Originally Posted by MattC
When shipping to Canada UPS can be a pain because for some reason they take forever to get things past customs. Also expect an added charge that you will have to pay when the package arrives for a customs handling fee. This is one reason to ask for Fed Ex or USPS when getting things shipped from the U.S. to Canada.
If you clear your own customs, UPS can actually be cheaper. Canada Post will charge a $5 brokerage fee if it the package is designated as "goods". If it's a gift then it usually sneaks in.
I always call UPS and tell them that I will clear my own customs. Usually costs me a lunch hour to do but I'll save on the $$$ brokerage fees. Definitely worth my time. In my case the UPS depot and the Customs Canada office are both a short drive away from my work.