Alternatives to Canada Post for International Shipping During the Strike: A Comprehensive Guide
With the work stoppage disruptions by Canada Post workers, we are getting numerous inquiries on the impact, alternatives and prospects. Canadian companies who rely on Canada post for their parcel deliveries are now actively searching for alternative delivery options from Canada.
Canada Post Shipping Alternatives
The Canada Post strike leaves businesses and individuals across Canada with extreme disruptions. We are working to assist whenever possible. Get a quote now!
Canada Post is the cost leader for small packages.
Although there are alternatives, Canada post remains the lowest cost provider from small parcels within Canada. Canada Post international small packet is also the low cost leader - especially for individual shippers.
Parcel and post sorting facilities across Canada have been affected leaving more Canadian Shippers seeking alternative delivery for their international parcels.
Global Commercial Carriers
FedEx
FedEx offers international shipping solutions from express to economy and ground.They provide a reliable alternative to Canada Post with extensive global coverage.
UPS Worldwide Express
UPS is another heavyweight in the logistics sector offering services similar to FedEx
DHL Express
DHL specializes in international shipping and boasts a massive global presence. It is a go-to for many businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of international logistics, especially during postal disruptions like the Canada Post strike.
Purolator International
Although primarily known within Canada, Purolator provides international shipping via the above carriers.
Intelecom and Unini
These carriers are primarily delivery agents for Amazon, Temu and Shein. They can provide service to small shippers, their primary focus is mega large volumes.
Chit Chats
Chit Chats caters to shipments to the U.S.
ShipStation
ShipStation is a reseller platform that may provide lower costs than via shipping direct with the carriers.
JetShip Worldwide
Jetship Worldwide provides third party logistics support. While this can include access to the global carriers, we build durable solutions for regular volumes and heavier weights.
Shipping Alternatives to USPS to Canada
The Canada Post Strike is impacting the USPS parcels to Canada. The strike has led to a backlog of parcels from the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Shippers moving away from USPS need to adapt from a postal customs entry to a commercial import. This initially may be a challenge but ultimately provides a better option in many cases.
When the strike is over, many will likely resume shipping to Canada via USPS and Canada Post. However, others will discover the benefits of the low value import process or becoming a foreign importer of record. Commercial imports to Canada benefit from a higher duty free threshold or de minimis. Also, delivery duty paid options are available via commercial carriers.
Let's hope this strike can be resolved soon.
Contact our team to set up a zone jumping option direct to Canada.
Notes on Canada Post Strike
1. The story of a Postal Strike is generally not a concern by Canadians as there are parcel delivery alternatives.
It is unlikely that there will be broad public pressure on either side should Canada Post stop delivering. Even small businesses, who still largely rely on postal delivery for payment via check are able to take advantage of new payment methods, such as Interac.
2. Parcel delivery is more important for small business than letter delivery
The low cost postal parcel delivery is where the impact is being felt the most. Canadian E-commerce sellers are having to find alternative solutions. Even though letter mail still represents around half of Canada Post revenue, parcel delivery is more important to small businesses.
Jet Worldwide is helping international companies find international parcel delivery alternatives to Canada Post. However, no options can beat the parcel post pricing for the smallest shipments.
3. Parcel delivery via Canada Post subsidiary, Purolator
Not mentioned often is the benefit to Canada Post’s “private market carrier,”Purolator.Purolator's Canadian parcel delivery volumes have increased substantially as the postal work stoppages continue.
Uncertainty for both sides
The extreme drop in volumes at Canada Post due to the uncertainty should have both Canada Post and their unions worried. Canada Post and their unions both have legitimate concerns but ultimately the marketplace can, and will, move on if the service continues to suffer.
5. The market reality should drive an agreement
Market reality will force both sides to an agreement as Canadian businesses develop viable alternatives to international parcel post solutions.We recommend that companies continue to develop alternative parcel delivery systems from Canada.
Jet Worldwide supports universal parcel post delivery systems that offer a uniformly low price that is accessible to small businesses, rural communities and individuals. Our mission of connecting people, products and businesses around the world depends on universal parcel post delivery options.