Shipping to Canada from North Carolina: Things you need to know!

North Carolina and Canada share a strong economic connection with over $6 billion per year in exports to Canada. Approval of the new North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) brings greater duty-free shipping to Canada from North Carolina.

North Carolina has a strong economic relationship with Canada, with Canada being one of the state's top trading partners. The top North Carolina exports to Canada include machinery, transportation equipment, and e-commerce online orders.

Jet Worldwide helps North Carolina companies connect with Quebec and Canadian suppliers and customers with low-cost parcel shipping solutions. This blog explores North Carolina shipping options for delivery to Canada and the Canadian customs clearance processes.

VIDEO PLAY BUTTON FOR SHIPPING USA TO CANADA

Download Accompanying PDF

As part of the USMCA, Canada has raised their low-value duty-free threshold (de minimis threshold) to CAD 150 (around USD 110). Local sales taxes will still apply, but often times, businesses can claim this charge back. This higher duty-free threshold helps small businesses and e-commerce merchants in North Carolina ship to Canadian customers.

The USMCA will continue to support the economic growth from North Carolina to Canada ensuring an easier connection between Carolinian Canadian suppliers and customers.

Disclaimer: The information in Jet Worldwide online content, including this post, is for general information only.

Shipping Guide For Sending to Canada


North Carolina companies becoming a Canadian Importer or Record

Canada’s non-resident importer program enables United States exporters to obtain a business number and act as the “importer of record.” Being able to act as the importer of record removes the burden of customs clearance from the Canadian customer and can facilitates the sale.

View Jet's useful video that covers everything from HS codes, export declarations, free trade and best shipping options.  Video presentation: Shipping USA to Canada


Best options for shipping to Canada from North Carolina include:

  1. Air freight: This is the fastest option, but it can be expensive.
  2. Trucking: If you have a small amount of freight that needs to be shipped, it may be possible to have it transported by less than truck load (LTL) or full truck load (FTL).
  3. USPS options are generally best for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to Canada
  4. FedEX and UPS ground and air options are well known with information readily available via their websites. 

Fill in form below for rates and logistics support.


How can I get lower shipping costs from North Carolina to Canada?

  1. Use a shipping cost calculator to compare rates from different carriers.
  2. Ship smaller packages to reduce the volume weight. Read about chargeable weight.
  3. If you are shipping a large volume of packages, you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate directly with the major carriers.
  4. Consider using a third-party shipping service that can provide both savings and - more important - logistics support. Contact Jet's team.
  5. Consider using ground transportation instead of air shipping. Ground shipping is usually less expensive than air shipping, but it keep in mind the longer transit time to western Canada. Also, ground shipments are charged a customs entry fee.

I hope these suggestions help! Is there anything else we can help with?

Managing Canadian Amazon Removal Orders back to North Carolina

Simplified processing for your Amazon Removal Orders and returns

jet canada amazon removals to USA

Contact our team to develop solutions for Canadian returns of online orders.

Read more about a solution for your Canadian removal orders. A Canadian address,  consolidation and shipping back to the USA via low cost ground.


Can I consolidate my online orders to Canada and Cross Border Ship from North Carolina?

Companies can consolidate their orders via a single customs entry by becoming a non-resident importer. The process involves shipping via LTL or full truck load, single clearance in Canada followed by domestic distribution.

Read more about valuation for non-resident imports to Canada.

info mail


Duty Free Import to Canada via USMCA/ CUSMA 

It is possible to ship items from North Carolina to Canada duty-free under certain circumstances.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) allows for the duty-free shipment of goods produced in the United States or Mexico.  The goods must qualify under the rules or origin.

Read more: UNDERSTANDING CANADIAN IMPORT FEES

The CUSMA facilitates the movement, release and clearance of good via a simplified framework and standardized customs procedures.Trade facilitations includes fewer clearance formalities for “express shipments” valued under CA$3,000 (to Canada) and US$2,500 (to the USA and Canada).

cusma-de-minimis-threshold-import-to-CanadaThe Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty/ tariff rates of Canada are generally applicable for imports from the USA to Canada valued over CA$150. Goods that meet CUSMA rules of origin can qualify for preferential duty free import to Canada.

Read more: Customs duty explained and how it is calculated

The MFN tariff rates of Canada apply to goods imported to Canada that do not meet the rules of origin (non-originating goods) under the CUSMA.

