Dont know if the free ride is finally over or maybe just a one off but my fear is the free ride may be over .

Just received at my door a delivery from Canada post. I had it shipped USPS and came USPS first class international package.

Taped to it was a CBSA bill that on top of the initial postage that i already payed for was a 6.57 GST and a 9.95 handling fee on top of that ..

Damn theives all of them .

my 50 dollar item turned out to be 50 + 12 USPS US converted to Canadian + 6.57 HST + 9.95 hadling fee..

Nice ..

 

I wonder if it is random or parcel dependent.

I order probably 20 - 30 international items per year. About 2 years ago I got dinged on some parts for my motorcycle with a similar charge.

Hopefully it remains that infrequent.

 

I just shipped a chess set ($80) USPS priority Int. to Canada. Never had a handling charge before, I'll let you know. Just noticed I paid
$38 for postage??

 

I haven't seen USPS charge a handling fee yet. GST, yes but nothing more.

 

Canada post does charge brokerage *sometimes*. I have no idea when or on what, but I've been charged before. It's usually only $5-10.

 

There on to you.

 

I got charged a Canada Customs handling fee once for something that was "misclassified"...$10 if I recall. Never charged HST or GST on anything under $200 or so.

 

the charge was not from USPS but from CBSA on a "CBSA postal import form"

 

I've been hit with this in past. It used to be only $5 a couple of years ago but now it's $9.95 or more. If the item purchased is less than $20 there shouldn't be any HST or handling charges but if it's more you take your chances that you have to pay. I always factor in HST + $10 for handling when purchasing things from the States. UPS charges much more for handling and brokerage so USPS is still cheaper.

 

Just received some items from Pelican - $9.95 handling fee! Plus GST. A total of$35.00. Still cheaper than the brown truck etc... All Canada Post!

 

It's all about the money. They have people who need to justify their jobs. This is how they do it.

 

Just received some tire pressure monitors. Same deal w/ the handling cost. I spoke to the mailman, and he said that this is nothing new. Used to be $8 or so.

 

CBI USA will probably get a sudden increase in business.......

 

I can't drive to and from Niagara Falls for less than $30 in gas so depending on the each situation I will still ship via USPS if it makes sence.

... then again I can order some parts from Zook@SCB.... there you go Zook a shameless plug for ya

 

Received another USPS parcel today. This time, no charges at all. Taxes, duty, handling, etc.

Perhaps the fees are charge on value. ie: >$50 = tax, duty and handling. <$50.... nada???