Q3 2023 Data: How Far Do Packages Travel? Average Distance Covered by Top Carriers in Canada

Authored by Matt Lessard

Since 2001, Matt Lessard has started numerous projects, from an E-commerce SaaS to an online store shipping to over 80 countries. Creator of Buster Fetcher®, a technology reducing shipping costs. Passionate about personal development and business growth.

Imagine your carriers as explorers traversing the vast landscapes of Canada. From the Rocky Mountains to the Maritimes, these shipping superheroes traverse diverse terrains, bridge vast distances, and thread their way through bustling city streets.

But here’s the real deal: who are the tireless couriers behind these journeys, and which one goes the extra mile—literally?

Get ready because what awaits you are hidden revelations about the average package distances covered by Canada's major shipping players: Canada Post, FedEx, UPS, and Purolator!

Introducing our latest insights from the Buster Fetcher Report Shipping Data in Canada! In this report, we dissect 1,703,862 packages dispatched by Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and Purolator between July and September 2023.

Whether you're a vigilant business owner searching for smarter shipping strategies or a logistics enthusiast aiming to chart more efficient routes, this journey holds the keys to unlocking shipping success.

Discover actionable insights that could transform the way you approach shipping. Explore the report below!

Table of Contents

Exploring the Average Distance Covered by Packages: Insights from Canada Post

From Pickup to Drop-off: Tracking the Average Distance of FedEx Packages

Understanding the Average Distance Covered by Purolator Packages

Understanding the Average Distance Covered by a UPS Package

How do delivery distances impact shipping costs?

What are the factors affecting the average distance of package delivery?

Unlocking Cost-Saving Secrets: How Delivery Distance Insights Boost Efficiency

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Package Deliveries

Exploring the Average Distance Covered by Packages: Insights from Canada Post

• National Benchmark: On average, packages travel 749.32 KM across Canada when using Canada Post.
  
  
• Outliers to the West: British Columbia and Manitoba see considerably longer distances, with packages averaging 1,453.83 KM and 1,345.08 KM, respectively. This may be attributed to the vast geography of the western provinces and potential inter-provincial shipments.
  
  
• Alberta & Saskatchewan's Extensive Reach: Both these provinces also have packages travelling long distances, with Alberta's averaging at 872.51 KM and Saskatchewan's at 1,181.41 KM.
  
  
• Eastern Provinces: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia packages average below the national figure with 892.45 KM and 636.09 KM, respectively. Interestingly, Newfoundland and Labrador packages travel shorter distances, averaging 590.09 KM, which might reflect more local or intra-provincial shipping patterns.
  
  
• Central Hub - Ontario: As a central hub, Ontario sees an average distance of 997.43 KM, possibly reflecting its role as a primary shipping center connecting both the East and West.
  
  
• Quebec's Shorter Trails: Packages in Quebec cover an average distance of 655.37 KM, lower than the national average, suggesting a denser network of local deliveries.

From Pickup to Drop-off: Tracking the Average Distance of FedEx Packages

• National Overview: FedEx packages traverse a slightly longer path compared to Canada Post, with a national average of 959.87 KM.
  
  
• Western Dominance: Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan stand out for their extensive average distances. Packages in Alberta travel the farthest at 1,682.29 KM, closely followed by Saskatchewan at 1,740.08 KM and British Columbia at 1,657.85 KM.
  
  
• Manitoba's Considerable Reach: Packages in Manitoba average at a distance of 1,503.49 KM, showcasing the broad reach of FedEx in this province.
  
  
• Eastern Regions: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia see contrasting figures. While New Brunswick packages travel an average of 869.15 KM, Nova Scotia's distances extend further to 1,133.14 KM.
  
  
• Central Canada's Landscape: Both Ontario and Quebec have packages averaging below the national metric, with 860.60 km in Ontario and 852.55 km in Quebec. This shorter average may signify a robust intra-provincial delivery system by FedEx in these populous provinces.

In essence, FedEx's operation portrays a pattern of extensive distances, especially in the western provinces, possibly driven by its strong presence in remote and business-heavy areas.

