USPS Ship to Canada 2026: Services, Costs & Delivery Times

• 10 min read

When you need a usps ship to canada service, you have several options balancing speed and cost. For urgent deliveries, Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) arrives in 1–3 business days. For everyday value, Priority Mail International takes 6–10 business days. And for the most affordable choice for light packages, First-Class Package International also arrives in about 6–10 business days. Using a usps ship to canada service is often the most affordable and straightforward way to send your packages.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from picking the right shipping service to navigating customs like a pro. Whether you’re sending a gift to a friend in Toronto or fulfilling orders for your small business, we’ll help you find the perfect balance of speed and cost.

Your USPS Ship to Canada Options

The first step in any usps ship to canada journey is choosing a mail service. The United States Postal Service offers a range of options, each designed for different needs and budgets. Once your package crosses the border, it’s handed off to Canada Post for the final delivery, even to P.O. boxes.

The Fastest Services for Urgent Shipments

When time is of the essence, these premium services get your package to Canada in just a few days.

  • Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): This is the fastest way to ship to Canada with USPS, with delivery in just 1 to 3 business days. Partnering with FedEx for transport, GXG is a premium courier service that includes detailed tracking and a money back delivery guarantee. It’s perfect for urgent documents and high value merchandise, supporting packages up to 70 pounds.
  • Priority Mail Express International: A slightly more affordable express option, this service delivers to Canada within 3 to 5 business days. It includes door to door tracking and comes with included insurance, $200 for merchandise and $100 for documents. The weight limit is also a generous 70 pounds, making it a reliable choice for important shipments. Shipping something heavy? Is UPS or USPS cheaper for a 50 lb box?

The Best Balance of Speed and Cost

For most people, the best option is one that doesn’t break the bank but still arrives in a reasonable timeframe.

  • Priority Mail International: This is one of the most popular services for a usps ship to canada shipment. It offers a dependable delivery window of 6 to 10 business days. Like its express counterpart, it includes tracking and up to $200 of insurance coverage for merchandise. You can ship packages up to 70 pounds. For added convenience, you can also use Priority Mail International Flat Rate boxes, which let you ship up to 20 pounds for a single price.

The Most Affordable Choices for Light Shipments

If you’re not in a hurry and want to save money, especially on smaller items, these services are your best bet.

  • First Class Package International Service: This is typically the cheapest way to ship a package weighing less than 4 pounds to Canada. Delivery takes around 6 to 10 business days, similar to Priority Mail, but at a much lower cost. While it doesn’t include insurance, it does offer tracking confirmation to Canada.
  • First Class Mail International: For documents, letters, and postcards, this is the most economical choice. You can send a standard 1 ounce letter to Canada using a single Global Forever stamp. If you’re new to letters, here’s how to mail a letter step‑by‑step.

Specialized Bulk Shipping

  • Airmail M Bag: Do you need to send a large volume of printed materials like books, magazines, or catalogs to a single Canadian address? The Airmail M Bag is a highly cost effective solution. You can send a sack of printed matter weighing up to 66 pounds, paying a bulk rate instead of per item.

Understanding the Costs and Rules

The price you pay and the regulations you follow are just as important as the service you choose. Knowing the rules ahead of time will prevent surprises and delays.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Canada?

The cost to usps ship to canada depends on four main factors: your package’s weight, its dimensions, the shipping service you select, and the distance it travels.

For a lightweight package under 4 pounds, First Class Package International Service is often the most budget friendly option. For heavier items, Priority Mail International provides a good mix of value and speed. Not sure which carrier wins at that weight? Compare the cheapest way to ship a 20 lb box.

However, the retail rates you see at the Post Office are not always the lowest prices available. To find the best deal, it’s smart to compare shipping rates online. A free tool can show you discounted commercial prices from USPS, UPS, and FedEx all in one place, helping you make the most informed decision for your budget. For more strategies to cut costs, see our guide to cheapest international shipping.

USPS has specific rules for how big and heavy your packages can be.

  • Weight Limit: For most premium services like Priority Mail International and GXG, the maximum weight limit for a package to Canada is 70 pounds. However, more economical services have stricter limits. First Class Package International Service has a firm cap of 4 pounds. International Flat Rate boxes also have their own limits, typically 20 pounds.
  • Size Limit: For most international parcels, the total size cannot exceed 108 inches in combined length and girth. Length is the longest side of the box, and girth is the distance around the thickest part. Most standard boxes will fall well within this limit, but it’s something to check if you’re shipping a large or unusually shaped item.

The Customs Process Explained

Every package sent from the U.S. to Canada must clear customs. This process is straightforward as long as you provide accurate information and follow the rules.

