How Much Does Usps Charge To Ship From Us To Canada?
Shipping packages internationally from the United States to Canada can seem complicated at first. Many people have questions about the rates, services, and process when shipping with USPS to Canada. This article will provide an overview of USPS shipping options, rates, fees, and other considerations when sending packages from the US to Canada.
USPS Domestic vs. International Shipping
USPS provides both domestic and international shipping services. Domestic shipping refers to packages sent within the United States, while international shipping is for packages sent between the US and another country. The key differences between USPS domestic and international shipping include:
Customs – International packages have to go through customs when leaving and entering the US, which can cause delays and additional fees. Domestic shipping does not involve customs.
Regulations – Different regulations apply for international shipping related to customs forms, restricted items, and shipping labels. Domestic shipping has fewer regulations.
Delivery time – International delivery takes longer on average compared to domestic. Transit time can range from 6-10 days up to 4-6 weeks for international. Domestic is typically 1-8 days.[1]
Rates – International shipping costs more on average than domestic due to further distance, extra fees, and slower service. Certain domestic shipping options like First-Class Package can be very affordable.
Tracking – USPS domestic packages can be tracked in finer detail compared to international. International tracking does not update after leaving the origin country until it reaches the destination country due to reliance on foreign postal services.
Insurance – USPS provides more comprehensive insurance for lost or damaged domestic packages versus limitations on international insurance.[2]
In summary, USPS domestic shipping is simpler, faster, and cheaper compared to international which involves more regulations, delays, and expenses.
[1] https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Mail-Classes-Comparison-Chart-Domestic-International
[2] https://phasev.com/differences-between-international-and-domestic-shipping/
USPS Shipping Services to Canada
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers several shipping options for packages sent from the US to Canada[1]:
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Global Express Guaranteed – Fastest shipping option, delivers packages in 1-3 business days to many locations in Canada[2].
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Priority Mail Express International – Offers expedited delivery in 1-3 business days with a money-back guarantee[1].
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Priority Mail International – Relatively fast and affordable shipping, delivers packages in 6-10 business days on average[3].
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First Class Package International Service – Lower cost option for light packages under 4 lbs, delivery in 7-21 days[1].
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First Class Mail International – For letters, postcards and documents under 1 lb, takes 7-21 days for delivery[1].
Shipping services vary in speed and cost to fit different needs. USPS offers online tools to calculate time and cost estimates.
[1] https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm
[2] https://www.usps.com/international/global-express-guaranteed-fact-sheet.pdf
[3] https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-international.htm
USPS Shipping Rates to Canada
USPS offers several different shipping services for sending packages to Canada with different rates based on the speed of delivery, package weight, and package size. Here is an overview of the rates for common package weights for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and First Class Package International according to the USPS website:
| Service | 0-0.5 lbs | 1-2 lbs | 3-4 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | $44.50 | $61.50 | $78.50 |
| Priority Mail | $24.50 | $28.75 | $33.00 |
| First Class Package International | $14.75 | $21.50 | $28.25 |
Rates vary based on exact destination, package dimensions, and other factors. USPS provides a shipping calculator to estimate costs for a specific shipment.
Factors that Determine Cost
There are several key factors that determine how much it costs to ship a package from the US to Canada via USPS:
- Weight – Heavier packages cost more to ship. USPS uses a tiered pricing structure based on weight. For example, a 1 lb package would cost less than a 2 lb package going to the same destination.
- Size – Large packages that exceed the maximum size for small parcels may incur a surcharge. Size can also impact the price tier.
- Destination – Shipping costs are generally higher for packages going to more distant areas. Packages to Canada are divided into Country Groups based on distance from the point of origin. [1]
- Service Type – Priority Mail Express is the fastest and most expensive option. Priority Mail is slower and cheaper. First Class packages are the most economical.
- Extra Services – Adding insurance, signature confirmation, or other extras will increase the total shipping cost.
The exact shipping rates are calculated based on the unique attributes of each package like weight, destination zip code, selected service type, and added features. USPS provides online rate calculators to estimate the shipping costs for a specific package. But in general, heavier packages, going longer distances, with faster service, and extra features will cost more to ship.
