20 Best Package Forwarding Service From US To Canada (2024)

Usually, I don’t have too many issues getting items shipped to my Canadian residence.

I’m one of the 54% of Canadians who use Amazon on a near-weekly basis, and the e-commerce platform provides most of the essentials I need. However, the same can’t be said of all online retailers.

Some non-Canadian retailers don’t ship overseas to Canada due to expensive shipping and handling costs, tax laws, and other difficulties. Thankfully, there’s a loophole – package forwarding.

Below, I’ll show you some of the best package forwarding services from the US to Canada.

What Is A Package Forwarding Service?

Package forwarding companies are kind of like the middleman when it comes to international shipping. They provide a safe, temporary shipping address, safe storage, and mail forwarding to the final destination.

Take one of my favourite online clothing retailers, ASOS, for example. The UK-based retailer ships internationally but doesn’t offer direct shipping to Canada. Guess I’m out of luck, right?

Not quite.

A package forwarding service allows me to shop online without restrictions by providing me with a US-based shipping address. The package forwarding company receives my package and then sends it to my Canadian address.

ASOS isn’t violating their “no shipments to Canada” rule, but I’m still able to receive my package.

What’s The Catch?

To many fellow online shoppers, this might sound a bit too good to be true. If it was this easy to get packages delivered from overseas, wouldn’t everybody be doing it?

Well, there is a catch – the package forwarder charges extra fees for providing its premium service. After all, without them, you couldn’t get your packages shipped to your personal address in Canada. Unfortunately, there aren’t any free services when it comes to forwarding companies.

The forwarding service applies special handling fees to the package (usually based on the package weight) since your package is being safely handled and stored between the time it arrives at the warehouse and the time it’s shipped to your home.

How Does Package Forwarding Work?

Here’s a quick overview of how mail forwarding services allow Canadians to access US-only stores and other online retailers that don’t ship to Canada:

• The package forwarder provides you with a free US shipping address
• When you’re online shopping with a Canada-restricted retailer, you’ll set your destination country as the US
• You’ll shop as normal, adding items to your online cart
• When it’s time to checkout, you’ll provide the retailer with the US shipping address provided by your parcel forwarding company
• Once the mail forwarding company receives your package, you’ll receive a notification that your package has arrived safe and secure
• Next, you’ll be able to provide the forwarding service with your Canadian address, select a preferred shipping speed, and get your package forwarded from the warehouse to Canada

Keep in mind that shipping across borders from a virtual address to your home address will take a bit longer than ordering from an online retailer based in Canada. Cross-border packages often have to go through customs, which can result in some hold-ups.

Even if you select the fastest shipping method from the forwarding service, your package could still take up to a week or longer to arrive to your home.

So, if you’re trying to save money and time, then I recommend shopping locally. If, on the other hand, you decide that the added shipping costs and extra time are worth it, then go for it!

Best Package Forwarding Service From US To Canada

Now that you have a better idea of how parcel forwarding companies work, here’s a list of some of the best package forwarding services that you can use to forward your packages from a tax-free US address to your home in Canada.

1. AmForward

• Plans Available: pay-per-use, standard subscription, premium subscription
• Learn More: Website

AmForward is one of my favourite package forwarding services to use when I need something shipped from the US to Canada.

AmForward offers you a sales tax-free warehouse located in Oregon, which can help reduce your overall expenses. Oregon is also fairly close to the Canadian border, which may result in fewer “speed bumps” as your package is in transit.

AmForward works with reputable shipping services, including:

• FedEx
• UPS
• USPS
• DHL

You’ll be able to select from three different packages, depending on how often you plan on using AmForward’s packaging forwarding services:

• Pay-per-use (the most expensive)
• Standard subscription
• Premium subscription

If you don’t use package forwarding services very often, then I recommend sticking with the pay-per-use, as you’ll be exempt from a monthly subscription fee. However, if you plan on using parcel forwarding on a more regular basis, then paying a little bit extra for the monthly fee can help you save money in the long run.

AmForward also offers free package consolidation for all three user levels, including the pay-per-use plan.

2. CrossBorder Pickups

• Plans Available: No plans, pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

If you don’t use parcel forwarding often, then CrossBorder Pickups is an easy-to-use service that offers relatively low-cost shipping from the US to Canada.

