How Shipping to the US Works

The US is Canada’s biggest trade partner. That means that a massive number of goods move between the two countries, most of which are transported by truck or by rail.

The demand for shipping goods to the US using courier companies has been on the rise for several years. If you’re interested in shipping to the US, there are several details you should consider in order to facilitate the process. In this article, the experts at Globex explain what you need to know before shipping to the US.

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Shipping from Canada to the US

Globex is a freight forwarder that helps both companies and individuals ship goods internationally from Canada. We have all of the tools and resources needed to guide you through the international shipping process.

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For individuals

Before shipping, make sure to package your items securely. If you aren’t sure what that entails, get advice from your carrier on how to pack a box for shipping.

Then, to get a sense of what it will cost to ship your package, enter a few details about the item’s size and weight into our volumetric weight calculator. Once you have the volumetric weight of your shipment, you can look for carriers that meet your requirements and inquire about their rates.

You’ll also need to fill out an online customs form in order to ship your item.

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For companies

Before getting started, make sure that your carrier is able to ship the type of item you want to send and that the destination country will accept it. Consult the list of restricted and prohibited items for your destination country. You should be able to find the necessary documents for customs clearance, size and weight restrictions.

You’ll also need to choose the type of shipping service that best meets your needs (express shipping, etc.).

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Preparing for customs fees

The standard fee for importing a package into the United States is called the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF).

While customs duties may vary depending on the type of goods and their origin, the MPF is based on a fixed percentage of the imported product’s value, with a minimum and maximum fee.  Most products valued at under US$800 will not incur any duty or MPF. Exporters that include a CUSMA certification of origin (formerly NAFTA) may be exempt from customs fees.

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Documents required for customs clearance

All packages that are sent to the US will have to go through customs. The process may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important document you’ll need for customs clearance is a commercial invoice. The invoice provides details about the goods being shipped and their value, information that is required when shipping across international borders so that local authorities can calculate customs fees.

If you want to ship a package to the US, it’s very important to make sure that all of the documentation needed for customs clearance is included in your shipment. The same goes for shipping packages internationally.

Note that depending on the type of shipment and the destination, other documentation may be required in addition to the commercial invoice. Contact freight transportation experts for more information.

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The type of merchandise you are shipping to the US

The cost of shipping your package, the time it takes to get through customs and the speed of delivery depends on the type of merchandise you want to ship. Furthermore, it’s important to note that there are products that cannot be imported into the US, which we will discuss in further detail below.

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Low value shipments

Low value shipments are usually cleared through customs under a manifest. The manifest is created using the information provided on the customs declaration.

The declaration is presented as a commercial or pro forma invoice, which must include basic information such as the sender’s name and address. When the manifest is presented, customs will identify the goods they want more details for and release the rest for delivery.

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High value shipments

High value shipments must be formally presented to customs. In addition to providing the customs declaration described above, you will need to include the US importer’s taxpayer identification number.

For personal shipments, customs requires the importer’s social security number.

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Prohibited and restricted goods

US import regulations are very strict and many products are explicitly banned. If you’re looking at shipping to the US, you’ll need to know about the country’s prohibited and restricted items.

Goods that are prohibited on US soil include products and items that could endanger public health and safety (particularly children or American workers), pose risks to fauna and flora or threaten the country’s national interests (firearms, knives, etc.).

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How much does shipping to the US cost?

The price of shipping to the US depends on many factors, including the package’s size, weight and destination. It’s important to be aware of the factors that can influence the cost of your shipment.

The volumetric weight of your package will provide the basis for the shipping fee. The cost of shipping your package will also be influenced by the value of the goods it contains. If you want to insure your shipment, the price will increase accordingly.

To find out exactly how much your shipment will cost, don’t hesitate to ask your international carrier for rates. With Globex Courier, you can simply make a request online to receive an exact price for your package.

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Shipping to the US with Globex Courier

That concludes our general overview of factors to consider when shipping to the US However, depending on your situation, there may be additional factors that need to be taken into account.

Whether you’re looking for e-commerce shipping or artwork transportation services, you can trust Globex for all your US shipping needs. If you would like an estimate or more information about our services, contact us! We look forward to hearing from you.