It was founded as Trans Canada Couriers, Ltd and acquired in 1967 by Purolator, a US manufacturer of oil and air filters.

In 1967, ACC was bought out by Purolator Filters, who made automotive oil filtration systems (hence the name "Pure-oil-later" = "Pur-o-lator").

In 1987 Purolator partnered with DHL's predecessor (Airborne Express) to better serve the American market which continued until 2008.

[9] On September 24, 2007, Purolator Inc. introduced the Unicell Quicksider, a prototype full-electric, lightweight urban delivery vehicle, developed by a consortium led by Toronto-based Unicell Limited with ArvinMeritor, Electrovaya, the Transportation Development Centre of Transport Canada, and others.

[10][11] On season 19, episode 3 of the animated sitcom Family Guy, Peter Griffin reveals he worked for Purolator Courier before they went bankrupt.