CrossBorder Pickups is a newer player to the game, and doesn’t have quite as many reviews as some of the larger forwarders on this list, but there are a few key benefits that make this company stand out, namely:

• You can pick up your packages in person from CrossBorder Pickups’ Ontario locations
• CrossBorder Pickups provides return service from Canada to the US, which can be helpful if you ever need to return a product that you purchased online
• CrossBorder Pickups offers a shipping discount for package consolidation
• The company takes care of any duties, sales tax, and other fees for an additional 3% transaction fee

If you’re located in Ontario, taking advantage of CrossBorder Pickups’ Ontario pickup location can be helpful.

For one, you’ll be able to take advantage of increased anonymity, since you won’t have to provide your home address.

Secondly, your package will remain safe and secure inside of a warehouse until you’re ready to pick it up (which can be helpful if you’re out of town).

3. Stackry

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only, no subscriptions or membership fees
• Learn More: website

Stackry is one of the most popular parcel forwarding services for Canadian customers shopping online. The company has been in business for over 30 years and has established a reputation of trust among its customers.

Stackry also ships to and from over 200 countries and offers competitive shipping rates, making them one of my top go-to forwarders for international shipping.

All Stackry users are entitled to 45 days of free storage, after which an 8-cent fee will be applied per pound. I’ve definitely taken advantage of this long storage time while I’m overseas on vacation!

The only disadvantage of Stackry is that the company doesn’t offer any subscription shipping discounts for frequent use.

That being said, if you’re somebody who only uses forwarding once in a while, then they’re an excellent choice. Plus, Stackry works with all major carriers, which makes shipping a breeze.

4. MyUS

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use and standard subscription
• Learn More: website

MyUS allows you to get a package shipped to either a US or UK address. This can be helpful if you’re shopping at UK-based retailers, as you may be able to access a wider product selection that may not be available to Canadian or US-based shoppers.

If you plan on using the service frequently, you can sign up for MyUS’ standard subscription plan for $9.99 per month or pay for the year at a reduced rate of $60. As a member, you’ll be able to take advantage of package storage, consolidation, and repackaging.

While MyUS does offer a single-use option, I don’t recommend it. Unlike other forwarders’ single-use plans, you won’t have access to any package storage or other benefits, which is a bit disappointing. The subscription service is a fair deal, though.

5. Viabox

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Website: website

Viabox doesn’t offer any subscriptions, but the company does offer several great perks, including:

• Free package storage for 90 days
• Free repackaging services
• Free consolidation
• Tax-free warehouse in Oregon

Viabox will also send you free photos of your package once it arrives in the warehouse, so you don’t have to wonder about the condition of your package.

That being said, there are some complaints online about the company’s lengthy shipping times due to the lack of shipping options available to customers.

6. Shipito

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use or premium subscription
• Learn More: website

Shipito is one of the more reputable names in the game. The company offers a number of different shipping options and shipping rates, depending on the perks you want to add onto your order.

With a free account, you’ll have to pay more upfront costs, but you’ll save on membership fees. If you plan on using the service more often, then you can save on shipping and handling fees with a premium membership.

7. Global Shopaholics

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

Global Shopaholics offers all users up to 180 days of free storage in a tax-free US address, which really sets them apart from other service providers. As the name implies, the company caters to individuals who like to shop online often.

Global Shopaholics doesn’t offer any membership discounts, but the shipping costs are relatively low, and the company has fair ratings from its consumers.

8. Fishisfast

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

Fishisfast is easily the closest competitor to Global Shopaholics and is one of the few other service providers that offers six months of free storage in a tax-free warehouse located in Delaware.

Depending on your preferences, you’ll be able to take advantage of package add-ons, such as:

• Invoice removal (which is great for gifts)
• Package insurance (excellent for high-value items)
• High consumer trust ratings

Overall, the company is a solid choice for Canadians shopping online.

9. MyUSaddress

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

MyUSaddress is one of the top-rated Canadian-owned package forwarding services on the market. The major selling point here is that MyUSaddress is the only parcel forwarder that offers up to 365 days of free storage.

