Shipping trade show freight from the U.S. to Canada
NorthStar Express ships exhibits and event materials from the U.S. to shows in Canada, primarily to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Lead time is typically 8 to 12 business days, and your Shipping Coach helps navigate your shipment through customs: choosing a broker, confirming the commercial invoice and keeping on top of customs requests.
How your Shipping Coach helps you clear customs
A customs broker
Already have one? We work with them. If not, we help you choose one.
The commercial invoice
We help you confirm it: what’s in each case, with item quantities and values.
Customs requests
We keep you on track with every customs request until your freight clears.
Planned around the show’s deadlines
Tell your Shipping Coach the show, the dates and what’s shipping. With a typical lead time of 8 to 12 business days, depending on where we pick up, your coach schedules the pickup based on the show’s deadlines and leaves time for the commercial invoice and customs clearance.
The return trip is planned before the show, so your display comes home, or moves on to your next event, without a last-minute scramble. First time exhibiting in Canada? Download The First-Timer’s Guide to Shipping to Canada.
- Pickup scheduled based on the show’s deadlines
- Time built in for customs clearance
- Return shipment planned before the show
- One coach from pickup to the trip home
What Determines your shipping rate — and what we need to create a quote
What Determines your shipping rate
- Weight & Dimensions
- Distance
- Timing and how far out it’s booked
- Ground or air
- Special requirements at either end
- Declared Value
- Customs Clearance
What we need to quote
- What’s shipping and how it’s packed
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Special requirements
- Your timeframe
- A commercial invoice
Shipping to Europe, or exhibiting in the U.S. as well? See international event shipping and trade show shipping.
One list, two jobs.
Sturdy, reusable cases, with a list of what’s in each — items, quantities and value. That list does double duty at customs and at move-in. Please remember to hand-carry your laptop.
Shipping to Canada: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ship trade show freight from the U.S. to Canada?
Lead time is typically 8 to 12 business days, depending on your pickup location. Your coach schedules the pickup based on the show’s deadlines.
Do I need my own customs broker?
If you already have one, we work with them. If you don’t, we help you choose one.
What paperwork do I need?
A commercial invoice listing what’s shipping, with item quantities and values. Your Shipping Coach helps you confirm it and keeps you on track with customs requests. Our Canada guide explains the ways to clear customs, including an ATA Carnet.
Which Canadian cities do you ship to?
Primarily Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Shipping somewhere else in Canada? Tell us the venue and show dates.
Can you bring our display back after the show?
Yes. Your coach plans the return shipment before the show, so your display comes home or moves on to your next event.
How do I get a quote?
Request a quote with what’s shipping and how it’s packed, pickup and delivery locations, your timeframe and a commercial invoice, or email shippingcoach@northstarexpress.com.
Start the Conversation
Email your Shipping Coach directly — shippingcoach@northstarexpress.com