Canada is a California-sized opportunity for US e-commerce and B2B shippers. This guide helps you plan new US→Canada shipping and optimize existing cross-border workflows. Get familiar with requirements and responsibilities for US businesses shipping into Canada.
Shipping Cost and Import Cost to Canada
Shipping costs vary by service and are only one part of the total landed cost. Beyond transport, most goods incur import duty, taxes, and carrier fees (with some exceptions).
- Learn cross-border shipping from a provider offering logistics solutions for over 40 years.
- Strengthen your transportation team—even if you’re a team of one.
- Gain from a discussion with our seasoned professionals. Contact our team for an initial consultation.
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Ground shipping can be a great advantage as it’s often more affordable than air. Discounted rates may be available by carrier, item type, or volume. Compare pricing and reliability across options.
For ground shipments, remember the carrier’s entry-preparation cost. Air courier shipments typically include entry preparation.
Key Points
- US→Canada delivery can be as fast as 1–2 days (air) to about a week (ground) with UPS, FedEx, USPS, and partners.
- Package dimensions, weight, delivery method, and courier service determine the cheapest option to Canada.
- You can save with discounted rates via Jet Worldwide’s courier and LTL solutions.
Import Costs to Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) assesses duties and taxes based on the commodity (HS code), value for duty, and country of origin. Budget for duty, sales tax, entry-preparation, and carrier disbursement fees. When in doubt, seek expert advice to avoid surprises.
Common Canadian import fees include duty, sales tax, entry preparation, and disbursement.
Free shipping promotions can boost conversion with Canadian customers—just be sure to price in the cost of delivery and import so you don’t erode margin.
What is the cheapest way to ship to Canada?
The best-value method depends on shipment profile:
- USPS flat-rate: best for individuals and occasional small parcels.
- Ground courier: best for larger packages with ~1-week lead time.
- Trucking (LTL): best for pallets.
- Air couriers (FedEx/UPS): fastest delivery, better tracking, entry prep included.
- Purolator International: another option for US businesses into Canada.
Jet Worldwide provides logistics support and discount access to LTL and courier services, plus options for local warehousing and Canadian distribution.
Do I need to file an export declaration / EEI for shipments to Canada?
The US Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) require export declarations (EEI) via AES for certain shipments. Most shipments to Canada are exempt under 30.36. The exemption does not apply to shipments requiring an export permit or ultimately destined to a third country.
What paperwork do I need to ship into Canada?
The paperwork varies by commodity and value. Generally, you’ll need:
- Bill of lading / waybill : provided by the carrier with a unique number.
- Commercial invoice or customs declaration: see our guide on preparing invoices for customs clearance.
- Certification of origin for qualifying US-origin goods under USMCA/CUSMA.
Shipping to Canada from the US: Tips and Requirements
Shipments must include customs documentation. Major carrier systems support Paperless Trade, transmitting documents to CBSA electronically (often no printed invoice required), which can speed clearance.
Is there Canadian duty on goods shipped from the USA?
Except for a higher duty free threshold for goods shipping from the USA ($150), US imports to Canada are subject to import duty and tax. Preferential duty-free treatment applies to qualifying US-origin goods via the USMCA/CUSMA free trade agreement. These shipments must be accompanied by a certification of origin.
Merely shipping from the USA is not enough to qualify the goods as duty free.
Read more: Do I have to pay duty on goods shipped from the USA?
FedEx and UPS to Canada
FedEx and UPS offer similar service tiers to Canada; better rates/service can often be achieved via partners and alternatives:
- International Ground to Canada
- Economy Air
- Priority Air
These carriers are well known and can be accessed directly or via one their partners. Be aware that there international ground service to Canada does not include customs entry preparation cost.
What is Canadian Customs?
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) sets and enforces import rules. Shipping experts and local customs brokers can guide you to ensure compliance with classification, valuation, origin, and documentation standards.
USA–Canada Cross-Border Shipping
Whether shipping US→Canada, Canada→US, or within Canada, Jet’s partnerships with freight carriers and customs brokers enable volume-discounted rates and high-touch service.
Benefit from US pick-up, consolidation, and single-entry clearance with Canadian domestic delivery via partners.
Managing Canadian Amazon Removal Orders (Canada → USA)
Simplified processing with a Canadian return address, consolidation, and low-cost ground shipping back to the USA.
Contact our team for a Canadian return reverse logistics solution.
Read more: Canadian Amazon removal orders
Can I consolidate my online orders to Canada and cross-border ship for last-mile delivery?
Yes. Companies can consolidate orders via a single customs entry as a non-resident importer (NRI), typically moving via LTL/FTL, clearing once in Canada, then injecting into low-cost last mile.
The best way to reduce costs and access Canada is to ship in bulk and distribute locally. Jetship Worldwide can assist with local logistics support.
Read more about valuation for non-resident imports.
LTL Freight Forwarding to Canada from the US
We arrange end-to-end transport for US→Canada LTL, including storage and shipping, negotiating competitive rates and routes to meet your transit-time goals. A reliable provider helps you save time, control cost, and scale confidently.
FAQ for shipping to Canada from the USA
What is the best way to ship to Canada
The best mode of shipping depends primarily on the size and weight of the shipment and time sensitivity. For individuals shipping small personal shipments, the best option is usually USPS. For commercial packages, FedEx and UPS are popular options. For shipping pallets, ground options work best.
Are goods from the USA to Canada subject to duty
Yes. All goods importing from the USA are subject to potential import duty. This is based on the product classification and value.
How can import US Goods duty free to Canada?
Goods that qualify as originating via the CUSMA free trade agreement can import duty free.
What is a Canadian Commercial Invoice?
A Canadian Commercial invoice or CCi is Canadian customs form. It is not mandatory as long as the commercial invoice includes the necessary data.
What is the best way to ship e-commerce packages to Canada
For the occasional e-commerce package, local postal options are usually best. For higher volumes, it is best to consolidate orders and ship them for bulk clearance and low cost final mile Canadian carrier delivery.
