The Case for Local Delivery
If your customers are in the Greater Toronto Area, you have a choice: drop packages at the post office and wait 3-5 business days, or use a local delivery service and get them there the same day. For many GTA businesses, the decision is straightforward — but it helps to understand exactly where each option wins.
Speed: Same-Day vs 3-5 Business Days
This is the most obvious difference. Canada Post's standard Expedited Parcel service delivers within the GTA in 2-4 business days. Regular Parcel can take 4-9 business days. Priority can get there next business day, but at a premium price.
With Weels, orders placed before 11 AM ET are delivered the same day — including weekends. That's not next-day. That's today. For customers who expect fast delivery, the gap between same-day and "sometime this week" is enormous.
Tracking: Real-Time GPS vs Scan-Based
Canada Post tracking works on a scan-based system: your package gets scanned at a few key checkpoints (acceptance, processing facility, out for delivery, delivered). Between those scans, you're guessing.
Weels provides real-time GPS tracking from the moment your package leaves the depot. Your customer can see exactly where the driver is, how many stops are ahead of them, and when to expect delivery. It's the Amazon-level tracking experience your customers already expect.
Proof of Delivery
Canada Post's standard services leave the package at the door with a delivery confirmation scan. There's no photo, no signature (unless you pay extra for Signature service).
Every Weels delivery includes:
- Photo proof of delivery — a timestamped photo at the doorstep
- GPS coordinates — confirming the exact delivery location
- SMS notifications — the recipient gets real-time updates and a delivery confirmation
- Age verification — available on any delivery for regulated products (alcohol, cannabis, tobacco)
Cost Comparison
This is where it gets interesting. A Canada Post Expedited Parcel within the GTA typically costs $13-$18 depending on weight and size — and takes 2-4 business days.
Weels same-day delivery starts at $16 per package for GTA Zone 1. You're paying a comparable price but getting same-day delivery with real-time tracking and photo proof. For local shipments, the value proposition is clear.
Check your delivery zone for exact pricing.
Customer Experience
The delivery experience is part of your brand. When a customer orders from your Shopify store, the moment between checkout and delivery is your last chance to impress. Same-day delivery with real-time tracking and a photo proof creates a premium experience. A 4-day wait with minimal tracking does not.
When Canada Post Wins
Let's be fair — Canada Post has clear advantages in certain scenarios:
- National shipping — if you're shipping to Vancouver, Halifax, or Yellowknife, Canada Post (or another national carrier) is your only practical option. Weels serves the GTA.
- Rural delivery — Canada Post delivers to every address in Canada, including remote and rural locations
- Lettermail — for flat envelopes and documents under 500g, Canada Post lettermail is inexpensive
- International shipping — Canada Post connects to postal networks worldwide
The smart strategy for most GTA businesses is to use both: Weels for local same-day delivery and Canada Post (or another national carrier) for everything outside the GTA. Check our delivery services to see how they complement your existing shipping.
Get Started
Ready to upgrade your GTA deliveries? Sign up for free and start offering same-day delivery to your local customers — 7 days a week, starting at $16.