The Cheapest Way to Ship to Canada in 2024

The Cheapest Way to Ship to Canada in 2024

Whether you’re an individual hoping to ship something to Canada, or a U.S.-based business looking for cost-effective solutions to send packages to the north – you’re not alone in finding it a difficult landscape to navigate. Cross-border shipping is, frankly, complicated – and expensive. Sourcing cost-effective shipping options that don’t compromise reliability can be a bit of a conundrum. Yet, billions of dollars worth of goods traverse the U.S.-Canada border on an annual basis. So, there are certainly cost-effective solutions to be found – you just need to know where to look.

That’s where we step in. As experts in the shipping and fulfillment space, we know a thing or two about the cheapest way to ship to Canada. Let this article serve as the ultimate guide to unveiling the most budget-friendly ways to ship packages to Canada. We’ll share the latest and greatest insights that will support you as you seek out shipping options that suit your needs. After reading this article, we’re confident you’ll feel equipped with valuable information that will ease your shipping anxieties. 

Let’s get started.

Importance of US-Canada Trade Relations 

The U.S. and Canada aren’t merely neighboring countries – they’re tight trading partners, too. Recent data paints a clear picture of current U.S.-Canada trade relations: The total trade of goods and services between the two countries is well over $600 billion annually. That’s no small statistic.

This whopping figure encapsulates the sheer volume of exchanged products, while also highlighting the strong economic interdependence between these two nations. As such, businesses on both sides of the border rely immensely on the seamless flow of goods between the U.S. and Canada. That’s why cost-effective shipping options are so hugely important to the economic success of both countries, and the businesses that run within them.

Given the symbiotic relationship between Canada and the U.S., disruptions in trade can wreak havoc to industries in both countries. For companies, finding reliable and cost-effective cross-border shipping isn’t merely a matter of preference – it’s actually imperative to the economic welfare of both countries. Neither economy can truly flourish without a way to easily trade with one another.

Consumers, too, are impacted by the trade dynamic between the U.S. and Canada. For one, consumers depend on the affordability of imported goods – which is highly linked to shipping rates. The more costly the shipping fee, the higher the price of the good, and the less likely a consumer is to purchase the product. 

Affordable Shipping Options for Light Parcels 

USPS and UPS Services

USPS has affordable international shipping services to Canada, including First-Class Package International Service, Priority Mail International and Flat Rate International. The former is generally most cost-effective for lightweight parcels (must be below four pounds for most destinations), while the Priority Mail offers faster delivery at a steeper cost for packages up to 70 pounds. 

For Flat Rate International, USPS offers flat-rate boxes that come in different sizes. Regardless of the weight of your package, you’ll pay the same flat rate for shipping to select international destinations. This is a simplistic and budget-friendly option for denser packages, but delivery times can be unpredictable. USPS will provide estimated delivery times for each country.

Speaking of delivery times, First-Class Package International Service takes about 7-21 business days, and Priority Mail International is usually delivered within 10 business days. 

Meanwhile, UPS also has cost-effective options for light weight parcels worth considering. UPS provides international shipping services to Canada through services like UPS Standard and UPS Worldwide. Costs are generally higher than with USPS, but UPS does offer additional services and is more reliable. 

UPS Standard generally takes 2-7 business days to deliver, while UPS Worldwide Express Saver does expedited deliveries, which arrive within three business days. Both UPS Standard and UPS Worldwide Express accommodate packages up to 150 pounds. 

While USPS and UPS both provide viable shipping options for parcels under five pounds to Canada, USPS definitely stands out as the more cost-effective option. Its First-Class Package International Service option, in particular, is the most enticing to those looking to cut costs.

Alternative Providers

While you could certainly go with traditional couriers, if your goal is to ship to Canada as cheaply as possible, we urge you to consider partnering with a local fulfillment company, such as Stalco. 

Stalco’s range of offerings caters to a diverse array of clients, many with unique shipping requirements. From local deliveries to international shipping, we’ve crafted a suite of services that perfectly merge affordability, reliability and convenience. If you’re hoping to start shipping to Canada, don’t overlook Stalco.

