How To Ship Effectively Across The Border



Since the tragedy of September 11th, 2001 both of our countries have been significantly challenged to ensure that the exchange of goods and services carries on as it did prior to that day. With the realisation that we must do everything we can to ensure that this exchange is safe, efficient and does not increase in cost for any of us, common sense and courtesy should still be the norm.

Therefore, I think it behooves us all to pay attention to the guidelines that both Canada Post, Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (CCRW) here in Canada and USPS as well as INS, USBP and of course Homeland Security Administration are adhered to.

I shall over the next little while continue to update this page with relevant information as I glean it from the Internet, Official Government sources and from experience gained by my fellow Cubbers. I intend to provide links to the relevant forms used by both, or at least get scans of these forms. Links to relevant pages on Government Web Sites may be of assistance, not only to those shipping to Canada or to the US, but in planning for our Cub Fests and other get to gethers...


I have learned a heck of a lot buying and selling stuff cross border. Whether it be Ham gear/parts/accessories or now tractor parts, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. What follows is partially my own experiences from both perspectives as well as simple common sense and courtesy in Trans-Border Shipping. I hope that it will be of some use to all.

The Right Way to Pay for Goods Purchased in the US




The Wrong Way to Pay for Goods Purchased in the US



The Right Way to Pay for Goods Purchased in the Canada



The Wrong Way to Pay for Goods Purchased in the Canada


  • Never send the Green Stripe US Postal Money Order. It is not for use outside of the US and cannot be redeemed in Canada. By using the Green Stripe PMO, wait times will be considerably increased, and additional charges may be applied by the receiver in Canada.


Shipping from the US to Canada



The Right Way to Ship to Canada


  • Always indicate on Customs Declaration Form that the item is "Reading Materials" when sending photo-copied manuals or other paper versions. There is no Duty on Reading Material which includes Books, Manuals, Part Lists, Magazines etc. When sending CD's or other media that is not in print form, indicate on the Customs Declarations Form that the envelope/package conains "Reading Material on Digital Media" for example. That way the receipient will not be charged Duty via Canada Post which often happens without the declaration. Also, in this case, a simple written note on the Envelope/Mailer/Package stating "Enclosed - Reading Material or Reading Material on Media" will suffice.
  • Always ship via USPS to Canada or via Canada Post to US unless OTHERWISE requested. Sure saves on border fees.
  • Always indicate on Customs Declaration that the item is "Agricultural Machine Parts either used or new". That way it will not get held up pending xray or whatever other check USPS or Canada Post will require.
  • Always keep in mind that when shipping to Canada, any item under $30.00 US will probably not require any Customs Fees or GST fees. If the item is under $20.00 US, it definitely will not require Customs fees. Sometimes a little fudging on the lower side of the declared value will always be appreciated by Canadian buyers.
  • Always use the USPS $7.70 system when practical and is the cheaper of the options available.
  • Always be courteous to your buyer/seller and if in doubt send an email to clarify.


    The Wrong Way


  • Never ship via UPS unless specifically requested and the item is over $35.00US in value.
  • Never use the insured value as the receiver will have to pay duty and taxes on the insured value.
  • Never charge more than what it actually costs to ship. Many people on eBay etc., have been charged excessive shipping charges simply because they do not live in the US.


Shipping from Canada to the US



The Right Way


  • Always ship via Canada Post to US unless OTHERWISE requested.
  • Always indicate on shipping parts originally "Made in the USA" to save import fees for US buyers.
  • Always be courteous to your buyer/seller and if in doubt send an email to clarify.

    The Wrong Way


  • Never charge more than what it actually costs to ship. Many people on eBay etc., have been charged excessive shipping charges simply because they do not live in the Canada.