Does USPS Ship to Canada in 2024?
In our increasingly global economy, it‘s easier than ever to ship items between the US and Canada. As a logistics professional with over 10 years of experience in ecommerce shipping, I am often asked: does USPS ship to Canada?
The short answer is yes. USPS offers reliable delivery to Canada with tracking and competitive rates. In 2022, USPS handled over 31 million packages shipped between the US and Canada (source: USPS).
But shipping internationally still leaves many with questions about the best carrier and service options, required customs forms, duties and taxes, and shipment restrictions. This article will break it down.
Overview of USPS International Shipping Options for Canada
USPS provides several international shipping options to meet different delivery speed and budget needs:
| Service | Transit Time | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Global Express Guaranteed | 1-3 business days |
|
| Priority Mail Express Int‘l | 3-5 business days |
|
| Priority Mail Int‘l | 6-10 business days |
|
| First Class Package Int‘l | Varies |
|
| First Class Mail Int‘l | Varies |
|
Average delivery times are estimates only and can vary depending on destination, holidays, events, etc.
Cost to Ship with USPS to Canada
While each USPS international option has a base rate, actual shipping rates also depend on:
- Size and weight of package
- Pickup vs drop-off
- Destination zone
- Any extra services added
Here‘s a cost comparison for sending a 5 lb package from the US to Canada:
| Service | Zone 1 Rate | Zone 7 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Int‘l | $44.50 | $63.10 |
| First Class Package Int‘l | $41.30 | $46.05 |
Zones are based on destination distance. See the full USPS zone chart here.
Extra services like insurance and signature confirmation can add more fees. Use the USPS calculate price tool to estimate pricing for your specific mailpiece.
How to Ship to Canada with USPS
Follow these best practices when shipping to Canada with USPS:
Proper addressing with full delivery address, city, province, and postal code is required. Write clearly and include a phone number.
Customs forms like Form 2976 are required for all international packages, except documents. Failure to include forms can delay delivery.
Duties and taxes may apply for items made outside the US. The Canadian recipient is responsible for payment.
Shipment restrictions prohibit sending certain goods like alcohol, tobacco, weapons, etc. Review USPS guidelines.
Pickup or drop off at USPS location. Tracking is provided automatically or can be added to most services.
Conclusion
USPS has heavily invested in its Canada service offerings, providing reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions whether you need 1 day or 10 days delivery. Following proper international shipping protocols will ensure smooth transit of your goods. With the right USPS service selected, you can easily send almost anything to Canadian recipients.
