Shipping from Canada to the US with Prep Parcel
Cross-border parcel and freight shipping to all 50 US states. 35 plus carriers, customs handled, express to ground tiers, and rates 25 to 32 percent lower than going direct. Zero technology fees.
Brands shipping from Canada to the US with Prep Parcel
Calculate Canada to US Shipping Rates Instantly
Compare live rates from UPS, FedEx, Canada Post, Purolator, and Prep Parcel's carrier network for your Canada-to-US shipment.
Powered by AMZ Prep | Real-time rates from multiple carriers
Prep Parcel by AMZ Prep is a multi-carrier shipping platform that moves parcels and freight from Canada to the United States through a network of 35 plus carriers including FedEx, UPS, Canada Post, UniUni, Intelcom, Canpar, and Purolator. The platform handles customs documentation, HS code classification, and USMCA certificate of origin preparation at checkout. Express shipments reach US destinations in 1 to 2 business days, standard service delivers in 2 to 5 days, and ground freight options cover LTL and full truckload lanes. Prep Parcel charges zero technology fees and provides transparent pricing at checkout, with negotiated rates that are 25 to 32 percent lower than going direct with any single carrier.
How Much Does Shipping from Canada to the US Cost?
Prep Parcel negotiates volume discounts across 35 plus carriers and passes the savings directly to you. Rates vary by parcel weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and carrier. Below are average rate ranges for a standard 5 lb parcel shipping from Toronto to New York. Your rate may be lower depending on volume or lane, or higher for remote destinations and peak season surcharges. For strategies to reduce these costs further, see the cost optimization section below.
Express
- FedEx International Priority
- UPS Express Saver
- Full tracking and signature
- Customs pre-cleared
Standard
- Canada Post Tracked Packet
- Canpar Select
- Purolator Ground
- End to end tracking
Ground
- UPS Standard
- FedEx International Ground
- Zone skipping available
- Cost optimized routing
Freight
- Day and Ross LTL
- XPO Logistics
- Full truckload lanes
- Amazon FBA inbound ready
Rates shown are averages for a 5 lb parcel on the Toronto to New York lane. Your rate may be lower with volume commitments or shorter lanes, or higher for remote zip codes, oversized parcels, and peak season surcharges. Customs duties, taxes, and brokerage fees are calculated separately at checkout. Prep Parcel displays the total landed cost before you confirm. Final pricing is locked at label generation.
Looking to reduce these rates further? The next section covers the cheapest ways to ship from Canada to the US, including zone skipping and volume discounts through Prep Parcel.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship from Canada to the US?
Prep Parcel gives Canadian shippers three levers to reach the lowest possible Canada to US rate: zone skipping, aggregated volume discounts, and zero technology fees. For parcels under 2 kg, Canada Post Tracked Packet USA through Prep Parcel averages the lowest rate. For parcels between 2 kg and 30 kg, Canpar, UniUni, and FedEx International Ground deliver the best average price per pound when booked through Prep Parcel's aggregated volume discounts. Your rate may come in lower on high-density lanes or higher on remote or seasonal routes.
Zone Skipping
Prep Parcel consolidates parcels at origin and injects them into US postal or carrier networks closer to the final destination. This bypasses intermediate zones and reduces costs by 25 to 32 percent compared to single-carrier direct routing from Canada.
Volume Discounts
Prep Parcel aggregates parcel volume from thousands of ecommerce brands and negotiates tier pricing with FedEx, UPS, Canpar, Purolator, and regional carriers. Individual shippers access the same rates typically reserved for enterprise accounts shipping 50,000 plus parcels per month.
Zero Technology Fees
Prep Parcel charges no monthly platform fees, no per-label technology surcharges, and no markup on carrier base rates. Pricing is fully transparent at checkout. What you see is what you pay, with no hidden costs added after the label is generated.
Ready to see how these savings work in practice? The next section walks through the four-step process Prep Parcel uses to ship your parcels from Canada to the US.
How Does Prep Parcel Ship from Canada to the US?
From label creation to US doorstep delivery in four steps. Prep Parcel handles customs, carrier selection, and tracking automatically.
Connect Your Store
Integrate your Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or marketplace store with the Prep Parcel dashboard. Orders sync automatically and populate with the correct destination, weight, and dimensions.
Compare Rates Instantly
Prep Parcel queries 35 plus carriers in real time and displays the fastest and cheapest options side by side. Transparent pricing at checkout means zero hidden fees or technology surcharges.
Customs Handled Automatically
The platform generates commercial invoices, assigns HS codes, prepares USMCA certificates of origin, and validates de minimis eligibility. Shipments under $800 USD clear US customs duty free under Section 321.