One of our standout features is our commitment to providing discounted shipping rates that will unquestionably outperform those offered by traditional carriers. By leveraging our strategic partnerships with couriers, Stalco ensures our customers benefit from cost-effective shipping rates without compromising reliability. We will ensure your packages reach their Canadian destination promptly and seamlessly. We are equipped with the necessary expertise to manage transport and freight logistics from the U.S. to Canada, and we also offer our customers clearance and brokerage services, as well as storage options. 

Custom and Regulatory Considerations When Shipping to Canada

If you’re planning on shipping to Canada, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind, including customs forms, as well as handling fees and prohibited items.

Customs Forms 

Regardless of what you are shipping to Canada and what service provider you select, you’ll need to fill out customs forms. These forms provide essential details about the contents of a given package, its value and intended use. CN22 and CN23 are commonly used forms. The accuracy and completion of these forms is crucial, as they influence how seamlessly the package will move through Canadian customs. 

It’s important to note that different couriers may have varying requirements when it comes to customs documentation. While some service providers facilitate the completion of forms online, others may demand a physical copy attached to the package. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the specific customs procedures of your chosen shipping provider. 

Handling Fees 

Beyond completing forms, you’ll also want to be aware of Canada’s customs costs and handling fees. Cross-border shipments can incur certain duties and taxes, which vary based on the declared value of the items. Plus, carriers may charge handling fees for the processing of customs clearance. It’s key to keep these costs in mind when shipping to Canada, to avoid any unexpected charges upon delivery. 

Prohibited Items 

There’s a list of items banned from being shipped to Canada, including certain food items, plants, prescription drugs and firearms. It’s important to review the rules and adhere to these restrictions to prevent complications and potential ramifications. 

Comparative Shipping Costs to Various Countries 

Navigating the world of international shipping is naturally complicated – since every country has distinct rules and regulations, and the costs associated with shipping to different regions varies widely from place to place. To give you a better understanding of the international shipping landscape, we’ve completed a comparative analysis of shipping costs from the United States to three distinct countries: Canada, Germany and Australia– using service providers USPS and UPS. (Bear in mind these are rough numbers, since shipping rates are constantly in flux.) 

1. Shipping Costs to Canada:

Service Provider	USPS (First-Class)	UPS (Standard)
Cost (5 lbs)	$15.50	$30.25
Delivery Time	7-21 business days	2-7 business days
Additional Fees	Customs fees may apply	Customs fees may apply

Notes:

• USPS (First-Class): Offers an economical option but with longer delivery times.
• UPS (Standard): Faster delivery but at a higher cost compared to USPS.

2. Shipping Costs to Germany:

Service Provider	USPS (Priority Mail)	UPS (Express Saver)
Cost (5 lbs)	$64.50	$123.50
Delivery Time	6-10 business days	1-3 business days
Additional Fees	Customs fees may apply	Customs fees may apply

Notes:

• USPS (Priority Mail): A more affordable option with reasonable delivery times.
• UPS (Express Saver): Expedited delivery but at a higher cost.

3. Shipping Costs to Australia:

Service Provider	USPS (Priority Mail)	UPS (Worldwide Expedited)
Cost (5 lbs)	$72.25	$132.75
Delivery Time	6-10 business days	2-5 business days
Additional Fees	Customs fees may apply	Customs fees may apply

Notes: 

• USPS (Priority Mail): A cost-effective option with moderate delivery times.
• UPS (Worldwide Expedited): Expedited delivery but with a higher price tag.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap! We hope you will use this knowledge as you navigate finding the cheapest ways to ship to Canada in 2024 (and beyond). We’ve covered all the key points – including U.S.-Canada trade dynamics, service provider comparisons, customs considerations and the benefits of partnering with a local logistics company. As you now know, Stalco is here to help with all your Canadian shipping needs. In your search for the cheapest shipping options, we encourage you to balance cost-effectiveness with reliability. This mindset will enable your cross-border endeavors to reach new levels of success.