The Customs Form Requirement

With the exception of letters containing only documents, nearly every usps ship to canada shipment requires a customs declaration form. This form details the contents of your package, its value, and its purpose (e.g., merchandise or a gift).

If you buy your postage online, the customs form is typically integrated directly into your shipping label. If you go to a Post Office, you will fill out a physical form. Before you print, review how a USPS prepaid label works and when to use one. Be specific and honest. Instead of writing “gift,” describe the item, for example, “men’s cotton shirt.” Clear descriptions help Canadian customs officials process your package quickly.

Canada’s Customs and Import Regulations

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) determines if any duties or taxes are owed on incoming items. Thanks to modern trade agreements, there are helpful thresholds for casual shippers:

  • Taxes: Items valued at 40 CAD or less are generally exempt from sales tax (GST/PST).
  • Duties: Goods valued at 150 CAD or less can typically enter Canada duty free.

If your item’s value exceeds these thresholds, Canada Post will collect the required taxes and duties from the recipient upon delivery, often along with a small handling fee. For more cross‑border tips and carrier comparisons, see our broader shipping to Canada guide.

Prohibited vs. Restricted Items

It is crucial to know what you can and cannot send.

  • Prohibited Items: These are things that are strictly forbidden in the mail. This includes items like explosives, gasoline, ammunition, and illegal narcotics. Canada also prohibits the import of certain goods, such as used mattresses, to protect public health.
  • Restricted Items: These are items that can be mailed, but only if they meet specific conditions. For example, lithium batteries must be installed inside the electronic device they power. Liquids must be sealed securely to prevent leaks. Always check both USPS and Canadian regulations before sending anything you’re unsure about.

Extra Services for Peace of Mind

For valuable or important shipments, USPS offers several add on services to give you extra security.

Protecting Your Shipment with Insurance

Insurance protects you financially if your package is lost or damaged. Some services already include it:

  • Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International both come with up to $200 of included insurance for merchandise.

For services that do not include insurance, like First Class, or for items valued higher than the included amount, you can often purchase additional coverage.

Getting Proof of Delivery

  • Registered Mail: For an extra fee, you can add Registered Mail service to First Class shipments. This provides end to end security, with your item handled under lock and key. It includes a tracking number and requires a signature upon delivery, though it is a slower service due to the extra handling.
  • Return Receipt: If you need physical proof that your item was delivered, you can add a Return Receipt to a Registered Mail shipment. The recipient signs a card upon delivery, which is then mailed back to you.

Special Mailing Programs

For specific use cases, USPS has programs that offer unique benefits.

Free Matter for the Blind

USPS and Canada Post participate in an international agreement that allows for the postage free mailing of materials for the blind or visually impaired. This includes items like Braille books, audio recordings, and other accessible educational materials. The package must be clearly marked “Free Matter for the Blind.”

Tools to Help You Ship Smarter

Choosing the right service and preparing your package is much easier with the right tools.

Using the USPS Postage Price Calculator

The official USPS website has a postage calculator that provides retail price estimates for your shipments to Canada. It’s a useful starting point for understanding your options.

However, the calculator only shows you USPS services and their standard retail rates. To ensure you’re getting the best possible price, a multi carrier comparison tool is essential. The free Online Shipping Calculator lets you instantly see rates from USPS, UPS, and FedEx side by side, including the discounted commercial rates you can’t get at the counter. Once you’ve purchased postage, you can schedule a free USPS pickup from your door.

Frequently Asked Questions About USPS Ship to Canada

1. What is the cheapest way to ship a small package to Canada with USPS?
For packages weighing under 4 pounds, USPS First Class Package International Service is almost always the cheapest option for a usps ship to canada delivery.

2. How long does a USPS ship to Canada service take?
Delivery times vary widely by service. Global Express Guaranteed can take 1 to 3 business days, while more economical options like Priority Mail and First Class typically take 6 to 10 business days or longer.

3. Do I need a customs form for a letter to Canada?
If your envelope contains only documents (correspondence, greeting cards), you generally do not need a customs form. If it contains any merchandise, no matter how small, a form is required.

4. Will the recipient in Canada have to pay fees?
It’s possible. If the item’s declared value is over 40 CAD, the recipient may have to pay sales tax. If the value is over 150 CAD, they may also owe customs duties.

5. Can I track my USPS package to Canada?
Yes, most services including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and First Class Package International offer tracking to Canada. The level of detail may vary.

6. What is the maximum weight I can ship to Canada with USPS?
The maximum weight for most services, including Priority Mail and Global Express Guaranteed, is 70 pounds. The right usps ship to canada service depends on your package’s specific weight.