As a Canadian business owner, it is an advantageous move to enter the US market. However, this move can cost your business a hefty amount, especially if you still need to compare prices across multiple carriers and find the cheapest shipping options from Canada to the U.S.
While Stallion Express offers cost-effective options to ship to the US, we will walk you through the rates of all comparable carriers as well as excellent tips to cut shipping costs before giving you the answer. This will allow you to make an informed decision while boosting profitability.
Before getting the cheapest shipping rates, you must understand what affects the shipping costs. The crucial factors to consider are:
Generally, the farther the recipient's location is, the more expensive the shipping cost. The shipping cost increases as the distance between the origin and destination increases. Consider checking rates for different US locations that you are shipping to. This can easily be done with the help of a shipping calculator.
Like the distance, the package dimension and weight also affect shipping costs. As the measurements increase, so does the shipping fee. Make sure to have a correct estimate of the weight of your product so that you can accurately calculate shipping fees beforehand.
Generally, the faster the parcel arrives at its destination, the more expensive it gets. In other words, expedited shipping costs more than the standard shipping option.
Applicable customs taxes and duties also affect the total payable amount on shipping to the United States and anywhere globally. This can greatly affect the bottom line of your business so make sure to account for them. We will touch on duties and taxes in more detail further down in the article.
One thing to remember when cross-border shipping is that not all carriers have the same shipping rates. Each provider has its prices, depending on the services you will get.
Understanding these variables can help you decide how to adjust and reduce your shipping expenses.
Several shipping options are available when you ship from Canada to the US. To avail the cheapest shipping from canada to us, you must choose the most ideal option based on your product and shipping policy:
Some of the common shipping options are:
Also considered standard shipping, it is the cheapest shipping service. While it is the least expensive option, it has the longest delivery time among other choices.
Expedited shipping is the fastest yet the more expensive shipping method among other choices. It is a service that guarantees shipments reach their destination quicker than standard shipping options.
It is a shipping method ensuring that a parcel will arrive the following day within a specific time. However, overnight and expedited shipping can mean the same thing, depending on where you send the shipment. For instance, shipping companies offer overnight delivery as an expedited option if it takes three business days to deliver a package with standard shipping.
It is a quick way to deliver a package to US addresses. Like overnight shipping, priority mail is also interchangeable with expedited shipping, depending on the carrier. One of Stallion's trusted carriers, USPS, uses this term to distinguish their expedited delivery service.
Always acknowledge how urgent you need to send the packages before the shipping method to avoid issues with the recipients and other shipping problems.
One of the ways to obtain low shipping costs is to compare rates provided by the top carriers.
Being committed to providing Canadian businesses with high-quality solutions at an affordable price, we want our clients to have the best shipping deals. Here are the shipping rates when you ship from Canada to the US with major carriers:
| Service | Rate | Speed | Tracked | Insurance | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stallion Economy USA | $10.20 | 3-5 business days | Yes | Optional | Stallion's flagship service - using USPS for final-mile delivery anywhere in the U.S. at incredibly low prices. |
USPS Parcel Select Ground | $13.68 | 2-3 business days | Yes | Optional | A ground delivery service offered at the most affordable rates for large or heavy packages. |
USPS Priority Mail | $13.73 | 2-4 business days | Yes | Optional | Provides the option of sending mail based on weight and dimension or via Flat Rate envelopes or boxes. |
FedEx Ground | $23.95 | 2-4 business days | Yes | Optional | A cheap & fast ground delivery service offered by FedEx. |
USPS Priority Mail Express | $59.98 | 2-3 business days | Yes | Optional | Prompt delivery to most U.S. addresses every day of the year, with a few exceptions. |
By comparing their prices, features, and delivery time, you can recognize which option is the most affordable and still meets your eCommerce shipping needs.
Note: The prices in the table above are discounted rates exclusive to Stallion Express.
Formerly known as Federal Express Corporation, FedEx is an American conglomerate providing shipping and logistics services across the globe. FedEx has a network in the United States, so sending packages would not be complicated. Through the years of service in the shipping industry, FedEx developed an exceptional transportation system with promising technologies, making the shipping method smooth-sailing. It offers numerous shipping services, such as FedEx Express Saver, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Standard Shipping Overnight.
