Shipping from the USA to Canada is a natural expansion for retailers looking to reach new customers just across the border. But while Canada may feel close in distance, international shipping can bring complexity. Customs paperwork, delivery speed, package size, and pricing all play a role in determining how successful your cross-border expansion will be.
If you want to improve shipping time, avoid unexpected delays, and deliver a smooth customer experience, you need more than a label and a tracking number. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common shipping hurdles that U.S. retailers face when shipping to Canada, and how to navigate them with confidence.
Common Disruptions That Affect Shipping Time
Cross-border shipping isn’t always straightforward. Even small oversights can lead to frustrating delays. Below are some of the most common issues that can affect delivery speed when you ship from the U.S. to Canada, starting with one of the biggest: customs.
Customs and Documentation Errors
Customs clearance is one of the most common causes of shipping delays when sending packages from the U.S. to Canada. Issues typically arise from missing or incomplete customs forms, vague product descriptions, or inaccurate values. Every international shipment must be accompanied by the correct Canadian customs declaration, including detailed information such as the product type, Harmonized System (HS) code, value, and country of origin. Errors or omissions can raise red flags with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and result in packages being held for inspection. For example, listing “electronics” instead of “Bluetooth headphones” may trigger a manual review.
Confusion Around Duties, Taxes, and Fees
Canada imposes a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most imported goods. In provinces that have harmonized their sales tax systems, this GST is combined with the provincial sales tax to form the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which can be as high as 15% in provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
If these charges aren’t clearly communicated or handled in advance, packages may be held until payment or clarification is received, potentially extending delivery times by several days.
For U.S. retailers, choosing between Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) is critical. With DDP, duties are calculated and paid up front, helping to streamline clearance. On the other hand, DDU places the responsibility on the recipient, which can result in delays if they’re unaware or unable to pay quickly.
Additionally, as of March 4, 2025, Canada has imposed a 25% surtax on certain goods imported from the U.S. in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. This surtax is collected by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and applies to specific products listed in the United States Surtax Order.
It’s essential for U.S. retailers to stay informed about these taxes and surtaxes to avoid unexpected costs and delivery delays.
Weather Events and Holiday Closures
Even the most efficient logistics plan can be disrupted by extreme weather and holiday scheduling. Canada experiences severe winter conditions that can impact transportation infrastructure across provinces, particularly during snowstorms or deep freezes. These disruptions may affect airport operations, trucking routes, and last-mile delivery speeds. On top of that, Canadian holidays such as Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Boxing Day can slow down operations at distribution centers and impact customs clearance schedules— especially if your shipment arrives when government offices and processing staff are off-duty.
While customs facilities don’t necessarily shut down entirely, reduced staffing and shorter hours often lead to backlogs. Especially if you’re shipping during peak retail seasons, it’s smart to add buffer time to your delivery estimates and proactively notify customers of any possible slowdowns.
Uncoordinated Final-Mile Delivery and Carrier Handoffs
Once your package crosses the Canadian border, it’s often handed off to a local last-mile carrier such as Canada Post or a regional courier. These handoffs can introduce delays if the transfer isn’t well coordinated or if the domestic carrier has backlogs, particularly in rural areas. Some U.S.-based shipping services lack strong relationships with Canadian delivery networks, which can lead to tracking gaps and delayed updates.
Incorrect Addresses and Labeling
Seemingly small mistakes on shipping labels can cause big delays. An incorrect postal code, a missing unit number, or a misformatted address can confuse carriers and lead to failed deliveries. In Canada, postal codes follow a specific alphanumeric pattern (e.g., M5V 3C6), so it’s important that your checkout form allows customers to input addresses in the correct format. Additionally, oversize packages or labels missing key information may be flagged for manual handling or incur additional fees.
Top Tips for Optimizing Delivery Speed and Cost
Now that we’ve covered common disruptions, let’s talk about solutions. Here are some tips to improve U.S.-to-Canada shipping performance for your eCommerce store:
Calculate Duties and Taxes in Advance
Use a shipping provider that offers DDP services. This allows duties, taxes, and customs fees to be prepaid, streamlining customs clearance and ensuring packages aren’t held up or returned due to unexpected charges.
Offer Multiple Shipping Options
Give customers flexibility by offering both express and economy shipping. Some may want speed, while others may prefer the cheapest way to receive their order. Having both options available improves satisfaction and sets clear delivery expectations.
