How Much Does Canadian Postage to USA Cost? (2023)

Canadian business owners are now expanding across the United States. If you're one of these entrepreneurs, knowing how much Canadian postage to USA costs will help you maximize your potential without breaking the bank. Since many couriers in Canada offer US shipping, this blog post has compiled information you need to know about US shipping, including the costs, process, and which shipping company you should partner with.

What are the Canada Post postage options for US shipping?

Canada Post, or Postes Canada, offers a range of postage options for shipping to the United States, catering to various needs and budgets. These options include expedited services, tracked packets, express delivery, and regular parcel options.

Expedited Parcel USA

Expedited Parcel USA is one of the parcel services offered by Canada Post if you wish to ship parcels to your customers in the United States. It provides reliable and cost-effective delivery with delivery standards typically ranging from 4 to 7 business days.

It features tracking, delivery confirmation, and liability coverage for loss or damage up to a specific value. It is perfect for businesses seeking a balance between reasonable shipping costs and delivery times. It is a simple choice for people mailing packages from Canada to the United States because customers can quickly get postage labels and online tracking.

Tracked Packet

Tracked Packet USA is a shipping service Canada Post provides for sending tracked packages to the United States. It's an affordable option for any regular parcel or lightweight item, typically with delivery standards ranging from 4 to 7 business days.

This service is ideal for sending documents, small merchandise, and items where tracking is essential. It offers an affordable solution for businesses while ensuring the security and visibility of their shipments to international destinations, including the United States.

Xpresspost USA

It is a premium shipping service Canada Post offers for quick and reliable delivery to the United States. With fast delivery of 2 to 3 business days, it's an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments.

This service includes tracking, delivery confirmation, and an on-time delivery guarantee, ensuring timely parcel arrival. It suits businesses looking for expedited shipping with the added convenience of online tracking and label creation.

It offers peace of mind, speed, and visibility for shipments to various destinations in the United States, making it a preferred choice for urgent deliveries.

Small Packet USA Air

It is a cost-effective shipping option Canada Post provides for sending lightweight parcels to the United States. It is designed for items weighing up to 1kg (2.2 lbs) and offers relatively quick delivery times, usually 6 to 10 business days. Small Packet USA - Air is suitable for mailing small goods, documents, or samples.

While it doesn't include tracking or delivery confirmation, it provides an affordable choice for businesses sending non-urgent items across the border, making it an inexpensive solution for international delivery to the United States.

International Parcel Air

International Parcel Air is an excellent choice when you need to send larger parcels to any international destination, including the United States, in a cost-effective manner. It accommodates bulkier items and packages, making it ideal for businesses and individuals.

This service becomes particularly valuable when shipping to countries that do not provide the Xpsresspost International option, ensuring a reliable alternative for your international shipping needs.

International Parcel Surface

Consider International Parcel Surface for the cheapest shipping method to the United States and other international destinations. This is best suited for non-urgent shipments, for which delivery time is not a top priority.

With International Parcel Surface, you can cut shipping expenses while ensuring your packages arrive at their international destinations. Although it could take a little longer than air services for your package, it provides an affordable option for transporting items or boxes abroad.

How much does the post from Canada to the US cost?

The cost of postage from Canada to the US varies based on several factors, including package size, weight, service type, and destination.

For the latest Canada postage rates, you can check the shipping calculator of Canada Post for more accurate estimates.

What are the factors affecting Canadian postage rates to the USA?

Canada Post postage rates to the USA are influenced by various factors, which determine the cost of sending mail or parcels across the border.

Service Type

The postal service will significantly affect the postage rate. For example, faster and more premium services like Xpresspost will be more expensive than standard or lower services like Small Packet USA Air or International Parcel Surface.

Package Weight and Size

The dimensions and weight of your item or envelope are crucial when calculating the postage rate. The cost of shipping larger, heavier things is usually higher. Canada Post might have certain size and weight restrictions for each service option.

Delivery Speed

Faster delivery options tend to cost more than slower ones. If you need your shipment to arrive quickly, you should anticipate paying more for expedited or express services, leaving you with higher postage rates.

Tracking and Insurance

While some couriers offer a complimentary tracking feature, you need to pay for others, which can increase postage rates. You should also expect to pay additional fees to insure your package against loss or damage. Of course, services with tracking and insurance options will cost more than those without.

Delivery Destination

The location in the USA where you send your package can impact postage rates. Due to changes in logistics and distance, postal rates may vary between states or regions. To reduce the postage rates, consider using local distribution hubs.

Customs and Duties

While Canada Post helps with the commercial customs clearance process, applicable taxes and duties may still apply to the goods you send, depending on the item's nature and value. These additional charges are typically the recipient's responsibility but can affect the overall cost of shipping.

Packaging Type

The type of packaging you use can influence postage rates. Some services have specific packaging requirements, and using non-standard and oversized packages may result in higher postal rates. As for Canada Post, use only sturdy exterior packaging made of corrugated fiberboard, wood, metal, or plastic. This outer packing should be big enough to include a plastic pouch for priority mail worldwide shipping labels and postage stamps.

Seasonal Demand

Postage rates may be subject to surcharges or adjustments during busy shipping periods or peak holiday seasons to take into account the increased demand. To limit the postal rate increase, taking advantage of shipping calendars is best to ensure your deliveries arrive on time without spending too much on shipping.