Pros: If you are looking for fast and dependable shipping for bulk or large shipments, FedEx is your go-to shipping service, especially for next-day and express deliveries. They also have precise package tracking, so no more unexpected deliveries!
Cons: FedEx is the more expensive option, has lesser offices, and needs an additional fee for pick-up service.
Similar to FedEx, USPS has a long-standing reputation in the shipping industry. It is an independent agency monitored and directed by the US Federal Government. USPS has a unique advantage over its competitors because it is responsible for providing postal service to all US residents.
Pros: USPS is the cheapest option for small and light packages. They also deliver to mailbox and PO boxes and offer free pick-up services.
Cons: Despite being in the industry for so long, USPS' customer service and support still need to develop. They also have limited tracking, so it will be harder to know the package's delivery date.
If these two shipping options still don't fit your budget or the services you need, we have a third shipping method for you.
Stallion Economy is Stallion Express' in-house brand for first-mile delivery, from the clients dropping off to processing and sorting before handing it to the carrier partner. Then the carrier partner completes the final-mile delivery.
Pros: It provides a more cost-effective shipping solution to the customers because it keeps low shipping costs due to zone skipping. If you want to save more, Stallion Economy is the best option.
Stallion offers real-time tracking services and zone skipping which is a logistics strategy to avoid surcharges added by carriers shipping packages to established zones. The charges may vary depending on the carrier and the shipping service.
Cons: Stallion will not ship any individual package which has a value over USD $800. This is a major factor as it allows us to prevent any duty charges for customers (which can greatly eat into your margins).
Canada Post and Purolator (also owned by Canada Post) need no introduction when it comes to shipping services. They are highly reputable companies with extensive coverage throughout the country. However, they also have some of the most expensive U.S. shipping rates.
Canada Post Small Packet starts from $22.99 per package but does not include tracking or insurance (which bumps up the price to $26.52). Purolator's U.S. shipping service starts from $57.01 and can go upwards of $159 per package!
Pros: Very reputable companies with extensive coverage.
Cons: High pricing makes the service unsustainable for E-commerce businesses shipping from Canada to U.S.
These are a must to help find the cheapest shipping option from Canada to the US:
Most shipping companies provide online shipping calculators to help clients estimate the shipping cost by entering the package dimension and weight of the packages. Remember that online shipping calculators may appear differently on different platforms but work the same.
Listing the potential carriers can help you distinguish which can provide your eCommerce shipping needs. For one, excellent shipping services require flexibility and adaptability to cater to American customers.
Please review the shipping service's delivery time, packaging quality, and professionalism, as these are all factors in establishing and maintaining a positive image with your clients.
Ideally, you would be working with a shipping provider for a decent amount of time, doing your research beforehand can save you lots of hassle.
1. Use efficient packaging - While it is necessary for small businesses that the packaging sticks to your branding, it is also crucial for small businesses to remember that your packaging, including the package dimension, can contribute to shipping costs.
Carefully choosing packaging and suitable materials will greatly help you minimize your costs. Don't forget to price and quality match your material needs to see if you can reduce your expenses without lowering the quality of your packaging. Improvising and utilizing recycled materials is also an excellent idea to keep your budget low for shipping items low.
You might think that customers think low of your business for using used materials, but trust us, customers don't mind the packaging unless it ruins their orders. It is eco-friendly, so it is like hitting two birds with one stone.
2. Create a shipping plan - Creating a shipping plan will provide you with leverage too. Most customers will look at how long a parcel delivery takes, especially from across the border. When your customers feel satisfied with the delivery time, the chances of retention are high. Small businesses should have a shipping partner offering high-quality services and low-cost shipping rates.
3. Print your postage at home - While most sellers know that they can print the shipping label on their own, shipping companies, like the Stallion Express, also allow customers to print their postage in the comforts of their homes! Independently printing your postage can be more convenient and time-efficient, especially if you frequently ship items.
Postage options can also provide you with many perks, including delivery tracking and discount options.
