Proudly Canadian 
Planning to ship to a P.O. box? Make sure you’re aware of the restrictions that may apply. Here are our top tips to help you determine whether your package can be delivered to a P.O. box address.
Can I ship to a P.O. box?
Is it possible to ship to a P.O. box, when using private couriers? A P.O. (Post Office) box is a secure mailbox located at a Canada Post office and is commonly used in areas where home delivery isn’t available. While convenient for receiving standard mail through federal postal services, P.O. boxes come with a big caveat: private couriers like UPS, FedEx, Purolator, DHL, Canpar, and GLS do not deliver to P.O. boxes.
So if your customer provides a P.O. box as a delivery address, be sure to ask for a physical address where someone can sign for the package.
Can I Ship to a P.O. Box? What Small Business Owners Need to Know
For many small business owners—especially home-based entrepreneurs—receiving business-related mail at a separate address is often more practical. A common solution? Using a P.O. box. But if you rely on private couriers for your deliveries, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about shipping to a P.O. box, and how FlagShip can help make your shipping smoother.
What Is a P.O. Box and Who Can Deliver to It?
A P.O. (Post Office) box is a secure mailbox located at a Canada Post office and is commonly used in areas where home delivery isn’t available. While convenient for receiving standard mail through federal postal services, P.O. boxes come with a big caveat: private couriers like UPS, FedEx, Purolator, DHL, Canpar, and GLS do not deliver to P.O. boxes.
So if your customer provides a P.O. box as a delivery address, be sure to ask for a physical address where someone can sign for the package.
Don’t have an account? It’s easy and free to sign up!
Simply click here to get started
What’s the Difference Between a P.O. Box and a Mailbox?
While P.O. boxes are tied to federal postal services, a mailbox—especially one provided through private courier services—can offer more flexibility. For example, UPS mailbox services include parcel receiving, mail forwarding, and package notification—ideal for businesses expecting frequent courier shipments.
When Can You Ship to a P.O. Box?
- Canada Post (and other federal postal services) — Yes, you can ship to a P.O. box.
- Private couriers (UPS, FedEx, Purolator, etc.) — No, they do not deliver to P.O. boxes.
At FlagShip, we’ve partnered with Canada’s top couriers so you can ship anywhere in the world—just be sure to use a physical delivery address when shipping with a private courier!
Shipping Made Simple with FlagShip
We’re here to help Canadian small businesses simplify their shipping. Our platform makes it easy to compare rates, choose from top couriers, and avoid common pitfalls like P.O. box delivery errors. Still have questions? Our friendly shipping experts are just a call or email away.Contact us today at support@flagshipcompany.com or call us at 1-866-320-8383.