Currency Exchange Rates

The shipping's final cost for shipments to an international destination can be impacted by changes in exchange rates between Canadian and US dollars because the postage rates are often expressed in Canadian dollars.

Since you cannot change anything about the situation, the last thing you can do is keep updated with the current currency exchange rates and be transparent with your customers to avoid confusion and misunderstandings during shipping.

Additional Services

If you need additional services, such as signature confirmation for increased security (recipient signing the package upon receiving), help with customs documentation to understand international regulations, or special handling to ensure delicate or fragile items are well-protected during transit, it's essential to know that these services typically come with associated extra costs.

While these optional services can provide peace of mind and tailored solutions to meet your shipping needs, they can also increase the postal rate. So, you'll need to consider their cost implications as part of your logistics planning.

How to reduce Canada Post Postage Rates?

For many people and businesses looking to efficiently control shipping expenses, lowering the cost of Canada Post's postage meter is definitely a goal. Cost savings in postage can lead to more competitive pricing, better profit margins, and improved overall efficiency in shipping operations.

Choose the right service

Choose a carrier that matches your needs. If your shipment does not require express shipping and is not time-sensitive, consider using slower, less expensive options like ground shipping. You will instantly notice price drops with these minimal changes.

Keep your packages small and light

Since the package's weight and dimensions can also affect postage meters, you can save money by keeping your letter envelopes and packages small and light. Typically, standard-sized mail or smaller and lighter shipments cost less to send. An oversized mail weighing more than the limit can cause an increase in the postage meters. Thus, be mindful of size and weight restrictions for each service.

Consolidate shipments

If you frequently send items to the same international destination, consider consolidating multiple shipments whenever possible to save money. Sending one larger package instead of several smaller ones can be more cost-effective.

Use flat-rate boxes

Canada Post offers flat-rate boxes for certain services. These boxes allow you to ship items at a fixed rate regardless of weight, which can be cost-effective for heavier items and does not affect the postage meters. While you cannot purchase a flat-rate box online, you can buy it from any post office across Canada. There are three sizes you can choose from: small flat-rate boxes (35cmx25cmx5cm), medium flat-rate boxes (39cmx26cmx12cm), and large flat-rate boxes (40cmx30cmx19cm).

Ensure the box is within the maximum weight of 5kg or the allotted maximum size of the boxes. Otherwise, it won't be accepted. Once you're ready to ship your package, you can drop off small flat-rate boxes in a street letter box.

Take advantage of online postage discounts

Canada Post frequently provides attractive discounts and money-saving opportunities when buying personal and business mail online. Using these online services, you can maximize your savings, reduce postage meters, and simplify your shipping process.

Use Canada Post's comprehensive online tools, which you can generate and print postage and shipping labels, figure out the postage meter, and track your packages in real-time, ensuring your customers receive their packages

Consider bulk mailing

If your business routinely sends business mail in a substantial volume, you could potentially unlock significant cost savings through bulk mailing discounts. These programs are tailored to accommodate high-volume mailers, offering reduced postage meters that can substantially lower your overall shipping expenditures.

It is essential to get in touch with Canada Post to learn more about the advantages of bulk mailing and to find out your eligibility. They can guide you through the application process, outline the specific requirements, and provide insights into how this tailored direct mail solution can enhance the cost-efficiency of your mailing operations.

Negotiate rates

If your businesses regularly mail items in a significant volume, you can negotiate customized postage rates with Canada Post. These custom prices can optimize your shipping expenses and enhance the competitiveness of your operations.

Check for promotions and offers

Apart from the cost-saving options online, Canada Post occasionally offers promotions and discounts, especially if you mail items during holidays or peak seasons. Keep an eye out for these promotional opportunities to save on postage expenses.

Avoid surcharge-triggering factors

Check the factors that can lead to a surcharge, such as irregularly shaped packaging, not following the standard size mail requirement, oversized mail, incorrect addressing, and insufficient postage. Ensure your packages comply with Canada Post's guidelines and international customs regulations to avoid additional fees. Check whether it's correct postage, address, location, and more.

Use third-party shipping services

Explore alternative delivery options or third-party shipping services and compare their rates with Canada Post. Some third-party providers offer competitive international postage rates and additional shipping options.

Review and audit your shipping practices

Since international postage rates tend to be more expensive, reviewing your shipping procedures regularly to find places to cut costs can be beneficial. Search for inefficiencies and make necessary adjustments.

Are there alternatives to Canada Post Parcel Services for US shipping?

Yes, you can choose an alternative shipping option for international postage rates when shipping to the United States. This alternative offers different features, pricing structures, and delivery options, catering to numerous needs and preferences.

Key Takeaway

Canada Post is more than just a standard mail courier, offering national delivery to a Canadian destination. They can also provide international postage rates for US-bound shipments at competitive rates. So, if you want to save on Canadian postage cost to USA, consider checking Canada Post and its partner carriers.

Choose Stallion For Guaranteed On-time Deliveries

If you're looking for a cheap alternative to Canada Post when shipping to the United States, Stallion can be your cross-border shipping partner. We provide on-time deliveries for our shipping services, assuring our clients of timely and dependable parcel and package deliveries.

Also, our rates are some of the lowest on the market for the same benefits. Partnered with national carriers, we provide the fastest services and postage at a very affordable cost.