4. Consider dropping off your items - This tip depends on the number of items you ship and your location. So, if your area is near the dropping point and you only have two to three items to ship, you can opt to bring your products to the branch yourself to minimize paying for an additional fee for pick up. However, if you have multiple shipments regularly, you can get free pickup. For example, Stallion Express offers complimentary pickup within the pickup route to its clients, having a large volume of shipments regularly, e.g., 250+ per week.
5. Plan a shipping calendar - Shipping calendars are essential because they can help you opt for standard shipping. Some instances might overwhelm you when you don't have a shipping calendar. You can plot your schedule correctly and avoid going back and forth to the branch location. Furthermore, chances are, you will end up forgetting your shipment.
Additionally, shipping calendars can provide you with a more reasonable rational time. How long does Canada standard shipping take? It depends on the postage option, shipping company, and distance. Hence, it is better to provide these criteria to your customers to ensure that you reach their expected delivery date.
The cheapest way to send a package from Canada to USA is through Stallion Express. We have already helped over 10,000+ Canadian sellers save over $10,000,000 through our discounted shipping rates. Save up to 75% using carriers you trust through Stallion Express.
Here are two low-cost shipping options -
Small Parcel Shipping - It is a shipping option used by sellers sending individual packages weighing less than 70 pounds through regular shipping providers. Since the packages are lightweight and sent through ground shipping, this is frequently the cheapest way to ship, especially for cross-border shipments. It makes the business more competitive and enticing to American customers.
Using LTL Carriers - Also known as less-than-truckload, it is a shipping strategy that allows sellers to combine shipments with other SMEs within the same truck. It is one of the cheapest shipping methods from Canada to US addresses.
Stallion can connect you with trusted carriers and avail of great small parcel and LTL shipping rates.
Shipping from Canada to US is considered as international shipping, even with the trade agreements in place, so before you ship your products, ensure to check the prohibited items, fill out the customs forms, and submit requirements, including (but not limited to) commercial invoice.
With all these processes and shipping documents, it can be pretty overwhelming. Thus, prioritize partnering with a reputable eCommerce shipping provider to assist you in streamlining this process.
Stallion Express has partnered with trusted carriers to meet all E-commerce sellers' shipping needs. You can ship from Canada to the U.S. without worrying about the lengthy process, expensive shipping fees, complex documentation and long delivery times.
We work with the United States Postal Service (USPS), United Parcel Service (UPS), and FedEx (negotiated partner rates) to ensure you can avail the cheapest shipping from Canada to the U.S.
Like other shipping solutions, Stallion offers many shipping options that customers and shippers will benefit from, including standard, ground, priority, and expedited shipping. You can use any based on your requirements.
Also, we can provide direct integrations for most E-Commerce platforms allowing you to further simplify your shipping process by viewing all the required information in an easy-to-use portal.
What makes it even better? You don't have to prepare any shipping documents to the USA or contact the post office to process the cross-border shipping because Stallion will process the customs clearance for you.
You only need to wait a few days and let our trusted carriers handle the task. It will only take two to four business days to arrive at the destination.
On the other hand, you can find out the parcel status and estimated delivery time by using the tracking number indicated on the shipment.
Apart from the US shipping service, Stallion offers Amazon FBA, domestic shipping, and international shipping services (worldwide).
Our partner carriers for domestic shipping are Canada Post and UPS, while APC Postal Logistics and PostNL are our partners for international shipping. We have negotiated rates with our partners allowing us to give you the best rates. With these trusted carriers, you can ship anywhere in Canada and worldwide, worry-free!
Do you have any questions? Don't hesitate to call our hotline at +1 877-863-7447 and talk to our customer representatives. You may also email us or use the live chat feature and we'll contact you immediately.
Do you want to get the latest service updates or read eCommerce shipping topics? Feel free to sign-up for our newsletter.
Shipping from Canada to the U.S. is expensive, especially if you ship directly with the major carriers. It is advisable to work with a shipping service provider which has tie-ups with the main carriers. This allows you to enjoy better customer service as well as much lower prices!
Stallion Express is a fantastic alternative for businesses trying to ship from Canada to the U.S. at the lowest prices. We also provide all the eCommerce shipping features that you need, including tracking, excellent shipping rates, and customizable add-ons like shipping protection. Register here for free, so you can make an informed decision today!
Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.
Read all posts written by Aman Chopra
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