US Postage Rates From Canada 2025: What is the Postage Stamp Price
Canada Post charges $1.75 for sending standard mail weighing 0-30g to the U.S. The prices for standard-size mail can go up to $2.61 for a package weighing up to 50g. The postage rates vary according to the parcel’s weight and dimensions. Moreover, the prices can also change with the mailing option you choose.
Please note that the prices are different for all mailing classes. Since some shipping methods are faster than others, Canada Post charges more for speed and convenience. Below, we learn more about US postage rates from Canada and which mailing options to use.
Key Takeaways:
- The lowest price for sending mail to the US from Canada is $4.29. The prices for sending non-standard or oversized mail start at $3.43.
- The acceptable dimensions for standard and non-standard mail are different. It is important to know the dimensions to ensure your mail qualifies for posting.
- You can send mail using any of the four Canada Post postal services: Small Packet, Xpresspost, Tracked Packet, and Expedited Parcel.
- You can also use PostGrid’s direct mail services to send personalized letters, checks, postcards, and more to the US at an affordable price.
Postage Rates for Standard and Non-Standard Size Mail
Standard Size Mail
Letter envelopes, standard cards, and postcards are considered standard-size mail by Canada Post. Direct mail marketers widely use this type of mail to send to their target audience. However, for sending these mail items, the dimensions should be strictly taken into consideration.
- For self-mailers and envelopes, the minimum dimensions are 140mm x 90mm x 0.18mm. The size should not be more than 245mm x 156mm x 5mm.
- Postcards and other cards should meet the minimum dimensions of 140mm x 90mm x 0.18mm, which is the same as envelopes but should be no more than 235mm x 120mm.
- All standard-size mail items should be equal to or less than 50 kg. Let’s move on to the rates of standard-size mail items to ship to the US.
If you are using postage stamps, the postage rates to the US start at $1.75. This rate is applicable only for mail weighing up to 30 grams or consisting of up to 5 paper sheets. Postcards and letter envelopes weigh between 30 and 50 grams or consist of up to 9 paper sheets.
They’re charged $2.61. Anything weighing more than 50 grams is considered non-standard mail and charged differently. Even letters and postcards that weigh more than 50 grams slightly will be charged according to the non-standard mail pricing.
If you are planning to conduct a direct mail marketing campaign using postcards to target your US audience, take care of the size and weight guidelines. Even small mistakes regarding the dimensions can end up in you paying much more than what you originally planned.
You should use metered postage or postal indicia as it can help you save one cent on every mail item.
The rates to send standard-size lettermail using metered postage are $1.75 and $2.61 respectively for mail weighing up to 30 grams and within 30 to 50 grams.
Acceptable Dimensions for Standard Posts
| Standard Mail | |
| Minimum Dimension | 140 mm x 90 mm x1 mm |
| Maximum Dimension | 235 mm x 120 mm x 600 mm |
Source: Canada Post
Postage Rates for Standard Mail Letter-post
| Weight | Price (Single stamp) |
| Up to 30 g | $1.40 |
| Over 30 g up to 50 g | $2.09 |
Source: Canada Post
Postage Rates for Standard Lettermail
| Postage Type | Standard | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30g | Over 30g up to 50g | |
| Stamp | $1.75 | $2.61 |
| Meter or Postal Indica | $1.75 | $2.61 |
Source: Canada Post
Non-Standard Size Mail
Non-standard size mail is either oversized or unusually shaped mail. However, there are still weight and size restrictions for sending non-standard mail. Heavy cards, oversized envelopes, and large documents are sent as non-standard mail.
| Weight | Price (Single stamp) | Meter or Postal Indicia |
| Up to 100 g | $4.29 | $4.08 |
| Over 100 g up to 200 g | $7.49 | $7.38 |
| Over 200 g up to 500 g | $14.99 | $14.70 |
Source: Canada Post
Usually, envelopes consisting of more than one mail item or heavier items like catalogues or bundles of newsletters are sent using this mail option.
- The weight of your mail should be more than 50 grams and not exceed 500 grams.
- 140mm x 90mm x 0.18mm are the minimum dimensions for sending oversize mail. The size should not cross over the specifications of 380mm x 270mm x 20mm.
