A package left unattended on the front porch is an open invitation to theft. In Canada, this problem has grown: about one in ten consumers says they’ve been a victim of package theft this year. For small and medium-sized businesses as well as individuals, the signature upon delivery remains one of the simplest ways to ensure that a package reaches the right recipient.

But this protection comes at a cost, and not all options are created equal. Whether it’s delivery confirmation, standard signature, or adult signature, carriers charge separate fees and have specific rules. Here’s how to choose the right option in 2026 without paying for unnecessary protection.

The amounts listed below are for reference only and may vary depending on your agreement, the specific service, and any surcharges in effect at the time of shipment.

What is a signature upon delivery?

Signature upon delivery is an additional service that requires the carrier to obtain a signature before handing over the package. In practice, the delivery person cannot leave the package at the door; someone must be present to accept it. This simple requirement significantly reduces the risk of theft, loss, and disputes over «packages that were delivered but never received.».

For a merchant, a signature also constitutes a proof of delivery Enforceable. If a customer files a complaint claiming they did not receive their order, the signed delivery slip or electronic confirmation settles the matter and protects your profit margin.

Signature Options at Major Carriers

Each carrier offers several service levels. It's essential to understand the difference before checking a box that could cost several dollars per package.

FedEx

FedEx distinguishes between three levels. The indirect signature and the direct signature are billed at approximately 7.15 $ per package: the first option allows a neighbor to sign for the package, while the second requires a signature at the delivery address. The an adult's signature (Adult Signature Required), reserved for age-restricted shipments, rose from approximately 8.65 $ in 2025 to 10.00 $ in 2026, representing an increase of nearly 15 %, effective as of January 5, 2026. The recipient must be at least 21 years old and present a valid form of identification.

UPS

UPS offers four levels: Delivery Confirmation, Signature Required, Adult Signature Required, and Signature Release. The fees for Signature and Adult Signature will be around 6 to 7 $ per package in 2026, following an average increase of 6 to 10 % in ancillary fees. The «Signature Release» option works the other way around: it allows the package to be left without a signature, which should be avoided if security is your priority.

Purolator and Canada Post

Purolator and Canada Post also offer optional signature confirmation on most of their services. Generally speaking, adding a signature requirement incurs an additional charge of 5 to 20 $, depending on the carrier, the service, and your commercial agreement. For high-value shipments, this cost is still much lower than the cost of a lost, uninsured package.

Do you always have to pay for a signature?

No. A signature is cost-effective primarily for high-value packages, age-restricted products, areas with a high risk of theft, and shipments destined for multi-unit residential buildings where «doorstep» delivery is unreliable. For a low-value shipment delivered to a safe area, the cost of requiring a signature may outweigh the actual risk.

A simple rule of thumb: Compare the cost of the signature requirement (6 to 20 $) to the declared value of the package and the cost of a replacement. For packages worth more than about $100, this option is almost always worth it.

Free or less expensive alternatives

A signature upon delivery is not the only way to secure a delivery. There are several ways to prevent a package from being left unattended:

• Collection points: UPS Access Point, FedEx pickup locations, and the Purolator network (more than 550 authorized shipping agents nationwide) allow you to redirect a delivery to a partner store where the package will be kept safe.
• Canada Post's FlexDelivery: This free service allows you to have your purchases delivered directly to the post office of your choice from a network of nearly 5,900 locations. You use your FlexDelivery address when making a purchase, then pick up the package by presenting a photo ID.
• Lockers and storage lockers: They are becoming increasingly common and offer secure 24-hour drop-off at no additional cost.
• Shipping instructions: Choosing a discreet location or asking a trusted neighbor to pick up the package reduces the risk at no cost.

Finding the Right Balance Between Signature, Confidence, and Packaging

A signature serves as proof of delivery, but it does not cover the value of the contents in the event of damage. For valuable shipments, combine the signature with a declared value or adequate insurance, and sturdy packaging. This three-pronged protection—proof of delivery, compensation, and physical durability—helps prevent theft, loss, and damage.

Also, be sure to enable tracking notifications: a customer who is notified of the estimated arrival time is more likely to be there to sign for the package, which prevents repeated delivery attempts and redelivery fees.

In a nutshell

In 2026, signature upon delivery remains an effective and affordable way to secure your packages, provided you choose the right option: confirmation, standard signature, or adult signature. Reserve it for shipments that warrant it, and rely on pickup locations and FlexDelivery for the rest.

Would you like to compare signature options and carrier rates based on your shipping volume? Contact the Expert Shipping team to get personalized advice and ship with confidence anywhere in Canada.