Read more: Certification of origin and why it is needed.

The origin‑certification process (that is no longer a prescribed form) is to include a set of data on the shipping paperwork (most commonly including on the invoice).

The data elements required at a minimum to claim origin underCUSMA:

  1. Importer/exporter or producer (indicate which is certifier)
  2. Name and address of certifier or
  3. Name and address of exporter or
  4. Name and address of producer
  5. Name and address of importer (if known)
  6. Description and harmonized system (HS) tariff classification of the good
  7. Specific origin of criteria
  8. Blanket period (certification is valid up to 12months in the case of multiple shipments of identical goods)
  9. Authorized signature and date

Check out the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) page that describes the new requirements for more information and an example of a valid CUSMA certification of origin.


Other things to know when shipping to Canada from the Carolinas include:

  • Importer of record: The importer of record includes having to obtain an importer number. If to direct to consumers, the consumer can be the importer of record
  • Federal and provincial sales taxes (read about Canadian import fees)
  • Provincial licenses may be required even if selling direct to consumers
  • Health Canada approvals for related products
  • Safe Foods for Canadians Act certifications for some food items
  • Tariff classification for all imports (read more about HS Codes)
  • Country of Origin must be declared for all imports
  • Valuation is an important part of the declaration to the CBSA (read more about valuation)
  • Labeling for goods to Canada may require both French and English
  • Certification of origin if duty free import requested under CETA

Discounted LTL quotes: Canada from North Carolina

Jet Worldwide's team can generate rates for LTL and large packages over 150 lbs for shipping from North Carolina to Canada as well as partnering with the leading parcel carriers - and offering reverse logistics services.

contact jetship

 

Information and Rate Request Form

 


Shipping from North Carolina to Canada via USPS

Canada is the largest international destination for US Postal parcels. USPS offers a great choice for Texans shipping to Canada. Among the most popular US Postal Service post options from North Carolina is the International Flat Rate Boxes to Canada.

Different duty assessment for goods shipped via USPS versus Courier (see above regarding the new USMCA duty-free thresholds).

For shipments shipped via USPS for import via Canada Post, duty is assessed differently than for parcels shipped via parcel carriers / courier:

  • CAD 20 (around USD 14.75) and under: duty- and tax-free
  • Above CAD 20 duties and taxes apply

Useful Information: Canadian Import Fees

USPS shipments from North Carolina are imported to Canada and delivered in Quebec via Canada Post.

Parcel_post_canada_USPS_boxes


Importing parcels from North Carolina to Canada via Canada Post

All parcels mailed to Canada are potentially subject to duty and/or taxes. . Canadian Customs (CBSA) collects provincial sales taxes (PST) and Harmonized Sales Taxes (HST) according to the province of residence on most taxable imports valued at over CAD 40. See note above on new duty-free threshold under the new NAFTA / USMCA.

Dutiable and taxable items mailed to Canada are subject to a handling fee of CAD 9.95 per dutiable or taxable parcel. If charges are applied, the parcel will be delivered along with a CBSA Invoice (E14). Canada Post collects the fees on behalf of the CBSA and accepts payment online via credit card and other methods.

For those who have read about the free trade agreement between Canada and the USA (namely NAFTA and USMCA), it often comes as a surprise that their shipments are subject to duty. To qualify for duty free entry under NAFTA, the goods must be accompanied by a NAFTA Certificate of Origin.

Click here for everything you need to know about Shipping to Canada!


Shipping Aerospace industry parts from North Carolina to Quebec Canada

Jet Worldwide assists North Carolina shippers with low-cost express delivery of urgent aerospace parts and equipment for delivery from North Carolina to Bombardier and their suppliers in Canada.

truck-on-scenic-highway

Sending gifts from North Carolina to Quebec and Canada via USPS

The personal connections between North Carolina and Quebec are stronger than ever thanks to shared employees, employers, universities and tourists. Gifts between individuals can be considered duty and tax exempt, not otherwise restricted and valued under CAD 60. To qualify as tax exempt, the gift must be sent to the recipient personally and include a card or other notice indicating that it is a gift. Advertising material and alcohol cannot be cleared as tax exempt gifts.


Shipping from North Carolina to Canada via FedEx or UPS

FedEx and UPS are by far the most dominant carriers in North America and have extensive operations throughout North Carolina. They also have a sizeable presence inQuebec and, along with Purolator, are market leaders in the Canadian Market.

