Raheel Ladak
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Roxann Sinclair brings a unique blend of accounting, technology sales, and logistics expertise. She helps fast-growing eCommerce brands improve operational efficiency and margins by integrating shipping technology with financial insights.
Imagine a customer finds your product online, adds it to cart, enters their shipping address, and sees the message “US shipping only.” Cart abandoned. Sale lost.
Now what if that same Canadian customer could check out seamlessly and become one of your most loyal buyers? What if expanding to Canada was as simple as printing a different label?
USPS ships to Canada every day through their partnership with Canada Post. No special permits, no customs brokers, no bureaucratic maze. Your package travels from your local post office straight to your customers doorstep, tracked just like domestic shipping.
Let’s break down everything you’ll want to know about sending parcels through USPS to Canada.
Yes, USPS and Canada Post have worked together for a long time, so your packages move easily between the two countries. USPS takes care of everything in the US until your shipment gets to Canada. Canada Post then takes over to make sure that the package gets to its destination safely and on schedule.
Most of the paperwork is now automated, so you just need to make sure your product details and values are accurate.
Complete Service Comparison
| Service | Delivery Time | Weight Limit |
| Priority Mail Express International | 3-5 business days | 70 lbs |
| Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope | 3-5 business days | 4 lbs |
| Priority Mail International | 6-10 business days | 70 lbs |
| Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope | 6-10 business days | 4 lbs |
| Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Box | 6-10 business days | 4 lbs |
| Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box | 6-10 business days | 20 lbs |
| Priority Mail International Large Flat Rate Box | 6-10 business days | 20 lbs |
| First-Class Package International Service | 7-21 business days | 4 lbs |
| First-Class Mail International Letters | 7-21 business days | 3.5 oz |
| First-Class Mail International Large Envelopes | 7-21 business days | 15.994 oz |
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Ask around and you’ll find most sellers use Priority Mail International for shipping to Canada. It usually takes less than two weeks and offers built-in tracking. Your tracking info won’t disappear when your package leaves the States-Canada Post seamlessly picks up the baton.
Sometimes your customers can't wait. That's where Priority Mail Express International comes in-delivery in 3 to 5 business days and signature confirmation. If time's of the essence, choosing priority mail express is worth every penny.
Express International can handle packages up to 70 lbs (32 kg). The same size restrictions apply as Priority Mail International. You get faster delivery without sacrificing package size flexibility.
Not in a rush and just sending something small? First-Class Package International is budget-friendly. It's ideal for, say, a handmade necklace or a tiny tech gadget. Delivery is usually 7 to 21 business days. You'll get basic tracking, so you and your buyer know it's safely on the move.
USPS takes your shipment to a major U.S. city like New York or Chicago, where it passes through customs. From there, Canada Post delivers it here at home. You might notice tracking info goes quiet for a day or two during the hand-off, and that’s totally normal.
Every international parcel needs proper customs paperwork. For most shipments under $400 USD, you’ll fill out a CN 22 form; over $400 USD needs a CN 23. (Shipping platforms generate these automatically now.)
Accuracy is your best friend here. A little care goes a long way toward avoiding delays.
| Item Value (CAD) | Duties | GST (5%) | HST* | Canada Post Handling Fee |
| Under $20 | None | None | None | None |
| $20-$200 | Varies by item | Yes | Varies | $9.95 |
| Over $200 | Varies by item | Yes | Varies | $9.95 |
HST rates vary by province (13-15% in some areas, replacing GST)
Almost all items coming into Canada are subject to 5% GST (yes, we know). Some provinces charge HST, which can run a bit higher. Low-value goods might be exempt, but if duties and taxes apply, your customer pays them on arrival plus, there’s a Canada Post $9.95 handling fee.
As of March 4, 2025, a 25% surcharge is applicable on US-origin goods. It’s always wise to check if your product is affected before shipping.
Using the right format for Canadian addresses keeps deliveries on time. Include the person's full name, street address, city, province, and postal code. The format for Canadian postal codes is A1A 1A1, with the numbers and letters.
Always include a phone number for the recipient. Not only is this beneficial, but it's also necessary for customs to work. Customs agents might have to get in touch with the person receiving the package to get more information or collect the taxes.
Not everything can be shipped via USPS to Canada. Here are some prohibited and restricted items:
| Category | Examples | Reason |
| Hazardous Materials | Aerosols, lithium batteries, flammables | Safety regulations |
| Perishables | Fresh food, plants, live animals | Health and agricultural rules |
| Tobacco Products | Cigarettes, cigars, vaping products | Canadian import restrictions |
| Alcohol | Wine, beer, spirits | Prohibited by USPS |
| Prescription Drugs | Medications, medical devices | Health Canada regulations |
Certain items require special documentation or permits, like food, plants, or medical devices. Always check US export rules and Canadian import regulations before ordering these items to avoid delays or rejections at customs.
When in doubt, contact USPS international customer service. They can provide accurate guidance on restricted or unusual items. It's always better to ask first than risk delays, seizures, or returns.
