James Weavers
3 min read
August 28, 2024

Key Points:

  • This guide helps you find the cheapest shipping option to Canada from the UK by comparing prices and delivery times
  • The cheapest option is UPS Express Saver® with delivery within 2 days, while the fastest option is UPS Express Plus at £43.99 with delivery within 1 day1
  • Consider factors like delivery time, cost, reliability, customs policies before choosing a shipping service

Looking to ship from the UK to Canada? This article breaks down the cheapest shipping methods and the best value package delivery options. Plus, explore how Easyship can help you create a shipping experience that your customers in Canada will love.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Send a Parcel to Canada From the UK?

With the Polish 2024 eCommerce market predicted to be worth over £49 Billion in 2024, strong demand has led to forecasts that the market will be worth over £78 Billion by 2029. Canada shows signs of sustained growth and is potentially a market to start selling into.

How much is shipping to Canada? You might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times with UK to Canada shipping, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example we are going to ship a small package from London to Canada.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

  • Weight of package: 1KG
  • Box Dimensions: 20cm x 25cm x 10cm
  • Contents for customs forms: 
  • Origin: London, UK
  • Destination: Toronto, CA

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each UK to Canada service for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers. While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

Courier Delivery Time Tracking Total Cost
UPS Express Saver® 2 working days Excellent £17.99
UPS Expedited 4 working days Excellent £20.99
FedEx Cross Border - Intl. Connect Tracked 2 - 5 working days Basic £22.69
Parcelforce - GlobalPriority 3 - 5 working days Basic £23.38
UPS Express® 2 working days Excellent £23.99
Parcelforce - GlobalPriority 3 - 5 working days Basic £25.36
DPD - Air Classic 3 - 11 working days Regular £28.99
UPS Express Plus® 1 working day Excellent £43.99

Key Factors to Consider

When shipping from the UK to Canada, it’s important to consider more than just the shipping cost. Here are a few factors that can impact the delivery experience:

Customs Requirements

Canadian customs requires all parcels to be properly documented. Make sure to complete customs forms accurately, listing the contents, value, and origin of the shipment. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reviews all international deliveries to ensure they meet customs clearance standards. Failing to meet these requirements could result in delays or fines.

Delivery Services and Tracking

Reliable tracking is essential for international deliveries. Services like UPS Express Saver® offer excellent tracking, giving you and your customers peace of mind that the package is on its way. Canada Post also provides strong domestic tracking once the package arrives in Canada.

Delivery to Major Cities

Shipping to major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver is generally faster and more reliable than rural areas. Major hubs also tend to have better access to international courier services, ensuring a quicker transit time.

Customs Advice for Shipping to Canada

Make sure to research customs advice regarding restricted items when sending a parcel to Canada. Some items, such as prescription drugs, plant products, or valuable items like electronics, may require special permits or handling.

Avoiding Delays

Shipments to Canada can be delayed due to public holidays, both in the UK and Canada. Keep in mind that Canadian public holidays vary by province, with British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario often having different days off. Additionally, unexpected customs delays can occur, so it’s important to allow extra time when planning deliveries.

Packaging Tips for Safe Delivery

To ensure your parcel reaches its destination intact, use sturdy packaging materials. Fragile or valuable items should be carefully cushioned. Use strong tape to seal your parcel, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of international shipping.

Restricted Items to Consider

Before sending parcels to Canada, consult the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to check if the items you’re shipping are restricted. Common restricted items include prescription drugs, plant products, and valuable items like high-value electronics. Shipping restricted items without proper permits can lead to your parcel being confiscated or returned.

Best Practices for Shipping to Canada

Here are some additional best practices to ensure smooth and cost-effective shipping to Canada from the UK:

1. Use Pre-Negotiated Rates

To reduce shipping costs, leverage pre-negotiated rates from platforms like Easyship, which works with over 250 couriers. These rates can save you up to 91% on international deliveries, offering great value for your business.

2. Plan Around National Holidays

Consider Canadian national holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving when shipping time-sensitive packages. Delays due to public holidays can extend the expected transit time. Planning in advance is key to avoiding disappointment.

3. Complete All Customs Documents

Make sure to provide accurate information on customs documents when shipping to Canada. This includes the value, description, and origin of the goods being shipped. Mistakes on customs forms can cause costly delays.

4. Ensure Safe Delivery

Choose couriers that offer comprehensive tracking and reliable customer support to ensure your parcels arrive safely. Couriers like UPS and FedEx provide excellent service and comprehensive tracking options.

Summary

Shipping to Canada from the UK can be affordable and efficient if you choose the right courier service. Options like UPS Express Saver® offer a great balance of price and speed, ensuring that your parcel reaches its destination quickly and safely. With reliable couriers, accurate customs documentation, and careful planning around holidays and restricted items, your international shipments can run smoothly.

By leveraging services like Easyship, you can access discounted rates and simplify the entire shipping process. Whether you’re shipping to major cities like Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, or handling international deliveries for the first time, following these best practices will ensure that your parcel reaches its destination without hassle.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

  • Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
  • Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
  • Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
  • Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to ship to Canada?

The cheapest way to ship to Canada from the UK is usually UPS Express Saver®, which costs about £17.99 and takes around 2 working days for parcel delivery. If you’re not in a hurry, services like DPD Air Classic can be more affordable but take longer.

It’s important to compare different options and consider factors like estimated transit times, reliability, and whether you’re shipping to a home or work address. With Easyship, you can compare 250+ couriers and find the most cost-effective way to send parcels to the Canada.

How much is import fees from UK to Canada?

When shipping to Canada from the UK, import fees are based on the value and type of goods being sent. These fees include duty and tax, and they are paid before your parcel delivery can be completed. To find out how much you’ll need to pay, you can use the Easyship Duties & Taxes Calculator.

Just enter details like the type of goods, value, and destination to see an estimate of the costs. Keep in mind that certain restrictions apply to items like gifts, and additional charges may vary by country.

How much to send a 1kg parcel to Canada?

The cost to send a 1kg parcel to Canada varies by courier and delivery speed. For example, UPS Express Saver® offers delivery within 2 working days for around £17.99, while Royal Mail may offer lower prices but take longer.

Make sure to consider estimated transit times and delivery options when choosing your service. You can also use Easyship’s rate comparison tool to find the best deals for shipping to Canada from the UK based on the size, weight, and destination of your parcel.

What is the cheapest way to send a package to Canada?

The cheapest way to send a package to Canada is by comparing multiple couriers. Services like UPS Express Saver® or Royal Mail can offer budget-friendly rates depending on the package size and how quickly you need it delivered.

Make sure to include accurate contact details and the correct street name and country to avoid delays. For even better savings, use Easyship to compare prices and find the lowest-cost courier based on your needs, whether you're shipping a gift or fulfilling an order.

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