You’ll be able to get packages shipped directly to your home or pick up your package in person at the company’s Ontario-based warehouse in Prescott.

The only disadvantage is that the company’s lengthy free storage allowance comes at a fairly high cost per package when compared to other companies.

Currently, MyUSaddress charges a $29 clearance fee and a $9.95 standard shipping fee, which means that you’ll be shelling out almost $40 by the time it’s all said and done.

10. In Out Parcel

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

In Out Parcel is a fairly standard parcel forwarding service that offers international shipping from the US to Canada. If you live in western Canada, you may also be able to pick up your package from the company’s warehouse, located in northern Washington.

One of the nice things that In Out Parcel offer is a price comparison between major carriers, so you can get the cheapest shipping for your package.

11. NYBox

• Plans Available: Free membership or premium membership
• Learn More: website

NYBox, surprisingly, does not offer a New York-based shipping address. Instead, you’ll be able to select between either a Delaware or New Jersey-based US address. The company has high overall trust ratings and offers fair rates for its free members.

If you use the service more often, you can subscribe to a premium membership for $15 per month and save on shipping fees. The only downside is that NYBox only offers 30 days of free storage, which is considerably less than other companies I’ve mentioned on this list.

However, even free members can take advantage of free package consolidation and free repackaging, which is a plus.

12. USA2Me

• Plans Available: Basic, standard, premium, and ultimate membership plans available
• Learn More: website

USA2Me offers both mail forwarding and parcel forwarding services from a US address to your Canadian residence. As far as package forwarding goes, this company isn’t the best, as there aren’t any pay-per-use options. However, USA2Me is an excellent provider for mail forwarding.

Regardless of your membership level, you’ll be able to take advantage of mailbox scanning so you don’t miss any important letters that arrive at your US address. If you subscribe for the premium or ultimate membership plans, then you’ll be able to take advantage of one free shipment per month.

13. OPAS

• Plans Available: Basic (free), premium, and distributor plans are available
• Learn More: website

OPAS has been around for over thirty years and has been in business since 1990. During that time, the company has become one of the more reputable package forwarding services and offers a variety of different membership tiers.

The most common option is the basic (free) membership, which offers basic membership perks along with $10 package consolidation.

The most inclusive plan is the distributor plan ($20 per month), which entitles you to free consolidation and heavily discounted shipping.

Best Parcel Forwarding Services for Expats & Overseas Shoppers

While most of these parcel forwarding companies also work for shipping from the US to Canada, some also offer specialized services to expats and overseas shoppers. This can be incredibly useful if you’re a travelling digital nomad like myself.

14. Shippn

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only, peer-to-peer platform
• Learn More: website

Shippn has an incredibly unique platform and is one of the only peer-to-peer package forwarding companies in the world. It’s like AirBnB, but for packages!

The benefit of this is that you’ll be able to choose from real home addresses all over the world. This, in turn, means that you don’t have to worry about retailer limitations.

The only disadvantage is that the quality of service depends heavily upon the host address. An irresponsible host could damage your package or not receive it correctly.

Long-term storage options may not be available either. For digital nomads or expats, though, Shippn is definitely worth looking into.

15. Planet Express

• Plans Available: Free or premium membership available
• Learn More: website

Planet Express offers users the choice between a tax-free US or a UK address for premium members. As a free member, you won’t be able to save on sales taxes, though. The company has high overall ratings from its users and offers up to 45 days of free storage for its premium members.

I have to say that Planet Express’ free membership leaves some things to be desired.

The premium membership is just $10 per month, though, and comes with plenty of perks, such as reduced package consolidation and live updates on your package status.

16. Wantboard

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

Wantboard has an interesting business model that makes it unlike any other forwarding service on this list. Namely, it doesn’t provide any storage.

When you use Wantboard’s package forwarding, your package will be automatically shipped from the company’s US-based warehouse to its Canadian-based warehouse.

From there, it will be immediately dispatched to your home address.

Since there aren’t any other services, the overall shipping and handling costs are more affordable. However, the lack of consolidation, repackaging, or storage could be a turn-off for some.

