When it comes to domestic shipping within Canada, Canada Post and UPS are two of the biggest courier and parcel delivery services. They also offer international shipping options. With two great shipping companies in Canada to choose from, how do you know whether to use Canada Post or UPS for your shipping needs?
This extensive comparison looks at the two carriers head-to-head across a number of factors like cost, delivery times, services and more. Read on to find out whether Canada Post or UPS is the better choice for your domestic shipping or international shipping needs within Canada and beyond.
Overview of Canada Post Shipping Options and Services
As Canada’s primary postal service, Canada Post has an extensive network across the country that delivers to every address. They offer reasonable rates, especially for lighter packages. Key services include:
- Regular Parcel: Affordable ground shipping for deliveries within 2-7 business days
- Xpresspost: Faster delivery with next-business day service for many major centers
- Priority: Guaranteed delivery on the next business day across Canada
- Expedited Parcel: Urgent packages delivered within 2-4 business days
- Small Packet: Light documents and parcels under 2 kg shipped internationally
Canada Post rates for a 10 kg parcel shipped within a province start around $20 by Regular Parcel. Priority shipping rates are around $85 for next-business day delivery. Discounted rates are available for commercial customers with accounts.
For international shipping, Canada Post offers Xpresspost International which delivers to the US within 2-7 business days. Small Packet International is an affordable option for documents below 2 kg.
Overview of UPS Shipping Options in Canada
UPS is the largest shipping carrier globally and a major player for Canadian deliveries. Advantages of UPS Canada include:
- UPS Express: Guaranteed delivery across Canada by noon the next day
- UPS Express Early: For urgent early morning delivery by 8:30 am
- UPS Expedited: Faster ground shipping in 1-3 business days
- UPS Standard: Budget delivery in 3-7 days
UPS provides shipping services like confirmation of delivery and choices between residential or commercial drop-off. UPS rates for a 10 kg domestic parcel start around $45 for Standard up to $128 for next-day Express.
For international shipping, UPS Worldwide Express offers urgent door-to-door delivery to over 200 countries within 1-3 days. US import services are also available.
Comparing Canada Post and UPS by Cost
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a shipping carrier is cost. How do Canada Post rates stack up against UPS rates for similar delivery speeds?
Below is a cost comparison of shipping rates for sending a 10 kg parcel from Toronto to Vancouver:
| Service | Canada Post | UPS |
|---|---|---|
| Ground (6-10 days) | $23 | $46 |
| Express (2-5 days) | $47 | $106 |
| Next Day Guaranteed | $85 | $128 |
Canada Post is generally cheaper than UPS for similar delivery times, with the exception of UPS Ground for 6-10 day shipping. Canada Post has very reasonable costs for slower ground shipping services like Regular Parcel.
UPS is pricier but offers guaranteed next-day delivery and express options. For international shipping, Canada Post and UPS have comparable Express rates.
Canada Post vs. UPS for Delivery Speed
How quickly do you need your parcel delivered? Here is a comparison of delivery times offered:
- Regular Parcel: Canada Post deliveries within 2-7 business days
- Xpresspost: Next-day delivery by Canada Post for key major cities
- UPS Standard: UPS deliveries within 3-7 business days
- UPS Expedited: UPS ground shipping in 1-3 business days
- Priority: Canada Post guarantees next-day delivery by end of day
- UPS Express: UPS delivers by noon or end of day on the next business day
UPS offers faster service than Canada Post for urgent express deliveries thanks to next-day guarantees. But Canada Post still provides reasonable delivery speeds at lower cost.
Shipping Reliability Comparison
Consistency and reliability of delivery is also an important factor when selecting a shipping carrier. Here is how the two compare:
- Canada Post leverages extensive post office and outlet infrastructure across Canada for consistent coverage. However, they do not offer guaranteed delivery times.
- UPS has invested heavily in logistics technology and tracking. This enables them to offer guaranteed delivery times, even for remote locations.
- Both couriers offer delivery confirmation and tracking. However, UPS tracking is considered superior.
- UPS may have better reliability for urgent next-day deliveries thanks to their guarantees and tracking technology.
- But for regular ground shipping, Canada Post can still be counted on for consistent delivery across Canada at the lowest cost.
Comparing Canada Post and UPS for Package Sizes
Canada Post is very cost-effective for shipping smaller parcels under 2 kg owing to affordable services like Small Packet and Regular Parcel.
For mid-size packages between 2 kg to 10 kg, Canada Post offers the best rates for economy ground shipping. However, UPS may be better for express delivery with their time guarantees.
For larger or bulkier parcels above 10kg, the UPS and Canada Post rates are closer. UPS can be worthwhile for big packages needing urgent next-day delivery.
So Canada Post has the advantage for lighter packages, while UPS is better suited for bigger or high-value parcels above 10kg.
Additional Services Offered by Canada Post and UPS
Beyond basic shipping, what other services can these two carriers provide?
UPS offers more optional services like:
- Extended delivery hours and weekend service
- High-value package insurance
- Automated tracking and delivery notifications
- Customized drop-off and pickup solutions
- Freight and large package transport
- Specialized healthcare and logistics services
Canada Post offers some additional services including:
- Xpresspost Certified for proof of sending and delivery
- Signature and age verification requirements
- FlexDelivery where recipients can pick up from a post office
- Tracking for most parcel services
- Discounted shipping rates through Ecommerce program
So UPS provides more niche and premium services for business and specialty logistics. But Canada Post still covers the basics like insurance, tracking and retail postal services.
International Shipping Comparison
For international deliveries beyond Canada, both carriers provide international shipping services to major worldwide destinations.
UPS Worldwide Express offers urgent door-to-door delivery in 1-3 business days to over 200 countries. An extensive global ground network also enables competitively priced international options.
Canada Post delivers to destinations in the US and worldwide through Xpresspost International and Small Packet International. However, their international time guarantees and tracking capabilities are not as advanced as UPS.
So for important overseas packages or global business logistics, UPS is preferable over Canada Post for faster international shipping. But for occasional lightweight documents, Canada Post international services may suffice.
Choosing the Best Shipping Carrier for Your Needs
With this extensive feature by feature comparison, you can decide whether Canada Post or UPS better matches your specific shipping requirements within Canada or beyond.
Here are some closing tips for choosing the best carrier:
- For regular ground shipping across Canada, Canada Post offers good reliability and the lowest rates.
- For guaranteed urgent next-day delivery, UPS express services are recommended.
- Canada Post is very affordable for light packages under 5 kg.
- Bigger or higher-value packages over 10kg may benefit from UPS.
- Always compare rates individually based on weight, destination and speed.
- International shipping almost always favors UPS over Canada Post.
By evaluating your needs in terms of delivery urgency, cost and package factors, you can determine whether Canada Post or UPS is the right shipping partner. Both offer useful services, so leverage the strengths of each carrier.
The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways on Canada Post vs UPS
Here are the key takeaways when comparing Canada Post and UPS:
- Canada Post has the most affordable regular ground parcel shipping rates.
- UPS guarantees faster express delivery times but at higher cost.
- Canada Post handles smaller packages under 5 kg more economically.
- UPS is better for larger or urgent high-value parcels.
- UPS has superior tracking and logistics technology capabilities.
- Canada Post leverages an extensive post office network across Canada.
- For international shipping, UPS is faster and more reliable.
- Compare rates individually based on weight, destination and speed.
By understanding the core strengths and key differences between these two major Canadian carriers, you can make an informed choice on the best option for your domestic shipping or international shipping needs.
