Shipping From New York To Toronto? Important Do's And Don'ts

Diana Zheng
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April 21, 2023

Shopping for products from the United States and having them shipped to Canada can be difficult. Thus, it is vital to understand the ins and outs when jumping into it. When armed with the proper knowledge, you can enjoy shopping at many online retailers from the United States while streamlining the shipping process.

In this article, we'll provide you a list of the do's and don'ts of shipping from New York to Toronto. So, what are you waiting for? Read this blog now!

Importance of Following the US-to-Canada Shipping Guidelines

A Canadian flag and an American flag

Knowing the basic guidelines for international shipping to Canada from the US is important for several reasons.

  • Compliance with regulations is essential for smooth and efficient cross-border shipping.
  • Understanding the basics of cross-border shipping can help you save time and money.
  • Different shipping options may have different costs and transit times.
  • Knowledge of basic guidelines can help prevent shipping errors that can lead to a lost or damaged parcel.

Understanding these factors can help you choose the most cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions for your needs.

Do's When Shipping

Here are some of the things you should consider when cross-border shipping:

Know The Shipping Costs

A miniature forklift and a stack of coins

Knowing how much you must pay for the shipping cost is a vital part of cross-border shipping.

Many Canadian customers often find it overwhelming to ship an item from the USA to Canada because most shipping companies ask for an expensive shipping fee (plus pay for the customs fees).

The best option is to use the services of a shipping company that offers the cheapest way to send your US parcel without compromising the service.

Do you want to know your shipping cost estimate? A shipping calculator can be a useful tool if you're shopping and shipping within your budget.

Check List of Prohibited Items

A wooden stamp and a stamped text indicating “Prohibited”

When shipping from the USA to Canada, checking the list of prohibited items before having shippers to transport your parcel is important. This may seem a hassle, but it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Shipping prohibited items can result in delays in your shipment or even legal consequences. By reviewing the list of prohibited items, you can ensure that your parcel arrives at its destination safely and without any problems.

Additionally, if you’re thinking of shipping time-sensitive items, it is best if you talk to a customer service representative first and consult the matter. This way, you are advised on when is the perfect time to ship your time-sensitive item into Canada.

Shop At Legitimate Online Stores From The US

A miniature shopping cart with shipping boxes on top of an American flag

Online shopping has revolutionized how we shop, making it easier and more convenient than ever to purchase goods from our homes. However, with this convenience comes the risk of fraud, scams, and counterfeit products. Thus, it is crucial for customers to shop only at legitimate stores in the US when shopping online.

By being careful where you shop, you can rest assured that you're getting high-quality products from reliable sources. In addition, it also keeps your personal and financial information safe.

Understand The Taxes and Duties That Apply

Understanding the importance of tax and duty when shipping a parcel from the US to Canada is crucial. While it may seem like a small detail, ignoring these fees can result in unexpected costs and even delayed shipment.

By researching and understanding the tax and duty regulations imposed by the Canada Border Services Agency, you can ensure that your shipment arrives on time and within your budget.

Choose The Right Shipping Provider

Choosing the right shipping courier is vital when shipping from the USA to Canada. It can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free delivery process. When shipping from New York to Toronto, USPS, UPS, and other shipping carriers might be your first choice as they tend to be the most common shipping providers.

With so many shipping options available, it can be tempting to go with the first provider you come across. However, taking the time to research and select a reputable and reliable shipping company is well worth the effort.

For a guaranteed great cross-border shipping experience, choose Shippsy. A good shipping provider will ensure your package arrives on time and in good condition and can help you navigate the process of cross-border shipping regulations and customs clearance paperwork. And this is exactly what Shippsy aims to serve Canadians with.

A female online shopper using her table while holding up her card.

Don'ts When Shipping

Below are some of the things you must not do when shipping from the US port to Canada:

Don't Miss Out On Shipping Discounts

A female model using a laptop with an enlarged “Discount” text flashed on screen

Explore shipping discounts and get the most out of your cross-border shipping! Many US-based retailers offer reduced shipping rates, promotions, and special deals. By not exploring these options, you might waste money and pay more than you need for shipping.

Let's say you've finally decided to ship with Shippsy. While we provide the lowest shipping cost for cross-border shipments, we have another great deal you would love to take advantage of! You can receive a 25% discount* on your handling and freight shipping cost if you request three or more items to be shipped on the same day.

*Discount is not available for the regions of British Columbia and Quebec.

Don't Undervalue Your Shipment

Always ensure that you provide the accurate item value when declaring your package. Accurate declaration of item value, weight, and description ensures that the correct taxes, duties, and fees are charged.

It also helps Canadian customs determine whether the package contains prohibited items that could harm the recipient or the community.

Providing the correct item value when declaring a package for shipping to Canada is vital in ensuring a premium shipping process that avoids unnecessary delays, penalties from customs officials.

Don't Shop At The Last Moment

A classic alarm clock with a bold text indicating “Last Minute”

Shopping early can be essential to avoiding shipping delays from the USA to Canada. By doing so, consumers can ensure that they have ample time to account for potential delays, allowing for a stress-free shipping experience. Plus, it can guarantee that gifts or items for important events, such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries, arrive on time.

You might wonder how long to ship items from New York to Toronto. Shipping from across the border may take a few business days up to a couple of weeks. Thus, if you're shipping for an item that is needed for a specific day, shop and ship early!

Don't Disregard Email Notifications

A male model using his phone with a pop up animated logo of an inbox with a notification

When expecting a shipment, checking your inbox from time to time is essential. Regularly checking your inbox for email notifications is vital for staying informed, addressing issues, and ensuring your shipment arrives on time and in excellent condition.

These notifications will provide updates on the status of your shipment, including any potential problems that might develop in transit. In addition, it can help you proactively address any shipping concern, minimizing potential delays and ensuring a smooth and hassle-free shipment.

Don’t Forget To Use A Shipping Cost Calculator

Avoid going beyond your allocated shopping and shipping expenses by making it a habit to use a shipping estimator.

In using a shipping prices calculator, input the accurate package weight and measurement to determine the available rates, shipping mode and other services for you and your location.

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Call Shippsy Now!

Need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help! Contact us at 888-744-7779 now or send us a message at [email protected].

You can also follow us at @loveshippsy on Instagram to get more of our exciting features about the hottest US products and Shippsy's shipping services.

Written by Diana Zheng

Diana leads the growth marketing initiatives at Shippsy. She is obsessed with providing Canadian shoppers with easy access to all U.S. brands. You can catch her doing yoga or hitting the tennis courts in her spare time.

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