Updated October 3, 2025
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 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).
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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.
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.
The best-value method depends on shipment profile:
Jet Worldwide provides logistics support and discount access to LTL and courier services, plus options for local warehousing and Canadian distribution.
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.
The paperwork varies by commodity and value. Generally, you’ll need:
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.
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 offer similar service tiers to Canada; better rates/service can often be achieved via partners and alternatives:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Yes. All goods importing from the USA are subject to potential import duty. This is based on the product classification and value.
Goods that qualify as originating via the CUSMA free trade agreement can import duty free.
A Canadian Commercial invoice or CCi is Canadian customs form. It is not mandatory as long as the commercial invoice includes the necessary data.
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.