For mail weighing between 50 and 100 grams – equivalent to the weight of 20 paper sheets, the rate is $3.43
All mail items that cross 100 grams but are equal to or less than 200 grams – equivalent to the weight of 40 paper sheets are charged $5.99 for shipping to all locations across the US. Once more, you can save 9 cents on every mail item if you use postal indicia or postage meter.
For mail that weighs between 200 grams and 500 grams, the postage rate to the US is $11.99. It is recommended that you use metered postage for such heavy mail items, as you can save a lot per mail item.
Bulk shippers can benefit from this and cut down costs drastically. There are additional discounts available for bulk shippers. You can contact the Canada Post website for more details on highly discounted rates for sending bulk mail to the US.
Postage Rates for Non-Standard Lettermail
| Postage Type | Non-Standard | Non-Standard | Non-Standard |
| Up to 100g | Over 100g up to 200g | Over 200g up to 500g | |
| Stamp | $4.29 | $7.49 | $14.99 |
| Meter or Postal Indica | $4.08 | $7.38 | $14.70 |
Source: Canada Post
Please note that all Canada Post prices mentioned here are based on its recent price change update from January 13, 2025. They are subject to further change according to the decision of the postal organization. Hence, it is always recommended to check the latest postage prices before mailing postcards, envelopes, and parcels.
Canada Post Postage Calculator
Canada Post offers a “Find a rate” tool to allow you to find and compare postage prices for different mailing services. You can check national and global shipping costs using this service. All you have to do is enter the origin and destination addresses or postal codes. Choose whether you want to send something to Canada, the US, or other countries. Click “Next,” and you’ll see an option to select between letter and package mailing. Enter the appropriate size and weight to get an estimated postage cost.
The tool will show you all the available Canada Post shipping options, allowing you to mail from your origin to your intended delivery address. It also shows the exact prices, along with the additional features that the mailing methods include. If you click on “Add in options,” you can select the add-ons you need. The tool also provides a rate summary that gives you a quick price breakdown for a better understanding of the Canada Post pricing structure.
Source: Canada Post
This tool allows businesses to know whether their mailing budget matches the actual costs. They can pre-plan which shipping methods make most sense to them and how to save money, time, and resources when sending something via Canada Post.
Cost-Saving Strategies When Mailing from Canada to the U.S.
You can cut rates when mailing something from Canada to the U.S. in several ways because the post office offers many different postal options. The ones that provide expedited deliveries usually cost more. Thus, it is recommended to use these services only for urgent mailings or for sending mail with high-value items or documents containing sensitive information. It is completely fine to use standard or economy shipping for large-volume and marketing campaigns.
Here are some more tips you can follow to cut shipping expenses:
- Reduce the number of pages in your letters or documents. It reduces the weight, allowing you to get lower shipping rates.
- You can use padded envelopes and small boxes if you can fit the items in them. It saves money and lets you send your items to the U.S. more efficiently.
- Online postage prices are lower than what you get at the post office. Hence, instead of taking your mailpieces to the post office, you can pay for the postage and print the labels online using Canada Post’s website.
- If you don’t have the time to print the mailers and labels internally and want to save money further, use PostGrid’s Print & Mail API. It allows you to design, produce, and ship the items online without your staff doing anything or going anywhere.
- Cross-check whether your delivery addresses are accurate and complete. It ensures the post office doesn’t return the mailers to you for reshipping, and you can successfully send the mailpieces on your first attempt.
Canada Post Parcel Services Features
On-Time Delivery Guarantee
If Canada Post is unable to deliver the shipment on time, they will offer a replacement service or credit equivalent to the shipping charges to the sender. However, the policies can be changed during a peak period or due to causes beyond the control of the Canada Post. Moreover, this service is not available for items sent to or from air stage offices using Xpresspost, Flat Rate box, and Expedited Parcel.
Liability Coverage
According to Canada Post, Canada Post automatically adds a $100 liability coverage with every shipping option. You can also add additional liability coverage of up to $5000 by paying an additional fee. This will insure your shipment from loss, damage, or COD service failure.
You might need to pay extra for many add-ons, like tracking, insurance, and priority deliveries. The initial postage prices do not include any additional features, making it seem that Canada Post shipping is extremely cost-friendly. Thus, businesses must decide beforehand which options to select and whether they require the add-ons.