Track to US Doorstep
Every shipment receives a unified tracking number that works from Canadian pickup through US customs clearance to final delivery. Branded tracking pages keep your customers informed in real time.
Wondering which carriers handle each step? The next section shows the full roster of 35 plus national and regional carriers Prep Parcel uses for Canada to US shipping.
Which Carriers Does Prep Parcel Use for Canada to US Shipping?
Prep Parcel connects your shipments to 35 plus national and regional carriers. The platform selects the optimal carrier for each parcel based on weight, destination, speed, and cost.












Prep Parcel works with both national carriers like FedEx and UPS and regional specialists like UniUni, Intelcom, FleetOptics, and Loomis Express. Regional carriers often deliver faster and at lower cost for specific corridors such as Toronto to Buffalo, Vancouver to Seattle, and Montreal to New York. The platform automatically routes each parcel to the carrier offering the best combination of speed, price, and reliability for that specific lane.
With this many carriers in the network, delivery speed varies by service tier. The next section breaks down transit times for express, standard, and ground shipments from Canada to the US.
How Long Does Shipping from Canada to the US Take?
Prep Parcel delivers parcels from Canada to the US in 1 to 7 business days depending on the service tier, origin city, and destination zip code. Express services from FedEx and UPS deliver in 1 to 2 business days to most US metro areas. Standard services through Canada Post, Canpar, and Purolator reach US addresses in 2 to 5 business days. Ground and economy options deliver in 4 to 7 business days at the lowest cost.
Prep Parcel uses zone skipping to shorten transit times on standard and ground tiers. By consolidating parcels and injecting them into US carrier networks closer to the destination, the platform can cut 1 to 2 days off standard delivery times compared to single-carrier routing from Canada.
- Express: 1 to 2 business days (FedEx, UPS)
- Standard: 2 to 5 business days (Canada Post, Canpar, Purolator)
- Ground: 4 to 7 business days (UPS Standard, FedEx Ground)
- Freight LTL: 3 to 10 business days (Day and Ross, XPO)
Want to shave 1 to 2 days off these transit times while also cutting costs? The next section explains how Prep Parcel's zone skipping works for Canada to US shipping.
How Does Zone Skipping Reduce Canada to US Shipping Costs?
Prep Parcel uses zone skipping to consolidate parcels at origin and inject them into US carrier sortation facilities closer to the final destination. This bypasses multiple carrier zones and reduces both cost and transit time compared to single-carrier direct routing from Canada.
Without Zone Skipping
Toronto pickup
Canadian sort facility
US border crossing
US national sort
US regional sort
US local delivery
With Prep Parcel Zone Skipping
Toronto consolidation
Direct US regional injection
US local delivery
Zone skipping handles the routing, but what about customs? The next section covers the duties, documentation, and compliance requirements for shipping from Canada to the US.
What Customs Fees Apply When Shipping from Canada to the US?
US customs duties and fees depend on declared value, product classification, and trade agreement eligibility. Duty rates and de minimis thresholds can change based on US trade policy. Prep Parcel automates customs documentation and displays estimated duties at checkout. Final duty and tax amounts are determined by US Customs and Border Protection at entry and may be lower or higher than the estimate.
Section 321 De Minimis
Shipments valued at $800 USD or less enter the US duty free and tax free under Section 321 de minimis. Prep Parcel validates eligibility automatically at checkout and flags any shipments that exceed the threshold.
USMCA Certificate of Origin
Products manufactured or substantially transformed in Canada qualify for preferential duty treatment under the United States Mexico Canada Agreement. Prep Parcel generates USMCA certificates of origin and attaches them to the commercial invoice automatically.
HS Code Classification
Every product shipped across the border requires a Harmonized System code for customs classification. Prep Parcel assigns HS codes based on product descriptions and validates them against the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule before the label is generated.
Commercial Invoice Generation
Prep Parcel generates commercial invoices that include shipper and consignee details, product descriptions, declared values, country of origin, and HS codes. The invoice is attached to the shipment documentation and transmitted electronically to US Customs and Border Protection.
Customs Brokerage
For shipments above $800 USD or those requiring formal entry, Prep Parcel connects you with licensed US customs brokers who handle the filing process. Brokerage fees are displayed transparently at checkout alongside carrier and duty costs.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Certain products require additional permits, licenses, or agency clearance when entering the US. Prep Parcel flags restricted categories including food products, lithium batteries, cosmetics, and items regulated by the FDA, USDA, or EPA before you ship.
How does this stack up against managing customs yourself or booking with a single carrier? The next section compares Prep Parcel to direct carrier shipping and self-managed cross-border logistics.
