Shipping freight from the USA to Canada offers unique options, including air, ocean, and ground freight due to their shared border and established trade routes. With high trade volume between these neighboring countries, efficient logistics, customs protocols, and shipping options make Canada one of the most accessible international destinations for U.S. businesses. This guide from RAM International Shipping covers all the essential aspects of shipping to Canada, including different transport options, costs, transit times, and customs procedures.
Shipping Options from the USA to Canada
Three main options are available when shipping to Canada: Ground Freight, Air Freight, and Ocean Freight. Each method offers specific advantages depending on shipment size, urgency, and budget.
Ground Freight
Ground freight is the most popular and economical choice for shipping to Canada, particularly for larger shipments or those that are not time-sensitive. Trucking services provide flexible options, with direct routes and border crossings available at key points along the U.S.-Canada border, allowing fast, efficient delivery.
RAM International Shipping offers Full Truckload (FTL) and Less than Truckload (LTL) services:
- Full Truckload (FTL): Suitable for large shipments that can fill an entire truck, providing dedicated, secure transportation.
- Less than Truckload (LTL): Ideal for smaller shipments, allowing you to share truck space and reduce costs.
Ground freight provides quick transit and cost efficiency, especially for shipments to major Canadian cities. RAM International Shipping ensures seamless ground freight services with direct routes for reliable delivery.
Air Freight
Air freight offers the fastest delivery option from the USA to Canada, ideal for time-sensitive or high-value goods. With frequent flights between the two countries, air freight provides fast delivery and flexible scheduling. However, it is generally more expensive than ground or ocean freight, making it best suited for smaller or urgent shipments.
Canada’s major air freight hubs include Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. RAM International Shipping provides air freight services with customizable options to meet specific timeline and cargo needs.
Ocean Freight
For very large or bulk shipments that are less time-sensitive, Ocean Freight provides a cost-effective solution, though it’s less commonly used for U.S.-Canada trade. Ocean freight may be useful for shipments going from the East Coast to Western Canada or for specific goods that require long-distance maritime shipping.
Canada’s main ocean ports include Port of Vancouver on the West Coast and Port of Halifax on the East Coast. RAM International Shipping offers ocean freight services tailored to larger shipments that require reliable long-distance transport.
How Much Does Shipping from the USA to Canada Cost?
Shipping costs vary depending on the transport method, cargo weight and volume, and final destination within Canada. Ground freight is typically the most economical choice, while air freight is faster but incurs higher costs. Ocean freight, though less common for U.S.-Canada trade, offers a budget-friendly solution for large or bulk shipments.
Costs may also include Canadian import duties and taxes, depending on the type of goods. To get an accurate cost estimate based on your shipment, use our freight rate calculator or request a shipping quote.
How Long Does Shipping Take from the USA to Canada?
The transit time to Canada varies depending on the chosen shipping method and destination:
- Ground Freight: Typically takes 1-7 days, depending on distance and the specific route.
- Air Freight: Usually takes 1-3 days, providing the fastest delivery option.
- Ocean Freight: Generally takes 10-25 days for coastal deliveries, such as shipping from the East Coast USA to Vancouver.
For a more precise estimate based on your shipment, contact our team.
Customs Clearance in the USA and Canada
Since Canada and the USA share one of the world’s most efficient customs processes, shipping between these countries is streamlined but still requires careful preparation of documentation. RAM International Shipping provides customs clearance services to ensure smooth compliance with U.S. and Canadian regulations.
In the USA, required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary export licenses. For customs clearance in Canada, the following documents are typically required:
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Proof of shipment and a contract between the shipper and carrier.
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List: Detailed information on the goods, including value, quantity, and description.
- Certificate of Origin: Verifies the goods’ origin, which can qualify certain items for reduced or zero tariffs under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
- Import Duty and Tax Payment: Import duties vary by product type and value. Canada applies the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on most imports, along with provincial sales taxes in some regions.
RAM International Shipping ensures that all documentation is accurate and complete, helping to expedite customs clearance and reduce the risk of delays or additional fees.
Prohibited and Restricted Items for Import into Canada
Canada has specific regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items, including health, safety, and environmental restrictions. Prohibited items include counterfeit goods, narcotics, certain hazardous materials, and items that could endanger public health or safety. Restricted items, such as certain food items, pharmaceuticals, and firearms, may require special permits or licenses.
For detailed information on prohibited and restricted items, consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website to ensure compliance and avoid potential complications.
Major Ports and Entry Points in Canada
Canada has several primary ports and entry points that serve as key hubs for goods arriving from the USA:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport – Canada’s largest air freight hub, handling significant cargo traffic from the USA, especially for Ontario and surrounding regions.
- Port of Vancouver – Located on the West Coast, Vancouver is Canada’s busiest port, handling containerized cargo, bulk goods, and various imports from the USA and Asia.
- Port of Halifax – Positioned on the East Coast, Halifax serves as an entry point for goods destined for Eastern Canada and provides connections to Atlantic provinces.
Choosing the appropriate entry point based on your shipment’s final destination within Canada can help optimize transit times and logistics costs.
Common Shipping Routes from the USA to Canada
Several established shipping routes connect the USA to Canada, each with unique benefits based on origin and destination points:
- East Coast USA to Toronto or Montreal: Routes from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia to Toronto and Montreal are popular for containerized goods and general cargo, providing quick transit times.
- Gulf Coast USA to Vancouver or Toronto: Suitable for shipments originating from Houston or New Orleans, especially for bulk goods and general cargo bound for Canada’s western or central regions.
- West Coast USA to Vancouver: Routes from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Seattle to Vancouver offer efficient shipping options for goods moving between the West Coast and Western Canada.
Each route has specific transit times and cost considerations. RAM International Shipping can assist in selecting the most efficient route for your shipping needs.
Why Choose RAM International Shipping?
RAM International Shipping offers specialized freight forwarding services designed to make shipping from the USA to Canada efficient and straightforward. Here’s why businesses trust RAM for their cross-border shipping needs:
- Customized Solutions: Our flexible air, ground, and ocean freight options allow us to provide services tailored to your specific requirements, whether you need speed or cost-efficiency.
- Expertise in U.S.-Canada Trade: Our experienced team understands the USMCA and Canadian import regulations, ensuring quick and compliant customs clearance.
- Reliable Customer Support: From initial consultation to real-time tracking, our support team assists you through each stage of the shipping process, ensuring smooth and timely delivery.
To start planning your shipment, contact us today for a consultation or to request a quote.