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UPS vs FedEx Canada: 2025 Shipping Comparison for Speed, Cost & Service

ups vs fedex canada

Choosing a shipping carrier can be tricky, especially for newer companies. Canada’s top options are FedEx and UPS, and they’re famous for being reliable and easy to use. But general features aren’t enough — the perfect choice depends on your specific needs. This guide puts both carriers head-to-head to help you decide which is the best fit for your business.

FedEx – Overview

FedEx is based in the U.S, but it delivers all over Canada and other international destinations. It was founded on 5th May 1971 in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. Started as a small delivery company, it now ships to all the world’s major locations.

Divisions of Operation

FedEx has two main divisions: FedEx Ground and FedEx Express (FedEx Air).

Shipping Services

FedEx is a great pick for merchants looking for fast and reliable deliveries across international borders dealing in large shipments. The best part about FedEx is that it delivers on all days of the week. Apart from shipping services, it also has packing and pickup facilities.

Tracking System

FedEx is one of the first shipping companies to introduce package tracking and real-time delivery updates. Its tracking system is one of the best in the industry, providing accurate information.

Pricing

FedEx international shipping rates are on the expensive side. So, if you are looking for affordable rates, this can make you rethink your decision.

Pros

  • Excellent and accurate tracking system
  • Delivers on all days of the week
  • Good discounts and offers are available

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other shipment companies
  • No free pickup services
  • Fewer locations

UPS – Overview

UPS, or United Parcel Service, was founded in 1907 and is based in the U.S. It is one of the largest shipping carriers globally and is listed under the Fortune 500. It actively ships to all parts of Canada and other international destinations, delivering an average of 5.5 billion packages every year.

Delivery Services

Its deliveries are fast and reliable. There are different delivery options available, including priority mail express. If your shipping needs are large and you need faster deliveries, this could be a suitable choice.

Global Presence

With top-notch delivery services worldwide, UPS remains one of the top shipping carriers. However, if you go by customer reviews, it is still struggling to establish a good track record in Canada.

Pros

  • Guaranteed Express delivery for emergency shipments with same day or next day delivery
  • Good tracking system
  • Suitable for heavy shipments

Cons

  • Can be expensive
  • No free deliveries on Saturdays
  • No free pickup facility

FedEx vs UPS – Updated Comparison 2025

Delivery Schedule

  • FedEx – Delivers from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is the best choice if you ship on weekends
  • UPS – Ships from Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend delivery is only open to certain areas

Shipment Insurance

  • FedEx – Automatic coverage of $100 per package. For additional coverage, declare the value of your goods
  • UPS – Coverage of $100 for undeclared packages. For more coverage, declare the value of goods (up to $50,000)

Pickup and Drop-off Options

You can schedule a pickup by contacting the offices. Neither company offers free pickup. Drop-off is available at mail slots of their offices

Tracking Services

  • FedEx – Provides accurate, up-to-date tracking information
  • UPS – Reliable tracking system

Feature Comparison

FeatureFedExUPS
Tracking SystemReal-time tracking, user-friendlyPrecise updates, better for ground shipping
Delivery FlexibilityFedEx Delivery ManagerUPS My Choice
Customer Support24/7 support via multiple channels24/7 support with account management for businesses
CustomizationFlexible delivery schedulingReroute and hold options for customers

Shipping Carrier Costs 2025 – A Detailed Analysis

Cost is the most crucial factor determining your affordability and compatibility with your shipping carrier. To simplify your understanding process, we have made a shipping cost comparison with the help of tables.

