[Noin]

I actually have been very lucky with DHL in the past. I have received several shipments though them from places south of the border and nevr once had any charges from them. Got hit this time...guess I am still lucky as Jim pointed out the math seems weird. I just like the fee guide they used on all my other shipments. It seems to read like those Visa commercials. A bunch of zeros.

[Kevin McGrath]

As you know many of us in this area use the drop service in Soo Mi or maintain addresses there.We dont have a LHS the closest one being 300Km away.
Several points occur to me.
1-If a person is going to bring supplies into Canada for their own use make sure the supplier sends an invoice copy with the shipment.We have had cases where a copy didnt accompany and Canada customs can seize and hold the item until you come up with the paperwork.
2-Freight is definitly subject to the same GST PST taxes as the supplies.

3-The Fed Customs folks now collect PST for Ontario which was not the case up until a few years ago.I dont know how it works in other Provinces.

4-Services you buy in the US such as a check up on your radio are taxable.

5-Its tempting to not declare something or if its small put it in your pocket.
Not a good idea in my opinion.In these days of big brother computer records you dont want to end up on the Customs oaf list if they happen to catch you and even if they normally wave you and your weird stuff through you can get caught in a computer generated spot check where they take your vehicle into a small shed and give it special attention.
They have all the cards ............you have none.
6-Give factual info when paying taxes......ie model airplane supplies bought in the US.If you get into discussions of country of manufacture remember some low wage countries who supply the US retailers and distributors may not have trade arrangements with Canada and the item may be subject to duty which opens up an area where you definitely dont want to go!
7-Support the Canadian Mail order suppliers when you can.Savings are not what they once were when shopping ex the US.Availability and speed of delivery and freight costs however are other subjects.

[Guest]

Johnny,
I have a US address, my shop is only a half mile from the border, if you need to have something shipped there just let me know, only downside is I'm on the westcoast but shipping within Canada is pretty reasonable anyway.
Jeremy

[JohnnyHotRocks]

Thanks everyone for the excellent posts, PMs and generous offers of help! I think this thread has produced alot of good info, and hopefully others will be able to take advantage of it.

[Peter Gordon]

They have something nice set up down where I am. It's a receiving center that holds your package for a $3 fee. I end up paying $3 for the bridge each way, plus $3 for them to receive it, plus any taxes at the border. Works well...
http://www.corp-center.com/