1908 Postal Rate Between US And Canada

I recently acquired a pile of covers with 2 cents postage stamps from the early 20th century. They are all going from Elmira NY to Toronto. One even has a Canadian postmark.

I didn't realize that 1 oz letters to Canada were charged the domestic rate.

Treaty rate. Letter rates to Canada were the same as domestic rates from roughly 1875-1985.

Treaty Rates were special rates for mail matter between the USA and another country. Usually rates at a discount from the general UPU (Universal Postal Union) rates of the time.

For some treaty rate countries, some postal treaty rates equaled the USA domestic rate for some mail matter. Postal fees (for service--special delivery, registration, etc.) were usually not included.

Edit to add:



It was not just one ounce, but for each ounce thereafter.

And likewise it was 2¢ for letters from Canada to the U.S.

Special delivery between the USA and Canada was a problem. Requesting special delivery service for a letter from Canada to the USA required a US special delivery stamp and visa versa going the other way. Legislation on Jan. 1,1923 remedied the situation and allowed the sending country's special delivery stamp on the cover, but with 20 cent not 10 cent S.D. coverage.

"Legislation on Jan. 1,1923 remedied the situation and allowed the sending country's special delivery stamp on the cover, but with 20 cent not 10 cent S.D. coverage."
... is half an answer. Should resume with, ...
"until Apr 15, 1939 when SD fees to Canada returned to domestic rate schedule starting at 10c up to 2 lbs, 20c for over 2 lbs to 10 lbs, and 25c for over 10 lbs."