Your guide to shipping from Canada to the US

Shipping goods to the US is essential for businesses across Canada.

There are a few things to keep in mind before sending your goods – and you’ll need to complete all the necessary paperwork for your export. Let’s take a look at the best way to ship from Canada to the US, including regulations, fees and the top couriers to trust with your cargo.

Shipping abroad? We’ll discuss how Wise Business could save you money!

We shall look at:

Essential know-how on exporting goods to the US from Canada? [Restrictions on shipping goods from Canada to the US? ](#are-there-any-restrictions-on-shipping-goods-from-canada-to-the-us-) Typical costs of shipping goods from Canada to the US? How to reduce costs on transactions between the US and Canada Some of the well-known shipping companies for exporting from Canada to the US Essential local know-how when shipping from Canada to the US

What is the essential know-how on exporting goods to the US from Canada?

If you want to ship goods from Canada to the US, there are some things to consider.

• You’ll need to cover any customs or taxes for shipping your goods.

For example, your business will pay duties if your goods are worth more than 800 USD.

• You’ll also pay a Merchandise Processing Fee or MPF – and this fee can depend on what you’re importing.

If you’re importing alcohol or tobacco, you may need to pay excise tax for your shipment.¹

• You’ll also need to consider if your shipment is eligible for formal or informal entry.

Formal entry typically includes commercial shipments of 2500 USD or more – and these shipments require more paperwork to get them through US customs.¹

What are the essential requirements for shipping goods from Canada to the US?

You’ll need to work out the size and weight of your shipment before you send it. This can help you understand any duties or taxes to pay for your import.

Make sure to properly pack your goods. Proper packing can ensure your shipment passes through US Customs and Border Protection or CBP as quickly as possible. This includes correctly detailing the number of items in each package.²

There are a few documents you’ll need to provide for your shipment:

• A merchandise release form
• Evidence of right to make entry into the US
• Commercial invoice²
• Bill of lading and Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin
• Export and import licenses³

You’ll also need to provide some key pieces of information about your export, such as:

• type and value of your goods
• port of entry
• country of origin

These lists aren’t exhaustive. Contact US customs for detailed information about your shipment.

Are there any restrictions on shipping goods from Canada to the US?

There are some restrictions on what you can ship to the US. You can’t import illegal substances, for example, and some plants and seeds need special import permits to enter the US.⁴

You may also need to contact other agencies to complete your shipment. For example, if you’re importing food, you’ll need to liaise with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)® to ensure you meet US regulations.²

Some delivery companies may have their own restrictions, like Canpar Express®, which doesn’t let businesses ship plants or live creatures.⁵

What are the typical costs of shipping goods from Canada to the US?

You’ll need to pay for your foreign export. Some key factors may influence your shipping costs, including:

• weight, size or shape of goods
• insurance
• duties and taxes
• shipping company

Your fees may also differ depending on whether you ship your goods by air, sea or land freight. If you import goods via sea ship, you’ll pay a Harbour Maintenance Fee or HMF of 0.125% of the imported cargo’s value, for example.¹

If you’re paying your shipment costs in USD, you’ll also need to think about currency conversion charges. Many banks and online transfer platforms charge a margin on the standard exchange rate, which can significantly add to the price of your shipment.

You may also need to pay intermediary bank fees for international payments in the SWIFT network, including transfers to the US.

How to reduce costs on transactions between the US and Canada

Save on transactions in USD with Wise!

Wise’s multi-currency business account reduces costs on transactions between CAD and USD, with local account details in 9 currencies. Avoid unexpected currency conversion and intermediary bank fees with Wise Business.

Send money in CAD, USD, GBP, EUR and many other currencies – all at the mid-market exchange rate. This is the exchange rate you often see on Google.

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You can even use Wise to manage your business, including:

• automatic invoicing
• batch payments
• API integration
• App Marketplace with QuickBooks®, Xero® and other useful platforms.

With real-time security notifications and a transparent fee structure, choose Wise Business for full peace of mind.

Save on international costs and payments with Wise

Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Some of the well-known shipping companies for exporting from Canada to the US

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular shipping companies for sending goods to the US, including costs, delivery options and transit duration.

