cheapest method for Canadians ordering parts?

I need to order a bunch of items from Classic Industries. I'm in Canada. Since the border situation keeps changing, what are the options for getting a package sent to Canada?
I have heard stories of extreme costs.

I believe the best & cheapest way to get items to you is with FedEx. I used to always use USPS with anything out of the country, but they started LOSING shipments & their tracking sucks these days. As far as getting reimbursed for something they lose, forget it - they run you through the ringer til you cry "uncle." So I shipped a set of mufflers to a guy in Canada with UPS. They arrived fine like 3 days later, but the customer said UPS hits them with really high brokerage, even though the shipping cost is a lot lower than USPS. *He said to use FedEx because their brokerage fees are a LOT less than UPS. I've now made two shipments into Canada with FedEx & all is good so far. At least UPS & FedEx get the products to the customer!

I've never had a problem with USPS.
Fedex and UPS both bend you over and well I won't finish that sentence. The prices are so bad I've put projects on hold because the accumulated shipping costs would kill them anyway. I've had stuff sitting in the shipping warehouse at the border for over a year now waiting to be picked up but couldn't get that done before Christmas with the risk of forced quarantine and now it's all closed again.

There is no "cheap" method. The least expensive has always been USPS BUT I would go so far as to say there is not a single business in the US who will ship to you that way. So you're stuck with UPS, FedEx, etc.. USPS shipments quite often would come in without being taxed HOWEVER, the courier companies will squeeze you for every cent AND charge brokerage fees on top of it all. The brokerage fees never show up on an online quote - they like to surprise you at time of delivery!
Brokerage is a MINIMUM of $35 US.

Depending what you need, try the guys at National Moparts in Ontario.

FedEx has been the worst for me. About a month after you receive your delivery from FedEx, they send you an invoice for the tax, customs, and brokerage. This is of course all on top of the very-high shipping fee that you have already paid to FedEx. I get that tax needs to be paid, but the other fees are very substantial especially when considering that you already paid FedEx to deliver the part.

A recent example was me paying $70 for some differential parts. $41 to ship it to me was expensive but acceptable since I couldnt find anything in Canada. Approximately one month after delivery, I received an additional $41 invoice from FedEx. FedEx has now made more money from this sale than the company that I bought the parts from.

Larger companies (Amazon, Summit, Rock Auto, eBay) have "total cost" shipping options available where they will include the taxes, duty, and brokerage up front. The cost is always high, but at least you know exactly what your cost is instead of getting a surprise later on.

Whatever happened to the supposedly EXTRA FRIENDLY BORDER between the USA and Canada?

Probably ten or so years ago I ordered some stuff shipped FedEx. It was shipped "freight" because of weight and size. I did my own customs clearance so no "brokerage fees" to FedEx. A month later I get a call saying I owe them "roughly" what the shipping had cost. Thinking they has somehow screwed up I told them to check their end - I had already paid. Every couple months they'd call with the same story. After almost a year they threatened to go to "collections" - which can really screw up your credit rating. I sent them proof of the shipping payment but FINALLY the guy at FedEx explained the charge was for, get this UNLOADING THE TRAILER FOR CUSTOMS INSPECTION !! I couldn't believe this. I called Customs and sure enough - they were suspicious of my shipment and unloaded the tractor trailer - at my expense.

So the only advice I have if you use FedEx or UPS is: don't broker your own shipment - it raises eyebrows.

I believe that all went the way of the Dodo when Mr. Trudeau first refused to show up to negotiations, then when he DID show up, tried negotiating the gender rights of aluminum; then refused to show up to anymore discussions after he realized he wouldn't be taken seriously.

That's why Mexico has such a great deal going on right now and Canada might as well be Mars at this point.

classic ships any way thats easiest for them you dont have any option on shipping companies.. so thats UPS or fedex. dont deal with classic. they are idiots. deal with a small guy that actually cares if you are happy and will work with you on shipping OR deal with a company like summit racing or rock auto that actually gives you all your shipping options and brokerage up front to prepay. no surprises.

USPS is your best bet. classic and year one are terrible companies. do your research and you will find guys who care if you are happy.

They saw you trying to come across the border and said "SHUT ALL THE GATES...WE'RE DONE"

Just call Nigel at National Moparts.

He's a dealer for most of this stuff plus he has sea cans FULL of NOS parts.

https://nationalmoparts.com/

Kevin

I'd laugh but I know this is spot-on regarding Mr. Trudeau

I agree that is a great choice. I couldn't believe how fast I got my last order from National Moparts.

I actually think shipping has got better over the years from the States with companies like Rock Auto, Summit and Ebay making the shipping costs defined and in most cases a lot cheaper than they have ever been.

Everyone has a bad experience of UPS in Canada....

Dave

If anything it's the first Trudeau to blame because the ripoff prices have been going on far longer then junior has been around.

you can order from "early Birds" they are good and are a dealer for them in Canada, if not National Moparts