How to Ship Orders from the US to Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide
FAQs
What documents do I need to ship to Canada?
Key documents required for shipping to Canada include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and completed customs forms declaring the shipment's contents and value.
How should I package items I'm shipping to Canada?
Use strong boxes secured with reinforced tape. Protect items inside with appropriate cushioning and avoid underpacking or overpacking. Clearly label boxes with sender/receiver details, contents descriptions, special handling needs, and country of origin.
What are some top shipping carriers for deliveries from the USA to Canada?
Leading carriers include UPS, FedEx, and DHL. All offer streamlined shipping solutions catered towards cross-border ecommerce between the United States and Canada.
What kind of customs rules apply when importing into Canada?
Key regulations include a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on imported goods, additional provincial/territorial sales taxes, applicable customs duties, import permits for restricted items, and mandatory completed customs paperwork outlining details of shipments entering Canada.
What factors affect shipping costs from the USA to Canada?
Major influences on shipping costs include item weight and dimensions, carrier and service level selected, distance travelled, duties/taxes, and additional fees like insurance, fuel surcharges, or remote delivery charges.
How long does shipping take from the USA to Canada?
Shipping times range from 1-3 business days for express services to 5-8 business days for standard ground transportation. Time in transit depends on carrier, service selected, and exact origin/destination addresses.
Is duties and tax prepayment available when shipping to Canada?
Yes, many major carriers offer duties and tax prepayment options when shipping to Canada. This allows recipients accurate cost visibility and avoids unpleasant surprises on delivery.
