Shipping to Canada

[pluktv]

Is there any sure fire way of avoiding `brokerage` charges when shipping to Canada from the US?
There seems to be a myriad of opinions on this - use UPS, don`t use UPS, have it air freighted, hold for collection. Any sure fire advice would be welcome, last time I ordered from IAP it literally doubled in price when it crossed the border... Cheers Canada - not!!

Cheers
Phil

[Jimb]

Definately avoid UPS. They add on a "standard processing" fee over and above their shipping quote for crossing the border...which is absolutely nonsense. I believe it is something like $40 minimum. They claim its for ensuring all the paperwork is in order.
The easiest and cheapest is USPS. Very often items shipped thru the post office will arrive in the mail with no duty charges. I even shipped a set of 16" BBS wheels out from Germany thru the post office and it was by far the cheapest and quickest.
Jim

[burgandy81]

Yep, USPS has been the best I have used from the US.

DHL has been the winner from Europe.

[4uall]

UPS, FedEx etc are crap. Always insist on USPS (United States Postal Service) I also recommend to have "antique auto parts" labelled on the item/package

[courtenay]

Gotta agree with the others here. I had some free Garmin software sent for my boat's GPS via UPS. I was still charged $40 brokerage fees at the door! This outfit is an absolute rip off!!! Fortunately, many of the mainstream Fiat parts dealers we regularly see on the forum will ship via USPS.

[narfire]

USPS...if you don't have an ability to cross the line to a mail/ups drop. UPS accross the line is a rip-off!!

[pluktv]

Well, I guess that answers that then. It was UPS last time and as you say, they demanded a $40 brokerage fee at the door. I assumed this was something to do with border control though, not just a cash grab from UPS. Wow.

Thanks for the advice everyone.