I worked for Canada Customs years ago as a summer student. That's when I realized just how bad UPS is. The thing is they try to make it look like they're doing you a favour by paying the "duties and taxes" for you then charging a brokerage fee. It's the brokerage fee which is exorbitant. Typically there is no duty on most consumer goods from the US, it's just HST that the CRA charge (but not always). So UPS charges you the HST and then a terribly high brokerage fee, and if you don't pay it you don't get your order.
Anytime I order from the US I ask how it is shipped, if it's UPS I always say no unless they can ship it another way. I prefer USPS (US Postal Service) as I just pay the HST at the post office when I pick up the package (and even then I'm not always charged it).
Years ago I ordered a food plot harrow for the back of my ATV from the US, they said there would be no additional charges beyond his shipping fee. It showed up via UPS with a $145CAD fee. I refused it and it was sent back. The manufacturer called and asked what happened so I told them. I asked if they could send it USPS, which they did and I ended up getting a phone call stating that USPS was likely going to save them over $10K a year in shipping costs.
Long story short, getting anyone but UPS to ship from the US to Canada.
Oh, and yes, the bush guard I built is 2 pieces. I wanted the top part set back so that the KUBOTA that's cut into the orange frame was visible. I've had an enquiry about making one for sale, so I guess someone likes it.
