In 2019, it’s estimated that around $718 billion was traded between Canada and the United States. If you own or run a business and you aren’t shipping your goods from Canada to the US, then you’re missing out on profit. We understand expanding your company is hard and you may not know much about international shipping. That’s why we have put this guide together.
Below you are going to read about everything you need to know, from the cost to insurance to packaging.
Don’t let your uncertainty hold you back from making more money and getting your goods out to new places. Keep reading and by the end of this article, you’ll be confident shipping your products to the United States.
Planning Ahead
Before shipping internationally, it’s important that you do your research. There are a lot of factors to consider and one mistake could cost your business hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
We will talk more about the timeline later, but it’s one of the most crucial factors to take into consideration. Planning for potential delays and issues is a great way to keep your business operation running smoothly.
There’s always a risk of something going wrong when you’re shipping from Canada to the US, but having a backup plan will ensure give you peace of mind.
Working with a reliable shipping company will also make the process easier.
Cost
The cost of shipping a package from Canada to the USA will vary.
Typically, the bigger and heavier the package is, the more expensive it will be.
It’s not surprising that the distance between the origin and destination will change the price. The further it has to go, the more you can expect to pay.
There are additional services that change the cost as well.
If your package has fragile items and needs extra handling, the cost will likely increase. The same thing is true if you need tracking services, insurance, and signature confirmations.
Timeline
Typically, it will take 2 to 7 business days to ship a package from Canada to the US.
The mode of transportation will have an effect on the timeline. Are you paying to have someone drive your package? If so, you’ll need to think about the weather and environmental conditions.
Drivers can only drive for so long before they have to stop to rest. If there’s a bad storm or icy roads, the package could be delayed.
As a business owner, you have several options when it comes to service levels. You do have some control over how quickly your products can get delivered. You’ll have the option to rush a package, but that will affect the price, so keep that in mind.
Documents and Customs
Shipping internationally requires more paperwork than domestic shipments. You’ll need to include a detailed commercial invoice for each one of your packages. This information may include a description of the product, quantity, and value.
It’s also important to know if your products qualify for reduced duties and fees under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). There are a number of benefits if you can use a NAFTA Certificate of Origin.
You likely need to fill out customs forms. The United States Customs Declaration (Form 3299) and the Commercial Invoice (Form CBP-3461) are typically required.
There are a few items that are regulated, restricted, and prohibited.
For example, firearms, controlled substances, and perishable items have specific requirements that other products don’t. You may need to acquire additional permits and licensing.
Tracking and Insurance
You’ll need to determine if having the ability to track your shipment is important to you and your customer. Some shipping methods will allow you to track it and some won’t, so be sure to ask about that before sending your products out.
Insurance is usually recommended when you’re shipping to the US. It will protect you in case your goods get damaged or lost.
Packaging and Labeling
Before sending your package from Canada to the US, be sure to take some time to package your goods correctly. You’ll want to invest in sturdy boxes and depending on what your goods are, you may need additional cushioning and protective wrap. The last thing you want is for your package to fall apart in transit.
You should always ensure that your packages are labeled correctly and clearly. If you’re writing the recipients’ addresses by hand, make sure that they are legible.
If you’re sending out a lot of packages in one day, your handwriting could get sloppy the more you label. This could cause issues during the shipping process.
If you’ve decided that printing the labels for each package is better for you and your company, then you don’t have to worry about this issue.
The tracking number and unique identification code for each package should be clearly visible as well.
Shipping From Canada to the US
Before putting your packages in the mail or shipping them from Canada to the US, it’s important that you talk to a professional.
Working with someone who knows the ins and outs of the process can prove to be invaluable. They will be able to give you up-to-date information on all the regulations and requirements that you were required to meet.
We have worked with thousands of business owners over the last 25 years, and our team of experts is available to help you too. Whether you have questions or if you’re ready to send your goods, send us a message here.