I think Nashbar may have changed on this, as Canada Mail is one of their shipping options. What would be nice, is if a company like Nashbar started using a customs logistics company.

Here is what happens, they have say 40 orders on a given day for Canada, they package it up, with the eventual delivery labels and bills of lading (or waybills attached), copies for customs are removed, or a manifest is printed, detailing the descriptions and values for customs purposes. It's then palletized and placed in a special truck, container or trailer (I'll use container to refer to all three). This would go to a customs logistics company, which either sends the container on or cross-docks the pallets to another container destined for customs, the idea is that the entire container is processed as a single unit for customs purposes, so only one brokerage needs to be done (customs uses the manifest to determine customs and duties, if any). The container then crosses the border, where it is delivered to the delivery carrier, who unloads the container, breaks down the pallets, and sends the items through their normal delivery system to be delivered to the final customer. Of the major couriers, UPS, FedEx and Purolator all offer this service, and sometimes it's not that expensive. In fact some carriers, who offer the service, might use it as an incentive to get extra business. I am actually surprised that their FedEx sales person hasn't tried it.....