> UPS charges a brokerage fee that depends on the value on the
> package...for more usual values of $100 or so, brokerage adds
> a pretty hefty amount. So freight can be $20-30 for my order,
> and then an additional $20 for brokerage on a $100-200 order.

The brokerage fees can be horrendous, so UPS ground to Canada is best
avoided. FedEx ground is the same way. It is worth noting that there are no
additional brokerage fees if you ship by Air via UPS or FedEx; only the
cheaper ground services incur these additional fees. However the air
services can be rather expensive even without brokerage fees added.

For private individuals shipping to Canada, USPS is probably your best bet,
as you avoid the brokerage fees.  As for the Bus Depot, I have negotiated an
amazing rate with FedEx for Air shipment to Canada, so often I can ship
FedEx Air for about the price of FedEx ground (but with no brokerage fees).
Sometimes this actually makes Fedex Air competitive with USPS, but with much
faster delivery and full tracking to your door. In cases where FedEx is
still too expensive (i.e. rural areas in Canada, where they add a
surcharge), we usually use USPS.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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Toll-Free for Orders by PART # :  1-866-BUS-DEPOT