Does USPS Ship to Canada? (How To, Cost, Types of Mail, Track)

If you would like to send mail to Canada, you’ll want to know whether you can use USPS services. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions on whether USPS ships to Canada.

The United States international mailing services make it easy for people to ship products and packages to more than 180 countries. Whether you’re into the e-commerce business or want to send your loved ones a parcel, USPS is one of the best services. Therefore, you may be asking yourself, does USPS ship to Canada? You may also be a Canadian who wants to order a product in the US.

Table Of Contents

Does USPS Ship to Canada?

Yes, USPS usually ships to Canada. USPS offers a wide variety of international shipping services that you can utilize to get your mail to Canada. You’ll have a wide range of shipping options to choose from, with the least expensive option costing around $1.30 and the most expensive going for $67.80. USPS also allows you to effortlessly track your purchase or international shipment.

How Can You Ship to Canada with USPS?

The shipping process to Canada using USPS is simple. You can take the following steps to ship a package to Canada:

Select the right USPS international service

USPS offers a wide range of shipping options depending on your package and budget. These options include:

Global Express Guaranteed: This allows you to send USPS mail to Canada within 1-3 business days. It allows a maximum weight of up to 70 lbs. The postage starting rate is $67.80. GXG also includes USPS shipping.
Priority Mail Express International: Offers a delivery window of 3-5 days with packages up to 70 lbs. Starting rate is $45.95, with USPS tracking also included.
Priority Mail International: With a starting rate of $28.50, this option includes USPS tracking with a delivery time of 6-10 business days. The maximum weight is also 70 lbs.
First-Class Mail International: While delivery times vary, the starting rate is $1.30 for letters and envelopes up to 4 lbs. You may choose to add USPS tracking as an add-on at an extra fee.
First-Class Package International: Allows packages up to 4 lbs at a starting rate of $14.25. Delivery time varies, and USPS tracking may be added on for an additional fee

Online label printing

After selecting the right shipping service, you can also take advantage of USPS online label printing. This allows you to provide all the information that would be collected at the post office, including the weight and destination. You can then print the label and package your items for a USPS representative to pick them up for free.

The shipping service you’ll choose depends on what you’re shipping. Unfortunately, USPS does not allow you to ship packages of more than 70 lbs. to Canada. You’ll be required to fill out a customs form when shipping something that weighs more than 1 lb. You can also utilize the Canada tariff-free services when sending items made entirely in the US.

When sending something not made in the US or with parts not in the US, the Canadian recipient will have to pay a shipment tariff and also goods and services taxes.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Canada with USPS?

When shipping a package to Canada using USPS, the shipping costs depend on a few factors. These factors include the size and weight of the package in addition to the shipping service you choose. You’ll also pay more when you choose any add-ons. Generally, USPS base shipping rates can be divided as follows:

Global Express Guaranteed – $67.80 with USPS Tracking included
Priority Mail Express International – $45.95, including USPS Tracking
Priority Mail International – $28.50 with USPS Tracking included
First-Class Mail International –$1.30. You’ll have to pay more for USPS Tracking
First-Class Package International –$14.25. USPS Tracking may be added on for an additional fee.

While in most cases, the weight and size of the package cant be changed, the packaging could make a huge difference. Therefore, you should avoid using too much unnecessary packaging that could make your package larger and heavier. You’ll probably pay more when your package is heavier.

USPS also charges extra for add-on services like Return receipts, certificates of Mailing, faster delivery, and many more. USPS has an online tool that can help you calculate how much you’ll pay to ship to Canada. All you’ll have to do is enter Canada as your destination, among other information, and USPS will give you a good estimate of the costs.

What Types of Mail Can You Ship to Canada with USPS?

USPS allows you to ship a wide range of items to Canada. As long as the items weigh less than 70 lbs., you’ll have no problem shipping them. These include household goods, electronics, apparel, homemade items, books, and music.

However, USPS will not allow you to ship the following items:

Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
Flammable items
Firearms
Knives and sharp instruments
Furs
Lighters
Controlled substances and drugs
All alcoholic beverages,

Before packaging an item, you should ensure that it’s not an item prohibited by USPS. You can visit this page to see the complete list of items you cannot ship to Canada.

Can You Ship to a PO Box in Canada Using USPS?

USPS allows you to ship packages to Canadian PO Boxes. The process of mailing is the same and does not require any extra steps. However, the delivery process might be slightly different. If the parcel fits into the PO box, Canada Post will put the mail in it. However, if the parcel is too big, they will mail a collection receipt to the recipient’s PO box instead of the package. The recipient must visit the Post Office with the receipt to retrieve the items.

Can You Track USPS from the US to Canada?

Whether you can track your shipment to Canada depends on your chosen USPS international shipping service. Some services include tracking in their shipping fee, while for others, you’ll have to pay for it as an add-on.

When you choose Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, and Priority Mail International, you’ll automatically be allowed to track your package. If you went to the post office, you’d find the tracking number at the bottom of the receipt. Customers who purchase their label online will receive their tracking number in the confirmation email or their e-receipt.

You'll pay an additional fee to track your package when you choose the other USPS international shipping services, including First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International and the Airmail M-Bags.

Conclusion

USPS is the best option when shipping to Canada. Offering a wide range of international services with varying features and costs, you can find an option that suits your needs. You can choose from the Global Express Guarantee, the most expensive option to First Class Mail International, which goes for only$1.30. With USPS online cost calculator, you’ll know the shipping costs beforehand.