In today’s global marketplace, e-commerce businesses are constantly looking for ways to expand their reach and tap into new markets. One of the most accessible and profitable markets for businesses based in the United States is to ship from USA to Canada, due to its close proximity and strong trade ties with the US. However, expanding into Canada can present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to international shipping. For businesses to succeed in the Canadian market, they must be able to navigate these challenges and optimize their shipping timelines to ensure that products arrive at their destination in a timely and efficient manner.
In this blog, we will explore some of the key considerations that e-commerce businesses should keep in mind when you ship from USA to Canada, and provide tips and strategies for optimizing shipping timelines and delivering a seamless customer experience.
Common timeline concerns shipping from USA to Canada
To optimize your delivery times, it’s crucial to be aware of the common hurdles you may face on a regular basis. This is the key to developing strategies to deal with these issues so your e-commerce business can efficiently deliver goods to your Canadian customers.
Duty fees
One of the additional fees associated with shipping to Canada is
duty fees. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), “Any item mailed to Canada may be subject to the
Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or duty. Unless specifically exempted, you must pay the 5% GST on items you import into Canada by mail.”
Duty fees can be a hassle for e-commerce businesses when you ship from the USA to Canada because they can significantly increase the overall cost of shipping and impact the profitability of a business. Duty fees are assessed by the Canadian government on imported goods and are based on the value of the product, the country of origin, and the product’s intended use.
These fees can impact shipping timelines when e-commerce businesses ship from the US to Canada because they can cause delays in the customs clearance process. The assessment and payment of duty fees can be a complex and time-consuming process, and packages may be delayed delivery until the fees are paid. Sometimes there is confusion on whether these fees are prepaid or not prepaid, causing delays that impact the delivery timeline and lead to frustrated customers.
Customs clearance delays
Customs clearance is an essential part of international shipping, and it can sometimes cause delays that add days or even weeks to the delivery timeline. Depending on the volume of packages being processed, the customs clearance process can take longer, especially during peak seasons like holidays or high-demand periods. Customs officials are responsible for inspecting every package that comes through the border to ensure they meet all the necessary regulations, including verifying the full list of items and the declared value, the product’s country of origin, and whether there are any restricted or prohibited items. In some cases, customs may request additional documentation or clarification from the shipper, which can cause further delays.
Weather-related delays
Weather-related delays can have a significant impact on shipping timelines when shipping from the US to Canada. The types of weather that can cause disruptions include snow, ice, heavy rain, fog, and high winds. These weather conditions can affect transportation systems, including highways, railways, and airports, which can lead to shipping delays.
Winter weather conditions, in particular, can cause significant disruptions to shipping timelines. Snow and ice can make roads and runways impassable, and heavy snowfall can lead to delayed or canceled flights. In addition, extreme cold can cause equipment malfunctions and power outages, which can further impact transportation networks and delay shipping.
Weather-related delays can have a domino effect on shipping timelines, especially when shipping carriers have to reroute packages to avoid affected areas. For example, if a package is originally scheduled to be delivered through a route that is affected by weather, they may have to create a new transportation plan. This can add additional transit time and delay delivery. Customs clearance procedures may also be affected, causing further delays.
Holidays and weekends
Some shipping carriers and customs may not operate on weekends or holidays. It’s essential to factor in non-business days when estimating delivery timelines and communicating them to your Canada customers. To ensure timely deliveries, consider using a shipping service that operates during weekends and holidays, or communicate the expected delivery date accordingly.
Optimizing shipping timelines with ePost Global
Working with an experienced shipping solution company helps your business regularly follow through on your promised shipping timeline. Here are a few ways working with ePost Global optimizes shipping timelines.
The expertise of a reliable shipping service
To ensure timely deliveries to your Canadian customers, it’s crucial to partner with a reliable shipping service. ePost Global is a proven shipping partner with a track record of delivering packages quickly and efficiently to Canada. Working with a shipping carrier that can provide accurate delivery estimates and proactively communicate any delays or issues can help minimize the impact of customs clearance, transit times, and other factors that may impact shipping timelines.
