Canada Post International Rates and Services for 2023

In January 2023, Canada Post announced that postal rates for all classes and sizes of letters will increase, and we’re here to guide you through the changes…

How to Send International Mail

Letters and parcels should always bear the correct postage paid otherwise they will be returned to sender. Sender address should also be clearly shown in case of problems.

Addresses should be complete and contain house, apartment or business numbers and street names, and most importantly postal or ZIP codes. You should always ensure the address includes the country of destination which is something that is simple but often missed!

When sending items of value or important mail, insurance or liability should be considered to protect against loss or damage. Certain items are restricted so remember to check customs regulations for each destination.

Canada to USA Postal Rates

As of January 2023, the pricing for letters and parcels to US destinations from Canada is:

Canada Post Rates to other International Destinations

As of January 2023, the pricing for letters and parcels to International destinations from Canada is:

International Business Mail from Canada to the USA and Worldwide

Letter-post, from Canada Post, is the most economical way to send personal and business mail.  Mail must meet the size and weight restrictions and be roughly paper sized and shaped like letters, mailers, tickets and postcards. The Maximum weight is 50g.  Items up to 500g are classed as Other Letter-Post. Masses of time and money can be saved when sending business mail with a Canada Post approved postage meter.

US and International Parcel Options from Canada Post

Parcel Services Shipping to the USA and International Destinations is another branch of Canada Post specifically for documents, packets and parcels and subject to size and weight restrictions. Parcels must meet national and international customs regulations and not be classed as dangerous items in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. Perishable food items and animals cannot be sent by this manner.

As of January 2023, the pricing for US and international parcel options from Canada Post is:

What Are The Benefits of Postage Meters?

With a postage meter there are discounts for larger mailings around the world and standard savings of 12% to 25%. Volume discounts can be obtained on postings of 500 pieces within Canada and 100 pieces or more overseas.

Postage Meters are available as basic machines through to advanced models and are easy to reload with funds either online or by calling the meter supplier. Postage meters help to allocate exact postage costs and are ideal for tracking prices, cost control, and accounting and reporting. Machines that can assist with envelope addressing, printing, sorting, folding and insertion are also available.

Postage Meters can be rented from FP, Quadient and Pitney Bowes; these are the only companies approved by Canada Post to print postage, as this is classed as currency.

Paying for US and International Post Using a Postage Meter

Postage meters are an acceptable method of payment for both business and consumers as an alternative to stamps or one-off payments. They are most often used by businesses and form part of Canada Post’s Business Solutions. Discounts can be obtained by using a postage meter and time saved on purchasing and affixing individual stamps.

Like the sound of those savings? The quickest and easiest way to find the best deal on your next postage meter is by comparing quotes. To get started, simply tell us what you need from your postage system, and we’ll match you with suppliers that best suit your needs. You’ll then receive free, non-obligation quotes to compare.

Postage Meter Costs

Francotyp, Quadient and Pitney Bowes each price differently, so we recommend comparing these top mail machine companies first. Postage Meters can save money for small and large business who use the postal system heavily but they do come with their own costs, in additional to the postage charges these are:

Meter Rental

Postage meter rental is usually charged annually or monthly.

Postage Meter Equipment

Meters can be bought separately but must be compatible with the postage supplier or they can be bought or rented from the postage contract supplier. Advanced machines or additional equipment like stamps scales and sealers will be extra. Ink will also need to be purchased.

Maintenance Agreements

Maintenance policies covering repairs and support will usually be required.

Digital Rate Fees

Canada Post requires postal vendors to report postage being processed through their meters and this charged is passed on to customers as a fee.

Postal Rate Changes

Postal vendors may charge for annual or periodic reprogramming of machines in line with postal rate changes.

Next Steps

We’re always looking for ways to help businesses like yours save money. That’s why we recommend investing in a postage meter to help you cut costs – if your business sends mail, of course.

Generally, postage meter rates are cheaper than First Class stamp rates, which could see you make some hefty savings over the year. Also, most small businesses could save a whole day of admin each month just by purchasing a postage meter. In our expert opinion, it simply makes sense.