Does USPS Ship To Canada? [How To, Cost, Mail Types, PO Boxes + More]

Sending physical mail internationally is still a necessary task in this day and age of technological advancements, and sometimes we need to send mail to our neighbors in Canada. Many people living in the United States wonder if USPS ships to Canada. I did some research to find out!

Does USPS Ship To Canada In 2023?

If you want to send mail to Canada from the United States, USPS has got you covered with a range of international shipping services. The cost of shipping varies depending on the service you choose, starting from as low as $1.30 and going up to $67.80 or more for the pricier options. Tracking is available for all international shipments and can be included with your purchase or added as an additional service.

USPS
USPS, Image Credit: USPS

If you’re curious about how to ship to Canada with USPS, the cost of shipping, what types of items can be shipped, and how to track your shipment, then keep reading for more information!

How Do You Ship To Canada With USPS?

When it comes to shipping to Canada with USPS, it might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry, it’s not that difficult once you understand the process.

Choosing The Right USPS International Service For You

The first step is to choose the appropriate USPS international service that fits your requirements. There are several options, depending on the weight, delivery time, and price range.

Global Express Guaranteed is the most expensive option, starting at $67.80, with delivery time of 1-3 business days, and can handle up to 70 lbs. It includes USPS tracking.

Priority Mail Express International costs at least $45.95 and has a delivery time of 3-5 days. It can also handle up to 70 lbs, and USPS tracking is included.

Priority Mail International is a more affordable option, starting at $28.50, with a delivery time of 6-10 business days. It can handle up to 70 lbs, and USPS tracking is included.

For smaller items, First-Class Mail International is a great option, starting at $1.30, with variable delivery time. It can accommodate letters and envelopes up to 4 lbs, and USPS tracking can be added on for an additional fee.

Finally, First-Class Package International is another option for small packages, starting at $14.25, with variable delivery time. It can handle packages up to 4 lbs, and USPS tracking can be added on for an additional fee.

If you’re unsure which option to choose, it’s best to go to the post office and ask the postal worker for advice. They can assist you in selecting the best service for your needs and budget, and answer any questions you might have.

Online Label Printing

Once you get used to shipping with USPS, you might find it convenient to try online label printing. This service allows you to enter all the necessary information about your package (such as weight, destination, etc.) from the comfort of your home.

USPS
USPS, Image Credit: USPS

After you’ve filled out the information, you can print the shipping label yourself. You can even arrange for USPS to come pick up your package at your door for free! This ensures that your parcel is on its way without having to make an extra trip to the post office.

Important USPS-to-Canada Shipping Details

When it comes to shipping to Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind. If what you’re shipping weighs over 1 lb., you’ll need to fill out a customs form. You can find an example of what that looks like on the USPS website.

It’s worth noting that if what you’re shipping was entirely made in the US, you won’t need to pay a tariff to ship it to Canada. But if it wasn’t made entirely in the US or includes parts from other countries, your Canadian recipient might need to pay a tariff on the shipment.

Also, be aware that your Canadian recipient may need to pay goods and services taxes on the shipment. You can find out more about that by visiting the Canada Border Services Agency website.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship To Canada With USPS?

Shipping something to Canada from the US with USPS is affordable and depends on various factors like the size, weight of the shipment, and the service you choose. You can add tracking to all international shipments.

Here are the base prices for USPS shipping to Canada:

– Global Express Guaranteed – starts at $67.80 with USPS Tracking included
– Priority Mail Express International – starts at $45.95 with USPS Tracking included
– Priority Mail International – starts at $28.50 with USPS Tracking included
– First-Class Mail International – starts at $1.30 and USPS Tracking can be added for an additional fee
– First-Class Package International – starts at $14.25 and USPS Tracking can be added for an additional fee

Keep in mind that these are just the base prices, and the actual cost will vary depending on the service you choose and the add-ons you select.

If you’re planning on shipping an item to Canada from the U.S. using USPS, you’ll need to factor in the size and weight of your package, as well as the speed of delivery you desire, as these factors will influence the cost of shipping.

USPS offers a range of international shipping services, such as Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Mail International, and First-Class Package International, with prices ranging from $1.30 for the cheapest option to $67.80 and above for the fastest or heaviest shipments.

If you need additional services like Certificate of Mailing, Return Receipt, or Registered Mail, you can add them on for an additional fee. USPS provides a helpful chart on their website that lists the international shipping add-on prices.

If you’re unsure about how much it will cost to ship your package, USPS provides a useful tool on their website that calculates the price of shipping to Canada. Simply input Canada as the destination country, along with the relevant information like zip code and date of mailing, choose the type of mailpiece you’re sending, and USPS will provide you with a good estimate of the shipping cost.

What Types Of Mail Can You Ship To Canada With USPS?

As long as the items you want to ship don’t weigh more than 70 lbs. and are not on the list of prohibited items, you can send them through USPS to Canada.

The list of prohibited items includes things like flammable items, furs, lighters, alcoholic beverages, margarine, pens valued at over $5, gold coins, tobacco, firearms, and certain vaping liquids.

However, most items such as clothes, electronics, homemade goods, household items, and media like books and music are allowed to be shipped to Canada from the U.S.

If you want to learn more about the complete list of items prohibited by the Canadian government, check out this page.

Can You Ship To A P.O. Box In Canada With USPS?

You can send packages to a Canadian P.O. box using USPS, but it may be a bit confusing for both you and the recipient. For example, an Etsy seller accidentally mailed a package to a Canadian P.O. box and saw the tracking information show “Delivery attempted, holding, will contact customer.”

However, a commenter on the same thread noted that Canadian post offices typically place a notice in the recipient’s box, notifying them of the package’s arrival and where to retrieve it. This is especially true for packages that are too large to fit in the P.O. box.

If your package fits in the P.O. box, then there should be no problem delivering it there.

Can You Track USPS From US To Canada?

When shipping internationally with USPS, it’s important to keep track of your package’s whereabouts. Luckily, some USPS international services already come with tracking included in the shipping fee. These include Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, and Priority Mail International. You can find your tracking number at the bottom of your receipt or in your confirmation email if you purchased your label online.

USPS
USPS, Image Credit: USPS

However, if you’re using USPS’s other international shipping services like First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International, or the Airmail M-Bags, tracking will come at an additional fee on top of the shipping price.

If you want to learn more about USPS’s tracking updates, Sunday delivery, or text messaging services, be sure to check out our related posts.

Also Read: Does USPS Send Text Messages?

Conclusion

Good news! If you’re looking to send a package or mail to Canada, USPS has got you covered. You have a range of options to choose from, depending on how quickly you need it to arrive and how much you’re willing to spend. You can go for their premium and super-fast Global Express Guarantee service, or opt for something more affordable like their First Class International rates.

So whether you’re sending a care package to a loved one in Canada, or shipping out an international order for your business, USPS can help you get it there safely and reliably.