1. Flat Rate Packages

A flat rate means offering the same price for all types of shipments fitting in single packaging under a certain weight

  • In 2025, FedEx’s One Rate® (its flat rate option) is still offered
  • UPS offers Simple Rate flat rate packaging and speed options
    However, the 2025 guides do not present a simple “Flat Rate under 50 pounds” table as in 2022. The carriers have moved toward size-based flat pricing under their services (One Rate, Simple Rate)

2. Ground Service

Both FedEx and UPS continue to offer ground services with competitive pricing

  • For FedEx, 2025 surcharges and dimensional rules have been updated, including dimension-based additional handling and oversize criteria
  • Ground delivery rates in 2025 are at record highs, up significantly from previous years
  • UPS has introduced a 2025 General Rate Increase (GRI) averaging 5.9 % on its services, affecting ground, air, and international
    Because both carriers use zone pricing, weight, dimensions, and surcharges, “starts at $/lb” simplistic tables are no longer published in the same way

3. Priority / Express Services

All companies still offer priority services for time-sensitive goods

  • UPS 2025 rate guide includes numerous air / next day / 2nd day service tiers
  • FedEx 2025 standard list rates include its express and time-definite services
  • Both carriers’ 2025 rate changes (GRIs) apply to express services too
    Again, you won’t find an updated simple “$31.18 for FedEx 2Day AM / $75.15 for UPS Next Day Air” table publicly in the same format as 2022

4. Lightweight / Small Packages

For very small or lightweight packages:

  • UPS’s Simple Rate 2025 pricing starts (for extra small) around $9.45 in domestic U.S. zones
  • FedEx One Rate has published 2025 pricing for its flat rate boxes under various service levels
    These reflect updated structure rather than static weights like “under 12 ounces” in 2022

Summary

  • In 2025, both FedEx and UPS have implemented rate increases (average ~5.9%) across many services
  • Flat rate offerings continue (FedEx One Rate, UPS Simple Rate), but are now tied to box sizes and service tiers rather than a universal flat under 50 lbs
  • Surcharges, dimensional criteria, and zone pricing play a larger role in 2025 than flat per lb starters
  • Ground rates are especially elevated in 2025, reflecting rising costs and surcharge pressure

Service Types and Pricing Overview – 2025

Service Type / TierFedEx (2025)UPS (2025)
Flat Rate / Fixed-Box OptionsFedEx One Rate (size-based flat pricing)UPS Simple Rate (size-based flat pricing)
General Rate Increase (GRI)~5.9% increase across services in 2025~5.9% increase across services in 2025
Surcharges & Handling / OversizeAdditional Handling and Oversize rules updated (volume & weight criteria)Additional Handling and Oversize charges increased
Residential SurchargeGround residential surcharge ~ $5.95Ground residential surcharge ~ $6.10
Express / Priority ServicesPriority Overnight and time-definite services (rates increased with GRI)Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, and other express services (rates increased with GRI)

Domestic Shipment Price Comparison – Vancouver to Toronto (5 lb, 15×12×12 cm, Declared Value $5)

CarrierShipping ServiceDelivery TimePrice (CAD)
UPSStandard5 business days at the end of the day$60.39
UPSExpedited2 business days at the end of the day$103.49
UPSExpress SaverNext business day at the end of the day$109.34
UPSExpressNext business day at 10:30 AM$127.26
UPSExpress EarlyNext business day at 9 AM$148.95
FedExGround4 business days at the end of the day$41.59
FedExEconomy3 business days at 8 PM$89.60
FedEx2Day (business days)2 business days at 8 PM$108.99
FedEx2Day (calendar days)2 calendar days at 8 PM$143.88
FedExStandard Overnight 8 PMNext business day at 8 PM$119.25
FedExStandard Overnight 12 PMNext business day at noon$132.02
FedExStandard Overnight 10 AMNext business day at 10 AM$162.30

International Shipment Price Comparison – Vancouver to London (5 lb, 15×12×12 cm, Declared Value $5)

CarrierShipping ServiceDelivery TimePrice (CAD)
UPSWorldwide Expedited®4 business days$150.74
UPSWorldwide Saver2 business days by end of day$160.76
UPSWorldwide Express®2 business days at noon$169.24
UPSWorldwide Express Plus®2 business days at 9 AM$250.79
FedExInternational Economy®4 business days at 6 PM$263.81
FedExInternational Priority®2 business days at 6 PM$291.42
FedExInternational Priority® Express2 business days at noon$305.29
FedExInternational First®2 business days at 9 AM$420.62

Final Words

FedEx and UPS are both good courier companies in Canada. Both have advantages and disadvantages, which we had already listed out in this guide. The best carrier depends on your requirement, need, and affordability.

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