Looking for a US P.O. Box? We’ve got something even better..

by Jeremy | Jul 1, 2010 | Blog | 168 comments

Many Canadians find themselves trying to purchase something online only to find out that the company will only ship the item to a US shipping address. This can be incredibly frustrating and deters many from moving forward with the purchase. Those who are determined to purchase the item often look at renting a US P.O. box to have their item sent to. The problem is, this is costly, especially if you only want to order a few items a year. The second frustration is all the paperwork you need to fill out to get a US P.O. box.

There is another solution that is not only much less expensive, but also way more convenient for Canadians and that is using a US KinekPoint. There are two types of KinekPoints:

1) US border KinekPoints (located directly on the US border to act as a US shipping address for Canadians)

2) “Regular” KinekPoints (located all over the United States for use when you are on vacation or on a business trip)

What’s a KinekPoint? Good question. KinekPoints are businesses that have become authorized parcel pick-up locations for Kinek users. You can sign-up (for free!) with Kinek to use their locations, they have nearly 1,000 throughout the United States. The only time you pay anything is when you stop-by to pick up your package. The pick up fee is usually $5 for average sized packages, but can be more if the package is quite large or heavy. The best part? As soon as your package arrives, we’ll notify you by text message and email!

Want to learn more? Head on over to:

http://shiptotheborder.com/finding-your-us-shipping-address

Comments

168 Comments

← Older Comments

Ron on January 28, 2015 at 9:17 am

Hi Jeremy

would like to order from Amazon or Midwayusa some gun accessories like stock barrel optics
to your shipping depot so it doesn’t fall under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) can you verified that for me plz and where is the closest point for pick up near Montreal
- Jeremy on February 6, 2015 at 7:00 am
  
  Hi Ron,
  
  KinekPoints do not accept guns, parts for guns, or ammo.
  - Bruce on October 12, 2015 at 11:16 am
    
    Was wondering if you accept reloading supply such as propellant?
    (gun powder)
    - Jeremy on November 2, 2015 at 5:57 am
      
      Kinek locations do not accept gun powder.
Helen on February 5, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Live in Windsor, Ontario Canada – wud like to order a crocheted article from a crochet website – where wud I be able to pick it up in the U.S. – a good site where it is safe in Detroit.
- Jeremy on February 6, 2015 at 7:02 am
  
  Kinek has a location called Computing Express in Detroit. You just need to sign up to ship there.
roberte on February 20, 2015 at 5:59 pm

Do you offer the reverse? I now a number of industries that are insane to ship to the USA but ship to Canada reasonably.
- Jeremy on March 3, 2015 at 9:09 am
  
  Hi Roberte,
  
  Kinek currently does not have that type of scenario set up. Feel free to send Kinek a few examples of companies that you would use this option for. – http://www.kinek.com
Gord Kirk on March 17, 2015 at 8:44 am

I live in Calgary, Alberta; any service close by?
- Jeremy on March 27, 2015 at 4:48 am
  
  Hi Gord,
  
  The closest would be Babb, Montana. A fair drive but worth it if you have a few items to pick up.
Lisa on March 29, 2015 at 1:32 pm

Hey I work from home in canada for a US Based company I have to travel to the states to pick up items I can’t get in canada. & more often than not the place u order from requires the address on yr cc be the same as the delivery address so how do fix that
- Jeremy on April 7, 2015 at 5:22 am
  
  Most companies do not require the address be the same as on your credit card. That’s actually quite rare. If yours does, then update your credit card with the KinekPoint address, or checkout with PayPal or another payment option.
knowledgeseeker on March 30, 2015 at 11:33 am

any service close by Vancouver BC?
- Jeremy on April 7, 2015 at 5:21 am
  
  Yes, there is a location in Blaine, Washington right at the border.
Susan on April 17, 2015 at 4:12 am

I would like to order an item (only domestic shipping) on Amazon to eventually be shipped to Australia.

Would I be able to get shipped to you and picked up by a courier, or could you forward to Australia?
- Jeremy on April 23, 2015 at 5:36 am
  
  Susan,
  
  Kinek does not currently offer forwarding services.
Al on April 21, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Any location close by Ottawa?
- Jeremy on April 23, 2015 at 5:38 am
  
  Hi Al,
  
  There sure is! There’s a location in Ogdensburg. You can sign up at http://www.kinek.com/sign-up.
Touati on April 25, 2015 at 11:31 am

Hi,
I want to order an article name Ten-7 from the Bio Skin Company but they don’t ship to Canada.
I want to know if I can give them the Kinek address and then Kinek ship it to me? I’m ready to pay for this.
Thank you.
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:37 am
  
  Kinek currently does not forward/ship packages.
Mary-Lynne on May 3, 2015 at 9:08 am

Will Amazon ship to your company. I know that Costco will not.
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:37 am
  
  Hi Mary-Lynne,
  
  Yes, Amazon will ship to KinekPoints. Costco is the only retailer in the U.S. that we know that has issues shipping to Kinek addresses.
Don on May 6, 2015 at 10:57 am

Jeremy…

How long will they hold a package, or packages, is there a charge? Sometimes EBay Items

arrive a day or two late…….

