Are the customs forms trackable or do you need to purchase some sort of separate tracking? I've heard in the past that sometimes packages can be tracked using the customs form number, however I have no clue if this is true or not. What is necessary to protect myself in a trade, i.e. does having only a customs form constitute proof of sending or do I need some form of actual tracking?

The reason I ask is that I've not had to deal much with Canadian shipping on past trade forums I've dealt with. There seem to be a lot of Canadian and overseas traders here on MoTL. I love trading and I have no problem trading with people outside the US, but I want to make sure any trades I am having with them go as smoothly as possible.

the other part of your question I'm not sure about.

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Originally posted by 98ViperGTS:
Tracking from USA to Canada will cost you a minimum of $12-13 (registered mail). You won't be able to track the customs form, and I'm pretty sure you don't even get a copy of it (you don't in Canada).

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The USPS now has two versions of the customs forms. The newer version does give you a receipt with the number on it. It's basically a carbon copy form with a detachable receipt they can give you attached. However, it remains un-trackable.

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Originally posted by bcclar77:
It's registered or nothing. And first class from US to CA has been awfully slow lately. I just did a deal without tracking (my risk) and was really sweating it. I live in Buffalo, on the border, shipped to an Ontario town an hour away and it took 3 weeks.

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I just had something from WI to Toronto take almost 2 months through First Class. We'd actually already worked out alternative compensation when the cards just magically arrived without any explanation from Canada Post.