Flat Rate Shipping
Canada Post is the national postal service provider of Canada. It offers flat rate shipping under which you will charged for postal service based on the size of the packaging and not the weight or the dimension of the item that you are shipping. However, you can only send items weighing up to 5 kg. This service is available for shipping within Canada and to the US.
| Extra Small | Small | Medium | Large | |
| Dimension | 24.1 x 16.5 x 8.9 cm | 35cm x 26 cm x 5cm | 39 cm x 26 cm x 12 cm | 40 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm |
| Maximum Weight | up to 5 kg | up to 5 kg | up to 5 kg | up to 5 kg |
| Prices | $17.99 | $19.99 | $24.99 | $32.99 |
| Where to drop the parcel? | Street letter box or post office | Street letter box or post office | Post office | Post office |
Source: Canada Post
International Shipping
Canada Post allows shipping to over 190 countries. It offers the following international shipping options.
- Small Packet USA and International
- Xpresspost USA and International
- Tracked Packet USA and International
- International Parcel- Air or Surface
- Expedited Parcel
Collect on Delivery Service
This service is only available for shipment within Canada. Through this, the postal service collects a certain amount from the receiver on behalf of the sender after delivering the parcel. You can avail of this delivery option alongside other shipping services like Priority, Xpresspost, Expedited Parcel, or Regular Parcel.
Identification at Time of Delivery
To ensure that your package is delivered to the right person, you can ask for proof of delivery. Under the Signature and Identification Service, you can ensure that a person with an acceptable ID proving their age is accepting the item.
| One of our clients at PostGrid wanted to send 5k monthly statements to their service users. They wanted to know which features and services they can avail themselves of if they use Canada Post shipping to send the items. PostGrid informed them that they get the standard mailing features that come with the shipping method they select. Furthermore, they also receive additional PostGrid features, such as mail personalization, real-time tracking, campaign insights, and searchable records.
Hence, the company could streamline its logistics while paying less and getting more features. Now, it conducts several large-volume mailings using our Print & Mail API. Here’s what the managing director commented, “I cannot believe how well PostGrid has changed our old methods of sending mail to our users. It is truly miraculous the experience and tech they bring in. I am looking forward to a long-term collaboration.” Do you also want to handle your direct mail campaigns online? Sign up now! |
Canada Post Parcel Services to USA and Their Charges
Small Packet
According to Canada Post, If you want to send a lightweight package weighing below 1 kg to your client and customers in the USA, you can use this Canada Post postal service. The price for sending a 0.1 kg package through Small Packet- USA is $8.68 and the maximum you will pay for a package weighing 2 kg is $26.34. The package will be delivered between five to eight business days. If you want to send a package weighing up to 2 kg, you can use Small Packet International- Air or Surface Service. Depending upon the location, the Air service can take up to 12 days to deliver and the Surface service can take 30 to 60 days. It is an economical service for non-time-sensitive packages. To check how much you will have to pay in shipping click here.
Features
- It offers hassle-free custom clearance since the duty and taxes are collected from the person receiving the parcel when it is delivered.
- You can leverage its paid option of adding a return address to the package. This will ensure that the package will be returned to you in case the recipient has moved or the address is incomplete or does not exist.
