Canada Post Expedited Parcel and Purolator Ground are both ground services for parcels that are not urgent. Expedited Parcel includes an On-time Delivery Guarantee, but it is only for Solutions for Small Business cardholders and contract customers. Standard Purolator Ground is not guaranteed. Neither is always cheaper: compare the total for the same parcel.
The two services compared
| Expedited Parcel (Canada Post) | Purolator Ground | |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Ground, domestic | Ground, domestic |
| Who can use it | Solutions for Small Business cardholders and customers with an agreement | Purolator customers |
| Transit | Per the route's delivery standard (Canada Post delivery tool) | One business day or more, depending on destination |
| Guarantee | On-time Delivery Guarantee included | Not guaranteed (except Ground 9AM, 10:30AM and Evening) |
| Evening delivery | — | Ground Evening option, between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. |
| Coverage | Every Canadian address, including post office boxes and community mailboxes | Check the service offered for the postal code |
Canada Post's guarantee can be suspended or modified during peak periods or disruptions. Read the terms of the service you pick before promising a date to your customer.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the parcel. The price varies with actual or dimensional weight, size, postal codes and your account discounts. Both carriers add a fuel surcharge that changes regularly, and surcharges can apply. Get both prices for the same packed parcel and compare the total, tax included.
How to choose
- Rural address, post office box or community mailbox: Canada Post Expedited Parcel.
- Need a guarantee on a ground shipment: Expedited Parcel, or Purolator Ground 9AM, 10:30AM or Evening.
- Recipient only home in the evening: Purolator Ground Evening.
- No Solutions for Small Business account: Expedited Parcel is not offered at the counter; compare Purolator Ground and the other services offered on your route.
Official sources