How Do I Mail a Package to Canada?

A lot of mail flows back and forth between the United States and Canada since it is our nearest neighbor to the north. There are several ways to send a package to Canada, including through private carriers such as United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx, but the easiest way is through the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Steps

1. Use the URL in the Reference section at the end of this article, or go to the USPS website. Under Products & Services, select Mailing & Shipping and click International Delivery Services. Select Resource Center and, when the new page appears, click International Price Calculator. The Postage Price Calculator will appear on the following page. Under Select Destination, scroll through the countries, which are in alphabetical order, and select Canada.

2. Select the size and shape that best matches your package. Your choices are postcard, letter, large envelope and package.

3. Enter the weight of the package in pounds and ounces. Select Continue and a new screen will appear which will allow you to calculate the postage price of your international mailing.

4. The postage price calculator will prompt you to choose the method of shipping and will give an estimate of the number of days it will take to arrive in Canada from the United States. Choices are Global Express Guaranteed (1-3 days), Express Mail International (5 days), Priority Mail International Large Flat-Rate Box (6-10 days), Priority Mail International Medium Flat-Rate Box (6-10 days), Priority Mail International Small Flat-Rate Box (6-10 days) and First Class Mail International (price varies).

5. Pay online to complete your mailing to Canada, or select Extra Services to add Certificate of Mailing or Registered Mail. A first class package weighing less than thirteen ounces will cost $5 to $8, depending on what area of the United States it is being shipped from.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay for your postage online, and you will save a dollar or two off the price of what you would pay at the post office. Print your receipt, and take your package with receipt to the post office. It will arrive at Canada Post where Canadian postal employees will process and deliver the package to its intended recipient.
• For security reasons, if your package is over 13 ounces it will have to go priority mail instead of first class.

References

• United States Postal Service
• Canada Post

Resources

• FedEx
• United Parcel Service