To ship a package from Canada to the US, you need three things: a carrier service that fits your budget and timeline, correct customs documentation (usually a commercial invoice), and accurate package details. Comparing rates across carriers before you book is the single most effective way to keep cross-border shipping affordable.
This guide walks through each part: customs and duties, the commercial invoice, low-value shipments, restricted items, choosing a carrier, and a step-by-step walkthrough of booking a Canada-to-US shipment on Goorooship.ca.
Customs and duties: what to know before you ship
Every commercial shipment crossing the border into the United States goes through US customs clearance. What that means for you:
- Your goods need a customs declaration. For most parcels this is the commercial invoice — a document describing what you're shipping, its value, and where it was made.
- Duties and taxes may apply depending on the goods, their declared value, and their country of origin. The amount is determined by US customs rules for your specific product — not by the carrier or by Goorooship. If your goods qualify as originating under CUSMA (the Canada–United States–Mexico trade agreement), they may be eligible for preferential duty treatment; a CUSMA Certificate of Origin supports that claim. You can now upload your CUSMA certificate directly to UPS through Goorooship.
- Incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of border delays. Accurate descriptions, values, and quantities keep your shipment moving.
If your shipments are frequent, high-value, or complicated, our Customs Brokerage service can help you prepare documentation and clear customs smoothly.
The commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is the core customs document for cross-border shipments. It should accurately state:
- Who is shipping (shipper) and who is receiving (consignee)
- A clear description of each item — what it is, what it's made of, what it's used for
- Quantity, unit value, and total value (with currency)
- Country of origin of the goods
On Goorooship.ca you can complete the commercial invoice electronically during booking ("paperless customs form"), so the data transmits to the carrier and customs ahead of your package. For a detailed walkthrough, see how to prepare a commercial invoice for international shipping.
Shipping only paperwork? Documents with no commercial value are treated differently — see what is a document shipment.
Low-value shipments: the rules have changed
For years, low-value parcels entering the US could clear informally under the "de minimis" (Section 321) exemption. US customs policy in this area has changed significantly — the exemption has been suspended, and shipments that used to clear without formal entry now require full customs clearance. See our updates:
- US shipping update: Section 321 / de minimis exemption suspended
- US customs tightens enforcement on the $800 de minimis rule
Because these rules continue to evolve, don't rely on older advice about duty-free thresholds. Prepare complete customs documentation for every shipment, and contact us if you're unsure what your shipment needs.
Prohibited and restricted items
Carriers and US customs each restrict what can cross the border. Common categories include dangerous goods, aerosols and flammables, perishables, currency, and certain food, plant and animal products — and each carrier has its own list:
When in doubt, check the carrier's restrictions before booking. Shipping a restricted item can mean seizure, return charges, or fines.
Comparing carriers for Canada-to-US shipping
Different carriers are strong at different things. Rather than defaulting to one carrier, compare real quotes for your specific package — rates and transit estimates are shown side by side when you get a quote on Goorooship.ca.
| Carrier | Typically strong for |
|---|---|
| UPS | Broad US coverage, both express and ground cross-border services |
| FedEx | Time-sensitive express shipments |
| DHL | International express |
| Purolator | Canadian pickup network with US delivery through partners |
| Canada Post / USPS | Small, lightweight packages to US addresses including PO boxes |
The "cheapest" option depends on your package's size, weight, destination and urgency — which is exactly why comparing quotes matters. Discounted rates on Goorooship reflect the carriers' negotiated pricing for the platform; the actual price for your shipment is always shown before you book.
Transit times
Cross-border transit time depends on the service level you choose (express vs. ground), the destination, and customs clearance:
- Express services prioritise speed and typically deliver in a few business days.
- Ground/economy services cost less and take longer, especially to distant US states.
- Customs holds add time when documentation is incomplete — the best prevention is an accurate commercial invoice.
Exact delivery estimates for your shipment appear alongside each rate when you compare quotes.
Ways to reduce cost without creating delivery problems
The lowest displayed base rate is only useful if the package is prepared correctly and the service fits the shipment. Before booking:
- Use a right-sized box. Oversized packaging can increase dimensional weight even when the parcel is light. Measure the packed box rather than the product by itself.
- Compare ground and express. Ground service can cost less when the delivery date is flexible; express may be worth the premium for a firm deadline.
- Consolidate compatible orders. If several items are going to the same recipient, compare one well-packed shipment with several separate parcels. Do not consolidate when it makes the box oversize, harder to protect, or unsuitable for parcel service.
- Review the complete quote. Check the carrier, service, estimated transit and any pickup or special-service requirements before choosing.
For packaging details, see how to prepare shipping parcels and how to measure the package size.
Tracking and shipment protection
Use a tracked service for cross-border parcels so you can follow the shipment through pickup, customs processing and delivery. If the goods are valuable, review the carrier's declared-value or shipment-protection options, limits, exclusions and claim requirements before booking. Coverage is not the same as preventing loss or damage: secure packaging, accurate documents and retaining proof of value are still important.
How to book a Canada-to-US shipment on Goorooship.ca (step by step)
- Register for an account: registration is free, and you don't need a credit card to sign up and get quotes.
- Log in and click "Ship", then select whether you're shipping a package, document, or pallet (LTL).
- Enter shipping details: the origin address in Canada and destination address in the USA (state and 5-digit ZIP code required).
- Package information: enter dimensions and weight for each package, then click "Get Rates".
- Compare rates: quotes from multiple carriers appear on one page with service options and estimated transit — choose the one that fits.
- Commercial invoice: complete the paperless customs form.
- Payment and labels: pay the freight charge and download your shipping labels. Not sure what everything on the label means? See how to read a UPS shipping label.
- Pickup: schedule a carrier pickup or drop off at the carrier's depot.
- Track: track and trace your package until it's delivered.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a commercial invoice? For goods (anything with commercial value), yes. Document-only shipments are the exception — see what is a document shipment.
Who pays duties and taxes — me or my customer? That depends on the billing terms you choose when booking. Shipments can be sent with the receiver responsible for duties/taxes, or the shipper can take them on. Decide before you ship so your US customer isn't surprised.
What's the cheapest way to ship from Canada to the US? There is no single cheapest carrier — it changes with package size, weight, destination and urgency. Comparing live quotes for each shipment is the reliable way to find the lowest rate.
Why was my package held at the border? Most commonly: missing or inconsistent commercial-invoice information, or a restricted item. Double-check descriptions and values, and review the prohibited items lists above.
Can Goorooship help with customs clearance? Yes — see our Customs Brokerage service for help preparing documentation and clearing your shipments.
Ready to ship? Compare Canada-to-US rates now or learn more about customs brokerage for cross-border support.