Canada Post Priority Vs. Xpresspost: How to Select the Best Shipping Services in Canada?
Priority is Canada Post’s fastest and most premium mailing service you can use to mail within Canada. It delivers your mailers and items to recipients in only one business day. You can prefer this service if delivery speed is your primary priority to send time-sensitive mail like invoices & receipts, statements, bank documents, tax documents, circulars, urgent notices, cheques, etc. XpressPost is the next fastest mailing option after Priority.
It takes around 1-2 business days to ship items with this service. Xpresspost costs less, making it an affordable option when we compare it with Canada Post Priority. The choice between them depends on the urgency and budget of your mailer. You get tracking, an on-time guarantee, an online signature, and $100 insurance coverage with Canada Post Priority. All these services are also available with Xpresspost.
However, you will need to pay additional charges to use the signature service. This guide will help you choose the best option between Xpresspost vs Priority to guarantee smooth mailing!
Key Takeaways
- Canada Post provides multiple mailing services with different delivery speeds and mailing charges.
- Priority and Xpresspost are the most popular mailing services in Canada.
- Priority is the fastest and most premium mailing service in Canada, with one-day delivery.
- Users prefer Priority for sending time-sensitive mailers.
- Xpresspost is a more affordable mailing service with a delivery time of 1 to 2 business days.
- There are many similar features between Priority and Xpresspost domestic shipping services.
- Users need to pay additional charges to access the signature service while using Xpresspost.
Most Popular Canada Post Mailing Options
Canada Post has a broad range of national and international mailing choices. Thus, you can select one according to your budget and preferences. Several businesses let the customers decide if they want Priority vs Xpresspost during checkouts. It allows them to offer customers more transparency and flexibility.
Undoubtedly, Priority offers more features and a faster delivery window! However, Xpresspost is best for mailing locally and regionally at affordable rates. Most people think that Canada Post Xpresspost vs Priority is not even a debate because there aren’t any differences. But, in reality, they offer varied benefits that we discuss below!
Understanding the Differences Between Priority Vs. Xpresspost
Below, we have listed the features of Canada Post Xpresspost vs Priority to help you choose the ideal option for your business!
Priority
It is Canada Post’s most premium and fastest service for mailing within Canada. Priority helps you deliver your items to the customers’ doorsteps in only one working day, irrespective of the mailing distance.
So, if your topmost preference is impeccable speed, you must always select Priority while comparing Xpresspost vs Priority options. Using this service, you can send:
- Time-critical letters
- Tax documents
- Legal correspondence
- Invoices and receipts
- Circulars or urgent notices
- Statements
- Bank documents
- Cheques, etc.
Also, selecting this option from Canada Post Priority vs Xpresspost helps you provide expedited shipping to customers. Hence, you can help customers who want their parcels urgently, allowing you to increase sales.
You may charge a fast shipping fee to recover mailing costs. And you would be surprised to know how many people are willing to pay extra to get their items quickly!
Here are the Priority features to help you compare better between Xpresspost vs Priority services:
- Tracking: You can get mobile or email notifications that inform you of your item status. Also, you may use the unique tracking number to track your packages online.
- On-time guarantee: Though the one-day delivery window is only an estimate, you can claim a replacement service if your package does not arrive on time. Or you get credit equivalent to the postal charges you paid earlier.
- Online signature: The online signature feature helps this service get the upper hand in the Priority vs Xpresspost debate! Canada Post carriers get the recipient’s signature on delivery, which you can access online and store as proof of mailing.
- $100 insurance: You get a $00 insurance cover for all envelopes and packages. Thus, you can mail confidently without the fear of incurring losses.
While comparing Xpresspost vs Priority, remember that you need to pay an additional fee for getting an online signature for Xpresspost items! Sadly, it can add to your shipping costs if you want to mail packages in large volumes.
Also, consider the paid add-ons when differentiating between Canada Post Priority vs Xpresspost choices. They include hardcopy signatures, additional insurance coverage, Cash on Delivery (COD), and mail returns. But, they can be expensive, so purchase them only if necessary!
You can employ PostGrid’s direct mail services if you want to send your items quickly and affordably without deciding between the Priority vs Xpresspost options! We help you prepare top-notch quality mail and ship them via Canada Post in only two business days.
Yes, PostGrid allows you to forego weeks of planning and preparation and get everything done in the blink of an eye! Amazing, right?
Xpresspost
You get a next-day to 2-business days shipping estimate with Xpresspost. But, it costs less, making it an affordable option if you compare the Canada Post Priority vs Xpresspost services.
Most local and regional deliveries take only one working day. But, national shipping can take at least two working days, depending on how far you want to send something.