Prices for Small Packet- USA Service
| Weight | Price- All locations in the USA |
| 0.1 kg | $8.68 |
| 0.25 kg | $10.60 |
| 0.5 kg | $13.87 |
| 1.0 kg | $19.96 |
| 1.5 kg | $23.40 |
| 2.0 kg | $26.34 |
Source: Canada Post
Prices for Small Packet International Air
| Weight(in kg) | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | |
| 0.1 | $11.67 | $11.16 | $13.59 | $12.12 | $12.53 | $12.68 | $12.68 | $13.19 | $13.15 | $13.93 |
| 0.25 | $12.78 | $12.20 | $14.87 | $13.27 | $13.71 | $13.89 | $13.89 | $14.45 | $14.38 | $15.24 |
| 0.5 | $23.85 | $22.80 | $27.80 | $25.14 | $26.01 | $25.98 | $25.96 | $27.04 | $26.89 | $27.74 |
| 1.0 | $44.97 | $43.61 | $51.63 | $46.05 | $47.39 | $49.14 | $49.54 | $50.29 | $49.37 | $53.02 |
| 1.5 | $51.31 | $54.58 | $64.89 | $57.75 | $61.84 | $67.82 | $63.54 | $64.43 | $61.89 | $67.97 |
| 2.0 | $57.63 | $65.55 | $78.14 | $69.40 | $71.94 | $79.00 | $77.52 | $78.58 | $74.38 | $82.86 |
Source: Canada Post
Prices for Small Packet International Surface Service
| Weight(in kg) | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price | Rate Code/Price |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | |
| 0.25 | $9.84 | $9.92 | $10.48 | $10.20 | $10.32 | $10.33 | $10.38 | $10.51 | $10.44 | $10.70 |
| 0.5 | $13.78 | $13.58 | $15.83 | $14.32 | $14.70 | $14.70 | $15.07 | $15.35 | $15.15 | $15.45 |
| 1.0 | $23.03 | $23.04 | $26.00 | $24.14 | $24.56 | $24.65 | $25.47 | $25.93 | $25.24 | $26.50 |
| 1.5 | $28.42 | $27.68 | $32.18 | $29.81 | $30.25 | $30.48 | $31.81 | $32.29 | $31.15 | $33.98 |
| 2.0 | $33.80 | $32.30 | $38.32 | $35.48 | $35.99 | $36.31 | $38.13 | $38.69 | $37.02 | $41.47 |
Source: Canada Post
Xpresspost
If you are looking for a fast and cost-effective way to ship your mail and parcels, you should opt for the Xpresspost-USA service. According to Canada Post, Your package will be delivered in two to three business days. You can also buy a Registered Mail service to send packages to the US using Xpresspost. You will receive a mailing receipt with the date you purchased the service. You will get a notification with the details of the person who received the mail, upon delivery. You can buy this service online or from the post office.
The Xpresspost charges depend upon the weight of the package, the source, the destination, and the rate code. Take for instance, for rate code 7 the price for 0.5 kg mail will be $29.25 if sent from Yukon, Northwest Territories, or Nunavut. However, sending the package of the same weight to a state for rate code 6 will cost you $28.97. You can get a shipping estimate for using Xpresspost by putting your package’s dimensions here.
Features
- You can track the package using the unique tracking number. You will be notified via email or the mobile application.
- You can leverage a $100 liability coverage to ensure your package is insured from theft, loss, or damage.
- You can ask for a signature from the person collecting the package to ensure it is delivered to the right person.
- If your parcel does not arrive on time, you will get a replacement service or credit equivalent to the shipping charges.
- By paying an additional fee, depending on your package’s weight and the destination, you can add a return address so that the package can be returned to you, in case it is undelivered.
- You can also get a liability coverage of up to $1000 by paying $2.75 per additional $100.
- You can also leverage the various pickup services. By paying a fee ranging between $3.50 to $7.50, you can get One-Time On-Demand Pickup, One-Time Third-Party On-
- Demand Pickup, Recurring Pickup, and Third-Party Recurring Pickup services.
Tracked Packet
If you want to ship items weighing less than two kg and want to keep track of the status of your shipment, you should go with this service. It will deliver your package in four to seven business days. The lowest charge for sending a package with this service is $13.05 for 0.1 kg mail and the highest cost is $27.65 for 2 kg mail. Click here to estimate how much it will cost to send a package through Tracked Packet to your clients or customers in the USA.
| Weight | Price- All locations in the USA |
| 0.1 kg | $13.05 |
| 0.25 kg | $16.73 |
| 0.5 kg | $18.49 |
| 1.0 kg | $21.95 |
| 1.5 kg | $24.90 |
| 2.0 kg | $27.65 |
Source: Canada Post
Features
- You will be provided with a unique tracking number to track your package. You will also get email notifications and messages on the mobile application.
- An automatic $100 liability coverage is added to your package when you opt for this service.
- If the recipient has moved to another place, or the address is incomplete, the package will be returned to you.
- By paying an additional fee between $3.50 and $7.50, you can get a wide range of pick-up services, such as One-Time On-Demand Pickup, One-Time Third-Party On-
- Demand pickup, Recurring Pickup, and Third-Party Recurring Pickup services.
Expedited Parcel
You should use this service if you have to send a non-time-sensitive package weighing under 30 kg. It is delivered to all US states within four to seven business days. Like Xpresspost, the prices for using this service depend upon the origin and destination of the package. Take, for instance, rate code 7, you can send a package weighing 0.5kg at the price of $21.82. You can also get a shipping charge estimate for your package by clicking here.
