Canada Post Alternatives During Strike for Cost-Effective and Reliable Shipping

Finding affordable and reliable shipping options is a top priority for eCommerce and retail professionals. While Canada Post is widely used, businesses often encounter high costs, delivery delays, and limited flexibility. Fortunately, there are alternatives to Canada Post that offer better rates, faster delivery, and easier integrations with online stores. This guide will explore why businesses look for alternatives, the benefits of specific options, and how to choose the right shipping partner for your needs, including various shipping options such as freight services.

6 Canada Post Alternatives For Businesses

If you’re looking for reliable and cost-effective shipping services, these alternatives to Canada Post offer a variety of logistics services for different shipping needs, including domestic, U.S., and international deliveries. Reliable parcel delivery services are crucial to ensure continued shipping operations and minimize disruptions.

1. Sendle

• What it is: A carbon-neutral shipping service providing domestic and cross-border solutions in Canada and the U.S.
• Key benefits: Affordable rates, over 500 drop-off points across Canada, and eco-friendly practices.
• Ideal for: Small businesses that value sustainability and need flexible drop-off or pickup options.
• Example: An eCommerce store in Vancouver ships orders to the U.S. while reducing its environmental impact using Sendle’s carbon-neutral services.

2. Purolator

• What it is: A Canadian courier specializing in domestic and international shipping with a focus on reliable delivery.
• Key benefits: Offers express services, tracking, and flexible shipping options for eCommerce stores.
• Ideal for: Businesses needing fast, secure delivery to major Canadian cities and international locations.
• Example: A retailer in Toronto delivers time-sensitive packages to customers in Calgary using Purolator’s next-day delivery services.

3. UPS

• What it is: A global shipping provider offering a range of services, from ground shipping to express international delivery.
• Key benefits: Extensive global network, real-time tracking, and integration with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify.
• Ideal for: Businesses requiring dependable international shipping and domestic coverage with premium services.
• Example: An online store in Ottawa expands globally by using UPS’s International Priority service to ship to Europe and Asia.

4. DHL Express

• What it is: An international courier known for its speed and reliability in cross-border and global shipping.
• Key benefits: Fast transit times, customs expertise, and advanced tracking tools.
• Ideal for: Businesses focused on international markets or high-value shipments needing expedited service.
• Example: A Montreal-based artisan sends custom products to Europe using DHL’s express international services for fast, hassle-free delivery.

5. Canpar

• What it is: A Canadian shipping company providing cost-effective parcel delivery within Canada.
• Key benefits: Affordable rates for domestic shipping, user-friendly tools, and customizable solutions for small businesses.
• Ideal for: Businesses shipping heavier or non-urgent packages within Canada.‍
• Example: A small business in Edmonton uses Canpar to ship bulk orders across Canada, reducing costs on large shipments.

6. Multi Carrier Shipping:

Relying on a single carrier can be a risky affair as you are putting all eggs in one basket instead it's better to use multiple shipping carriers. Having said that, it becomes difficult to track them individually. Having a multi carrier software like Easyship can help you with pre negotiated rates with different carriers and get all your shipment details all at one place.

These alternatives offer diverse features, allowing businesses to select services tailored to their specific needs. Whether your priority is affordability, speed, sustainability, or international reach, these options provide the flexibility to grow and manage your shipping effectively. 

Why Consider Alternatives to Canada Post?

Canada post have its own set of drawbacks which includes:

1. Delays - Usually it takes a bit longer than most of the competitors. For urgent deliveries, it could be wise to go with a faster alternative. 
2. Strikes - Canada Post has faced labor strikes in the recent past, which have put businesses' shipping and logistics into turmoil. Due to this, it’s always a good idea to have another courier service to avoid parcels stuck in transit, unfulfilled orders, and other such issues. 
3. Holiday Backlogs - During peak shipping seasons, an overwhelming number of parcels can lead to disruptions and delays. In these cases, exploring alternatives can reduce the stress of the peak season.