Understanding the Average Distance Covered by Purolator Packages

• Nationwide Average: For Purolator, packages, on average, cover a distance of 548.24 KM across Canada.
  
  
• Leading Provinces: British Columbia (1,097.45 KM) and Manitoba (1,312.15 KM) see distances above 1,000 KM. Saskatchewan also follows closely, with an average distance of 1,225.97 KM.
  
  
• Shortest Routes: Among the data provided, Nova Scotia experiences the shortest average journey at 437.30 KM, followed closely by Quebec at 462.34 KM.
  
  
• Comparatively Longer Routes: Alberta and Prince Edward Island have average distances of 823.13 KM and 812.58 KM, respectively, which are noticeably higher than the national average.
  
  
• Ontario: The most populous province, Ontario, sees packages travelling an average distance of 669.39 KM.

Particularly in provinces with longer average distances, businesses might explore regional distribution centers or alternative shipping options to optimize cost and efficiency.

Understanding the Average Distance Covered by a UPS Package

• Nationwide Average: On average, packages shipped through UPS travel approximately 1,146.45 KM across Canada.
  
  
• Longest Journeys: British Columbia stands out with the longest average distance at 1,777.29 KM, significantly above the nationwide average.
  
  
• Other Provinces Above Average: Alberta and Manitoba have their packages travelling distances of 1,386.26 KM and 1,284.94 KM, respectively, surpassing the national average.
  
  
• Ontario and Quebec: In Ontario, packages cover an average distance of 1,111.28 KM, while in Quebec, it's slightly higher at 1,155.32 KM.

Companies operating in longer-distance provinces might consider leveraging UPS's bulk shipping options or integrating regional warehousing to improve efficiency and potentially reduce costs. This knowledge aids in better logistics planning and can offer competitive advantages, especially in ensuring timely deliveries.

How do delivery distances impact shipping costs?

Delivery distances play a significant role in determining shipping costs. Longer distances can lead to higher shipping expenses due to increased fuel consumption, transportation time, and associated operational costs.

Understanding the average delivery distances within specific regions can help businesses optimize logistics strategies, potentially reducing costs by identifying more efficient routes and delivery options.

What are the factors affecting the average distance of package delivery?

Several factors contribute to the average distance of package delivery, including the geographic layout of a province, population density, the presence of business distribution centers, and regional shipping preferences.

Provinces characterized by vast landscapes or remote areas tend to feature longer average delivery distances. Furthermore, the existence of regional warehouses and distribution centers can significantly impact delivery distances.

Unlocking Cost-Saving Secrets: How Delivery Distance Insights Boost Efficiency

Here's how businesses and logistics pros can benefit from our data:

• Save on Costs: Utilize knowledge of package distances to uncover cost-saving opportunities. Optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize operational delays.
• Plan Efficient Routes: Leverage distance insights to plan faster, more efficient routes. Achieve timely deliveries, lower fuel consumption, and enhance resource management.
• Select the Right Carrier: Choose carriers aligned with your specific shipping needs, whether local or inter-provincial. The right choice leads to satisfied customers and efficient shipping.
• Gain a Competitive Edge: Stand out by offering competitive rates, expedited deliveries, and precise arrival estimates. Attract and retain customers with top-tier service.
• Implement Smart Shipping Strategies: Harness distance data to secure better shipping rates, explore bulk options, and embrace eco-friendly choices. Realize savings while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Package Deliveries

So, there we have it! Our exploration of delivery distances uncovers valuable insights: package distances opportunities to streamline and save.

Choosing the right carriers ensures smoother operations, while savvy routing and eco-friendly choices enhance your business.

As consumer preferences evolve, businesses like yours must also adapt. The future of shipping revolves around speed, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.

Stay ahead of the competition with actionable insights that drive success. Make informed decisions, trim expenses, and keep your customers delighted!

Don't let distance remain a mystery. Harness the power of data to shape your shipping strategy. The Buster Fetcher Report gives you the tools for smarter, more efficient deliveries.

As you forge ahead, remember that knowledge is your greatest asset. And more insights are waiting to be explored in our comprehensive report.

Check out our Buster Fetcher Report Shipping Data in Canada today!