Prepaid envelopes and boxes

Prepaid packaging has convenient flat rate pricing so you can manage costs and save time. Canada Post offers 2 formats: prepaid envelopes and flat rate boxes.

All domestic shipping prepaid packaging includes:

  • On-time delivery guarantee
  • Tracking and delivery confirmation 
  • Up to $100 liability coverage for loss or damage

Prepaid envelopes

Included features

  • On-time delivery guarantee
  • Tracking and delivery confirmation
  • Up to $100 liability coverage for loss or damage

Available options

  • Available with Priority™ and Xpresspost™ shipping services
  • Additional liability coverage available (up to $5,000)
  • Signature options:
    • Priority: Signature option available at no extra cost, simply check the option box on the envelope
    • Xpresspost: For deliveries within Canada, signature stickers can be purchased and used as required

For more details on features, options and liability coverage, see the “Prepaid products and Xpresspost Certified” section of our Parcel Service Customer Guide (PDF).

Prepaid envelope – option 1

This envelope comes with a pre-affixed label, to be filled manually, and a unique tracking barcode.

Keep in mind

  • When using Canada Post’s manual labels, ensure that there are no stickers or markings on the 2D barcodes which could prevent our equipment from reading them properly. A peel-off tab can be detached to keep a record of the tracking number.
  • Make sure you correctly fill in the sections “To” (recipient) and “From” (sender).
  • If you are a business customer, make sure to indicate your customer number in the dedicated section.

How to order

Front of the option 1 Canada Post Xpresspost prepaid envelope, white with a blue border.Back of the option 1 Canada Post Xpresspost prepaid envelope showing the shipping label.

Prepaid envelope – option 2 (commercial only)

The envelope format is only available to commercial customers with a contract.

Customers will fill out the shipping label electronically. They will need to use Canada Post’s Electronic Shipping Tools (EST), Parcel Web Services, or a customer-developed/third-party shipping system to create barcoded shipping labels.

Note: You can order prepaid envelopes for Canadian destinations without the pre-affixed shipping label or unique tracking barcode.

How to order

Minimum order quantities may apply.

Front of the option 2 Canada Post Xpresspost prepaid envelope for commercial use only.Back of the option 2 Canada Post Xpresspost prepaid envelope for commercial use only showing no pre-affixed label.

Envelope sizes and weights

Prepaid envelopes are available in different sizes. For details on dimensions and weights, see the “Prepaid products and Xpresspost Certified” section of our Parcel Service Customer Guide (PDF).

Return policy

Prepaid products should be used within 3 years of purchase. Canada Post cannot guarantee delivery for prepaid products older than 3 years.

Learn how to return items purchased online.

Flat rate boxes

Flat rate boxes are ready to use. The cost of the box includes the price of postage for shipping anywhere in Canada. Boxes come in 4 different sizes and can weigh up to 5 kg (11 lb.).

Included features

  • On-time delivery guarantee
  • Tracking and delivery confirmation 
  • Up to $100 liability coverage for loss or damage
  • Carbon-neutral shipping

For more information about carbon-neutral shipping, visit our Sustainable delivery page.

Learn more about flat rate boxes.

Canada Post flat rate boxes lined up from smallest to largest, showing the four different sizes.

Keep in mind

  • Flat rate boxes are one-time use only
  • No additional features and options can be added such as additional liability coverage or signature
  • Canada Post Solutions for Small Business™ and commercial accounts are not eligible for discounts on the flat rate box

How to order

Return policy

Prepaid products should be used within 3 years of purchase. Canada Post cannot guarantee delivery for Prepaid products older than 3 years.

Learn how to return items purchased online.