17. MyMallBox

• Plans Available: Pay-per-use only
• Learn More: website

MyMallBox provides a tax-free US address in Delaware for all of its users and up to 90 days of free storage. The company doesn’t offer any rewards program and is pay-per-use only.

The upside is that MyMallBox ships to any country, which makes it a great choice for expats and travelling nomads.

The only downside is that the company only has average consumer ratings due to reports of poor customer service. So, I wouldn’t recommend this forwarder for high-value items that you want to keep a close eye on.

18. Shop & Ship

• Plans Available: No pay-per-use, membership only
• Learn More: website

Shop & Ship is a newer company that offers low-cost international shipping and forwarding to warehouse locations all over the world. Currently, S&S has 33 global warehouses you can choose from, making it a good choice for travelling nomads.

The downside of this company is that it doesn’t offer direct mail forwarding to your home address.

Instead, you’ll have to visit one of the primary warehouse locations to pick up your package. As far as I’m concerned, this makes it one of the last choices on my list. It’s good for emergencies, though!

19. Ship7

• Plans Available: Free membership plan
• Learn More: website

Ship7 offers tax-free shopping from any US retailer along with 60 days of free storage. One of the neat features the company offers is a ShopForMe feature where they’ll pay for your order if your international credit card is declined for some reason.

Ship7 also offers free consolidation and free repackaging so that you can save on all of your packages. This makes them a great company for holiday shopping, as you’ll be able to get all of your packages mailed to the same address at once.

20. Qwintry

• Plans Available: Basic (Free) or Qwintry Plus
• Learn More: website

Qwintry offers a similar service to Shop & Ship and allows users to select between a basic free membership or a premium membership for $69.99 for a six-month term. Premium members can take advantage of 15% reduced shipping fees and up to 60 days of free storage.

Like S&S, though, Qwintry doesn’t offer direct shipping to your residence. You’ll have to pick your package up directly from one of the company’s warehouses, which makes it a bit inconvenient for most shoppers.

Costs Involved in Package Forwarding

When considering package forwarding services from the US to Canada, it’s essential to factor in the costs involved. Here are the main costs to consider:

Shipping Fees

Shipping fees are the most significant cost when using package forwarding services. The cost varies depending on the package’s weight, dimensions, and destination. Some package forwarding companies offer free shipping for certain packages or if you reach a certain spending threshold.

Subscription Plans

Most package forwarding services offer subscription plans. These plans can be either standard or premium. Standard subscription plans usually come with a monthly fee and offer basic services like a US address, package consolidation, and package tracking. Premium subscription plans come with additional features like personal shopper services, faster shipping, and more.

Insurance Costs

Package insurance is an additional cost that you may want to consider. Most package forwarding companies offer insurance options to protect your package during transit. The cost of insurance varies depending on the value of the package.

Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are another cost to consider when using package forwarding services. These fees are charged when you make a payment using a credit card or other payment methods. The transaction fee varies depending on the package forwarding company and payment method used.

Considerations When Choosing a Package Forwarding Service

When choosing a package forwarding service from the US to Canada, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Shipping Restrictions

Before choosing a package forwarding service, it is important to check if they have any shipping restrictions. Some items may not be allowed to be shipped to Canada due to customs regulations or other reasons. Make sure to check the list of prohibited items before making a purchase.

Return Services

In case you need to return a package, it is important to choose a package forwarding service that offers return services. Check if the service has a return policy and if they offer return shipping labels. It is also important to check if there are any fees associated with returns.

Customer Support

Consider the level of customer support they offer. Look for a service that provides multiple ways to contact customer support, such as email, phone, or live chat. Check if they have a customer support team available 24/7 or during certain hours.

It is also important to read reviews and ratings from other customers to get an idea of their experiences with customer support. Look for a service that has a good reputation for providing excellent customer service.

Duties, Taxes and Customs

Duties and taxes are fees charged by the Canadian government on imported goods. The amount you pay depends on the value of the goods and the type of product you are importing.

To clear customs, you need to complete a customs form. This form includes information about the contents of your package, the value of the items, and the reason for shipping. You will also need to provide a copy of the invoice or receipt for the items you are shipping.

Customs clearance is the process of inspecting and verifying that the contents of your package comply with Canadian customs regulations. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of goods you are importing and the volume of packages being processed by customs officials.

