How Much Does Shipping to Canada Cost? Compare Carrier Rates, Duties & Affordable Delivery Methods

Shipping to Canada remains one of the most in-demand logistics services for businesses, eCommerce brands, and individuals sending packages across borders. Whether you’re shipping from the U.S., Europe, Asia, or even remote regions like Alaska, understanding the cost of shipping to Canada helps you plan better, avoid surprise fees, and choose the most affordable delivery method.

In this guide, you’ll discover what influences shipping to canada cost, how major carriers compare, hidden fees to watch out for, and when air freight (including from Alaska) is the best option. Let’s break it all down step by step.

What Determines the Cost of Shipping to Canada?

The cost of shipping to Canada varies widely depending on several factors. Carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, and freight providers use the following considerations to calculate pricing.

1. Package Weight & Dimensions

Heavier and larger packages cost more because carriers use:

• Actual weight, and
  
  

• Dimensional (volumetric) weight
  
  

Whichever is higher becomes the billing weight. Oversized boxes may incur additional surcharges.

2. Shipping Distance

Shipping from nearby regions (e.g., northern U.S.) is cheaper than long-distance shipments like:

• Southern U.S.
  
  

• Europe
  
  

• Asia
  
  

• Remote regions such as Alaska (especially for air freight from Alaska).
  
  

3. Delivery Speed

If you're looking for speed, you’ll pay premium rates for:

• Overnight
  
  

• 2-day
  
  

• Express international services
  
  

Standard and economy options are slower but more affordable.

4. Carrier Service Type

Different carriers offer different pricing tiers:

• USPS → Best for small packages and low-cost standard shipping
  
  

• FedEx/UPS/DHL → Faster and more reliable for commercial goods
  
  

• Air Freight → Ideal for bulk shipments or routes that require fast transit, including shipping from Alaska
  
  

5. Customs Duties & Taxes

Canada charges duties and GST/HST based on:

• Product type
  
  

• Declared value
  
  

• Origin country
  
  

These fees can significantly increase the total cost—not just the shipping amount.

6. Insurance & Tracking

For valuable items, insurance is recommended and adds to the cost.
Comprehensive tracking also costs more, especially for international couriers.

Shipping to Canada from Alaska (Including Air Freight)

Shipping from Alaska to Canada is unique due to its remote location and limited road access.

Why Air Freight from Alaska Is Popular

• Faster delivery to major Canadian hubs like Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto
  
  

• More reliable than ground routes
  
  

• Ideal for commercial quantities, perishables, and time-sensitive goods
  
  

Air Freight Alaska to Canada: Estimated Costs

Air freight is priced by weight and volume. On average:

• Light cargo (50–100 lbs): $2.50–$4.50 per lb
  
  

• Heavy cargo (200+ lbs): $1.80–$3.50 per lb
  
  

• Commercial pallets: $300–$800 per shipment
  
  

What Affects Air Freight Cost

• Distance between Alaska origin airport (Anchorage is most common)
  
  

• Destination airport in Canada
  
  

• Weight/volume of goods
  
  

• Fuel surcharges
  
  

• Customs brokerage fees
  
  

Air freight is not always the cheapest option, but it is the fastest and most secure—especially for businesses.

Understanding Canadian Customs, Duties & Taxes

Many shippers underestimate how much customs fees impact shipping to Canada cost.

Canada charges:

1. Duty

Based on:

• Product category
  
  

• Origin country
  
  

• Trade agreements
  
  

2. GST/HST

Varies by province:

• Alberta → 5%
  
  

• Ontario → 13%
  
  

• Atlantic provinces → 15%
  
  

3. Brokerage Fees

Carriers like UPS and FedEx often charge:

• $10–$30 for standard brokerage
  
  

• $30–$70 for express shipments
  
  

4. Handling or Clearance Fees

DHL and other express couriers include these in their pricing.

5. Cheapest Ways to Ship to Canada

Here’s how to reduce your shipping costs without compromising reliability.

1. Use USPS for Small Packages

They offer the lowest rates for items under 4 lbs.

2. Choose Ground Services When Possible

FedEx Ground or UPS Standard save money if delivery time isn't urgent.

3. Compare Rates Using Online Tools

Tools like ShipStation, Pirate Ship, and EasyPost provide discounted carrier rates.

4. Optimize Packaging

Use:

• Smaller boxes
  
  

• Lightweight materials
  
  

• Carrier-provided free packaging
  
  

This prevents dimensional weight overcharges.

5. Prepay Duties & Taxes (DDP Shipping)

This reduces delays and avoids surprise fees for recipients.

6. Consider Air Freight for Large Shipments

From Alaska or any remote region, air freight may be cheaper per pound for bulk goods.

When Should You Choose Air Freight to Canada?

Air freight (including from Alaska) is worth choosing when:

✔ You need fast delivery (1–3 days)
✔ You’re shipping large commercial shipments
✔ You’re dealing with perishables or urgent inventory
✔ Ground transport is slow or unavailable (common with Alaska shipments)
✔ You prefer high-security and tracked logistics

For eCommerce and small parcels, regular courier services are usually more cost-effective.

 Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Shipping Rates to Canada

The cost of shipping to Canada varies depending on package size, delivery speed, carrier choice, customs fees, and shipping origin. For small packages, USPS or economy ground services are the cheapest. For time-sensitive or bulk shipments—especially from remote areas like Air freight Alaska is a reliable option.

To get the best price:

• Compare rates across carriers
  
  

• Use shipping calculators
  
  

• Prepay duties when possible
  
  

• Optimize packaging
  
  

• Choose air freight only when necessary
  
  

By planning ahead and understanding these factors, you can significantly reduce your overall shipping expenses.