Is there cross-border courier/agent in GTA / Niagara ?

[dipmicro]

Is there a business in Toronto or Niagara area that would transport and clear small shipments across border and insert them into USPS / UPS mailstream ?

I am considering establishing such enterprise within this/next year (CA -> US to start), but do not want to butt into overcrowded market. I remember when we were looking for someone like that, we could not find anyone and one company got recommended but never replied, so we moved close to the border and did it ourselves for a year and this helped a lot.

I am still in the process of collecting information about licensing, memberships, rules, bylaws, insurance, brokerage, taxes, etc. but some of the board members have been in couriers business before, so I though I'd get some first hand info here too.

[nibor2dooh]

Yes there is fellow in Ajax I think he has posted here check the older threads he was a book seller just cannot recall name aah popped into my head chitchats express ? something like that

[dipmicro]

Thank you !

I can see his website but the last time it was updated was 2008 and also the comparison rates are old in his calculator (CanadaPost Small Packet $7.90). He even offered international shipping by RoyalMail, that would be something really cool.

[zarzuella]

Yes, he is still shipping; does have some interesting international rates too.

Here is a link to his blog:

http://www.chitchatsexpress.freeforums.org/

** Note to the m----n who reports all my posts - there are no rules broken by providing a link to an informational blog

[dubarrysauctions]

I came across www.crossborderexpress.com in Erie. I heard they pick up in Toronto and GTA everyday and transport to US.

[dipmicro]

Btw. I am looking at CrossBorderExpress, their cross-border service is outside my comfort level, but they have some very interesting services for local deliveries within Niagara + GTA (Golden Horseshoe). 300lb delivered same day for $40 - it does not get any better than that 🙂

Thank for the link.

[femmefan1946]

So... not bike couriers then?

[wkiffin]

Instead of a courier, you might want to consider storing some of your inventory across the border in Niagara Falls, NY at a mail fulfillment company. U.S. Address at 3909 Witmer Road is a great company. I have been using them for many years.

Once a month or so, I bring inventory across the border. You export up to $2000 without using a broker through the truck lanes. You need to fill out a CBP75 form. I can send you the PDF file if you wish. Store and label your inventory at U.S. Address in one of their monthly rental units. Purchase the necessary shipping supplies for fulfillment.

Once you receive your paid order, email the buyer's address, stipulate level of shipping required, pay U.S. Address $1.75 per order for fulfillment.

In addition, you can receive mail and parcels there as well. $1.50 per inbound parcel
if they have to sign for it. Letters are free. You have 24 hour access. They can also handle overseas shipments as well.

I can now fulfill orders as quickly as my U.S. competitors and compete with their shipping costs.

[jakeeangel]

You do realize then Wkiffin that the US Gov't considers that doing business in the US and you are subject to being taxed as such don't you?

[surplusdealdude]

Not to mention the fact that you'll have to have a Green Card, since you're doing work in the US.

The Immigration people will go ballistic if you tell them about it.

They'll tell the IRS, who'll tell the State Tax people.

Very bad move.