Shipping Across Canada
Shipping belongings across Canada costs C$20–C$80 per box via parcel carriers, C$400–C$800 per pallet via LTL freight, and C$200–C$1,500 per furniture item via shipping marketplaces. A portable container for a full household runs C$4,000–C$7,000 coast-to-coast.
Shipping Cost = Weight-based rate (per kg or per lb) + Dimensional weight adjustment + Fuel surcharge + Insurance + GST/HST
Shipping household goods across Canada doesn't always require hiring a full-service moving company. Whether you're sending a few boxes, shipping furniture to a family member, or relocating a small apartment, there are multiple affordable options.
This guide compares every major way to ship belongings across Canada — from Canada Post and Purolator to LTL freight carriers and shipping marketplaces — with real 2026 pricing and transit times for the most popular coast-to-coast routes.
What This Means
Your estimate is based on the shipping method and weight you selected. Actual costs may vary based on dimensions (oversized items cost more), pickup/delivery options, and seasonal demand. Always get quotes from multiple services and consider insurance for valuable items.
Shipping Methods Compared (2026)
Here's a side-by-side comparison of every major way to ship household goods across Canada:
| Method | Best For | Cost (Coast-to-Coast) | Transit Time | Max Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post (Parcel) | Small boxes (under 30 kg) | C$20 – C$80 per box | 4–9 business days | 30 kg per package |
| Purolator Express | Heavier boxes, faster delivery | C$30 – C$120 per box | 2–5 business days | 68 kg per package |
| FedEx / UPS Ground | Multiple boxes, reliable tracking | C$25 – C$100 per box | 5–8 business days | 68 kg per package |
| LTL Freight (Day & Ross, Manitoulin) | Pallets, heavy items, furniture | C$400 – C$800 per pallet | 7–14 business days | No practical limit |
| Shipping Marketplace (uShip) | Large/heavy items, competitive bidding | C$200 – C$1,500 per item | 7–21 days | Varies by carrier |
| Portable Container (PODS/BigSteelBox) | Full household | C$4,000 – C$7,000 | 10–21 days | Container capacity |
For a few boxes, Canada Post and Purolator are most convenient. For furniture and heavy items, LTL freight offers the best value. For a full household, containers are the most cost-effective non-mover option.
Shipping Boxes Across Canada: Cost Breakdown
If you're shipping packed boxes, here's what to expect from each carrier for a standard moving box (18×18×24 in, 20 kg) shipped from Toronto to Vancouver:
| Carrier | Cost Per Box | Transit | Tracking | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Post (Regular Parcel) | C$35 – C$55 | 6–9 days | Yes | Up to C$100 included |
| Canada Post (Xpresspost) | C$55 – C$80 | 3–5 days | Yes | Up to C$100 included |
| Purolator Ground | C$40 – C$65 | 4–7 days | Yes | Up to C$100 included |
| FedEx Ground | C$35 – C$60 | 5–8 days | Yes | Up to C$100 included |
| UPS Ground | C$38 – C$62 | 5–8 days | Yes | Up to C$100 included |
Bulk shipping tip: For 10+ boxes, negotiate a volume discount directly with Purolator or FedEx business services. You can often save 20–30% over retail rates. Some Canada Post franchise locations also offer informal multi-box discounts.
Cost comparison for 20 boxes (Toronto → Vancouver):
- Canada Post Regular: C$700 – C$1,100
- FedEx Ground: C$700 – C$1,200
- LTL Freight (1 pallet): C$400 – C$700
Palletizing your boxes and shipping via LTL freight is significantly cheaper for 10+ boxes.
Shipping Furniture Across Canada
Shipping individual furniture items requires different solutions depending on size and value:
| Item | Typical Weight | Shipping Cost (Cross-Country) | Best Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couch / Sofa | 40–60 kg | C$400 – C$900 | uShip, LTL freight |
| Bed frame + mattress | 50–80 kg | C$350 – C$800 | uShip, LTL freight |
| Dining table + 4 chairs | 40–70 kg | C$400 – C$850 | LTL freight |
| Dresser / wardrobe | 30–60 kg | C$300 – C$600 | uShip, LTL freight |
| Desk | 20–40 kg | C$200 – C$450 | uShip, parcel carrier |
| Piano (upright) | 200–300 kg | C$800 – C$2,000 | Specialty piano movers |
| Washer or dryer | 60–80 kg | C$350 – C$700 | LTL freight |
Important: Furniture shipped via LTL freight must be properly wrapped and palletized. Most freight carriers do not handle assembly/disassembly. Consider hiring a local TaskRabbit for disassembly before shipping and reassembly at destination.
LTL Freight Shipping Guide for Household Goods
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) freight is the most cost-effective way to ship large quantities of boxes or furniture across Canada. Here's how it works:
- Prepare your shipment: Pack items on pallets (standard 48×40 in) or in crates. Shrink-wrap everything. The carrier assumes items are packaged for freight — they won't handle loose boxes.
- Get quotes: Contact carriers directly or use freight brokers like Freightera, ShipHub, or uShip. Provide dimensions, weight, and pickup/delivery postal codes.
- Schedule pickup: Most LTL carriers offer residential pickup for an additional C$50–C$150. Otherwise, you can drop off at a carrier terminal (usually free).
- Delivery options: Terminal-to-terminal is cheapest. Residential delivery adds C$50–C$150. Inside delivery (bringing items into your home) adds C$75–C$200.
- Insurance: Basic coverage is C$2/lb. For household goods, purchase full-value insurance (typically 2–3% of declared value).
Major Canadian LTL freight carriers:
| Carrier | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Day & Ross | All provinces | National coverage, residential service |
| Manitoulin Transport | All provinces + northern | Remote/northern delivery |
| Purolator Freight | Major cities | Speed + reliability |
| Vitran Express | ON, QC, Atlantic | Eastern Canada routes |
| TST-CF Express | Major cities | Competitive pricing |
Tips for Shipping Belongings Across Canada
Follow these tips to save money and avoid problems when shipping across Canada:
- Compare carriers on weight vs dimensions: Carriers charge by actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is greater). Pack dense items together to avoid paying for empty space.
- Consolidate onto pallets: Shipping 20 individual boxes costs 3–5× more than palletizing them and shipping one pallet via LTL freight.
- Use proper packaging: Freight gets handled roughly. Use double-wall cardboard boxes, wrap furniture in moving blankets and shrink wrap, and pad all corners. Damage claims on poorly packed items are routinely denied.
- Insure valuable items: Basic carrier coverage (C$2/lb) means a 20 lb laptop gets only C$40 coverage. Declare full value and purchase additional insurance for electronics, artwork, and antiques.
- Ship to a business address: Residential delivery fees add C$50–C$150. If you can receive at a workplace or commercial address, you'll save on every shipment.
- Avoid peak shipping season: Like movers, freight carriers are busiest May–September. Off-season shipping (October–April) may yield 10–15% lower rates.