When your package goes missing, nine times out of ten it's just sitting in customs somewhere in Canada. This happens a lot, especially during crazy busy times like the holidays when customs agents are being extra thorough with their checks.
Don't panic - it's totally normal and usually just means you're looking at a few extra days of waiting around. Most packages eventually show up once they clear through all the customs.
Only file insurance claims when a package is truly lost. USPS has specific waiting periods before you can file:
While waiting, stay informed about tracking updates and understand that customs delays are normal. Most delays resolve themselves with patience.
Realistic Delivery Expectations
USPS provides estimated delivery windows, but several factors affect actual delivery times. Priority Mail International to Canada typically takes 6-10 business days.
| Factor | Potential Delay | Impact Level |
| Customs processing | 1-3 days | High |
| Weather conditions | 1-2 days | Medium |
| Peak seasons (holidays) | 2-5 days | High |
| Incorrect addressing | 3-7 days | High |
| Missing documentation | 5-10 days | Very High |
Express International usually delivers in 3-5 business days. This service receives priority processing at customs, reducing delays.
First-Class Package International has the longest delivery window - 7 to 21 business days. It's slower because it often relies on surface transport rather than air.
Timing matters when ordering from the States, especially during holidays or winter months. Delays from weather, customs, or peak volume are common, so choose your service level wisely and order early when it matters.
Winter storms can significantly impact cross-border shipping, especially between January and March. Shipments can slow down due to snow, ice, or severe weather conditions affecting both countries.
Tip: Need it fast during winter? Priority Mail Express International is most reliable during harsh weather conditions.
| USPS Status | Canada Post Status | What It Means |
| 'Processed Through Facility' | 'Item processed' | Moving through postal network |
| 'Departed USPS Facility' | 'Item in transit' | Left US facility, heading to Canada |
| N/A | 'Item processed by Canada Border Services Agency' | Cleared customs |
| N/A | 'Item out for delivery' | On delivery truck |
Some packages show limited tracking information. First-Class Package International provides basic tracking only. You might see the package depart the U.S., but detailed tracking updates in Canada aren’t always available.
Different types of insurance are included with each international service:
You can file a claim if:
To file your claim, have this ready:
How to File a Claim
USPS usually processes claims within 5 -10 business days, as long as everything’s in order.
Returns from Canada follow different rules than domestic returns:
Who pays for return shipping? Usually, the customer does, unless your business policy says that returns are free. USPS shipments returned from Canada are typically handled by Canada Post.
Anything coming back from Canada must pass through U.S. Customs. To avoid delays or extra charges, make sure each return is clearly labeled as: 'RETURNED GOODS.'
Timeframes: Since customs on both sides need to inspect the package, returns from Canada usually take 2 to 3 weeks to reach you.
| Factor | USPS | UPS | FedEx |
| Best for | Small packages, cost-conscious shipping | Medium-large packages, business accounts | Express delivery, high-value items |
| Most economical option | First-Class Package | UPS Standard | FedEx Ground |
| Fastest option | Express International (3-5 days) | UPS Express (1-3 days) | FedEx Express (1-3 days) |
Whilst USPS provides reliable service to Canada, managing multiple shipments, comparing rates, and handling customs documentation can quickly become challenging as your business grows. This is where shipping platforms like eShipper prove invaluable for businesses looking for Canadian expansion.
Instant Rate Comparison: Rather than manually checking USPS, UPS, and FedEx rates, eShipper's system instantly compares all options, ensuring you never overpay for Canadian deliveries.
Automated Documentation: The platform generates accurate customs forms based on your product database, reducing errors that cause customs delays.
Unified Tracking: Whether your parcel ships via USPS, UPS, or FedEx, all tracking information appears in one dashboard, making customer service enquiries much simpler.
Canadian Expertise: eShipper understands Canadian import regulations, duty calculations, and provincial tax differences, helping you provide accurate landed cost estimates to customers.
Shipping to Canada with USPS? Totally doable and surprisingly cost-effective. Whether you're going budget with First-Class Package International or need speed with Express, there's a service that fits.
Remember, delivery is only as smooth as your planning. Customs forms, correct addresses, and setting expectations with customers, these aren't just boxes to check. They’re deal-breakers.
Stay updated on custom duties and how USPS and Canada Post work together. Pick the right service, get the paperwork right, and be upfront with your customers.
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Yes, USPS delivers to all Canadian provinces and territories because they partner with Canada Post. This includes places that are far away, like Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, but it may take delivery times longer.
It's common for customs to take longer than expected, but it normally gets sorted out in 3 to 5 business days. Some packages may be chosen for examination, while others may need further paperwork. Once the customs procedure is done, tracking will be updated.
USPS estimates are mostly accurate but follow just the business days. Customs processing, weather, and peak seasons can extend delivery times by 1-3 days beyond the estimated window.
USPS doesn't have fixed value limits, however you have the option of using CN 23 forms for packages worth more than $400. Customs may look more closely at items with higher worth and charge more duties. Some merchants don't transport really expensive things to other countries.
