How much does it cost to ship from Canada to the U.S.?
Shipping from Canada to the U.S. can be straightforward if you follow the correct steps.
Whether you are sending personal items, online purchases, or business shipments, understanding
customs requirements, carrier options, and duties is essential. This guide explains exactly how
to ship from Canada to the United States, step by step.
What You Need to Know Before Shipping From Canada to the U.S.
All shipments entering the United States must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This applies whether you ship by courier, postal service, or a package forwarding company.
Accurate documentation and proper declarations are mandatory.
- Every shipment requires a customs declaration.
- Duties and taxes may apply, even for low-value items.
- Certain products are restricted or prohibited.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship From Canada to the U.S.
Step 1: Confirm the Item Is Allowed
Before shipping, verify that your item can legally enter the U.S. Commonly restricted items
include alcohol, tobacco, firearms, perishables, and some electronics with batteries.
Step 2: Prepare Accurate Item Details
You will need:
- Clear item description
- Purchase value or declared value
- Country of origin
- Invoice or receipt
Step 3: Choose a Shipping Method
You can ship from Canada to the U.S. using:
- Courier services (UPS, DHL, FedEx alternatives)
- Postal services
- Package forwarding services like ShipByMail
Courier services are faster and provide tracking, while forwarding services simplify customs
and address issues.
Step 4: Complete U.S. Customs Documentation
Customs forms must accurately reflect the contents and value of the shipment. Incorrect or
incomplete information can result in delays, fines, or seizure.
With ShipByMail, customs forms are generated based on the information you provide in your
dashboard.
Step 5: Pay Duties, Taxes, and Fees
U.S. import charges are calculated once your package is received and prepared for shipment.
ShipByMail operates on a Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) model, meaning all applicable duties and
taxes are collected upfront during checkout.
Step 6: Ship and Track Your Package
After payment, your package is shipped to the U.S. with tracking provided. Transit times
typically range from 1 to 5 business days depending on the service selected.
Why Use ShipByMail to Ship From Canada to the U.S.?
- Canadian shipping address for online purchases
- Automatic customs form preparation
- Upfront duty and tax calculation (DDP)
- Fast courier shipping options
- Optional package consolidation
ShipByMail removes guesswork and delays by handling customs, documentation, and payments
in one place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undervaluing items on customs forms
- Using vague item descriptions
- Shipping restricted products without approval
- Assuming gifts are duty-free for courier shipments
Conclusion
Shipping from Canada to the U.S. does not need to be complicated. By following these steps
and using a reliable forwarding service, you can avoid delays, unexpected fees, and customs
issues. ShipByMail simplifies the entire process, from receiving your package to final delivery
in the United States.
Next step: Create a ShipByMail account and start shipping from Canada to the U.S.
with confidence.
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