Prep Parcel vs Direct Carrier vs Self Managed Cross-Border Shipping
See how Prep Parcel compares to booking directly with a single carrier or managing cross-border logistics yourself.
| Feature | Recommended Prep Parcel |
Direct Carrier (FedEx / UPS) |
Self Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier options | 35+ carriers | 1 carrier only | Manual coordination |
| Cross-border rates | 25 to 32% savings | Published rates | Varies by volume |
| Zone skipping | Built in | Not available | Requires own network |
| Customs documentation | Automated | Partial (carrier forms) | Manual preparation |
| HS code classification | Auto-assigned | Shipper responsible | Shipper responsible |
| Section 321 validation | Auto at checkout | Manual check | Manual check |
| USMCA certificates | Auto-generated | Not provided | Manual preparation |
| Technology fees | $0 | $0 (but higher rates) | Software costs |
| Pricing transparency | Full at checkout | Surcharges after | Hard to predict |
| Regional carriers | UniUni, Intelcom, Loomis | Own network only | Must negotiate each |
| Freight (LTL/FTL) | Day and Ross, XPO | Parcel only | Separate broker needed |
| Bottom Line | Best rates, full automation, zero fees | Simple but expensive | Maximum effort, unpredictable costs |
Selling on Amazon and need to ship FBA inventory from Canada? The next section covers Prep Parcel's dedicated Amazon FBA cross-border workflow.
Shipping to Amazon FBA US Fulfillment Centers from Canada
Prep Parcel handles the full workflow for sending inventory from Canadian warehouses to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers across the United States. The platform generates Amazon-compliant labels, prepares commercial invoices with the correct Importer of Record details, and routes shipments through customs-bonded carriers that specialize in FBA inbound freight.
For small parcel FBA shipments, Prep Parcel uses SPD (small parcel delivery) through FedEx, UPS, or Canada Post with zone skipping to reduce per-unit inbound costs. For larger shipments, the platform coordinates LTL freight through Day and Ross or XPO with direct delivery to Amazon's receiving docks.
- Amazon-compliant FNSKU and shipping labels
- Importer of Record setup for US customs
- SPD and LTL options for any shipment size
- ASN (Advance Shipment Notification) generation
- Direct delivery to Amazon FC receiving docks
Need to ship full pallets or oversized freight from Canada to the US? The next section covers Prep Parcel's LTL and FTL freight solutions for cross-border shipments.
Freight Shipping from Canada to the US
Prep Parcel provides LTL (less than truckload) and FTL (full truckload) freight shipping from Canada to the US through carrier partners including Day and Ross, XPO Logistics, and Manitoulin Transport. Freight services cover palletized shipments, oversized items, and high-volume inventory replenishment for Amazon FBA, Walmart, and direct-to-consumer fulfillment centers.
The platform handles freight-specific customs requirements including PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) documentation, Canadian export declarations, and US formal entry filings for shipments valued above $2,500 USD. All freight rates are quoted transparently with no hidden accessorial charges.
- LTL and FTL lanes from all major Canadian cities
- PARS documentation prepared automatically
- Customs-bonded carriers for seamless border crossing
- Amazon FBA, Walmart, and DC delivery
- Transparent accessorial pricing at quote
Explore Prep Parcel's other shipping guides below, or scroll to the FAQ for quick answers to the most common Canada to US shipping questions.
Explore More Prep Parcel Services
Learn more about Prep Parcel's multi-carrier shipping platform, carrier network, and cross-border logistics solutions.
Prep Parcel Platform Overview
Multi-carrier ecommerce shipping with 35 plus carriers, zone skipping, and transparent pricing.
Full Carrier Directory
Detailed profiles of every national and regional carrier available through Prep Parcel.
Shipping from the US to Canada
Reverse lane cross-border shipping with customs handled and duty optimization.
Cross-Border Ecommerce Shipping
Complete guide to cross-border logistics for DTC and marketplace sellers.
Last Mile Delivery
Final mile delivery solutions with regional carriers for faster, lower-cost fulfillment.
Small Business Shipping Services
Enterprise carrier rates and multi-carrier routing built for small and mid-size ecommerce brands.
Section 321 De Minimis Guide
Everything you need to know about duty-free entry for shipments under $800 USD.
Shipping from Canada to the US FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about cross-border shipping from Canada to the United States.
Shipping a package from Canada to the US through Prep Parcel costs on average $7 to $32 for a standard 5 lb parcel depending on service speed and destination. Express delivery in 1 to 2 business days averages $18 to $32, standard service in 2 to 5 days averages $9 to $18, and ground shipping in 4 to 7 days averages $7 to $14. Your rate may be lower with volume discounts or shorter lanes, or higher for remote destinations and peak season. Customs duties and taxes apply separately above the $800 USD de minimis threshold. Prep Parcel displays the full cost at checkout with zero technology fees.