Pros & Cons of US To Canada Package Forwarding Services

Mail forwarding is incredibly useful when you need it but can be costly if you make a habit of it.

Do I Need A Package Forwarding Service?

After reviewing the list of services, you may be thinking, “Do I really need to use a package forwarding company?“

The majority of Canadians probably don’t need to use package or mail forwarding on a daily (or even weekly) basis. There’s no shortage of quality online retailers that are either based out of Canada or offer low-cost shipping to Canada.

However, if there’s a particular item or brand that, for some reason, doesn’t offer shipping to Canada, then a package forwarding service can be a lifesaver.

While the extra shipping costs and time can be a drag, the best package forwarding companies make the process relatively smooth and seamless.

Here’s a quick list of reasons why you may need to use a package or mail forwarding service:

• The retailer you’re shopping with doesn’t offer shipping to Canada
• You don’t want the retailer or website you’re shopping with to see your home address
• You want to take advantage of package consolidation to get multiple packages shipped to your home at once
• You’re away from home and need to take advantage of the short-term free package storage offered by package forwarding services

Is Package Forwarding Tax-Free?

It depends on where the package forwarding service you’re working with is located.

Many package forwarders offer warehouses located in US states where sales tax doesn’t apply. This allows you to make a purchase from an online retailer without having to pay additional local US sales taxes.

However, this varies from one service provider to another. This is why I recommend doing your research to compare and contrast companies to find the best parcel forwarding services that meet your needs.

How Do I Redirect Mail From the US To Canada?

Redirecting mail from the US to Canada is the same as redirecting a parcel. Not all parcel forwarding services offer mail forwarding. However, many of them do. Some mail-forwarding companies may even offer to discard junk mail and other helpful perks.

Mail typically isn’t something that you’ll have to worry about being restricted. However, using a mail forwarding service can help you remain anonymous since you don’t have to provide your home address to the individual or company that’s sending you mail.

What Are Shipping Costs From the US To Canada?

Shipping costs from the US to Canada vary significantly, depending on the size of your package, where the state and province that it’s being shipped to and from, and how quickly you want it delivered.

Some parcel forwarding companies offer discounted shipping fees to customers who sign up for a monthly membership or who use the service frequently.

You may also be able to reduce shipping costs by using package consolidation, which allows you to ship multiple packages together in a single shipment.

Do I Have To Pay Shipping Duties For Package Forwarding?

One of the less frequently discussed shipping fees is shipping duties. These are additional taxes that you may have to pay for shipping items from overseas or across the border.

Thankfully, shipping duties aren’t quite as restrictive today as they were prior to the pandemic.

Thanks to the recent United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canadians can now get goods imported across the border for free, as long as the total package value is under $150 CAD.

However, packages valued at more than $150 will be subject to the following shipping duties:

• Electronics: 0%
• Toys: 8%
• Home appliances: 8%
• Jewelry: 8%
• Beauty & health: 18%
• Clothing & fashion: 18%

If you’re planning on purchasing more than $150 worth of health and beauty products or clothing and getting it shipped through a package forwarding service, then don’t forget about the additional duties fee you’ll have to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable shipping forwarder?

When it comes to finding the most affordable shipping forwarder, it’s important to consider a few factors. Shipping rates can vary depending on the size and weight of your package, as well as the shipping method you choose.

However, based on our research, some of the most affordable shipping forwarders from the US to Canada include Global Shopaholics, MyUS, and Stackry.

What is the alternative to Shipito?

If you’re looking for an alternative to Shipito, there are several options available. One popular alternative is MyUS, which offers a tax-free US address and free package consolidation services. Another option is Viabox, which provides a free US address and offers discounted shipping rates.

Is package forwarding safe?

Yes, package forwarding can be a safe and reliable way to receive packages from the US to Canada. However, it’s important to choose a reputable shipping forwarder that has a track record of delivering packages on time and securely. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and check the company’s ratings with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, this list helped you find the best package forwarding service from the US to Canada. While most of the companies offer the same general service, each offers its own unique money-saving perks that may appeal to your situation.

Looking for more great ways to save money?

Be sure to check out my guide to frugal living in Canada next!