It’s the time of year when eCommerce businesses and shipping companies alike begin ramping up preparations for the end-of-year holiday season.
Reports show that despite economic instability, 76% of Canadians expect to spend the same or more this year than in 2022, at a predicted $1,635 per consumer.
While in-store shopping is said to have increased since COVID, eCommerce is still on the rise. And for eCommerce businesses, efficient shipping is vital to thrive. It's not just about sending packages; it's about ensuring that your customers receive their orders on time and in pristine condition.
To achieve this, you need the right partner – a reliable shipping company.
In this article, we'll dive into Canadian shipping insights for the end of 2023, focusing on the top shipping companies in Canada and their delivery schedules. Whether you're a small startup or an established enterprise, this is a must-read.
Guide to Finding the Right Partner
Before we dive into the specifics of delivery schedules, let's discuss the importance of selecting the right shipping partner for your eCommerce business.
Your choice of shipping company can significantly impact customer satisfaction, operating costs, and your brand's reputation.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Shipping Partner:
- Reliability: The most crucial aspect of any shipping company is its reliability. Ensure they have a proven track record of delivering packages safely and on time.
- Pricing: Shipping costs can eat into your profits. Look for a partner with competitive pricing that suits your budget.
- Service Offerings: Different businesses have different shipping needs. Some might require express shipping, while others need international options. Choose a partner that aligns with your requirements.
- Coverage: Ensure that your chosen carrier can reach your target markets. Whether you're shipping locally or internationally, coverage matters.
- Technology: Look for a partner that offers tracking and reporting capabilities. Transparency in the shipping process is essential for both you and your customers.
Now that we understand the criteria for selecting a shipping partner, let's explore some current trends to keep in mind, and the top shipping companies in Canada along with their delivery schedules for 2023.
Key Shipping Trends in 2023
The shipping industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. To stay ahead in the eCommerce game, it's crucial to be aware of the latest eCommerce and shipping trends in 2023.
- Sustainability: As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there's a growing demand for sustainable shipping practices. Look for carriers that offer eco-friendly options. 83% of surveyed Canadians report they want retailers to prioritize making a positive economic and social impact in the communities where they and their suppliers operate.
- Same-Day Delivery: The need for instant gratification continues to drive the demand for same-day delivery services, especially in urban areas.
- eCommerce Integration: Shipping companies are increasingly integrating with eCommerce platforms, streamlining the shipping process for online businesses.
- Customization: Carriers are offering more customized services to meet specific business needs. This includes options for packaging, branding, and delivery windows.
With these trends in mind, let's explore the top shipping companies in Canada and their 2023 delivery schedules.
Top 6 Shipping Companies in Canada Cut-off days
- Canada Post
Canada Post is a household name in Canadian shipping, offering a wide range of domestic and international services. In 2023, here are some key delivery schedules for Canada Post:
| Canada Post | ||
| Type | Description | Cut-Off Date |
| Local | Priority | December 21 |
| Xpresspost | December 21 | |
| Expedited | December 20 | |
| Regular Parcel | December 19 | |
| Regional | Priority | December 21 |
| Xpresspost | December 21 | |
| Expedited | December 18-20 | |
| Regular Parcel | December 14-19 | |
| National | Priority | December 20 |
| Xpresspost | December 20 | |
| Expedited | December 12-19 | |
| Regular Parcel | December 8-18 | |
- Canpar Express
Canpar Express is a trusted courier and logistics business in Canada, known for its reliable domestic parcel delivery services. Here's a snapshot of their 2023 delivery schedule:
| Canpar | ||
| Type | Description | Cut-Off Date |
| Last day to ship to | British Columbia + Newfoundland | December 11-20 |
| Alberta | Saskatchewan | December 12-20 | |
| Manitoba | December 13-20 | |
| Ontario | Quebec | December 15-20 | |
| New Brunswick | Nova Scotia | Prince Edward Island | December 15-20 | |
- DHL Canada
DHL Canada specializes in both domestic and international shipping. Their services include time-definite delivery, next-day delivery, and worldwide shipping. Here's what you can expect from their 2023 delivery schedule:
| DHL | ||
| Type | Description | Cut-Off Date |
| Last day to Ship | DHL Express Worldwide | December 20 |
| DHL ESI | December 18 | |
| DHL Express 9am, 10:30am, 12pm | December 21 | |
- FedEx
FedEx is known for its expertise in local and international shipping. They provide express shipping, ground transportation, freight forwarding, and customs clearing. In 2023, here's what you need to know about their delivery schedule:
| FedEx | ||
| Type | Description | Cut-Off Date |
| Within Canada | ||
| Last day to ship | FedEx First Overnight | December 21 |
| FedEx Priority Overnight | December 21 | |
| FedEx Standard Overnight | December 21 | |
| FedEx 2Day | December 20 | |
| FedEx Economy | December 19 | |
| FedEx Ground | December 18 | |
| Last day to ship, from Western to Atlantic Provinces (including Thunder Bay and surrounding areas) to Atlantic Provinces | FedEx First Overnight | December 20 |
| FedEx Priority Overnight | December 20 | |
| FedEx Standard Overnight | December 20 | |
| FedEx 2Day | December 19 | |
| FedEx Economy | December 18 | |
| Canada to US | ||
| Last day to ship | FedEx International First | December 21 |
| FedEx International Priority | December 21 | |
| FedEx International Economy | December 19 | |
- UPS (United Parcel Service)
UPS is a renowned logistics company offering a wide range of services. They specialize in package delivery, freight forwarding, and supply chain management. Here's what their 2023 delivery schedule looks like:
| UPS | ||
| Type | Description | Cut-Off Date |
| Last day to ship | Standard delivery to US and Extended areas | December 15 |
| Standard delivery across Canada (domestic) | December 15 | |
| Air/Express Shipments across Canada and to the US | December 21 | |
| International Air Shipments | December 21 | |
| Air shipments for Saturday delivery across Canada and the US | December 22 | |
- Purolator
As one of Canada's leading courier and freight service providers, Purolator has a reputation for reliability and extensive coverage, especially within Canada. Purolator offers a range of services tailored to the needs of eCommerce businesses, from same-day delivery to freight services. Here's a brief overview of their 2023 holiday season delivery schedule:
| Purolator | ||
| Type | Description | Cut-Off Date |
| Last day to ship to | Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia | December 11 |
| United States via Purolator Ground | December 13 | |
| East Asia (including China, Japan and Thailand) | December 15 | |
| Australia, Caribbean, Mexico, South and Central America, Western Europe (including the United Kingdom, France and Germany) | December 18 | |
| Canada next-day delivery** (where available)United States next-day delivery** (where available) | December 21 | |
eShipper
While we've discussed some major carriers, you can always rely on your Canadian partner, eShipper, for all things shipping and logistics. We are a versatile shipping and logistics company known for our commitment to simplifying the shipping process for businesses. We offer a wide array of services, from domestic and international shipping to fulfillment and warehousing solutions.