Extra Fees
USPS charges some additional fees for certain types of international packages beyond just the base postage rate. Here are some common extra fees to be aware of when shipping to Canada:
- Fuel Surcharge – An additional fee based on current fuel prices. The surcharge for Priority Mail International to Canada is currently around $2.10 (https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c037).
- Oversize Fee – Parcels over 1 cubic foot may incur an oversize fee of $7-$60 depending on the destination zone (https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c451).
- Nonmachinable Fee – Irregularly shaped items may be charged an additional $0.44 (https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c045).
- Signature Confirmation Fee – Getting a signature confirmation on delivery costs $6.10 (https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c045).
It’s important to know about these potential extra fees so the final shipping cost doesn’t come as a surprise. The USPS website has a handy shipping calculator that takes extra fees into account when estimating costs.
Customs Forms
When shipping international packages from the United States, customers must complete a U.S. Customs form and attach it to each package. This allows the shipment to clear customs when entering the destination country. According to USPS, “the forms document the contents, value, weight, destination and other required information.”
There are different customs forms depending on the type of mail or package being shipped. Some common forms include:
- PS Form 2976: Used for First-Class Mail International items
- PS Form 2976-A: Used for Priority Mail International flat-rate items
- PS Form 2976-E: Used for Priority Mail Express International items
Customers can fill out the forms manually or use USPS’s online services like Click-N-Ship and Customs Forms Online to generate customs forms electronically. Attaching the completed customs form to international packages before mailing is mandatory.
Tracking Packages
The USPS provides tracking services for all international packages except for First Class Mail International. To track a USPS package being shipped internationally, you can use the USPS website’s tracking tool. Simply enter your tracking number and zip code to pull up the latest tracking information.
For Priority Mail Express International and Global Express Guaranteed shipments, you can also use USPS’s Track & Confirm tool to follow your package’s progress. This tool provides more detailed tracking updates than the standard tracking tool.
One thing to note with international tracking is that updates can be sparse compared to domestic packages. It may take several days between scans as the package goes through customs and international transit hubs. But tracking will at least let you confirm when your package departs the US, arrives in Canada, and is delivered.
If you don’t have a tracking number, you can contact USPS customer service for assistance and provide details on your shipment to try and locate the tracking information.
Insurance
USPS offers several insurance options to protect against loss or damage when shipping to Canada:
USPS insurance covers up to $100 of insurance coverage and is included for free on many Priority Mail shipments. Additional insurance can be purchased up to $5,000 coverage.
Priority Mail Express International shipments automatically include $100 insurance. Additional insurance up to $50,000 can be purchased for an additional fee.
Third party insurance can also be purchased from companies like Shipsurance or U-Pic for added protection beyond what USPS provides.
Filing an insurance claim with USPS requires submitting a claim form online or by mail, along with proof of value and damage to the contents. Claims must be submitted within 60 days of the mailing date. For more details see: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/simulations-canada-wwii-la-regia-136678251
Purchasing insurance provides peace of mind when mailing valuable or fragile items internationally. Make sure to weigh the costs and benefits when deciding on coverage amounts.
Alternatives to USPS
USPS is not the only option for shipping packages from the United States to Canada. There are several alternative carriers that also provide shipping services between the two countries:
UPS is one of the main competitors of USPS for U.S. to Canada shipping. UPS offers import, export, and domestic shipping services to Canada. Like USPS, UPS has a variety of shipping services with different speeds and prices. The main UPS ground shipping option to Canada is called UPS Standard which delivers in 1-6 business days.
FedEx is another major carrier with shipping services from the U.S. to Canada. The most budget-friendly FedEx option is FedEx International Ground which provides estimated delivery in 3-7 business days. FedEx also has faster express services like FedEx International Priority for urgent shipments.
DHL eCommerce is the more affordable shipping solutions branch of DHL. They offer economical ground shipping to Canada through their DHL eCommerce Ground and DHL eCommerce Preferred services.
These major carriers can all provide cheaper alternatives to USPS shipping for certain package sizes, weights, and destinations in Canada. Comparing rates across carriers is recommended to find the most budget-friendly option for each shipment.