Factor in Last-Mile Carriers
Work with shipping providers that have strong partnerships with Canadian last-mile carriers. This ensures smooth handoffs, faster local delivery, and fewer delivery issues such as missed addresses or unnecessary returns.
Optimize Packaging and Labeling
Ensure packages are properly sized and labeled before shipping. Include accurate product descriptions, clear customs declarations, and compliant documentation to avoid clearance delays and keep shipments moving efficiently.
Use a Trusted International Shipping Service
A reliable shipping partner should handle customs forms, documentation, tracking, and other key logistical elements for you. Their managing the details that keep your packages on schedule allows you to focus on growing your business.
Additional Strategies to Improve the Shipping Experience
While these next strategies may not directly reduce shipping time, they go a long way to improving your customer experience, preventing misunderstandings, and supporting long-term success.
Be Transparent About Pricing and Delivery Times
Being up front about expected shipping times and potential customs fees builds trust. While it doesn’t speed up delivery, it sets realistic expectations that prevent complaints and reduce the perception of delays.
Track Everything in Real Time
Tracking gives you and your customers the visibility to plan ahead. You’ll be better equipped to respond to delays, answer questions quickly, and improve the overall experience.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even the most optimized systems can encounter unexpected disruptions. Having backup plans, such as alternative delivery methods, and clear refund policies helps you respond quickly and maintain customer satisfaction even when things go off track.
Optimizing Shipping Timelines with ePost Global
If you’re looking for faster, more predictable delivery from the U.S. to Canada, the right logistics partner makes all the difference. At ePost Global, we help eCommerce businesses overcome the everyday hurdles of cross-border shipping and help you hit the shipping timelines your customers are counting on.
Here’s how we do it:
Reliable Shipping Services You Can Count On
You need a provider that doesn’t miss delivery windows. ePost Global offers dependable international shipping services with accurate delivery estimates, predictable transit times, and built-in support for shipping restrictions unique to Canada. We know how to navigate the process from origin to destination, including peak season surges and tricky rural routes. That kind of consistency helps you stay on schedule and reduce customer complaints.
Near-Real-Time Tracking with Actionable Insights
Shipping delays can happen, but you shouldn’t be in the dark when they do. Our tracking tools give shippers complete visibility from warehouse to doorstep. You’ll know when a shipment clears customs, hits a local hub, or is out for delivery. And if there’s a customs request, a weather reroute, or another holdup, you’ll be notified right away. We’ve even helped retailers adjust their shipping midtransit by providing the documentation needed to speed up customs clearance. That kind of agility keeps customers informed and orders moving.
Trusted Last-Mile Partnerships in Canada
The final leg of the journey can make or break the delivery experience. That’s why ePost Global works closely with local last-mile carriers across Canada—not just Canada Post but a network of trusted partners. Because we’ve built those relationships over time, we’re able to avoid common handoff hiccups and improve delivery speed across provinces. It’s one of the ways we outperform providers like USPS when it comes to consistent, timely delivery.
Flexible Services at Competitive Rates
Need the cheapest way to ship a lightweight item? Or rush delivery for a time-sensitive order? We’ve got you covered. ePost Global offers multiple service levels, including economy and express shipping, so you can tailor your shipping method to each order. Whether your customers expect next-day delivery or are happy to wait a few business days to save on cost, we help you match delivery speed with price so that you avoid overpaying for speed you don’t need.
Contingency Planning That Keeps You Covered
Cross-border shipping can be unpredictable. From customs delays to holiday closures, there’s always the risk of a curveball. We build contingency planning into every shipment, helping our clients minimize the hassle when things don’t go as planned. That includes backup carrier options, pre-planned response protocols, and insurance support if a shipment is lost or damaged. We plan for the “what ifs” so you don’t have to.
Decades of Cross-Border Experience
Shipping across borders is about more than moving packages; it’s also about understanding the rules, avoiding fines, and making sure your shipments don’t get stuck in transit. Our team knows the ins and outs of customs documentation, shipping restrictions, duties, and tax requirements for Canada. We help ensure customs forms are accurate, complete, and compliant, so you can focus on running your business.
Don’t Let Delivery Challenges Derail Your Growth
Expanding into Canada can be a smart move for U.S. retailers, but success depends on how well you manage the logistics. From package size to customs declaration details, every step of the shipping process matters.
Partnering with a proven provider like ePost Global ensures that international shipping services are optimized from start to finish. Ready to get started?
