In this article, we’ll give you a detailed comparison of two of the best carriers in Canada—UPS vs. Canada Post.
While comparing a multinational courier company to a domestic postal service may seem like comparing apples to oranges, understanding the services and pricing offered by each can help you to take the right decision.
Related Reading: FedEx vs. UPS: Which Is Better in 2023?
UPS vs. Canada Post: An Overview
UPS and Canada Post are two of the biggest players in the package delivery field.
UPS is a global package delivery and logistics company from the US, which operates in more than 220 countries and has a large fleet of trucks, planes, and locations.
UPS offers various services, including ground, air, and freight shipping. It also offers e-commerce fulfillment services for sellers, designed to help businesses manage their online orders and get products to customers.
Canada Post is the most popular operator in Canada, providing mail and parcel shipping services.
Canada Post has over 6,200 post offices. Additionally, they own retail locations and community mailboxes around the country.
Delivery Services: UPS vs. Canada Post?
When it comes to delivery services, both UPS and Canada Post offer different options.
UPS offers a variety of domestic and international services, including
- UPS Ground
- UPS Next Day Air
- UPS Worldwide Express
These services vary in delivery time, with faster options normally costing more.
Similarly, Canada Post offers a range of domestic and international services
- Expedited Parcel
- Xpresspost
- Priority Worldwide
Delivery times and prices vary depending on the service chosen and the destination.
UPS vs. Canada Post: Shipping Boxes vs. Shipping Envelopments
When deciding between shipping boxes and envelopes with UPS or Canada Post, consider your needs. Boxes offer durability for fragile items, while envelopes are ideal for documents.
For the cheapest way to ship boxes across Canada, opt for the service that aligns with your package size and destination for maximum savings.
Here's an example of shipping a large envelopment of 1lb from Vancouver to Toronto:
| Shipping Sevice | Price | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Expedited | $27.45 | 2 business days |
| UPS Express Saver | $28.98 | The next day by the end of the day |
| UPS Express | $36.58 | The next day by 12 pm |
| UPS Express Early | $71.30 | The next day by 9 am |
| Canada Post – LettermailTM | $5.74 | 6-10 business days |
| Canada Post – XpresspostTM Prepaid Envelope | $44.78 | 2 business days |
| Canada Post – XpresspostTM Prepaid Bubble Envelope | $45.57 | 2 business days |
| Canada Post – PriorityTM – Prepaid Envelope | $68.62 | 1 business day |
Which Is Cheaper: UPS vs. Canada Post?
We've gathered data on the rates and shipping services for UPS and Canada Post, shipping across Canada, to the US, and internationally, for a 10kg package.
By comparing the rates for each carrier and service, you can choose which shipping option is the most cost-effective for your needs.
UPS vs. Canada Post: What Is The Cheapest Way to Ship Across Canada?
Here's a table comparing the approximate courier rates for shipping a 10kg (22 lbs) package from Vancouver to Toronto using UPS and Canada Post's various shipping services to find out the cheapest way to ship across Canada.
| Carrier | Shipping Service | Price | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | UPS Ground | $28.97 | 5 business days |
| UPS 3-Day Select | $73.79 | 3 business days | |
| UPS 2nd Day Air | $99.81 | 2 business days | |
| UPS Next Day Saver | $146.50 | Next business day by 3 PM | |
| UPS Next Day Air Early AM | $213.95 | Next business day by 8 AM | |
| Canada Post | Regular Parcel | $21.61 | 5-9 business days |
| Xpresspost | $52.62 | 2-3 business days | |
| Priority | $104.89 | Next business day |
For the most affordable ground shipping option, Canada Post Regular Parcel is slightly cheaper than UPS Ground. However, if delivery time is a consideration and I need the package to arrive within 5 business days, you should go with UPS Ground, as it offers faster delivery.
If you need faster delivery within 2-3 business days, Canada Post Xpresspost is generally more cost-effective than UPS 3-Day Select.
For delivery on the next business day, Canada Post Priority is significantly cheaper than UPS Next Day Air Saver.
UPS vs. Canada Post: What Is The Cheapest Way to Ship From Canada to US?
Here's a table comparing UPS and Canada Post rates for shipping a 10 kg (22 lbs) package from Canada to the USA:
| Shipping Sevice | Price | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | $325.48 | 4-6 business days |
| UPS Worldwide Express | $546.54 | 1-3 business days |
| Canada Post Priority Worldwide | $217.07 | 6-10 business days |
| Canada Post Xpresspost International | $270.46 | 4-7 business days |
| Canda Post International Parcel Air | $163.63 | 6-10 business days |
| Canada Post Small Packet International Air | $69.44 | 6-10 business days |
Again, if delivery time is not an important factor and you’re looking for the cheapest option, you would likely choose Canada Post Small Packet USA Air, as it is cheaper than UPS Standard.
