In this blog, we’ll compare UPS and Canada Post—two of the top Canadian carriers.
Comparing a domestic postal service and a multinational courier company may seem like apples and oranges, but knowing the services and costs of each can help you make the best choice.
In this article you will know:
- An overview of Canada Post vs. UPS
- Delivery Services: Canada Post vs. UPS?
- Shipping Boxes vs. Shipping Envelopments: UPS vs. Canada Post
- Which Is Less Expensive, Canada Post or UPS?
- Which Is the Cheapest Way to Ship Across Canada, UPS or Canada Post?
- Which Is the Cheapest Way to Ship From Canada to the US, UPS or Canada Post?
- UPS vs. Canada Post: Shipments Abroad
- Which Is Faster, Canada Post or UPS?
- Which is better, Canada Post or UPS?
- Overview: Canada Post vs. UPS
- CONCLUSIONS
An overview of Canada Post vs. UPS
Two of the largest companies in the package delivery industry are UPS and Canada Post.
UPS is a US-based international package delivery and logistics company that has operations in over 220 countries and a sizable fleet of vehicles, including trucks and airplanes.
UPS provides a range of services, such as freight, air, and ground transportation. In order to assist companies in managing their online orders and shipping goods to clients, it also provides e-commerce fulfillment services for sellers.
Delivery Services: Canada Post vs. UPS?
Regarding delivery services, UPS and Canada Post provide distinct choices.
- UPS Ground
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS Worldwide Express
Delivery times for these services vary, and faster options are typically more expensive.
- Expedited Parcel
- Xpresspost
- Priority Worldwide
Depending on the destination and service selected, different delivery times and costs apply.
Shipping Boxes vs. Shipping Envelopments: UPS vs. Canada Post
Think about your needs when choosing between shipping boxes and envelopes with UPS or Canada Post. Envelopes work best for documents, but boxes provide durability for breakable items.
Choose the service that best suits your package size and destination to save the most money when shipping boxes across Canada.
Here’s an illustration of how to ship a big 1-pound envelope from Vancouver to Toronto:
Which Is Less Expensive, Canada Post or UPS?
For a 10 kg package, we have compiled information on the costs and shipping options offered by UPS and Canada Post for deliveries within Canada, to the US, and abroad.
You can determine which shipping option best suits your needs by comparing the costs for each carrier and service.
Which Is the Cheapest Way to Ship Across Canada, UPS or Canada Post?
In order to determine the most affordable shipping option across Canada, the following table compares the approximate courier costs for sending a 10 kg (22 lb) package from Vancouver to Toronto using UPS and Canada Post’s various shipping services.
UPS Ground is marginally more expensive than Canada Post Regular Parcel as the most economical ground shipping choice. UPS Ground offers speedier delivery, so if timing is important to you and you need the package to reach me in 5 business days, that’s the route you should take.
In general, Canada Post Xpresspost is less expensive than UPS 3-Day Select if you require delivery in a shorter amount of time—between two and three business days.
UPS Next Day Air Saver is substantially more expensive than Canada Post Priority for delivery on the following business day.
Which Is the Cheapest Way to Ship From Canada to the US, UPS or Canada Post?
The following table shows the costs for shipping a package weighing 10 kg (22 lbs) from Canada to the USA by UPS and Canada Post:
Once more, if cost is your main concern and delivery time is not critical, you’d probably go with Canada Post Small Packet USA Air instead of UPS Standard.
However, UPS Standard shipping time to Canada would be your best option if delivery time is an issue and you need the package to arrive within 3-5 business days as it offers faster delivery than other options.
UPS vs. Canada Post: Shipments Abroad
The following table compares the costs of shipping a 10 kg (22 lbs) package from Canada to the UK via UPS and Canada Post:
Canada Post Small Packet International Air is less expensive at $69.44 than UPS Standard at $148.32 if you don’t mind a longer delivery time and the cost of shipping isn’t your main concern.
When contrasting UPS and Canada Post’s costs and services, Canada Post is the less expensive choice. Be aware that costs may go up if you wish to include extra features like tracking, insurance, and customs clearance.
Which Is Faster, Canada Post or UPS?
Although UPS generally costs more than Canada Post, the aforementioned tables show that for some services, UPS offers faster delivery times. |
For shipments that must arrive quickly, UPS does provide faster delivery times, so keep that in mind. Thus, UPS might be a better choice if speed is more important to you than price.
Which is better, Canada Post or UPS?
Both carriers provide a variety of services at varying cost and delivery intervals.
As we previously discussed, UPS might be more expensive than Canada Post but typically provides quicker delivery times for specific services.
On the other hand, Canada Post might be a more affordable choice, but delivery times might be longer based on the service and the location.
The ideal carrier for you will rely on a number of variables, including the weight of your package, the destination, and how urgently you need it delivered.
Overview: Canada Post vs. UPS
CONCLUSIONS
It’s crucial to take into account every aspect when deciding between UPS and Canada Post, including the destination, cost, package weight, delivery time, and urgency of the delivery.
Both carriers provide a variety of services to accommodate various shipping requirements, and based on your circumstances, they may offer you a particular choice.
Which shipping company—UPS or Canada Post—do you prefer? What elements played a role in your choice? Please share your opinions with us in the space provided for comments below.