Shipping companies in Canada present both challenges and opportunities. The best choice depends on your shipment profile (size, weight, speed, origin/destination, and compliance). Below we compare leading couriers, emerging providers, and freight options — plus tips to reduce cost and improve delivery performance.
Discover the top shipping companies making waves in Canada’s logistics industry. Get a quote now.
Overview of Shipping Companies in Canada
Shipping companies in Canada present challenges and opportunities. The best solutions depend on the profile of your shipment or shipments. The optimal carrier will vary by cost, delivery speed, coverage, support, and compliance needs.
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Shipping Packages in Canada
Market Leaders in Canadian Shipping for Parcel Delivery
The market leaders in Canada include Canada Post (and subsidiary Purolator), FedEx, and UPS. They offer access directly or via brokerage/partner providers (such as Jet Worldwide). Base rates start high; meaningful discounts are available with volume or via partners. Express services can be next-day to major cities across Canada.
These brands — and others — let you ship within Canada, to the USA, and overseas. Choose the courier with the best balance of cost, speed, coverage, and support for your lanes, from major cities (Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver) to smaller communities.
Get a Canadian Address to Receive Goods and Ship Internationally
If you're considering a package forwarding service to shop from North America but want an alternative to US-based options like MyUS, a Canadian address can be ideal. Choosing Canada provides access to Canadian suppliers and products exclusive to Canada — and can help avoid certain US trade limitations. Download: Shipping to Canada (PDF)
Partner with Jet Worldwide
Our experts provide personalized support to ensure your shipments are classified correctly, delivered on time, and fully compliant.
Request a Quote Talk to an ExpertShipping in Canada via Canada Post
Canada Post is the best option for individuals shipping personal packages. With nationwide access online and at post offices, it’s convenient for small e-commerce. Note: Significant discounts require large volume, and tracking/reliability may be lower than commercial couriers.
- Regular Parcel
- Xpresspost
- Priority
Shipping via Purolator in Canada
Purolator (a Canada Post division) is a market leader with both ground and air options. Strong for B2B and SMBs, with time-definite delivery and full tracking.
FedEx and UPS (Canada)
Both are among the largest shipping companies in Canada, offering a wide range of express and ground services with robust tracking, international networks, and negotiated-rate programs for volume shippers.
Emerging Shipping Companies in Canada
GLS (Canada)
GLS serves large B2B customers and is expanding in B2C. GLS is part of Royal Mail’s global network.
Nationex (Eastern Canada)
Regional ground parcel carrier known for competitive rates across Eastern Canada — a good fit for B2B ground within its footprint.
Intelcom
Leading last-mile provider for mega e-commerce (including Amazon) using an independent driver model — optimized for high-volume B2C delivery.
TFI Carriers: Ground Freight Transport Solutions
TFI International is a diversified transportation group with significant trucking operations. Its parcel brands (e.g., Canpar, ICS, Loomis) represent a notable share of revenue and provide domestic ground options.
Global Cargo Shipping Companies in Canada (3PL & Intermodal)
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers orchestrate intermodal moves — combining truck, rail, ocean, air, and courier — to optimize cost and transit. For rail, CN is a major network across the US and Canada.
Service Offering via Canadian Shipping Companies
Canada Domestic Shipping Solutions
For courier and package shipping, there are two basic service types: express and ground. In-province ground can be next-day at a lower cost; express offers higher certainty and faster inter-provincial time.
Example: Express Vancouver → Montreal ~1–2 days; ground can take ~1 week depending on address. Actual transit varies by lane and service level.
Jet Worldwide offers warehousing, Canadian distribution, and forwarding for Canadian and international companies, helping you build and maintain resilient supply chains.
International Shipping to and from Canada
Multiple carriers serve international lanes. Domestic carriers (e.g., Purolator) often partner with international providers (e.g., UPS, FedEx). DHL focuses on international only (no domestic Canada).
Shipping to the USA from Canada
Cross-border is its own category. Carriers segment services into domestic, North America (US/CA), and International (overseas).
Shipping packages between USA and Canada
FedEx and UPS offer international ground and air express. Postal options (USPS/Canada Post) are best for personal parcels and some low-value e-commerce. High-volume sellers benefit from consolidation and direct injection.
North-bound delivery leverages trucking lanes US→CA. Purolator International offers strong US→Canada cross-border options. Jet Worldwide simplifies compliance, offers local warehousing, and Canadian support.
Download: Shipping from Canada (PDF)
Shipping cargo between USA and Canada
Most freight moves via international ground or truckload. Pallets move as LTL (less-than-truckload) or FTL (full truckload), with LTL most common for cross-border pallet freight.
Shipping services overseas to and from Canada
Beyond the USA
- Canada Post: Small Packet (air/surface) for many countries — great for individuals, but limited commercial support.
- FedEx / UPS / DHL: Air parcel/cargo with robust tracking and brokerage options.
Shipping via Ocean to and from Canada
Choose between air cargo (fast, ~1 week) and ocean freight (economical, ~1–3 months door-to-door). LCL shares space and adds handling time; FCL uses 20'/40' containers. Ocean surcharges can make air cheaper for smaller consignments.
Quick Comparison: Which Canadian Carrier Fits Your Needs?
| Carrier | Best For | Speed | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post | Personal & micro-ecom parcels | Economy–Fast | Nationwide | Lower cost; limited commercial support |
| Purolator | Domestic B2B / SMB | Fast | Strong CA | Time-definite & reliable tracking |
| FedEx | Time-critical & international | Fastest | Global | Volume discounts via partners |
| UPS | Domestic & cross-border US | Fast | Global | Strong brokerage options |
| DHL | International only | Fast | Global | No domestic CA network |
| GLS | B2B, growing B2C | Fast | Regional→National | Royal Mail group |
| Nationex | Eastern Canada ground | Economy–Fast | Regional | Competitive regional rates |
| Intelcom | High-volume e-commerce | Fast (last-mile) | Urban & suburban | Independent driver model |
| TFI (Canpar/ICS/Loomis) | Ground freight/parcel | Economy–Fast | National | Diversified trucking group |
International Shipping Expertise
International expertise extends across networks connecting Canadian and global companies. Many domestic services lack cross-border specialization. Jet Worldwide combines domestic capability with international know-how — a leading resource for shipping to/from Canada.
Shipping Jet Worldwide Canada
Jet Worldwide partners with Canada’s leading carriers and local couriers to provide unique Canadian shipping and total logistics support.
- Providing Canadian and international solutions for over 40 years.
- Options for domestic and international shipping for parcels, pallets, and online orders.
We offer transparency and world-class logistics support.
Find a courier with proven service, solid tech, and strong support — and augment your team with Jet’s experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship within Canada?
For small/light parcels, Canada Post economy services are often cheapest; for heavier or time-sensitive shipments, compare Purolator/FedEx/UPS ground vs. express.
How do I get better rates from major couriers?
Consolidate volume, minimize dimensional weight, and use a logistics partner (like Jet Worldwide) that provides access to negotiated rates and routing options.
Which carrier is best for international parcels?
DHL, FedEx, and UPS all offer strong international networks. The “best” choice depends on destination, speed, service inclusions, and brokerage preferences.
What documents do I need for international shipping?
At minimum: commercial invoice, packing list, and waybill. Some shipments require export declarations and import permits. See our guides on commercial invoices, declared value, certificates of origin, and HS codes.
Can I ship DDP (duties paid) into Canada?
Yes, via certain carriers/services. You’ll need accurate HS codes, values, and tax IDs. For importers, review CARM registration.