The delivery standards are for mailing between major urban localities. Hence, the final arrival times depend on the weather conditions, origin, destination, etc. Try to use Canada Post Xpresspost vs Priority delivery time tool to know the exact schedule!
There are many similar features between Priority vs Xpresspost domestic shipping services. For example, Xpresspost allows tracking your packages online and getting real-time notifications. It helps you and your customers to stay updated about an item’s arrival.
Also, Xpresspost offers an on-time delivery guarantee! You can claim free credit or replacement service, similar to Priority. Thus, you need not consider these options when deciding between Xpresspost vs Priority because they almost provide the same benefits!
Additionally, every Xpresspost item is liable to get insurance coverage of up to $100. You can purchase additional cover by paying an extra fee for more valuable packages.
Remember to purchase the online signature option if you need a recipient signature, ensuring that Canada Post delivers your items to the correct recipient. Also, note that other paid options are the same for Priority vs Xpresspost, so you can skip comparing them!
To know the prices, you can use Canada Post’s price estimate page and enter the details to get an exact rate.
Also Read: How to Ship Important Documents By MailCost-Benefit Analysis for Businesses Using Priority or Xpresspost
As discussed earlier, PostGrid helps you automate your direct mailing activities, and you don’t need to worry about Canada Post Xpresspost vs Priority services. Instead, you can focus on other crucial areas and grow your brand!
Here’s how we describe PostGrid:
- Result-driving: Our direct mail API enables you to improve your campaign performance and bag a fantastic ROI!
- Personalized: Use variable data printing to add a personal touch to your items.
- Connected: PostGrid’s API integrations allow you to integrate into your favourite platforms, like Zapier, Hubspot, Salesforce, etc.
- Measurable: You can choose from Xpresspost vs Priority and measure your campaign results. PostGrid lets you add QR codes, pURLs, etc., to track respondents, gaining valuable insights and customer data.
- Scalable: Our solutions can expand to accommodate your ever-growing needs. Hence, you can conduct on-demand or bulk mailing programs according to your objectives and preferences.
- Modern: PostGrid offers a modern approach to direct mail marketing wherein you no longer have to stress out over Priority vs Xpresspost logistics decisions. You can cut manual effort and save tons of money and time by launching campaigns with the push of a few buttons!
Also Read: Traditional Marketing vs Digital MarketingHow Can PostGrid’s Direct Mailing Solutions Help You Choose Between the Priority Vs. Xpresspost Options?
Canada Post is Canada’s national postal and courier service, with a vast network across the country and worldwide. It delivers mail and packages to over 190 countries overseas.
Leading domestic shipping services of Canada Post:
- Regular package delivery takes around 2 to 9 business days.
- Priority mail guarantees you next-day delivery.
- Xpresspost shipping can mail items in 2 business days or less.
- Flat-rate delivery service takes somewhere between 1 and 7 business days.
Leading international delivery services of Canada Post:
- Priority Worldwide can deliver your mail item within 2 to 3 business days.
- Xpresspost International shipping takes around 4 to 7 business days.
- Xpresspost USA with guaranteed delivery will take 2 to 3 business days.
- Tracked Packet USA can deliver a package within 4 to 7 days.
Over the years, Canada Post’s shipping charges have become affordable for individuals and businesses. However, increasing fuel prices have a significant impact on shipping rates. Still, postal charges depend entirely on the package weight, size, delivery distance, and service you are using.
Shipping Features You Should Know About
- Flat Rate Fees: You can purchase these shipping boxes online from Canada Post. Individuals and businesses can ship boxes weighing up to 5 kg. Different sizes of boxes are available to meet your shipping needs.
- Collection on Delivery: This service enables you to collect money from customers while they receive the package at the time of delivery. Up to $5,000 can be collected with this service. However, you must pay a COD fee of $7.25 and the shipping fees.
- Delivery Tracking: Canada Post lets you track packages and provides delivery updates via phone, SMS, and email.
- Overseas Shipping: Canada Post can also deliver your packages to overseas locations via air and surface shipping.
Shipping Cost Analysis
Xpresspost
This postal service delivers mail items with an assurance of next-day shipping to local addresses and major urban centers. Xpresspost also offers a “Deliver to Post Office” feature for greater flexibility. Delivery of national shipments takes up to 2 days.
Prices will differ depending on the weight and destination of the package. For example, a mail item weighing 10 kg from Toronto to Montreal will cost you $39.01. You can buy Xpresspost shipping and envelopes from a post office in Canada. A commercial account with Canada Post is necessary to receive discounted rates.
