Shipping to Canada is easier and more affordable than many U.S. businesses expect. Whether you’re a small eCommerce shop or an enterprise brand expanding internationally, understanding the cheapest shipping to Canada is crucial to your bottom line. ShipStation helps you save up to 89% on international shipping costs from the U.S. to Canada. In this guide, we’ll break down services, compare carrier options, highlight customs requirements, and share actionable tips to lower your shipping costs while boosting delivery success.

TL;DR – The Cheapest Way to Ship to Canada in 2025:
  • First Class Mail International is the cheapest for parcels under 4.4 lbs—but it’s slow and doesn’t offer guaranteed tracking.
  • USPS Priority Mail International and UPS Standard offer faster service for a bit more.
  • FedEx and UPS require a commercial invoice, which ShipStation can send electronically.
  • Customs duties and taxes may apply over $20 CAD. Use DDP in ShipStation to prepay and avoid delivery delays.
  • ShipStation users save up to 89% on international shipping, plus get access to discounted FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS rates.

Why Canadian Shoppers Are Important

Canada is the United States’ second-largest trading partner, following China. Yet, it’s significantly easier to access due to proximity, cultural similarities, and established logistics networks. With over 75% of Canadian exports going to the U.S., this relationship is reciprocal. The majority of Canada’s population lives near the southern border, which shortens delivery distances and reduces shipping costs. If you’re looking for an affordable and logistically straightforward international expansion, shipping from the U.S. to Canada is one of the best starting points.

How to Ship to Canada: Best and Cheapest Shipping Options from the US to Canada

Shipping from the U.S. to Canada can be cost-effective if you choose the right carrier and service based on parcel size, delivery speed, and budget. For light shipments, USPS and UPS often offer the cheapest way to ship to Canada, especially under 5 lbs. Once USPS shipments cross the border, they’re delivered by Canada Post.

Shipping Light Parcels to Canada

For packages under 4.4 lbs, USPS First Class Mail International is the cheapest option, though it has longer delivery times (2-3 weeks) and limited tracking. ShipStation users can access discounted USPS rates to save even more.

USPS Shipping Options to Canada

  • First Class Mail International – Cheapest for parcels under 4.4 lbs. Delivery in 2-3 weeks. No guaranteed delivery window.
  • Priority Mail International – Delivery in 6–10 days with tracking.
  • Priority Mail Express International – Delivery in 3–5 business days. More expensive, but faster and includes insurance.

Use ShipStation’s USPS discounts to cut shipping costs to Canada and gain access to real-time tracking and automated label printing.

UPS and FedEx to Canada

For heavier parcels or faster delivery, UPS and FedEx are strong options.

  • UPS Standard to Canada – Affordable ground delivery within 2–7 business days.
  • FedEx International Ground – 2–7 day delivery, reliable tracking.
  • UPS Worldwide Expedited and FedEx International Priority – 1–3 day delivery for urgent shipments.

When shipping through ShipStation’s discounted UPS rates, you can reach 90% of Canadian customers in 5 business days or less.

How Much Is Shipping to Canada?

The cost of shipping to Canada varies by weight, dimensions, delivery speed, and carrier. Additional fees like fuel surcharges, remote area delivery, and insurance may also apply.

ServiceEstimated Cost (2 lbs)Delivery Time
GlobalPost Plus Intl$22.573–5 days
GlobalPost Economy Intl$23.827–14 days
GlobalPost Standard Intl$24.326–10 days
GlobalPost Go$27.955–8 days
USPS First Class Intl$252-3 weeks
USPS Priority Intl$29.666–10 days
USPS Priority Mail Express Intl$56.103–5 days
UPS Standard$34.262–7 days
UPS Worldwide Expedited$1342–5 days
FedEx International Ground$35.112–7 days
FedEx International Priority$1651–3 days
DHL Express Worldwide$33.601–3 days

Start Shipping to Canada for Less

Save up to 89% on cross-border shipping with ShipStation. Automate customs forms, access discounted USPS, UPS®, and FedEx® international rates, and simplify returns for Canadian customers.

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How to Create Customs Forms for Canada

All shipments to Canada must include customs forms.

  • USPS: Customs declarations are included on the label.
  • FedEx/UPS: Require a commercial invoice, which you can submit electronically via tools like UPS Paperless™ Invoice

Make sure to properly document your shipments, including a clear customs description. ShipStation simplifies customs with automated form generation, including Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) support.

Understanding Canadian Customs Costs

  • Items valued over $20 CAD may incur duties or taxes. Learn more about how to assign a payor of these duties.
  • The CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) assesses shipments for safety, tariffs, and compliance.

What Items Can’t Be Shipped to Canada?

Some common prohibited or restricted items include:

  • Tobacco products
  • Live animals (some cold-blooded species permitted)
  • Certain plants and seeds
  • Currency and coins
  • Gambling materials (e.g., lottery tickets)

Check Canada Post’s full list before shipping.

Tips to Save on Shipping to Canada

  • Use lightweight, compact packages for international shipping to avoid dimensional weight charges.
  • Compare carriers within ShipStation before choosing a service.
  • Consolidate shipments if possible.
  • Be accurate and detailed in customs forms to avoid delays.
  • Use automation rules to apply the correct carrier and service based on destination.

ShipStation Makes Shipping to Canada Easy

ShipStation helps you save money and time when shipping to Canada with features like:

  • Access to up to 89% off USPS retail prices and 82% off UPS international services*
  • Multi-carrier rate comparison
  • Automated customs forms and label generation
  • Batch label printing and scheduled pickups
  • Prepay duties and taxes with DDP

Learn more about ShipStation Carrier Services.

*Discounts based on daily UPS rates. Subject to change.

Start Shipping to Canada for Less

Save up to 89% on cross-border shipping with ShipStation. Automate customs forms, access discounted USPS, UPS®, and FedEx® international rates, and simplify returns for Canadian customers.

Start Your Free Trial

FAQs About Shipping from the US to Canada

What is the cheapest way to ship to Canada?

USPS First Class Mail International is typically the cheapest, but it has long delivery times. ShipStation discounts help reduce costs even further.

Does USPS ship to Canada?

Yes, USPS offers several international services to Canada including First Class, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express.

Does FedEx ship to Canada?

Yes, FedEx offers ground and express international delivery options to Canada.

How do customs duties work in Canada?

Canada applies duties/taxes to shipments over $20 CAD. ShipStation supports Delivery Duties Paid (DDP) to help you avoid customer frustration.

What’s the best way to ship furniture to Canada?

Use a freight carrier or ShipStation partner with freight support for large or heavy items.

Can I avoid customs fees when shipping to Canada?

Not entirely, but prepaying duties via ShipStation can reduce delays and improve customer satisfaction.

Does Amazon ship to Canada?

Some Amazon sellers do offer cross-border shipping, but not all U.S.-based listings are available to Canadian buyers.

How long does shipping from the US to Canada take?

It can take 2–3 weeks with budget services or as little as 1–3 days with express shipping.

Can I ship to Canada with UPS?

Yes, UPS Standard and UPS Worldwide services are reliable options for Canadian delivery.

James Messer
James Messer

James Messer is a copywriter specializing in shipping, logistics, and ecommerce.