Shipping e-commerce orders from Canada to the US

Customs data is now essential

Every cross-border parcel needs an accurate description, value, HS code and country of origin. Since the US suspended its duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments in 2025, even small parcels are processed with more scrutiny — so complete data on every order avoids delays and returns.

DDP vs DDU

With Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), duties and fees are collected at checkout or paid by you, so the customer receives the parcel without surprise charges. With Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU), the recipient may be billed on delivery. DDP usually means a better customer experience and fewer refused parcels.

CUSMA / USMCA origin

Goods that qualify as originating under CUSMA may receive preferential treatment. Qualification depends on where and how the product was made, not where it ships from — keep supplier documentation on file and check current rules for your products.

Ship like it’s domestic: line-haul + induction

Instead of sending each parcel internationally, a Canadian 3PL can pack US orders with US carrier labels, consolidate them onto a truck that crosses the border daily, and induct them into USPS, UPS, FedEx or UniUni inside the US. Customers get US-domestic tracking and delivery times, and you keep a single inventory pool in Canada.

Picking the right service

Line-haul with US domestic induction is usually the most economical for everyday e-commerce parcels. International express from UPS, FedEx and DHL costs more but suits urgent and high-value shipments. Larger B2B and Amazon FBA shipments move by LTL or FTL.

Rules change — check before you ship

US trade policy has changed frequently. Confirm current duty rates and entry requirements for your products with a licensed customs broker or the US Customs and Border Protection website before setting your pricing.