Guides
Comparing carriers in Canada: an SMB guide
Canada Post, Purolator, FedEx, GLS… How to choose? The criteria that really matter for an SMB.
Canada has many carriers, each with its own rates, strong zones and delivery times. For an SMB, choosing the right one depends mostly on destination and shipment type.
Should I use a single carrier?
No. Locking into one carrier means overpaying on some destinations. The best strategy is to compare several options for each shipment.
Which criteria should I compare?
- The price for the exact destination and parcel weight.
- The guaranteed delivery time.
- Regional coverage (urban vs. remote).
- Tracking and reliability.
- Additional fees (remote zones, oversize).
Which carrier should I choose for each need?
Every carrier has its strengths. Rather than picking just one, it’s better to know which to favour for each shipment.
- Canada Post: strong coverage of rural regions and residential addresses.
- Purolator: solid national network and express options within Canada.
- FedEx and UPS: attractive for international and express shipments.
- Regional carriers: often competitive on local deliveries and pallets.
How do I compare without opening an account with each one?
A comparison platform instantly shows negotiated rates from more than a dozen carriers, saving you from creating and managing an account with each one. You see the price, timeline and service in one place, then print the label in a few clicks.
How often should I compare?
On every shipment, or at least for every new destination. Rates and surcharges change, and the best choice for a parcel to Montreal isn’t necessarily the best for Vancouver or the United States.
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