Features
- You can track the package using the unique tracking number. You will get email notifications and messages on the mobile app.
- It automatically adds $100 liability coverage, which protects your package from loss, damage, or a COD service failure.
- The duty charges and taxes are collected from the person receiving the package at the delivery time.
- By paying $2.75 per additional $100, you can get extra liability coverage of $1000.
- You can also avail a wide range of pick-up services such as One-Time On-Demand Pickup, and One-Time Third-Party On-Demand for $3.50 each. The Third-Party
- Recurring (Scheduled) Pickup will cost you $7.50 per week per additional address.
International Parcel- Air or Surface
If you want to send large parcels to places that do not offer Xpresspost International Service, you can opt for this service. The estimated delivery time for Air service is six to ten days and Surface service is 30-90 days. You can check out the prices as per the weight and rate code here.
Features
- Each shipment comes with an automatic $100 liability coverage to insure your package against loss, theft, or COD damage.
- You can avail an additional $1000 liability coverage feature by paying $2.75 per additional $100.
- You can also add a return address to the mail and ensure that the package will be returned to you in case the recipient’s address is incomplete or the receiver has moved.
Common Mailing Mistakes When Sending Something via Canada Post to the U.S.
The most common mistake businesses make when sending mail to the U.S. is not including the complete address with the ZIP code. Since U.S. shipping is expensive than domestic shipping, it is advisable to pay more attention to such details. Follow the correct USPS-prescribed address format to ensure your mailers reach the destination addresses without hassles and on time.
Another mistake is not filling out the customs form. When mailing from Canada to the U.S., you must list the contents of the package and its value. If you skip this or make errors, your item may be held or rejected. Also, avoid guessing the weight and use a scale to get the correct weight to avoid underpaying postage and having the post office send your package back.
Some people also use the wrong packaging, such as using a large or heavy box when it’s not necessary. Try to keep your package small and light. Also, don’t forget to secure your item properly as weak packaging may open or break during shipping.
Furthermore, businesses must always store the receipt or tracking number. If your package is delayed or lost, you’ll need that information to track it or make a claim. Lastly, many people wait too long to ask for help. If your package is late, contact Canada Post as soon as possible and file a missing item request if needed.
How to Select the Best Mailing Option Suited to Your Business Needs?
1. Delivery Speed
Think about how fast your customer needs the item. If it’s urgent, choose a faster option like Xpresspost-USA. If it’s not urgent, use a cheaper service like Tracked Packet or Small Packet. Choosing the right speed helps balance cost and customer expectations.
2. Tracking and Proof of Delivery
If your business needs to show that the item arrived, pick a service that includes tracking and delivery confirmation. Tracked Packet-USA and Xpresspost-USA both offer tracking. This helps you and your customer feel secure, especially for higher-value or crucial items.
3. Package Size and Weight
Check the size and weight of your package. Smaller, lighter items are cheaper to send. If your items are usually light, use Small Packet-USA. For heavier boxes, you may need Regular Parcel-USA or another service. Always weigh and measure your packages before selecting the mailing method.
4. Budget and Shipping Costs
Consider your budget and profit margin. If shipping eats into your profits, choose the most cost-effective option. Look at the price of each service, and check for business discounts with Canada Post. Saving on shipping helps your business grow and keeps customers happy.
Mailable and Non-Mailable Items From Canada Post to USA
There are certain restrictions on what can be mailed and can not be mailed to the USA through the Canada Post. Certain items require special documentation.
| Items | Details About Items |
| Prohibited Items |
|
| Controlled Items | You must properly pack these items and adhere to government regulations and applicable requirements while mailing these items.
|
| Heavy Items | Anything more than 30 kg is not accepted for mailing. |
| Illegal Items |
|
Source: Canada Post
Conclusion
Through Canada Post, you can send letters, postcards, parcels, and several other items to the US. Depending upon the size of your package and the urgency you can choose one of the Canada Post postal services mentioned above. If you are sending direct mail, you can leverage PostGrid to send highly personalized direct mail be it letters, postcards, self-mailers, or checks. We will deliver your package to the right person quickly and at affordable prices. With our print and mail API, you can custom design, print and mail your standard and non-standard mail items. Moreover, our address verification API ensures the mail reaches its intended destination. If you want to know more about our work, request a demo today!
