Cheapest Way to Ship to Canada

Affordable Canada Shipping Companies

What would you do if the prices for commodities at your favorite store were significantly higher than in competing outlets? It would be an easy choice for me: I would jump ship- loyalty is damned! As it turns out, if you shop in the USA, you’re more likely to pay less than if you did so in Canadian stores. Yep, you read that right.
Okay, what about shipping? Shipping costs can be a significant deterrent when shopping online, mainly if the goods must be shipped across national borders. High shipping charges can offset potential savings.
Plus, the time and hassle involved in shipping goods internationally can be a significant source of frustration for any customer. As a result, you may be reluctant to shop online if you know you’ll have to contend with high or even hidden costs, including customs charges.
If you’re a price-conscious shopper, you might wonder, “What’s the cheapest way to ship to Canada?” USPS’s Flat Rate Box is the cheapest option, at $27.9. But generally, shipping costs depend on various factors. Let’s delve into some of these variables.

Choice of Courier

When shipping products to Canada, your shipping courier will impact the overall cost. For example, UPS and USPS offer competitive rates for shipping to Canada. FedEx also ships to Canada, but their rates are typically higher than UPS or USPS- although this depends on your service type. It’s also advisable to compare rates and options from different shipping couriers to ensure you get the best rate possible.
Also, note the delivery time, as some couriers may take longer to deliver to Canada than others. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express International has a delivery time of 6-10 days, while UPS Standard guarantees delivery in two days.

Package Size and Type

The size or weight of a package will also affect shipping costs. If you are shipping a small, lightweight item, it will cost less to ship than a large, bulky item.
Also, when shipping fragile items to Canada, you’ll have to use a method most likely to ensure your items arrive safely. In this regard, the cheapest option may not provide the level of protection your items need.
Sometimes, a more expensive shipping option may be the best for your needs. Sure, you’ll pay more, but the added cost pales the risk of damaging your package by taking a low-priced offer. Let me add that you should always compare the various available options before deciding to ensure you’re making the right choice.
Also, Canada restricts and prohibits the shipment of certain items. Prohibited goods include used mattresses, drugs, objectionable publications- the list goes on. Meanwhile, restricted products include:

  • Currency
  • Guns
  • Counterfeit items
  • Vehicles

This implies that while selecting the products to ship, you should try to stay within the bounds of the law. Otherwise, you might end up contravening legal protocols and paying the price.

Shipping Method

The shipping method you opt for will also affect your overall costs. For example, USPS First-Class Package International Service is cheaper for shipping smaller items, while UPS Ground charges less for larger items.
Most major shipping couriers offer expedited services, including next-day shipping. But if you’re an e-commerce merchant intending to ship packages to your customers in Canada, using such services can be costly or even prohibitive- especially from the customer’s perspective, given that they usually bear the shipping costs.

Customs Charges

Also, when shipping products to Canada, you will incur customs fees and duties by the government. These fees are based on the value of your shipment. For starters, expect to pay 5% in taxes for goods worth over 20 CAD.
Along the same lines, the duty threshold varies depending on the type of product being shipped. For instance, expect to pay 18% in duties for fashion or health and beauty products and 9% for home decor items. Meanwhile, jewelry attracts an 8% duty. Some categories, however, do not attract duties, including:

  • Computers and accessories
  • Dry food and supplements
  • Sports gear
  • Mobiles and tablets
  • Books and collectibles

Fortunately, with the help of an online duty and taxes calculator, you can determine how much in taxes and duties you need to pay for your shipment. To avoid any surprises, research customs charges in advance. That way, you can make a more informed choice by factoring in the charges when shipping products to Canada. It would also help you determine whether buying locally is better than having the item shipped from the US.
Another consideration worth making is customs clearance fees. For instance, MyUSaddress charges $29 in addition to duty for their package forwarding service to your location.

Package’s Destination

When shipping packages, you need to know that shipping costs can vary based on the destination. For instance, if you live within the outer reaches of the country and expect delivery to your doorstep, it goes without saying that you’ll incur more charges.
This is because shipping companies charge higher rates for deliveries to areas they consider more difficult to reach. Additionally, packages going to northern regions of Canada will usually cost more to ship than those going south. Simply put, it costs more to transport goods to remote locations.
If you have multiple packages, consider shipping them simultaneously to keep costs low. Your shipping courier may also offer discounts for shipping in bulk. You may also take advantage of promotions that allow you to delay shipping payments for up to a month, depending on your courier.
Considering these variables, you can get the best possible rate when shipping packages from the US to Canada. And if you’re seeking a convenient way to shop at US retailers, check out our site at https://myusaddress.ca/. What’s more, you can pick up your items at our secure warehouse, or we can deliver them to your door in Canada. Sounds like a solid plan, right?

MyUSaddress,
808 Commerce Park Dr Ogdensburg, NY, US 13669,
+1 800-320-3014