In 2025, fast shipping is a must for Canadian eCommerce. Shoppers expect next-day delivery, and sellers need to stay competitive without breaking the bank. This guide covers the fastest ways to ship within Canada, trusted couriers, and practical tips to save time and money.
What Does Fast Shipping Mean in Canada?
Fast shipping usually means getting a package delivered within 1 to 3 business days. For example, next-day delivery or next business day delivery is considered fast. Standard shipping can take 5 or more business days, depending on the destination.
Speed matters because:
- Customers are more likely to buy if they see fast delivery options.
- It helps reduce abandoned carts at checkout.
- It improves customer reviews and repeat purchases.
Top 5 Couriers Offering the Fastest Shipping in Canada
Here are some of the most reliable couriers for fast delivery across Canada:
1. Purolator
Offers same-day, next-day, and 2-3 business day delivery. Known for speed and solid tracking.
2. Canada Post
Xpresspost and Priority services offer next business day delivery between major cities.
3. DHL Express Canada
Good for fast international shipping to and from Canada. Day-definite delivery available.
4. Loomis
Strong coast-to-coast service with time-sensitive shipping options.
5. GLS (General Logistics Systems)
Covers 40+ countries and delivers both ground and express options in Canada.
These courier services offer different shipping options depending on how quickly you want the package delivered and how much you're willing to pay.
Fastest Shipping Options Explained
Shipping services vary by how fast and how expensive they are. Here are the main types of fast shipping in Canada:
Overnight Shipping
- Delivery by the next business day
- Best for urgent or time-sensitive shipping needs
- Often the most expensive option
Priority Shipping
- Delivery in 1 to 2 business days
- Offers tracking and faster handling
- Great for improving customer experience and peace of mind
Expedited Shipping
- Delivery in 2 to 3 business days
- More affordable than overnight
- Good balance between speed and cost
How to Compare Courier Rates and Delivery Times
Manually checking prices on each courier’s website takes too long. Use a shipping solution or comparison tool instead.
Step-by-step: How to Compare Courier Rates
- Use a platform like Easyship.
- Enter package weight, size, and destination.
- View real-time shipping rates from multiple partners.
- Compare speed, cost, and transit times.
- Choose the best option for your business needs.
These tools help eCommerce sellers save time and money by showing all their options in one place.
For a 2 lbs (1 kg) parcel being shipped from Toronto, Ontario, to Vancouver, British Columbia, these are the indicative delivery times from different courier services:
Courier |
Delivery Time |
Rate |
Purolator - Express® |
1 - 2 working days |
CA$23.40 |
Purolator - Ground® |
2 - 4 working days |
CA$20.43 |
Canada Post - Xpresspost |
2 - 3 working days |
CA$26.05 |
Canpar - Ground |
2 - 6 working days |
CA$23.55 |
UPS Expedited® |
2 working days |
CA$28.26 |
You can easily compare rates across different couriers using Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. You will also get discounted rates if you use Easyship for your shipping needs.
12 Key Factors That Influence Shipping Speed and Cost
Shipping costs are based on many things. Some you can control, others you can't. Here are the top 12 factors that affect how fast and how much it costs to ship:
Factor |
What it Means |
Weight |
Heavier packages cost more to ship |
Size |
Larger boxes may need special handling |
Distance |
Longer trips cost more and take longer |
Remote Delivery |
Fees may apply for rural or remote locations |
Courier |
Prices and speeds vary between carriers |
Speed |
Faster shipping = higher cost |
Residential Delivery |
Extra fees for home deliveries |
Handling |
Non-boxed items may cost more to process |
Address Errors |
Wrong addresses lead to extra charges |
Insurance |
Higher coverage costs extra |
Fuel Surcharges |
Fuel prices can affect shipping costs |
Shipping Volume |
Higher volume can get you better rates |
How Packaging Impacts SpeedÂ
The type of packaging you use matters more than you think. Damaged packages may lead to returns, reships, and lost profit.
Tips:
- Always use the smallest box that fits safely.
- Avoid shipping in duffel bags, bins, or luggage.
- Use bubble wrap, foam, or double-box fragile items like electronics.
Cheapest Way To Ship Within Canada
While the most affordable options typically come with longer delivery times, there are a few courier services that strike a good balance between cost and speed. We've put together a helpful guide covering the cheapest ways to ship within Canada—check it out to find the best option for your needs.
Why Small Businesses Should Use Multi-Carrier Tools
If you ship 100 to 2,500 orders a month, using one courier limits your flexibility. Instead, use a shipping solution that connects you with many couriers at once.
Benefits:
- Save up to 91% on shipping costs
- Offer fast, affordable options at checkout
- Automatically select the best courier service for each shipment
Platforms like Easyship help Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and Etsy sellers manage everything in one place—from comparing shipping options to printing labels and booking a pick up.
Tips to Reduce Costs Without Slowing Down Delivery
You don’t always have to pay more to ship faster. Use these tips to save money:
- Ship to a business address or depot to avoid residential delivery fees
- Check for accuracy to prevent address correction charges
- Avoid adding insurance for used or low-value items
- Bundle shipments to reach volume discounts faster
- Always compare courier pricing before choosing your service
Optimize Your Shipping Process Today
The fastest way to ship in Canada depends on what you're sending, how quickly it needs to be delivered, and how much you're willing to spend. But with the right courier, smart packaging, and a reliable shipping platform, you can offer next day delivery and fast service across Canada without losing profit.
Shipping fast in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. With smart tools, reliable couriers, and a multi-carrier platform like Easyship, you can offer fast, affordable shipping—every time.
Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.
Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on delivery time, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.
Join our community of eCommerce sellers and get started with Easyship for free today.
Fastest Shipping in Canada FAQs
What is the fastest way to ship in Canada?
The fastest way is overnight shipping with a trusted courier like Purolator, Canada Post (Priority), or DHL Express. These services offer next business day delivery between major cities.
How much does fast shipping cost in Canada?
Fast shipping costs vary depending on the package size, weight, delivery speed, and courier. Expect to pay $15–$50+ for next-day delivery within Canada. Use rate comparison tools to get the best price.
Can I get next-day delivery from the U.S. to Canada?
Yes. Purolator International offers overnight shipping and Expedited Forwarding services from the U.S. to Canada, using dedicated air routes and flexible partner networks.
What’s the cheapest way to ship a package quickly in Canada?
Use a multi-carrier shipping solution like Easyship. These platforms let you compare real-time shipping rates and delivery times across carriers to find the cheapest fast shipping option.