Don…..
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:27 am
  
  Don,
  
  Each location has their own pricing and storage times. It’s typically around $5 per package for 30 days.
Chris Fluter on May 6, 2015 at 2:06 pm

Any Locations Close to Saskatchewan? North Portal possibly?
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:26 am
  
  Hi Chris,
  
  All the locations on the Kinek network are listed on their website http://www.kinek.com.
ahmed malik on May 9, 2015 at 3:08 am

Once I get my package and pay $5 is there also customs or taxes on top of that? or Do I just pick my items and drive back home to Toronto? Thanks
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:25 am
  
  When you cross the border back into Canada you pay the HST.
Franca on May 10, 2015 at 6:31 pm

How would it work for electronic cigarette liquid (with nicotine). Also, any locations near Montreal? 🙂
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:25 am
  
  Hi Franca,
  
  You would need to check with customs about bringing electronic cigarette’s across the border as there may be extra taxes for such items. There are close locations to Montreal in the Kinek network in Champlain, NY.
chris c on May 14, 2015 at 11:10 am

HI, I live in Tooronto, where would be the nearest pickup place i could go to
I would be buying hockey cards from USA
- Jeremy on May 19, 2015 at 5:16 am
  
  Hi Chris,
  
  The closest would be Niagara Falls/Lewiston area.
  - Elizabeth on June 14, 2015 at 7:36 am
    
    I am in Toronto, Ontario, wher is your nearest pick up location?
    - Nate on June 15, 2015 at 11:40 am
      
      Hi Elizabeth,
      
      We have several KinekPoints to service customers in Toronto. The two closest are New York Mailboxes and The UPS Store of Lewiston.
knewit on June 3, 2015 at 1:21 pm

Seems the Lewiston location is offering $10. minimum service. That’s double what you are advertising. I just need to be able to pick up a letter while I am in the US travelling. That’s way, way, way too steep for just a letter. If I got 5 pieces of mail that would be $50 -US!!! now $62.50CAD!!!!!!! Guess I need a USPS box, eh?
- Jeremy on June 9, 2015 at 11:35 am
  
  Hi there,
  
  The UPS Store of Lewiston will accept small items under 3 lbs for $5. They currently do not have this posted on their Kinek profile but I will check with the manager to ensure it’s updated.
Joanne on June 12, 2015 at 5:09 am

Hi: I am in Ottawa… what is the closest point? are there custom fees? thanks
- Nate on June 15, 2015 at 11:46 am
  
  Hi Joanne,
  
  Our closest KinekPoint to Ottawa is N.A.C. Logistics in Ogdensburg, NY. Because you are picking the packages up yourself, you will only be required to pay your provincial sales tax at the border.
Jackie on June 21, 2015 at 2:33 pm

Can I have gifts sent to me through KinekPoint? Your terms and agreements states that you may have to show your receipt/ proof of payment when picking up your item. Of course if it’s a gift I would not have one to show.
- Jeremy on June 22, 2015 at 7:04 am
  
  Hi Jackie,
  
  Yes, you can send gifts. Instead of the receipt/invoice simply bring a copy of the Kinek delivery notice as a backup.
- Nate on July 13, 2015 at 10:07 am
  
  Hi Jackie,
  
  Yes, our KienkPoints can receive personal packages such as gifts. When picking these up, you would need to show your photo ID and a copy of the email delivery notification from Kinek.
hector on June 21, 2015 at 6:43 pm

hi,
I want to buy in amazon a soccer jersey but is not possible outside USA, this option could help me out thx
Barb on July 20, 2015 at 7:11 pm

I can get to Niagara Falls NY or Buffalo NY quite easily. Are there any locations there? I am thinking of having some small items delivered from Restoration Hardware. Do you know if Restoration Hardware will deliver to your locations? Since the delivery address in in NY state, will Restoration Hardware charge me NY state sales tax?
- Nate on July 22, 2015 at 4:58 am
  
  Hi Barb,
  
  Yes, we hare KinekPoints conveniently located in both Niagara Falls, NY and Buffalo, NY. All you need to do is sign up for an account at http://www.kinek.com and choose one as your KinekPoint. For inquiries relating to Restoration Hardware, you will need to contact them directly.
jo on July 30, 2015 at 5:21 pm

is there any close to thunder bay
- Nate on July 31, 2015 at 11:46 am
  
  Hi Jo,
  
  Unfortunately, at the present time, we do not have any KinekPoints that are reasonably close to Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Morgan on August 1, 2015 at 1:18 pm

Hello! I am trying to purchase bedding as I am moving into residence in the fall but can’t ship to Canada. I’m from Toronto, is there a location nearby that I can pick up/ ship to?
- Nate on August 1, 2015 at 2:24 pm
  
  Hi Morgan,
  
  Kinek has several locations in New York, along the US border, where Canadians from Toronto ship packages. It has locations in Niagara Falls, Lewiston, Tonawanda, and Buffalo. All you need to do is create an account at http://www.kinek.com and choose one of these locations as your KinekPoint. Once you have completed this, you can add other KinekPoints to your account. Click on “View Hours and Pricing” for your KinekPoints to compare hours, pricing, and other important information.
inna on August 3, 2015 at 2:58 pm

Hello!

