Looking for the cheapest overnight shipping in Canada? Fast delivery can make or break an eCommerce business. Customers now expect Amazon Prime–style next-day shipping, and choosing the right carrier can save you 40–50% in costs. In this guide, we compare Canada Post, UPS, and FedEx overnight options, their rates, and tips to save on urgent deliveries. Overnight shipping is also ideal for urgent shipments of documents, such as legal papers or business presentations. You can even look for the cheapest overnight shipping available.
According to the Future of Commerce report, 60 per cent of consumers said fast shipping offerings had a “very significant influence” on their buying decision. Using overnight services can help you get there.
What is Overnight Shipping in Canada?
Overnight shipping is the fastest shipping option that carriers offer with a guarantee to deliver packages to customers the next possible business day. This service typically includes convenient door-to-door delivery, ensuring that packages are picked up from the sender and delivered directly to the recipient’s door.
Various carriers that offer overnight services have a daily cutoff time after which they cannot guarantee overnight delivery. Besides, depending on the carriers and their services, orders placed during the weekend may need two days to reach the recipients.
Carriers in Canada that offer overnight options have widespread transportation networks. This allows retailers to drop off their packages for early morning delivery. These services are often limited to specific locations, for example, remote areas.
How Does Overnight Shipping Work?
Through overnight shipping, a retailer can drop off a package one day and get it delivered to the recipient the next day (or sooner).
First, when sending a package, it should meet the conditions of overnight shipping. For certain shipments, such as high-value or restricted items, specific authorizations or documentation may need to be obtained prior to shipping.
All carriers will have a specific time of day after which they won’t log a package for that business day.
Besides, the carrier you choose needs to have enough space in their cargo. Carriers transport overnight packages from the facilities to airplanes, airports to distribution centres, and eventually to the customer.
Shipping companies usually have a vast distribution network that helps send overnighted packages efficiently.
Who should use Overnight Shipping?
Overnight shipping is ideal for domestic destinations because packages can’t make it to international locations by the next morning.
Before finalizing the carrier, check if the shipping company can deliver the package to your customer’s location. Or else, you need to find another shipping company that offers overnight shipping. Also, try to find out if they offer free pick up.
Why Overnight Shipping Helps eCommerce Businesses Compete
Overnight shipping is ideal for your online retail business because it can make your online store more competitive.
Various studies have already proven that one of the reasons customers abandon their shopping carts is because a retailer doesn’t offer any express option.
Factors that Affect Overnight Shipping Costs in details
Overnight shipping costs may vary due to various factors, including the following:
1. Parcel Weight
Heavier parcels costs more to ship than lighter ones.
2. Package Dimensions (DIM Weight)
All major carrier companies use a standard model to calculate prices called dimensional weight or DIM weight. This pricing model considers the dimensions of a package to figure out the shipping. You can collect more information about DIM weight vs actual weight in this blog post.
The formula of DIM weight = Length x Width x Height ÷ DIM Divisor
For example, if the Length is 30,” Width is 12,” and the Height is 12.” The DIM divisor is 139.
The calculation will look like 30 x 12 x 12 ÷ 139.
Shipping companies’ base rates whichever is greater: the actual package weight or its DIM weight.
Additionally, some carriers also consider the girth of a package (girth = 2 x (Width + Height)) when determining size limitations and may apply additional charges for shipments that exceed standard girth measurements.
3. Shipping Zone
Through shipping zones, a carrier measures the distance between a parcel’s point of origin and its destination.
A carrier calculates the rate of a package based on the distance (start and end address). It means two different points of origin with the same destination may have completely different zones and varying shipping costs. Zones also determine if the carrier will offer pick up and vary drastically due to long distances.
4. Your Contract with a Shipping Carrier
You can get discounted rates based on your agreement with a carrier. Some companies offer special discounts for small businesses, while other discount rates depend on bulk shipping or whether you are delivering within Canada or Canada to the world. When selecting a carrier, check and verify the available discount rates prior to booking a shipment, as these discounts may be subject to specific terms and conditions set by the carrier.
What are the Cheapest Overnight Shipping Options by Carrier?
Whether you are running an online store of clothing items or personal gifts, shipping charges/cost will always be a major factor. Many carriers also offer guarantees or insurance for items shipped via their overnight services, providing added assurance for your packages.
These days, it is easier to compare the prices of all these companies which allows you to decide on the most affordable way to ship your packages within Canada.
Let’s find out the cost to ship an item in a small 6 in x 6 in x 6 package weighing 2 lbs from Toronto to Montreal.
1. Canada Post Overnight Shipping (Cost and Limitations)
Best for: Small businesses looking for the most affordable overnight option.
