There are several reputed shipping options for shipping packages in Canada. However, Canada Post, Purolator, UPS, and FedEx are the leading shipping companies. Each company tends to offer the best shipping experiences with its unique set of services and features. This confuses many business owners when deciding which one to choose.
Therefore, we have formulated this article to have a comprehensive comparison of Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx in terms of their prices, services, delivery time, and similar details. So, let's begin our comparison!
- Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx: Which is Cheaper?
- Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx: Which is Faster?
- Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx: Which is Better?
- Wrapping Up – Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx
Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx: Which is Cheaper?
The first point to compare is their prices. This will help us understand which one offers the cheapest price. For that, we will evaluate the pricing based on different factors, such as package size, weight, delivery time, and destination. In addition, we will evaluate the pricing for both domestic and international shipments.
Domestic Shipment and the Price Comparison
Let's assume that you want to send a package from Vancouver to Toronto with a 5lb weight, 15L*12H*12W cm length, and a declared value of $5. The charges of Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx reported by Ecomcrew are as follows:
Carrier | Shipping Service | Delivery Time | Price Range |
Canada Post | Regular Parcel | 7 business days | $27.43 |
Xpresspost | 2 business days | $60.46 | |
Priority | Next business day | $87.26 | |
Purolator | Purolator Ground | 5 business days by the end of the day | $73.70 |
Purolator Ground 10:30 AM | 5 business days at 10:30 AM | $89.24 | |
Purolator Express | Next business day by the end of the day | $91 | |
Purolator Ground Evening | 5 business days between 5:30 and 9:30 PM | $92.63 | |
Purolator Express 12 PM | Next business day at noon | $104.01 | |
Purolator Ground 9 AM | 5 business days at 9 AM | $109.70 | |
Purolator Express 10:30 AM | Next business day at 10:30 AM | $115.38 | |
Purolator Express Evening | Next business day between 5:30 and 9 PM | $124.72 | |
Purolator Express 9 AM | Next business day at 9 AM | $147.86 | |
UPS | UPS Standard | 5 business days at the end of the day | $60.39 |
UPS Expedited | 2 business days at the end of the day | $103.49 | |
UPS Express Saver | Next business day at the end of the day | $109.34 | |
UPS Express | Next business day at 10:30 AM | $127.26 | |
UPS Express Early | Next business day at 9 AM | $148.95 | |
FedEx | FedEx Ground | 4 business days at the end of the day | $41.59 |
FedEx Economy | 3 business days at 8 PM | $89.60 | |
FedEx 2Day | 2 business days at 8 PM | $108.99 | |
FedEx 2Day | 2 calendar days at 8 PM | $143.88 | |
FedEx Standard Overnight 8 PM | Next business day at 8 PM | $119.25 | |
FedEx Standard Overnight 12 PM | Next business day at noon | $132.02 | |
FedEx Standard Overnight 10 AM | Next business day at 10 AM | $162.30 |
Looking at the above price comparison of all four shipping companies in Canada, it is evident that the Canada Post offers the cheapest option for domestic shipments. With only $27.43, you can get your shipment arrive in 7 business days with Canada Post. Although UPS and Purolator provide faster delivery, they charge significantly higher for the same package.
Therefore, we can conclude that Canada Post offers the cheapest domestic shipments.
International Shipment and the Price Comparison
Let's suppose you want to send the same weight and size package from Vancouver to London. The price comparison of all four shipping services reported by Ecomcrew is as follows:
Carrier | Shipping Service | Delivery Time | Price Range |
Canada Post | International Parcel – Surface | 6-10 business days | $69.95 |
Xpresspost™ – International | 3 business days | $116.53 | |
Purolator | Purolator Express International Guaranteed | 2 business days | $259.75 |
Purolator Express International 12 PM Guaranteed | 2 Business days | $273.63 | |
UPS | UPS Worldwide Expedited® | 4 business days | $150.74 |
UPS Worldwide Saver | 2 business days by the end of the day | $160.76 | |
UPS Worldwide Express® | 2 business days at noon | $169.24 | |
UPS Worldwide Express Plus® | 2 business days at 9 AM | $250.79 | |
FedEx | FedEx International Economy® | 4 business days at 6 PM | $263.81 |
FedEx International Priority® | 2 business days at 6 PM | $291.42 | |
FedEx International Priority® Express | 2 business days at noon | $305.29 | |
FedEx International First® | 2 business days at 9 AM | $420.62 |
Here again, we can see that Canada Post offers the cheapest rate to ship parcels internationally. For only $69.95, Canada Post can deliver your parcel to the destination in 6-10 business days. Although FedEx, UPS, and Purolator offer faster delivery, they come with higher prices.
Therefore, we can conclude that Canada Post offers the cheapest international shipments.
Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx: Which is Faster?
After the price comparison, the next important comparison is delivery time. Here, UPS, Purolator, and FedEx tend to dominate in faster deliveries. They allow you to pick the desired timeframe and get the delivery in the minimal time possible.
Among the different delivery plans offered by shipping companies for domestic shipment, the Purolator Express (next business day delivery) is the most cost-effective and fastest option. It can deliver the package within the next business day. In addition, its $91 competitive price makes it outperform FedEx and UPS.
Therefore, we can conclude that Purolator offers the fastest domestic shipments in Canada.
For international shipments, UPS outperforms the other shipping companies. UPS offers both the speed and cost-effectiveness you need for international shipments. With UPS Worldwide Saver, you can get the package at the destination in 2 business days for just $160.76. This is much faster and reasonably priced than other shipping services.
Therefore, we can conclude that UPDF offers the fastest international shipments in Canada.
Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx: Which is Better?
After knowing the best services in terms of pricing and delivery time, the next and last comparison we will do is analyze which service is better and offers the best user experience.
The decision of which service is better mainly depends on your needs and priorities. From the above comparison table, it is evident that Canada Post is the cheapest solution for domestic and international shipments when fast delivery is not required. Therefore, Canada Post is better for its competitive pricing for both domestic and international shipments.
Purolator is better when it comes to fast shipments and cost-effective rates for domestic shipments. It guarantees delivery within the specified timeframe. Therefore, Purolator offers the best user experience for those prioritizing speed for domestic shipments.
In contrast, UPS offers a faster option and affordable rates for international shipments. Its dominating global presence makes it able to deliver shipments promptly. Therefore, UPS offers the best user experience for fast and cost-effective international shipments.
Wrapping Up – Canada Post vs. Purolator vs. UPS vs. FedEx
Canada Post, Purolator, UPS, and FedEx are four well-known and widely used services for shipping packages in Canada. From the thorough discussion in this article, we have concluded that:
- Canada Post is best for the cheapest domestic and international shipments.
- Purolator is best for fast and cost-effective domestic shipments.
- UPS is best for fast and cost-effective international shipments.
However, the final decision is yours. You should evaluate these services based on your shipping requirements, delivery time, budget, destination, and other specific features. This way, you can easily find the best service that aligns with your shipping needs.
