this information is for general guidance only and is subject to change. Tariff rates in particular are changing frequently in 2026. Always confirm current regulations with a customs broker or carrier before shipping.