I live in Toronto, ON, Canada. What will be the nearest mail box in my case? Can I send text books and Lego and robotics toys to my mail box in US? Thank you!
- Nate on August 3, 2015 at 3:37 pm
  
  Hi Inna,
  
  Kinek has KinekPoints conveniently located in both Niagara Falls and Lewiston, NY. Yes, you can send many types of items to KinekPoints, including textbooks and Lego.
Sue on September 13, 2015 at 6:12 pm

Are there locations in buffalo?…I’m from Toronto and shop at thenoutlets/Walden a couple times a year
- Nate on September 15, 2015 at 6:39 am
  
  Hi Sue,
  
  Yes, Storage Central and AMZ Wholesale are both available to receive packages for Kinek customers. You can easily sign up for an account at http://www.kinek.com.
Kelly on October 9, 2015 at 5:31 pm

Hi there 🙂
I live in montreal and would like to ship stroller to the border. Im assuming it would be quite a big box. What can i expect to pay to pick up there? And is there a way to avoid paying costoms fees as i plan on using the stroller in the US before returning back into Canada
- Jeremy on November 2, 2015 at 5:53 am
  
  Hi Kelly,
  
  I must warn you that many toddler items are not approved in Canada and cannot cross the border. I suggest checking to make sure the specific stroller you are purchasing is approved by Canadian requirements. You can ship large items to the Champlain border without issue. You just pay the Canadian tax at the border, there’s no brokerage or import fees since you would be bringing it across.
tiffany on October 13, 2015 at 9:41 am

is there any places near by chatham ontario? and if so does this involve any border crossing?
- Jeremy on November 2, 2015 at 5:59 am
  
  Hi Tiffany,
  
  The Kinek network requires you to cross the border. You can check on the Kinek website at http://www.kinek.com.
Asad on October 30, 2015 at 12:15 pm

Hello,

I am planning to order something from Newegg.com to the Newyork Mail Box and have a couple of questions:
1) Is it the nearest on Toronto?
2) Does new egg ship to Kinek?
3) I have been given an address with a number I believe is my Unique code, so when I place an order should I treat that as PO Box or I should order as if its a regular address?

Thanks
- Jeremy on November 2, 2015 at 6:04 am
  
  Hi Asad, I will do my best to answer your questions.
  
  1) It’s in Niagara Falls, so it’s close
  2) Yes, NewEgg will ship to a Kinek location
  3) It’s not a PO Box, that’s your Kinek# and is tied to your account. Make sure you include that in the address.
Mike on November 9, 2015 at 12:26 pm

Hi Jeremy
How do I find the address for the Blaine Washington Kinek location.
Mike
- Jeremy on November 16, 2015 at 6:51 am
  
  Hi Mike,
  
  You must click the sign up button or go to http://www.kinek.com/sign-up to create an account and get a Kinek#. It will show your custom address in your account.
Jonathan on November 18, 2015 at 4:40 pm

Hi quick question just making sure I do the right thing .. For the shipping I state my name and last name and I provide the address on the location near me but after that where do I put my kinek number to link this package to me ? And Also what’s it the amount per person you can bring across the board without paying taxe or dutie taxe ?
- Jeremy on November 20, 2015 at 7:54 am
  
  Hi Jonathan,
  
  Details on exactly what to do would be best asked over at http://www.kinek.com, where there are Kinek customer service reps to help you. That is where your account is located and where the service is managed.
- Jeremy on November 20, 2015 at 7:57 am
  
  Jonathan,
  
  In reference to personal tax exemptions you can read the article at – http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pdt-pdt-eng.html
Juliana Curry-Sharples on December 27, 2015 at 12:43 am

I live in Mississauga, Ontario any locations near by?
- Jeremy on December 30, 2015 at 3:22 pm
  
  Hi Juliana,
  
  Yes, there are! You can view them all on http://www.kinek.com.
Daniel on January 25, 2016 at 4:26 pm

Hello if I change my credit card billing address to my new Kinek one do I include the part of the address “Storage Central –Kinek” or is the 146 Virginia Street, #xxxxxxxx Buffalo, NY 14201 sufficient ?

Thank you
- Jeremy on February 29, 2016 at 11:21 am
  
  Hi Daniel,
  
  Kinek recommends using the address as is with Storage Central -Kinek on the address.
Joe on April 3, 2016 at 2:25 am

Hello, Some US drug company will only ship medicen to US addresses.

Can I do it through a kinek pickup location?

Thanks
- Jeremy on April 28, 2016 at 5:41 am
  
  Hi Joe,
  
  You could ship it to a KinekPoint in the U.S., however, you would need to make sure that border services has that medication on an accepted list when you cross back into Canada.