Delivery standards

This is an overview of delivery standards for Parcel Services shipping to the U.S. and to International destinations.

Parcel Services (U.S. and International) delivery standards

Service U.S. delivery standard (in business days) International delivery standard (in business days)
Xpresspost™– USA 2 and 3 days Not available
Expedited Parcel™ – USA 4 to 7 days Not available
Tracked Packet™ – USA 4 to 7 days Not available
Xpresspost™– International Not available 4 to 7 days (for most destinations)
Tracked Packet™– International Not available 6 to 10 days
International Parcel™(Air) Not available 6 to 10 days
International Parcel™(Surface) Not available 4 to 12 weeks
Small Packet™(Air) 5 to 8 days 6 to 12 days
Small Packet™ (Surface) Not available 4 to 12 weeks

Important information about Parcel Services (U.S. and International) delivery standards

Delivery standards are the expected transit time – in business days – from the day of deposit (day 0) to the day delivery was first attempted. 

Delivery standards are for items sent between most major urban centres and depend on origin and destination. Delivery standards are based on normal delivery conditions and available transportation. 

Delivery standards exclude the day of mailing, weekends, statutory holidays, and time in customs.

We consider an item deposited on a weekend, statutory holiday, or after local cut-off times as deposited on the following business day.

Please note: Business days and observed holidays may vary for U.S. and International destinations. Depending on availability in the U.S. or select destinations, items may be delivered on a Saturday. Saturday doesn’t count as a business day for delivery standards.

Our On-Time Delivery Guarantee applies to some services (see the table on the Features and options overview page). Except where the On-Time Delivery Guarantee applies, all delivery standards are estimates only and aren't guaranteed. The On-Time Delivery Guarantee may be modified during a peak period or suspended due to causes beyond Canada Post’s reasonable control, including, but not limited to:

  • Acts of God
  • Inclement weather
  • Epidemics
  • Acts of terrorism
  • Acts of war
  • Flight or ferry delays or cancellations
  • Riots
  • Labour disruptions
  • Customs or other regulatory authorities
  • Unanticipated surges in volume
  • Any act or default of the customer,
  • or any failures or fluctuations in electrical power, heat, light, air conditioning or telecommunications equipment or lines, or other equipment if applicable.

The On-Time Delivery Guarantee is subject to terms and conditions. For more information, see the General Terms and Conditions

Delivery Standards are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit our Delivery standards page