Canada Post

Canada Post® is a well-known shipping company for Canadian businesses. Founded in Canada in 1867, you can use Canada Post to send goods to over 190 countries.⁶

There are a few different shipping methods with Canada Post. Expedited Parcel USA shipping will reach your destination in 4 to 7 business days. Xpresspost USA guarantees on-time delivery, with times ranging from 2 to 3 days.⁷

Let’s say you want to send a 30kg parcel to Los Angeles from Ottawa on 20 March 2024 with Canada Post. We’ve put together the costs and transit times.

Delivery option/Weight	Shipping costs	Transit duration
Expedited Parcel USA	211.81 CAD	5 business days
Xpresspost USA	321.17 CAD	4 business days⁸

However, these prices are just suggestive, and your exact fees may differ depending on when and how you send your shipment.

Learn more about Canada Post for small businesses.

FedEx

FedEx® first started in the US in 1971, providing shipping services in over 220 countries.⁹

There are a few different FedEx shipping methods, including FedEx International Priority Freight, which will reach your recipient within 1 to 3 business days in many locations.¹⁰

Each FedEx delivery service is slightly different. We’ve put together the cost of sending 200kg from Ottawa to Los Angeles on 13 March 2024.

Delivery option/Weight	Shipping costs
FedEx International Priority Freight	5,048.57 CAD
FedEx International Economy Freight	4,810.43 CAD¹¹

However, these prices can vary depending on factors like insurance or the size of your parcel.

DHL

DHL® first started in the US in 1969, providing shipping solutions in over 220 countries. This company is one of the best services to ship your goods from the US to Canada.¹²

There are a few different DHL shipping methods, including:

• DHL Express Worldwide - delivery by end of day
• DHL Express 9:00 - delivery by 10.30 am on the next possible or second business day
• DHL Express 12:00 - delivery by 12 noon on the next possible business day

We’ve put together some key information about each delivery method.¹³

Services	DHL Express Worldwide	DHL Express 9:00	DHL Express 12:00
Money-back guarantee	No	Yes	Yes
Delivery attempts	2	2	2
Maximum piece weight	70kg	30kg	70kg
Max. pieces per shipment	N/A	10	10
Max. piece dimensions (L x W x H)	120 x 80 x 80cm	120 x 80 x 80cm	120 x 80 x 80cm
Max. pallet weight	1000kg	N/A	N/A
Max. shipment weight	3000kg	300kg	70kg
Max. pallet dimensions (L x W x H)	300 x 200 x 160cm	N/A	N/A

You can access full pricing details from DHL on request, including a personalised quote for your business.

Canpar Express

Canpar Express is a popular shipping company for sending goods from Canada to the US. First founded in Canada in 1976, Canpar Express covers more than 215 countries, with a range of different shipping methods.¹⁴

Canpar Express Select USA is a good choice if you need expedited delivery to the US, with guaranteed on-time delivery.¹⁵

Canpar Express prices may vary depending on the weight, dimensions and origin of your delivery, as well as your destination and delivery service choice.

For example, the company estimates a 209.92 CAD charge for sending a 34kg delivery worth 100 CAD from Ottawa to Los Angeles on 21 March 2024.¹⁶

Essential local know-how when shipping from Canada to the US

It’s important to consider any possible delays when sending your goods to the US. Your shipping company may not deliver on public or regional holidays like Thanksgiving or Labor Day.

Weekends can also lead to logistical issues. Make sure to leave plenty of time for your shipment to reach its recipient.

To sum it up

Exporting goods from Canada to the US can help you reach new customers and grow your business on a global scale.

Make sure to do your research before sending your shipment – and you’ll need to cover any customs, import or currency conversion costs, too.

To start sending USD at the mid-market rate, check out Wise.

Join Wise to save on international costs and payments

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Sources

1. DHL
2. CBP
3. DHL
4. CBP
5. Canpar Express
6. Post Grid
7. Canada Post
8. Canada Post
9. FedEx
10. FedEx
11. FedEx
12. DHL
13. DHL
14. Canpar Express
15. Canpar Express
16. Canpar Express

Sources verified on 25 March 2024