We work closely with carriers like Canada Post, Purolator, UPS, FedEx, and more to provide many eCommerce businesses with a seamless shipping experience.
Our dedication to technology and innovation makes us a valuable partner for eCommerce businesses, enabling you to save time, reduce shipping costs, and focus on growing your brand (while offering you partner discounts, without the hassle of remembering all of these cut-off dates).
Bottom Line
In the competitive world of eCommerce, having the right shipping solution is a game changer. Selecting the right shipping partner and staying informed about delivery schedules are crucial steps toward ensuring your business's success for this upcoming holiday season.
Whether you choose a trusted carrier like Canada Post, Canpar Express, DHL, FedEx, or UPS, or consider a versatile partner like us here at eShipper, the key is to meet your customers' expectations, maintain cost efficiency, and stay ahead of shipping trends.
Don't forget to adapt to the latest shipping trends, as sustainability, same-day delivery, eCommerce integration, and customization continue to shape the industry in 2023 and beyond.
With the right shipping strategy and partner, your eCommerce business can thrive in the ever-evolving world of online retail and make the most of the upcoming holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Canada's shipping industry is dominated by major Canadian shipping companies, with Canada Post being the largest and most well-established.
It holds a significant share of the market and plays a vital role in delivering parcels across the country. Canada Post's extensive network and reliable services make it a prominent player among the top shipping companies in Canada, making it a leader in the Canadian shipping industry.
A: Determining the best courier company in Canada depends on various factors. While Canada Post is a strong contender, the best choice can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. It's essential to consider the diverse offerings of Canada's shipping leaders, such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Purolator, among others, to make an informed decision.
When looking for the best shipping services in Canada, you should take into account the shipping trends in 2023, ensuring that your choice aligns with your business objectives and requirements.
A: When looking for the most cost-effective courier in Canada, businesses often turn to Canada Post if looking for domestic services.
However, to make an informed decision about the cheapest courier, it's crucial to obtain quotes from multiple freight and cargo companies to determine the most cost-efficient option for your specific shipping needs and delivery schedules. The cost of shipping can vary depending on factors like package size, weight, and destination.
A: Reliability is a key consideration when choosing a shipping partner among Canada's shipping leaders. Established carriers like Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have strong reputations for reliability in the Canadian shipping industry.
These companies offer dependable services, ensuring that your packages are delivered on time and in good condition.
Usually, FedEx offers more competitive pricing than Purolator. However, comparing the pricing of FedEx and Purolator depends on various factors, including the services required and specific delivery schedules.
Both FedEx and Purolator are reputable Canadian shipping companies, and their pricing may vary for different shipping options.
To determine which one is more cost-effective for your business, it's recommended to request quotes from both companies, considering your package size, weight, and destination. This will help you make an informed decision about whether FedEx or Purolator offers the most competitive rates for your shipping needs.
A: Between Canada Post and Purolator, Canada Post is the more cost-effective shipping service. However, Purolator usually offers faster delivery.
It is definitely worth obtaining quotes from each to assess which is the best choice for your business depending on your needs.
A: In Canada, the top three package delivery companies include Canada Post, FedEx, and UPS. These major carriers have a strong presence in the Canadian shipping industry and are trusted by businesses and consumers alike. Their extensive networks, reliable services, and comprehensive coverage make them among the top choices for package delivery in Canada.
A: Determining whether UPS or Purolator is better depends on your specific shipping needs. UPS is likely better for global shipping, while Purolator is more focused on Canada. To make an informed decision for your business, consider factors such as pricing, coverage, delivery schedules, and the specific services each company offers. Assess which carrier aligns with your business objectives and ensures reliable and cost-effective shipping for your packages and cargo. This evaluation is crucial to select the company that best suits your needs among Canada's shipping leaders.
A: Due to its extensive network worldwide, FedEx is the highest-paid courier.
A: Safety is a significant concern for both businesses and customers when choosing a courier service. Established carriers like Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have strong safety records in the Canadian shipping industry. They prioritize secure and reliable delivery, ensuring packages reach their destinations intact and on time.
