By ShipTime
Peak season is not just busy for domestic deliveries. International shipping faces even greater pressure. From Black Friday to Christmas, businesses worldwide compete for limited courier capacity, customs agencies deal with surging volumes, and tariffs can make cross-border orders more expensive.
For Canadian and U.S. businesses selling internationally, these challenges can lead to higher costs, slower delivery times, and frustrated customers. With the right tools, businesses can turn peak season from a risk into an opportunity.
Tariffs and Duties
Many countries impose tariffs, duties, and import taxes on incoming goods. During peak season, businesses that fail to calculate these costs upfront risk surprising customers with unexpected charges.
Customs Delays
With millions of parcels hitting customs checkpoints, inspections take longer. Incomplete paperwork or missing HS codes can push shipments to the back of the line.
Courier Surcharges
International carriers often add seasonal surcharges to offset higher demand and operating costs.
Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Currency shifts during the holidays can make cross-border shipments even more expensive for businesses relying on thin profit margins.
Tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported goods. They can vary widely depending on the product category, country of origin, and trade agreements. With recent policy changes such as the U.S. removal of the de minimis exemption in 2025, Canadian businesses shipping south of the border face additional costs that can affect pricing and profitability.
Customers are more sensitive than ever to shipping surprises, which makes transparency around tariffs and duties critical.
ShipTime offers solutions that help businesses navigate these peak season hurdles:
Discounted International Rates – Save versus standard courier pricing, even across borders.
Automated HS Codes & Paperless Invoicing – Reduce customs delays by ensuring every shipment has complete and accurate documentation.
Upfront Duties & Taxes – Show customers the true landed cost at checkout to avoid unexpected fees on delivery.
Courier Choice in One Platform – Compare rates from global leaders like UPS, FedEx, DHL, Purolator, Canada Post, USPS, and more – all in one place.
Heroic Support™ – Access bilingual support by phone, chat, or email to get help when customs or courier issues arise.
Plan Shipments Early – International deliveries take longer, so shipping ahead of the holiday rush prevents disappointed customers.
Be Transparent About Duties – Use tools that calculate and display duties and taxes upfront to protect customer trust.
Review Packaging – International shipments often face higher dimensional weight costs. Pack smart to avoid unnecessary charges.
Offer Multiple Delivery Options – Provide express and economy options so customers can choose based on budget or urgency.
Communicate Clearly – Branded tracking pages keep customers updated on international orders, reducing “Where is my package?” inquiries.
Peak season international shipping can feel unpredictable with tariffs, customs delays, and added costs in the mix. With ShipTime, businesses gain the tools and carrier options they need to ship worldwide without surprises.
From discounted international courier rates to upfront duty and tax calculations, ShipTime empowers businesses to stay competitive even during the busiest months of the year.
Don’t let tariffs and delays hold your business back.
Ship Smarter – with ShipTime, we are a true partner beyond just discounted rates. We provide a best in class platform packed with features and backed by our legendary Heroic Support™ team. You can sleep easy with ShipTime’s best-in-class customer care. Our bilingual team is available by phone, live chat, or email Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 8PM EST.
Over thousands of businesses trust ShipTime to simplify and save on shipping. Create your account and join them today.