While Canada Post is the cheapest shipping option to ship a package within Canada or while shipping internationally, it’s good to have backup options in case of delays or strikes.

Whether you’re carrying out domestic or international shipping, a platform like Easyship can help you identify the most cost-effective and reliable carrier for every order. By streamlining this process, businesses can avoid overpaying for shipping, reduce operational complexity, and ensure their customers receive timely deliveries.

Key Features to Look for in Canada Post Alternatives

When choosing a shipping partner, consider the following factors:

• Affordability: Compare rates for domestic, U.S., and international shipping to find cost-effective solutions. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers affordable cross-border shipping options, making it a viable alternative for businesses looking to ship between Canada and the US.
• E-commerce Integrations: Ensure the provider integrates with your sales platform, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy. This reduces manual work and speeds up fulfillment.
• Customer Support: Look for providers with reliable customer service to assist with issues like lost packages or technical difficulties.

For example, if your customers expect free shipping, reducing your operational costs with a cheaper carrier allows you to offer this perk without cutting into profits.

Preparing for Future Disruptions

The Canada Post strike serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diversifying your shipping strategy to prepare for future disruptions. Relying on a single carrier can leave your business vulnerable to delays and increased costs during strikes or other unforeseen events. Here are some steps to help you prepare:

1. Diversify Your Shipping Strategy: Use multiple carriers, including Canada Post, UPS, Purolator, and DHL, to reduce your reliance on any single provider. This approach ensures that you have alternative options if one carrier experiences disruptions.
2. Use a Multi-Carrier Shipping Platform: Platforms like Easyship provide access to discounted rates from multiple carriers, making it easier to compare shipping costs and delivery timelines. This flexibility allows you to choose the best option for each shipment, ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness.
3. Streamline Your Shipping Process: Implement label services or shipping software to automate tasks like printing labels and tracking packages. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors, ensuring a smoother shipping process.
4. Monitor Shipping Rates and Delivery Timelines: Regularly check shipping rates and delivery timelines to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Staying informed about changes in the shipping industry can help you make timely adjustments to your strategy.
5. Consider Alternative Shipping Services: Explore regional and international shipping services that can offer competitive rates and reliable delivery. For example, using services like Easyship can help you compare multiple courier courier services at once, ultimately ensuring that you make the best choice based on your needs.

By taking these proactive steps, businesses can mitigate the impact of future disruptions and maintain smooth shipping operations, ensuring customer satisfaction and business continuity.

How to Choose the Right Alternative for Your Business

Selecting the right Canada Post alternative depends on your shipping needs.

1. Evaluate your shipping volume. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from platforms like Easyship, which offer multi-carrier comparison, allowing you to choose between whichever works best for your needs.
2. Identify your primary markets and use the best courier according to those specifications.
3. Test and review services. Start with a trial of multiple platforms to compare rates, service reliability, and ease of use.

By choosing the right provider, you can save money, improve delivery times, and offer a better experience to your customers.

With the right strategy and tools, Canada Post alternatives can help you grow your business while keeping costs manageable. Whether you’re focused on domestic deliveries or expanding to international markets, these options provide the flexibility and affordability needed to stay competitive.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

Canada Post Alternatives FAQs

What are the best Canada Post alternatives for small businesses?
The best alternatives include Sendle, Purolator, UPS, DHL Express, and Canpar. Each offers competitive rates, reliable service, and options for domestic, U.S., and international shipping.

How can I compare shipping rates across multiple couriers?
Use multi-carrier platforms like Easyship to instantly compare rates, delivery times, and services from over 550 global couriers, saving time and money.

What are the benefits of using a shipping platform like Easyship?
Easyship simplifies shipping by offering pre-negotiated discounted rates, automation tools, and seamless eCommerce integrations, making it easier to manage your fulfillment process.

How can I ensure smooth cross-border shipping to Canada?
Choose couriers like UPS or DHL Express for seamless customs support, or use platforms like Easyship to automate customs documentation and tax calculations for hassle-free international shipping.