Tracking services
One of the key benefits of partnering with a shipping service like ePost Global when you ship from USA to Canada is the ability to track packages in real-time. Accurate tracking capabilities allow businesses to get regular updates on the shipping timeline of their products, including when packages are shipped, when they clear customs, and when they are out for delivery.
In addition to providing visibility into the shipping process, tracking services can also be invaluable when unexpected delays occur. For example, if a package is delayed due to weather-related disruptions or customs clearance delays, tracking services can provide businesses with up-to-date information on the status of their shipment. This can help businesses adjust their plans, update customers on any expected delays, and plan accordingly to ensure that their products arrive as quickly and efficiently as possible.
In some cases, tracking services may also provide businesses with the option to make changes to their shipment while it is in transit. For example, if a package is delayed due to customs clearance issues, businesses may be able to work with their shipping carrier to expedite the clearance process or provide additional documentation to help clear the package more quickly. By being able to make these changes in real-time, businesses can help to minimize delays and ensure that their products arrive on schedule.
Tracking services are an essential tool for businesses shipping from the US to Canada, as they provide visibility into the shipping process and help businesses make informed decisions in the event of unexpected delays. By partnering with a reliable shipping carrier that offers accurate tracking capabilities, businesses can optimize their shipping timelines and provide their customers with the best possible experience.
Last mile carriers
Last-mile carriers are shipping companies that specialize in delivering packages to their final destination, usually to a residential or commercial address. These carriers are responsible for the final leg of the shipping process, delivering packages from local distribution centers or consolidation hubs directly to the customer.
These carriers are an important consideration for e-commerce businesses that ship from USA to Canada because they can have a significant impact on shipping timelines and overall customer experience.
To optimize shipping timelines and ensure a seamless customer experience, e-commerce businesses should partner with a shipping service like ePost Global that has established relationships with last-mile carriers. These carriers are organic to the country and we have a history of working with them, making this an advantage over USPS shipping to Canada.
Plan for potential delays
While some delays are inevitable in international shipments, it’s important to have a plan and support systems in place when they happen. For instance, consider having contingency plans for customs clearance delays, such as offering your Canada customers alternative delivery options or compensation. Similarly, consider investing in a shipping service that provides insurance or compensation for lost or damaged packages.
Dynamic shipping options
Depending on your shipping needs, ePost Global offers various shipping options to choose from. For instance, you can choose between express or economy shipping based on the urgency of your shipments. Additionally, you can choose between various delivery options, including door-to-door, pickup, or drop-off, depending on the preferences of your customers.
Competitive shipping costs
Shipping costs are an essential factor to consider when optimizing shipping timelines. ePost Global offers competitive shipping rates, with no hidden fees or surcharges. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounts for bulk shipments or long-term partnerships with ePost Global.
Cross-border expertise
Cross-border expertise is essential when you ship from USA to Canada. Shipping packages across international borders involves navigating a complex set of regulations, including customs clearance procedures, import/export laws, and tax and duty requirements. Any mistakes or oversights in these areas can lead to delays, fines, and even the rejection of the shipment.
To optimize shipping timelines and avoid these issues, businesses need to work with a shipping carrier that has deep expertise in cross-border shipping. A carrier like ePost Global has extensive experience with international shipments and a team of experts who understand the complexities of shipping from the US to Canada. This expertise allows them to provide guidance on customs clearance procedures, ensure all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time, and help businesses avoid costly mistakes.
International shipping with ePost Global
Optimizing shipping timelines when shipping from the US to Canada requires careful planning, reliable shipping solutions, and cross-border expertise. By partnering with a proven shipping carrier like ePost Global, eCommerce businesses can minimize the impact of customs clearance delays, longer transit times, weather-related disruptions, and other factors that may impact shipping timelines.
With accurate tracking capabilities, flexible shipping options, competitive shipping costs, and contingency plans in place, businesses can ensure timely deliveries to their customers and maintain customer satisfaction. By investing in a reliable shipping service and planning for potential delays, businesses can successfully break into the Canadian market and expand their global reach.
Book a call with a shipping specialist to get started. 