- Service: Canada Post Priority
- Delivery: Next business day (not guaranteed for long distances)
- Cutoff Time: Typically early afternoon
- Sample Rate:
- Canada Post Regular: $18.35
- Canada Post Priority: $40.48
- Key Notes:
- Delivery to remote areas may take 2+ days
- Tracking and $100 liability coverage included; extra insurance available
2. FedEx Overnight Shipping (Standard vs First)
Best for: Guaranteed next-day delivery and time-definite options.
- Services:
- FedEx Standard Overnight
- Delivery by 5 p.m. to businesses, 8 p.m. to residences
- Cost: $70.90
- FedEx First Overnight
- Delivery by 10 a.m. next business day
- Cost: $70.48
- Cutoff Time: Usually 5–7 p.m. local time
- Key Notes:
- Best for time-sensitive shipments
- Metro areas only for early morning delivery
- Weekend delivery may take 2 days unless using FedEx Priority Saturday service
- Basic insurance included ($100); higher coverage available
- Real-time tracking lets customers track their shipments throughout the delivery process
Read this blog post to get an idea of FedEx Canada rates in 2025
3. UPS Overnight Shipping (Standard vs Express)
Best for: Businesses needing both budget-friendly ground and guaranteed overnight delivery. UPS overnight services cover a broad range of territories across Canada, ensuring fast delivery to many regions.
UPS Standard – Best for Cost Savings (Not Overnight)
- Delivery: 1–5 business day delivery (ground service)
- Cost: $30.48
- When to Use: Non-urgent shipments
- Key Notes:
- Uses ground transport → slower but economical
- Includes tracking and $100 insurance
UPS Express – Best for Reliable Overnight Delivery
- Delivery: Next business day delivery by end of day
- Cost: $70.91
- When to Use: Time-sensitive orders, priority handling with full tracking
Pick Up and Drop Off: How to Send and Receive Overnight Shipments
When it comes to overnight shipping in Canada, understanding the pick-up and drop-off process is key to ensuring your package arrives on time.
To start, always verify your shipment details before scheduling a pick up. Double-check the recipient’s address, package size, and any special instructions to avoid delays or additional charges. Most major carriers, including UPS, offer convenient online checkout systems. For added flexibility, you can also drop off your package at one of the many carrier locations.
Tracking your shipment is simple with real-time updates available online. If your business needs require extra security, you can select additional options such as signature upon delivery or Cash on Delivery (COD) services. Keep in mind that restrictions apply to certain shipments.
Scheduling a pick up is straightforward: simply contact the carrier’s customer service or use their online platform to arrange a convenient time.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Service | Delivery Time | Rate |
| Canada Post | Priority | Next Day | $40.48 |
| FedEx | Standard Overnight | Next Day by 5 PM | $70.90 |
| FedEx | First Overnight | Next Day by 10 AM | $70.48 |
| UPS | Standard | 1-5 Days | $30.48 |
| UPS | Express | Next day EOD | $70.91 |
Here’s how to calculate the shipping costs considering all the factors.
How ShippingChimp Helps You Save up to 53%
If you partner with ShippingChimp, the best eCommerce carrier for Canadian eCommerce businesses that offers cheap shipping in Canada, you will have more flexible delivery options and get up to 53% discount on shipping rates. This comes with free pick up and free drop offs. Free pickup helps small businesses retain profits.
Distance is a decisive factor in overnight service costs, and ShippingChimp has fulfilment centres in all the major cities in Canada. This helps us in keeping the overnight costs affordable for your shipment.
This way, you can keep the inventory closer to your customers. It will reduce the number of zones every order goes through and help you save additional charge on overnight options.
Key Takeaways
If you decide to offer overnight options to your retail customers in Canada, your order packaging should be on time. It will enable you to ship the packages before the cutoff time of the carrier and as per your schedule.
Another factor you need to consider is identifying the cheapest overnight shipping provider. Although overnight option is relatively expensive, you will likely get cheaper and more competitive pricing offers when sending your shipment with ShippingChimp.
FAQs About Overnight Shipping in Canada
1. How do return policies and processes work with overnight shipping?
Ecommerce businesses provide a return label and specify if the item has to be returned overnight.
2. What are the potential delays or exceptions to overnight shipping guarantees?
Manage potential delays that include weather, strikes, peak season delay, cutoff limit, remote area locations, custom regulations.
3. How do shipping insurance options and costs vary among carriers for overnight shipping?
Most carriers include basic coverage up to $100.
- Canada Post: $100 included; extra coverage available.
- FedEx: First $100 included; up to $50,000 with declared value fees.
- UPS: Similar to FedEx; first $100 included, additional coverage at a set rate.
4. What are the packaging requirements or guidelines for overnight shipping?
Same as normal – sturdy boxes, labels, proper dunnage, size and weight limits and ceiling.
5. What are the best practices for integrating overnight shipping options into an eCommerce platform?
Show options at checkout using carrier APIs or a shipping platform for real-time rates and easy management.
