North Carolina and Canada share a robust economic connection, with exports exceeding $6 billion annually. From the furniture hubs of High Point to the bio-pharma corridors of the Research Triangle, the demand for efficient cross-border logistics is growing.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) has streamlined trade, making shipping to Canada from North Carolina more accessible than ever. Major exports include heavy machinery, transportation equipment, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce goods.
This guide explores specific shipping lanes from North Carolina (utilizing key hubs like Charlotte Douglas International and the I-85 corridor), carrier options, and critical Canadian customs clearance processes.
NC to Canada Logistics Snapshot
Key Trucking Corridors: Shipments typically flow North via I-95 or I-77 to border crossings in Detroit/Windsor or Buffalo/Fort Erie.
Air Freight Hubs: Charlotte (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) offer direct air cargo links for urgent shipments.
Download Accompanying PDF Guide
Shipping to Canada from North Carolina: Expert Options
Choosing the right mode of transport depends on urgency and volume. Below is a comparison of standard options from the Carolinas.
| Method | Best Use Case | NC Context |
|---|---|---|
| LTL / FTL Trucking | Large commercial orders and palletized freight. | Best for furniture from High Point or machinery from Charlotte. Trucks utilize I-77 North connecting to I-81. |
| Air Freight | Urgent commercial cargo. | Fastest option from CLT or RDU airports, though transit time to Toronto is often similar to dedicated truck teams. |
| USPS | Individuals shipping personal items or small gifts. | Most economical for lightweight parcels under 4 lbs. |
| FedEx / UPS | Commercial parcels and tracked e-commerce. | Reliable tracking but ground services do not include customs entry fees by default. |
How to Lower Shipping Costs from North Carolina
Shipping cross-border involves more than just the freight rate. To optimize your spend, consider these strategies:
- Compare Carrier Rates: Use a shipping calculator to compare USPS, FedEx, UPS, and LTL carriers.
- Analyze Chargeable Weight: Couriers charge based on the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight. Pack efficiently to reduce volume.
- Zone Skipping: For high-volume e-commerce, consolidate packages in North Carolina and ship them as a single freight entry to Canada for domestic distribution.
- Leverage Ground Transit: Ground shipping from NC to Toronto or Montreal takes roughly 2 to 4 days. Air shipping is significantly more expensive and may only save 24 hours.
Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.
North Carolina Companies as Non-Resident Importers
To compete with Canadian domestic vendors, North Carolina exporters can register as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI). This allows you to act as the "importer of record," removing the burden of customs clearance from your Canadian client. The result is a seamless buying experience where the customer sees a landed cost with no surprise fees at delivery.
Managing Amazon Removal Orders to North Carolina
For NC sellers using Amazon FBA in Canada, managing returns is a challenge. Amazon Canada does not ship removal orders back to the USA automatically.
The Solution: Use a Canadian address to receive removal orders, consolidate them, and ship them back to North Carolina via low-cost ground freight. Read more about solutions for Canadian removal orders.
Dry Ice and Temperature Control
Contact Jet's team for shipping for dry ice replenishment and shipping.
Consolidation and Cross Border Shipping
Companies can consolidate orders via a single customs entry. The process involves shipping via LTL (Less Than Truckload) or FTL (Full Truckload) from hubs like Charlotte or Greensboro, clearing customs once at the border, and distributing domestically within Canada.
Read more about valuation for non-resident imports to Canada.
Duty-Free Import via USMCA (CUSMA)
Under the USMCA, goods shipped from North Carolina to Canada may qualify for duty-free entry if they meet specific "Rules of Origin." This is vital for NC's textile and machinery sectors.
- Duty-Free: Goods originating in North America.
- De Minimis Thresholds: Courier shipments under CAD 150 may be duty-free (and tax-free under CAD 40).
Note: A certificate of origin is generally required to claim preferential duty-free status. Learn about the Certificate of Origin.
Mandatory: CBSA CARM Registration
The CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project is changing how importers interact with Canadian Customs. Registration is now mandatory for commercial importers. In CARM, importers must post their own financial security (surety bond).
Learn more about CARM implementation.
Shipping via USPS, FedEx, and UPS: What to Know
USPS from North Carolina
USPS is an excellent choice for sending gifts or small e-commerce packets. Shipments are handed off to Canada Post for final delivery.
- Customs: Items valued under CAD 20 are duty and tax-free.
- Handling Fee: If duty/tax applies, Canada Post charges a CAD 9.95 handling fee.
- Tracking: Tracking can be limited once the item enters the Canadian postal stream depending on the service level selected.
FedEx and UPS from North Carolina
FedEx and UPS have extensive ground networks in NC. However, shippers must be aware of "Entry Preparation Fees."
The Hidden Cost of Ground Shipping: While ground shipping rates are low, brokerage fees can be high. Unlike Air Express services (which usually include brokerage), ground shipments incur an entry preparation fee based on the value of the goods.
Aerospace and Biopharma: Specialized NC Shipping
North Carolina is a leader in aerospace and biotechnology. Jet Worldwide provides specialized support for these industries:
- Aerospace: Urgent AOG (Aircraft on Ground) parts from Charlotte to Bombardier facilities in Quebec.
- Biopharma: Temperature-controlled logistics for the Research Triangle's life science exports.
Checklist for NC to Canada Shipping
- Importer of Record: Determine who is responsible for duties (the shipper or the receiver).
- HS Codes: Ensure accurate tariff classification to avoid delays.
- Country of Origin: Clearly mark where the goods were manufactured.
- Valuation: Declare the correct transaction value to the CBSA.
