How Do I Ship to Canada?

Canada is already developed but is fast growing. More than 80% of the population has reliable internet access meaning a huge clientele for online businesses. The country is getting richer by day due to its policies that favor the business environment. If you are starting a business or already owning one and thinking of investing in e-commerce, your ultimate goal should be Canada. The potential online customers here are overwhelming and shipping to canada cost is going down.

Shipping to Canada should be highlighted on your e-commerce website because of the high market potential in the country. Your business focus should be dealing with the hurdles involved in penetrating the Canadian market. Of course, there are multiple established firms shipping products to Canada and you need to set yourself apart.

Most of imports in Canada are from the United States. Canada is also running a free economy meaning lots of opportunities to grow your business beyond the US borders. However, you have to familiarize with a new set of rules. It is a different country and you should know how to adjust from the US policies to Canada’s trade policies.

How to ship package, freight, or container to Canada

Ocean freight to Canada is an important part of the country’s trade that is currently undergoing fast growth rates. One of the first considerations when shipping to Canada is choosing between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than a Container Load (LCL). If you intend to ships lots of goods that might occupy more than half the container, you have no option other than to pay FCL. There are advantages to this option; there are less risks of damage because you specify the security handling standards you need for your goods. Also, there is low risk of contamination.

If you intend to ship cargo that won’t occupy much of the container, LCL is the best option, sharing a container is cost effective. There is also security guarantee because you are in a group and everyone is taking extra measures to ensure their cargo is safely delivered. This option is the most effective if your goods are non-perishable and less prone to damage or any form of contamination.

Containers also vary. If you are opting for FCL, you will have to choose between a 20-foot or 40-foot container depending on size of your cargo. The former carries a maximum of 10 American pallets of standard size and the latter carries a maximum of 21 pallets. The standard size for an American pallet is 47.24×39.37 inches.

Cost of shipping to Canada

Canadian import duty tax is different from the US polices. The tax rates operate on basis of a low de minimis system where any item with a value above $20CAD is subject to import duty and tax. Besides the tax, express couriers will charge you handling fees and other extra charges depending on nature of your goods and subjected tax. The charges differ depending on the cargo company.

Shipping cost means a lot to a business. It is important for you to research on alternatives and the kind of services and obviously their price before making a final decision. Shipping costs influence the final price of your product and ultimately net profit, which is the whole essence of doing business.

Here are some factors that affect shipping cost to Canada

Weight and dimensions

When shipping to Canada, you have to be specific with weight of your cargo and most importantly dimensions. Dimension weight matters a lot. Make sure you check the rates based on this before sealing your cargo.

Canada Shipping Address

With more than 80% of Canada’s population accessing the internet, it is easy to tell where the recipient is. Find out if the receiver is on a business or residential address. Courier services are fond of extending a surcharge for residential addresses because it is off business route and they will have to take more time. Be sure of the exact address and the type of premises to avoid unexpected costs.

Shipping from us to Canada Service

Express services are higher than ground services. The price tends to be higher because of time involved in the transit. Make an appropriate choice depending on your relationship goals with the customer. If time is a factor, you may have to go for the express service.

How to Ship to Canada

The traditional way of shipping from the US to Canada is through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The price is at an average of $20 per 3 lbs.

It can be cheaper by up to 30% if you choose to use Parcel Forwarding Service. Companies that offer parcel forwarding services have direct relationships with shipment forwarders and couriers hence brokered deals. It would cost you far much less than if you go directly to the courier company. Linbis Logistics Platform can help you find the cheapest shipping to canada. 

Parcel freight forwarders are thorough in their services. They extend their services to offer free stocking of up to 30 days in a private warehouse, parcel consolidation, and more security features. This could be the best way to ship to canada.

USPS has its benefits. It is affordable and fast but only suitable if you are sending unimportant package.

For a business, parcel forwarding is the best option because of the extra services for package handling and security guarantee as well as cheaper than engaging courier companies.

Regulations When Shipping to Canada

The US laws and policies and shipping are not strict. As long as you are within the business policies with respect to legality of your products and use the right shipping channels, your cargo will get to Canada.

Linbis Logistics Platform connects shippers to shipping companies that provide consolidation services, courier and trucking companies. Send your package thought our platform and find the cheapest way to send package to canada.

Other country Linbis helps shipping to

With Linbis platform you will be able to ship from US to India, receive quotes, find the cheapest way and manage all your shipping order from one place. If you need to ship a container from china to US we can help you find the best companies to help you with all the process.

Linbis Logistics Software is used by logistics provider such as freight forwarders, custom broker, courier companies, trcuking companies, 3PLs, truckers and Shippers that need to send package or freight to any part of the world.