Importing from US to Canada

[Randy N]

I recently bought a distributor for my M37 from a fellow in the US. He shipped it via UPS with a customs value of $50. When it arrived UPS charged a brokerage fee of $28.55. THe cost of the distributor climbed significantly as a result.
What are others doing when importing from the US? IS\s Canada Post or are other couriers any better? It took a lot of searching on the UPS website after I paid the invoice, but I finally found their brokerage fees. They werent apparent when I arranged to have it shipped UPS.
I generally prefer to buy at home but occasionally have to deal outside the country.
I'd appreciate any comment or better ways of doing it.
Thanks
Randy