Shipping from Canada to the United States
The Canada–US corridor is one of the busiest trade routes in the world. Whether you're an individual sending a gift to a friend in New York or a Canadian e-commerce seller fulfilling orders for US customers, understanding the cross-border shipping process will save you time, money, and headaches.
Which Carriers Serve Canada-to-USA Shipping?
You have several strong options for shipping from Canada to the US:
- Canada Post + USPS: Canada Post transports your parcel to the US border and hands off to the United States Postal Service for final delivery. This is often the most affordable option for small parcels and ePackets.
- UPS: Excellent for heavier packages and business shipments. UPS has a fully integrated cross-border network and handles its own customs clearance.
- FedEx International: Fast and reliable, especially for express shipments. Strong tracking and customs documentation support.
- Purolator International: Purolator partners with UPS for US delivery — good for existing Purolator business customers.
- DHL Express: Best for documents and parcels requiring speed; premium pricing but excellent service.
Typical Delivery Times to the USA
| Service Type | Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Post Small Packet USA – Air | 4–10 business days | No tracking; cheapest option |
| Canada Post Tracked Packet USA | 4–10 business days | Basic tracking included |
| Canada Post Xpresspost USA | 4–7 business days | Full tracking, signature optional |
| UPS Standard to USA | 2–7 business days | Ground; depends on destination state |
| FedEx International Economy | 2–5 business days | Full tracking, solid reliability |
| FedEx / UPS Express | 1–3 business days | Premium pricing |
Customs Requirements for Canada-to-USA Shipments
All shipments entering the US must include a customs declaration. For most small parcels, this is a simple CN22 or CN23 form (for Canada Post) or an online customs declaration form (for private couriers).
Required information includes:
- Accurate description of goods (be specific)
- Quantity and value in USD
- Whether the shipment is a gift, personal use item, or commercial goods
- Country of origin (Canada, or manufacturer's country)
Under CUSMA, many Canadian-origin goods enter the US duty-free. Items valued under USD $800 typically enter the US duty-free under the US de minimis threshold — a major advantage for small e-commerce sellers.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
US Customs (CBP) restricts or prohibits a number of items. Common restrictions include:
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and certain plant materials
- Firearms and ammunition (require permits)
- Certain dairy and meat products
- Counterfeit or trademark-infringing goods
- Certain medications without proper documentation
Pricing Tips for Cross-Border Shipping
- Compare rates online before going to a counter — online bookings are consistently cheaper.
- Use a shipping aggregator like Shippo, ShipBob, or ShipTime to access discounted commercial rates even as a small sender.
- Choose the right service level — if delivery in 7 days is fine, don't pay for 2-day express.
- Declare accurate values — undervaluing goods is illegal and can result in seizure by US Customs.
- Consider fulfillment centres if you ship frequently — storing inventory in the US can eliminate cross-border costs altogether.
Tracking Cross-Border Parcels
Cross-border tracking can sometimes show gaps when a parcel crosses the border and switches between carrier networks (e.g., Canada Post to USPS). This is normal. The tracking number typically remains the same and will update once the US carrier scans the parcel. For seamless end-to-end tracking, private couriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL maintain their own networks on both sides of the border.