However, if delivery time is a concern and you need the package to arrive within 3-5 business days,UPS Standard shipping time to Canada would be your best choice as it offers faster delivery compared to other options.
Can you ship from the U.S. with Canada Post?
When it comes to shipping between the US and Canada, there are some differences to keep in mind.
While you can ship to the USA using both Canada Post and UPS, the story is different when it comes to shipping from the U.S. to Canada.
Canada Post does not facilitate shipments from the US to Canada. However, if you choose UPS, you have the convenience of shipping both ways—either from the US to Canada or vice versa.
This flexibility makes UPS a reliable choice for cross-border shipping needs.
UPS vs. Canada Post: International Shipping
Here's a table comparing UPS and Canada Post rates for shipping a 10kg (22lbs) package from Canada to the UK:
| Shipping Service | Price | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Standard | $148.32 | 5-7 business days |
| UPS Worldwide Expedited | $275.23 | 3-5 business days |
| UPS Worldwide Express | $546.54 | 1-3 business days |
| Canada Post Small Packet International Air | $69.44 | 6-10 business days |
| Canada Post International Expedited Parcel Air | $163.44 | 6-10 business days |
| Canada Post Xpresspost International | $270.46 | 4-7 business days |
| Canada Post Priority Worldwide | $217.07 | 6-10 business days |
If the shipping cost is not your primary problem and you don't mind a longer delivery time, Canada Post Small Packet International Air is cheaper at $69.44 compared to UPS Standard at $148.32.
When comparing the prices and options offered by UPS vs. Canada Post, Canada Post is the cheaper option. Note that if you want to add additional features such as tracking, insurance, and customs clearance, this might increase prices.
Shipping from China to Canada with Canada Post or Vice Versa
When shipping a package from China to Canada, the local postal service, Canada Post, in this case, is the final leg of the journey upon reaching the Canadian coast. Once the package arrives in Canada, Canada Post takes charge of the delivery process and handles the last-mile delivery to its final destination within Canada.
If you send a package from Canada to China using Canada Post, the process follows a similar pattern. Once the package arrives in China, the local postal service, such as China Post, takes over the handling and delivery.
UPS vs. Canada Post: Which Is Faster?
UPS is generally more expensive than Canada Post, but based on the tables above, it does offer faster delivery times for certain services.
UPS does offer faster delivery times, which is an important factor to consider for time-sensitive shipments. So, if you prioritize speed over cost, UPS may be a better option.
Which Is Better: UPS vs. Canada Post?
Both carriers offer a range of services with different delivery times and prices.
As we mentioned above, UPS generally offers faster delivery times for certain services but may be more expensive than Canada Post.
However, Canada Post may be a more cost-effective option, but its delivery times may be longer depending on the service chosen and the destination.
The carrier that is better for you will depend on factors such as the weight of your package, the destination, and the importance of urgency for delivery.
Summary: UPS vs. Canada Post
| UPS | Canada Post | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
| Shipping | Express delivery for emergency shipments with same-day or next-day delivery | A good option for shipping across Canada |
| International Tracking | Offers an accurate tracking system | No tracking info for international shipping |
| Delivery Days | Weekend delivery is available in certain areas | No weekend deliveries |
| Pick Up Services | You can schedule a pick-up from your location | You can schedule a pick-up from your location |
| Locations | UPS has a larger presence than Canada Post, operating in more than 220 countries | Canada Post has more locations in Canada compared to UPS but fewer worldwide |
| Insurance | There is a cover for $100 for every undeclared package. For additional coverage, you have to declare the value of your goods which can go up to $ 50,000 | You can purchase full coverage of the shipment by paying only 0.5% of the declared value of your goods or a minimum of $0.50 |
Final Thoughts
When choosing between UPS and Canada Post, it's important to consider all factors including delivery time, cost, package weight, destination, and level of urgency for delivery.
Both carriers offer a range of services to meet different shipping needs, and a specific option for you depending on your situation.
Which carrier do you prefer – UPS vs. Canada Post? What factors influenced your decision? We'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you're exploring alternative courier rates for shipping your packages with UPS vs USPS to Canada, the US, or internationally, dive into our 2023 guide on UPS vs. USPS: Which Shipping Carrier Is The Best?
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