By ShipTime
The busiest shipping season of the year is approaching, and getting your packages delivered by Christmas requires careful planning. Peak season brings higher parcel volumes, winter weather challenges, and in 2025, the added factor of potential labour disruptions. Shipping earlier than the posted cut off dates is the safest way to keep your customers happy.
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To help you prepare, here is a clear overview of the 2025 holiday shipping deadlines from the couriers available through ShipTime. Always check the real time estimated delivery date in your ShipTime quote before purchasing your label, since transit speeds and service guarantees can change during peak season.
Within Canada
Regular Parcel must be sent by Friday, December 19, 2025 to arrive by Christmas.
Xpresspost and Priority shipments should be sent by Monday, December 22, 2025.
International
International Parcel Standard typically requires shipping by Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
International Xpresspost should be sent by Friday, December 19, 2025.
With the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 labour situation, the most reliable option is to ship earlier than these posted dates.
Within Canada
UPS Ground shipments should be sent by Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
UPS Air services can be shipped as late as Tuesday, December 23, 2025 for Christmas arrival.
To the U.S. and International
UPS Worldwide Expedited shipments should be sent by Friday, December 5, 2025.
UPS Worldwide Express should be sent by Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Many air destinations may still accept shipments until December 19.
UPS typically offers some of the latest safe ship dates in Canada, but demand still increases sharply in the final week before Christmas.
Intra Canada
FedEx Overnight services must be shipped by Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
FedEx 2Day shipments should be sent by Monday, December 22, 2025.
FedEx Economy should be shipped by Friday, December 19, 2025.
FedEx Ground varies by region, generally December 15 to 23 depending on origin and destination.
To the U.S.
FedEx International First and International Priority must be sent by Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
FedEx International Economy should be shipped by Monday, December 22, 2025.
FedEx International Connect Plus runs December 18 to 22 depending on location.
FedEx International Ground varies between December 15 and December 23.
FedEx Freight cut offs are earlier, with Priority requiring shipping between December 15 and 19, and Economy requiring shipment by December 12.
Ground within Canada
National cut off: Monday, December 15, 2025
Regional cut off: Thursday, December 18, 2025
Local cut off: Friday, December 19, 2025
Next Day Services
For Christmas arrival, Purolator recommends shipping by Monday, December 22, 2025.
International and PuroPost options vary widely by destination and should be checked in ShipTime before processing your shipment.
DHL Express shipments heading within or from Canada should be sent by Wednesday, December 17, 2025 to arrive by Christmas. DHL recommends booking shipments so they arrive before December 24, which typically means shipping at least one business day before any holiday.
International timing depends on the destination and courier service level.
For ShipTime members shipping from the United States:
USPS Ground Advantage and First Class Mail should be sent by Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
USPS Priority Mail should be sent by Thursday, December 18, 2025.
USPS Priority Mail Express can be sent as late as Saturday, December 20, 2025.
International and APO or FPO shipments require earlier dates depending on the region.
Canpar does not publish official Christmas deadlines. A practical guideline based on historic transit times is:
Ship long distance by December 17, regional shipments by December 20 to 21, and local deliveries by December 22.
Since Canpar suspends guarantees during peak season, shipping early is strongly recommended.
Nationex deadlines vary by local region and are not formally published. A safe guideline is:
Ship by December 18 to 19 for most Ontario and Quebec destinations, and December 20 for local routes. Real time delivery estimates in ShipTime will offer the most accurate guidance.
Loomis does not release detailed Christmas cut offs, but past seasons indicate:
Long distance shipments should be sent by December 16 to 17, regional shipments by December 19 to 20, and local deliveries by December 20 to 21.
Loomis encourages customers to ship earlier than usual during the holidays.
For ShipTime users shipping from the Southern United States:
Ship by December 19 for regional ground or next day service.
No pickups occur on December 24, and there is no service on December 25.
To protect your deliveries during peak season, ShipTime recommends:
– Always reviewing the estimated delivery date shown in the ShipTime quote screen.
– Adding two to four extra business days beyond the posted deadlines when possible.
– Selecting faster service levels for time sensitive shipments.
– Booking pickups early and preparing shipments ahead of courier cut off times.
Peak season is your best opportunity to create strong customer experiences. By using the right courier, shipping earlier, and taking advantage of ShipTime’s discounted rates, customizable tracking pages, and bilingual Heroic Support™, you can deliver confidently all season long.
Courier holiday deadlines are subject to change based on volume, weather, service disruptions, or operational adjustments. Always refer to the official courier deadline schedules for the most up to date information and double check the estimated delivery date shown in the ShipTime quote module before completing your shipment.
Ship Smarter – with ShipTime, we are a true partner beyond just discounted rates. We provide a best in class platform packed with features and backed by our legendary Heroic Support™ team. You can sleep easy with ShipTime’s best-in-class customer care. Our bilingual team is available by phone, live chat, or email Monday – Friday from 8:30AM to 8PM EST.
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