The “shipping from USA to Canada offer” via FedEx and UPS are similar. Both companies offer air express delivery, economy air delivery and ground delivery.

FedEx USA shipping options North Carolina to Canada include:

  • FedEx International Priority to Canada: 1-2 business days
  • FedEx International Economy Canada: 2-3 business days
  • FedEx International Ground Canada from North Carolina: Up to 6 business days. See graphic above for sample rates for entry preparation of ground shipments to Canada that may apply.

UPS USA North Carolina shipping options to Canada Include:

  • UPS Worldwide Express: Morning delivery to main cities
  • UPS Worldwide Saver: End of day delivery to main cities
  • UPS Worldwide Expedited: 2 Day delivery to main cities
  • UPS Standard to Quebec: Up to 6 days Ground. See graphic above for sample rates for entry preparation of ground shipments to Canada that may apply.

jet-delivery-van-last-mile-delivery


Clearance and entry fees to Canada via UPS and FedEx

Carrier clearance fees in Canada vary by the service type. Jet Worldwide can help North Carolina shippers minimize entry fees through single entry consolidated entry. Jet Worldwide can receive and store shipments from North Carolina in our Montreal facilities for on-demand distribution within Quebec and throughout Canada.

Typically, there are three elements to standard parcel clearance:

Entry preparation Fee To Canada

  • No charge for express shipments
  • Charge for ground shipments based on value of shipment (see below)

Canadian Duty

  • Calculated using the HS Tariff System and can be as high as 20% for clothing
  • Many are surprised to learn of duties and how USMCA country of origin duty free is rarely used for parcel shipments from the USA to Canada.

Taxes

  • GST, HST, PST: Sales tax is applied based on destination of parcel
If duty and taxes are paid, FedEx and UPS charge for “prepayment” of these fees. The charge for payment is usually around 3% of the amount prepaid with minimum charge of between CAD 7 and CA$15.

sample-ground-entry-costs-to-canada-graphic

Get a better Understanding of Common Canadian Import Fees

In general, express shipments to Canada are not charged an entry preparation fee by the carrier. However, ground shipments sent via FedEx and UPS to Canada are subject to an entry preparation fee.

The cost advantage of shipping parcels from North Carolina to Quebec via ground service is diluted by the Canadian clearance cost and shipping delay.

Exact FedEx ground and UPS ground entry preparation fees can be found online and can be negotiated for high volume shippers.

For Texan companies with regular volume to Canada, it may be best to establish a high-volume parcel import and distribution process. This type of “zone skipping” has the added benefit of lower per shipment clearance cost- especially for shipping from North Carolina to Montreal and Quebec, Toronto and across Canada. North Carolina companies can establish themselves as a foreign importer of record and do one consolidated entry for many individual parcels.

The most efficient routing for regular parcel flows is via consolidating parcel volumes for a single shipment for single entry cross border entry. After clearance, the goods can be transferred to a Canadian domestic carrier for delivery across Canada.

man-delivering-parcel-600x600


Shipping from North Carolina to Canada for Quebec and Canadian companies

There is a demand from Canadian companies who are looking for cost effective solutions for receiving goods from their many North Carolina suppliers. Often, ground is too uncertain and air is too costly. Contact Jet Worldwide for a low-cost express solution that includes entry preparation and delivery in 1-3 days from the USA to Canada.


The Canadian Customs online portal which is designed to streamline processes and a useful too for Canadian importers. Read more about CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)


Canadian storage and distribution

For specific items, many shippers in North Carolina can find it cost effective to store and distribute their goods stored in Canada for on demand distribution. For information on Canadian warehouse solutions, contact our parcel logistics team.

Let Jet Worldwide manage your Canadian Returns.

male-delivering-parcel-1920x620


Sending online orders from North Carolina to Canada

Canada is the largest international market for most US based e-commerce merchants using on-line shopping platforms including Shopify, Big Commerce and Wix. USPS offers discounts via such e-commerce shipping platforms and is the lowest-cost choice for small parcels.

For e-commerce sellers using Shopify, USPS offers value for small parcels.USPS offers low-cost shipments to Canada for packages under 10 to 20 pounds.


digital-signature-parcel-1920x620

Shipping Guide For Sending to Canada