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Holiday Shipping Deadlines & Courier Closures

Holiday shipping brings higher parcel volumes, tighter delivery timelines, winter weather, and increased pressure on courier networks across Canada and the United States.

Planning ahead can help reduce delays, set clearer expectations with your customers, and keep shipments moving throughout peak season.

2026 Recommended Ship-By Dates

[UPDATE BEFORE PUBLISHING: Add confirmed 2026 courier ship-by dates once officially released.]

Recommended ship-by dates can vary depending on the courier, service, origin, and destination.

During the holiday season, we recommend shipping as early as possible and allowing additional time beyond standard transit estimates, especially for time-sensitive shipments.

ShipTime allows you to compare available courier services, rates, and estimated transit times before booking your shipment.

Courier Holiday Closures

Courier pickup and delivery schedules may change around Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Some couriers may also operate on reduced schedules on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

[UPDATE BEFORE PUBLISHING: Add the confirmed 2026 holiday operating schedules for applicable ShipTime couriers, including Canada Post, Purolator, FedEx, UPS, Canpar, Loomis Express, and GLS.]

Holiday schedules can change, so always allow additional time and review current courier service advisories when shipping close to a statutory holiday.

Tips for Smooth Holiday Shipping

A little extra planning can make a big difference during peak season:

  • Ship early whenever possible. Avoid relying on the final recommended ship-by date for time-sensitive orders.
  • Allow additional transit time. Higher shipment volumes, winter weather, and regional disruptions can affect normal delivery estimates.
  • Set clear customer expectations. Communicate holiday shipping deadlines and possible delays before orders are placed.
  • Review courier service alerts. Weather events, operational disruptions, and regional conditions can affect pickups and deliveries.
  • Check service guarantees. Some courier guarantees may be modified or suspended during peak season.
  • Compare available services. Use ShipTime to compare courier options, rates, and estimated transit times before selecting a service.

Need Help Planning Your Holiday Shipping?

If you're unsure which service to choose or need help navigating a shipment during peak season, contact our Heroic Support™ team. We can help you review your available shipping options and determine the best next step.

Not using ShipTime yet? Create a free ShipTime account to compare discounted shipping rates from multiple leading couriers in one place.