Origin Codes Impacting the Delivery Charges:
- Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island (Zone A)
- Ontario and Quebec (Zone B)
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan (Zone C)
- Northwest Territories and Yukon (Zone D)
The rate code will depend on the destination zone and be based on the origin code. An integrated shipping automation platform can offer attractive discounts.
Priority
Canada Post Priority shipping is the fastest courier option for delivering mail within Canada or overseas. The shipping fees start around $14.73, depending on the destination of the intended recipient. For example, sending a package weighing 26 kg from Toronto to Montreal will cost $98.25. The prices are relatively higher than those of Xpresspost due to faster deliveries and signature confirmation.
Check the destination Rate Code for shipping prices to an overseas location. Contract customers can purchase prepaid envelopes to reduce the shipping cost in specific situations. However, they may not benefit if you have to send packages of different sizes. We recommend highlighting the shipping options on your website to help customers learn about the respective charges.
Canada Post Domestic Shipping Rates
| Shipping Service | Weight | Delivery Time | Price |
| Xpresspost | 2 kgs | 2 to 8 business days | Starts from $10.61 |
| Priority Shipping | 2 kgs | Next day | Starts from $22.01 |
Canada Post International Shipping Rates
| Shipping Service | Weight | Delivery Time | Price |
| Xpresspost | Up to 30 kgs | 4 to 7 business days | Starts from $59.65 |
| Priority Shipping | Up to 30 kgs | 4 to 7 business days | Starts from $49.36 |
Canada Post Priority and Xpresspost Comparison
| Feature/Criteria | Priority™ | Xpresspost™ |
| Local delivery | Next Day | Next Day |
| National | Next Day | 2 days |
| International | Unavailable | 4-8 business days |
| Delivery Guarantee | Yes | Yes |
| Tracking and Delivery Confirmation | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Liability Coverage | $100 default | $100 default |
| Signature | Included | Optional |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive than priority |
How to Choose the Right Service for International Deliveries?
Previously, Canada Post customers could choose between Xpresspost International and Priority Mail Worldwide. However, the postal service has discontinued its international shipping service and priority mail worldwide as of August 1, 2023. You will get a label error if you are trying to create shipping labels with this service.
Canada Post’s Xpresspost International and Xpresspost USA are the best alternatives for a service similar to Priority Worldwide. They will help you deliver to customers in over 90 countries and territories. The delivery timeframe ranges between 2-3 business days for the USA and 4-7 days for international shipments.
Xpresspost International comes with benefits and features similar to those of Priority Worldwide. It could be a perfect service for any business requiring an on-time delivery guarantee, confirmation, liability coverage, tracking, and signature service. You can also buy additional services such as pickups.
Factors Impacting the Delivery Standards of Canada Post
- Demand surges
- Road accidents
- Labour disruptions
- Extreme weather conditions
- Equipment failures
How Does PostGrid Partner With Canada Post Delivery Options?
We strongly partner with Canada Post, the country’s national postal service. By selecting different mailing services, you can easily use a relevant delivery service based on your needs. It gives you complete control over your campaign speed and budget restrictions. We do all the legwork, from printing to handing over the mailpieces to Canada Post for sending, making your campaigns successful.
Conclusion
It is relatively easy to decide between Canada Post Priority vs Xpresspost because there aren’t too many differences! You can choose Priority for one-day mailing, but opt for Xpresspost if you don’t need a signature and can wait a few days more.
Luckily, PostGrid simplifies this process further by offering online direct mailing services. You can decide everything and let our API bring your visions to life!
Drop us an email at [email protected] to learn more about how PostGrid helps you send your mail using Priority vs Xpresspost options!
Frequently Asked Questions
What If My Package Doesn’t Deliver on Time?
If your mail item doesn’t arrive on time, Canada Post gives you the peace of mind with replacement service or a credit equivalent to the shipping charges. However, terms and conditions apply to this policy for Priority Mail and Xpresspost.
Why Was the Mail Item Returned to the Sender?
It is a common issue when the delivery address doesn’t exist or the addressee has moved without providing a forwarding address. The recipient might also have refused to receive the item. We recommend verifying the postal addresses before dispatching mail.
What Are the Standard Mail and Parcel Delivery Hours?
Residences:
- Canada Post makes deliveries to residential addresses Monday to Friday from 9 am until as late as 8 pm.
- They don’t make any delivery attempts on public holidays like Christmas or New Year’s Day.
Businesses
- Canada Post makes deliveries to businesses Monday to Friday from 9 am until 5 pm.
- The postal service aligns its delivery schedules with the typical business hours.
- No deliveries are available on public holidays like Christmas or New Year’s Day.
