Advice for shipping from Canada to the US

[NewToStihl]

I've heard horror stories lately about shipping from Canada into the US. I'm looking at possibly buying a saw or two from Canada and wanted to get some advice from those with experience.

So, calling all Canadians. Can you tell me what is typically the most economical carrier for shipping chainsaws into the US? Also, are there any more stringent rules/regulations for shipping out of Canada and into the US than I would expect shipping out of the US, or is it just drain the fluids and package it up safely like normal?

Thanks!

 

[Canadian farm boy]

I've shipped a few saws to the US. I always use Canada post. My saws have always made it to their destination on time if not earlier.
My typical cost to ship a saw is usually between $50 and $70 CAD with insurance and a tracking number.

As for packaging all I've ever done is drain all the fluids as best I can. I usually place the saw in a garbage bag and then pack it in a box as securely as I can. Sometimes I'll double box the saw.

When filling out the declaration paperwork be sure to mark the box "going for repair". In my experience doing this avoids the buyer getting hit with extra taxes and duty fees.

I don't know if this helps or not but this is what I usually do.

 

[dall]

i bought a p39 from jockey duece on postage it showed 85 or 86 dollars for postage it came canadian post and through usps took 3 or 4 days at customs

 

[NewToStihl]

I've shipped a few saws to the US. I always use Canada post. My saws have always made it to their destination on time if not earlier.
My typical cost to ship a saw is usually between $50 and $70 CAD with insurance and a tracking number.

As for packaging all I've ever done is drain all the fluids as best I can. I usually place the saw in a garbage bag and then pack it in a box as securely as I can. Sometimes I'll double box the saw.

When filling out the declaration paperwork be sure to mark the box "going for repair". In my experience doing this avoids the buyer getting hit with extra taxes and duty fees.

I don't know if this helps or not but this is what I usually do.

Thank you! May I ask about how long it's been since the last time you shipped a saw to the US?

 

[Canadian farm boy]

I just shipped a 066 from Ontario to Missouri about 2 weeks ago

 

[NewToStihl]

I just shipped a 066 from Ontario to Missouri about 2 weeks ago

Awesome, good to know those price and your experience are recent. I really appreciate the help!

 

[GCJenks204]

Your only real option is Canada Post / USPS. Any of the major couriers may be a little lower in the upfront fee but all will charge you brokerage fees for clearing it through customs. Canada Post was a lot scarier about a month ago as they were threatening to strike or be locked out but things are pretty quiet on the labour front right now.

I am lucky enough that since accepting my new position at work I get paid to travel to the U.S. a few times a year, took a couple saws down and brought a couple back last week.

Where are the saw you are buying?

 

[NewToStihl]

Your only real option is Canada Post / USPS. Any of the major couriers may be a little lower in the upfront fee but all will charge you brokerage fees for clearing it through customs. Canada Post was a lot scarier about a month ago as they were threatening to strike or be locked out but things are pretty quiet on the labour front right now.

I am lucky enough that since accepting my new position at work I get paid to travel to the U.S. a few times a year, took a couple saws down and brought a couple back last week.

Where are the saw you are buying?

Good info, thank you. Not to sound sketchy, but I'm a little particular about not disclosing any information about pending deals until they're complete.

I will tell an unfortunate shipping story though. Today I received a Stihl 090 shipped to me from Washington state via UPS. It clearly took a very hard 'fall' during the trip and the rear handle was completely broken off. Sometimes I wonder what a package goes through when nobody is looking...

 

[DSS]

About $70 a saw is what I figure into the price. I haven't sent one into the US for a while, but I get them shipped up here fairly regularly. The post office is your best bet most of the time. I've gotten good deals out of FedEx but I've also had them held up in customs with them. Have absolutely nothing to do with UPS, the *B-S.... fees at the border will more than double the price of shipping a lot of times.

 

[jockeydeuce]

I think it's about been covered in the above posts. Bigger saws have been costing $75-$85 for powerheads usually lately....Canada Post- USPS is the only way to go for sure. The whole trip will take 6-10 business days typically.


I've shipped a lot of saws to the US and knock on wood, never had any kind of horror story.

 

[dall]

I think it's about been covered in the above posts. Bigger saws have been costing $75-$85 for powerheads usually lately....Canada Post- USPS is the only way to go for sure. The whole trip will take 6-10 business days typically.


I've shipped a lot of saws to the US and knock on wood, never had any kind of horror story.

the p39 is a heavier saw compared to some of the newer saws but arrived in great shape box and all

 

[rocketnorton]

I say contents are "tool parts" or "saw parts", otherwise nothin to add here. can/us post only, no fedex/ups. one pissin match w/fedex was enough. that was on somethin comin this way.

 

[Basher]

That dam brokerage fee they charge on the receiving end turned me away from the courier companies. I strictly stick to the Post office and have never lost or had a saw damaged that I shipped out.

 

[stihl saws]

I've never had a bad experience with Canada Post/ USPS, the few times I've bought from there.

 

[rocketnorton]

I say contents are "tool parts" or "saw parts", otherwise nothin to add here. can/us post only, no fedex/ups. one pissin match w/fedex was enough. that was on somethin comin this way.

That dam brokerage fee they charge on the receiving end turned me away from the courier companies. I strictly stick to the Post office and have never lost or had a saw damaged that I shipped out.

^^^ this.

 

[drf256]

Keep in mind that it's almost double to ship TO Canada than it is to have one shipped to the USA.

I shipped a 262-$85. I shipped an 026 AF cover-$40. The same 262 came back to me for $43 USD.

Keep in mind the CDN:USD exchange.