The cheapest way to ship from Canada to the US depends on parcel weight, dimensions, and destination. For items under 2 kg, Canada Post Tracked Packet USA through Prep Parcel averages the lowest rate, often starting around $7 on common lanes. For heavier parcels between 2 kg and 30 kg, Canpar, UniUni, and FedEx International Ground through Prep Parcel deliver the best average cost per pound. Zone skipping can reduce costs by an additional 25 to 32 percent on eligible lanes. Your rate may come in lower on high-volume lanes or higher on less common routes. Exact pricing is confirmed at checkout.
Shipping from Canada to the US takes 1 to 7 business days depending on the service level. FedEx International Priority and UPS Express Saver deliver in 1 to 2 business days. Canada Post Tracked Packet, Canpar, and Purolator standard services take 2 to 5 business days. Ground shipping through UPS Standard and FedEx Ground takes 4 to 7 business days. Prep Parcel's zone skipping can cut 1 to 2 days off standard and ground delivery times.
Shipments valued at $800 USD or less enter the US duty free under Section 321 de minimis. Shipments above $800 USD may be subject to customs duties based on the product's HS code classification and the applicable tariff rate. Products manufactured in Canada may qualify for reduced or zero duty under the USMCA trade agreement. Prep Parcel validates de minimis eligibility automatically and generates USMCA certificates of origin when applicable.
Canada Post is generally cheaper for lightweight parcels under 2 kg with its Tracked Packet USA service averaging $7 to $10. UPS tends to be more cost-effective for heavier parcels over 5 kg and for express delivery. Through Prep Parcel, both carriers offer discounted rates below their published pricing. The platform automatically surfaces the cheapest option for your specific parcel and destination, and your rate may come in lower or higher than these averages depending on lane and volume.
Shipping from Canada to the US requires a commercial invoice listing the shipper, consignee, product descriptions, declared values, country of origin, and HS codes. Shipments qualifying for USMCA preferential tariff treatment need a certificate of origin. Formal entry shipments above $2,500 USD require a customs bond and may need additional documentation depending on the product category. Prep Parcel generates all required documents automatically at checkout.
Yes. Prep Parcel supports both small parcel delivery (SPD) and LTL freight shipments to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers across the United States. The platform generates Amazon-compliant FNSKU labels, prepares the correct Importer of Record documentation, creates Advance Shipment Notifications (ASNs), and routes shipments through customs-bonded carriers. Zone skipping on SPD shipments reduces per-unit inbound costs by 25 to 32 percent.
Zone skipping is a logistics strategy where parcels are consolidated at origin and transported in bulk to a carrier sortation facility closer to the final delivery destination. This bypasses intermediate carrier zones and reduces the per-parcel cost by 25 to 32 percent. Prep Parcel uses zone skipping automatically when it offers a cost or speed advantage over standard single-carrier routing from Canada to the US.
Prep Parcel automates the customs clearance process for shipments from Canada to the US. The platform generates commercial invoices, assigns HS codes, validates Section 321 de minimis eligibility, and prepares USMCA certificates of origin. For formal entry shipments above $800 USD, Prep Parcel connects shippers with licensed US customs brokers. All customs-related costs including duties, taxes, and brokerage fees are displayed transparently at checkout.
Yes. Prep Parcel handles oversized and heavy shipments including furniture through LTL freight carriers such as Day and Ross and XPO Logistics. Freight shipments include liftgate service, inside delivery, and appointment scheduling options. For individual oversized parcels that exceed standard carrier dimensions, Prep Parcel routes through carriers with oversize handling capabilities and provides transparent pricing that includes any dimensional weight surcharges.
As of June 2026, the US de minimis threshold under Section 321 remains at $800 USD for duty-free entry. However, proposed legislation and executive actions have targeted de minimis reform, particularly for shipments from countries not covered by preferential trade agreements. Canadian goods shipped under USMCA continue to benefit from the $800 threshold, but this is subject to change based on future policy decisions. Shippers should verify current thresholds before relying on duty-free entry. Prep Parcel monitors regulatory changes and updates its compliance engine automatically. This information is general guidance and does not constitute legal or customs advice.
Prep Parcel differentiates from Stallion Express and Secureship by offering access to 35 plus carriers compared to their more limited networks. Prep Parcel charges zero technology fees and provides fully transparent checkout pricing with no post-label surcharges. The platform also includes automated customs documentation, USMCA certificate generation, and zone skipping, which are either limited or unavailable on competing platforms. Prep Parcel is built for ecommerce brands that need both parcel and freight solutions across Canada and the US.
Start Shipping from Canada to the US with Prep Parcel
Get a cross-border shipping quote in under 60 seconds. Zero technology fees, transparent pricing, and rates 25 to 32 percent lower than going direct.