Top 10 Alternatives to Canada Post in 2025

If you’ve ever gasped at a $20+ shipping quote for a t-shirt order, you’re not alone. Canadian eCommerce sellers face some of the highest domestic shipping costs in the world.

But the high cost is only part of the frustration. Complex geography combined with poor logistics often leads to lost parcels. On top of that, economic conditions have led to strikes, stymying deliveries and leaving everything up to chance.

Thankfully, most brands already saw this writing on the wall and have begun switching. But sending an important parcel over a long distance is a big deal. So, if not Canada Post, who can you trust with your orders?

Why Look Beyond Canada Post?

The intro of this article may give the impression that we are critiquing Canada Post unfairly. That’s not true. It is a traditional form of post and the go-to choice for many. Why? Familiarity is one reason, and its dependability is well established. The issue, however, is that not all regions go through the same experience with Canada Post. If you would like to know about shipping with Canada Post, read this blog on Canada post express deliveries

Shipping cost is the first major point, and it has been climbing too fast. In 2024, businesses reported that shipping costs rose by 12 to 15% during the peak season. That’s an overhead cost that brands often have to push to their customers, who, in turn, aren’t happy at all.

Then there are delays and mishandled parcels that leave Canada Post employees scrambling to find solutions. But costs and logistics are expected issues. What about employee behavior? Strikes have also become a major problem, which in the past has brought several businesses to their knees.

These are the challenges that Canada Post faces, which makes it paramount for users to look for alternatives. Alternatives offer stronger shipping strategies, more reliability, and lower costs.

Top 10 Alternatives to Canada Post 

Listed below are the 10 best alternatives to Canada Post to choose from:

ShippingChimp

The best alternative to Canada Post right now is ShippingChimp. It is the best fit for those looking for small-parcel shipping across Canada and wanting to save somewhere around 53% to 60% of the costs. It is better in this regard than many other options, including FedEx and UPS.

Starting with rates, ShippingChimp’s fee begins at just $5.11 for domestic shipments. If the shipment is to be sent overseas, the price increases only to $5.21. The platform seamlessly integrates with eCommerce websites like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, and more.

Pickup is free, auto-importing orders is supported, and real-time tracking with proof of delivery and batch label printing are just some of the additional perks of this platform. Review Canada Post rates vs ShippingChimp rates here

Chit Chats

If you are a Canadian merchant seeking low-cost shipping, Chit Chats is a suitable pick. Offering up to 50% savings in Canada and up to 80% savings in the U.S. and internationally, it partners with carriers like USPS and Canada Post.

With over 66 drop-off locations across Canada, Chit Chats gives merchants access to cross-border rates and economical services.

That being said, experiences of merchants are mixed. Even one of the most positive reviews noted that Chit Chats is good 99% of the time. The remaining 1% is due to issues like returns, delivery mishaps, and insurance limits.

Purolator

For those on the lookout for reliable ground shipping across Canada and into the U.S., Purolator could be a good option. The standard rate of the platform is around $8, which can rise to the $18 to $21 range depending on the size of the parcel. Delivery times vary, though users should expect 2 days at minimum.

Thankfully, the insurance plans that Purolator provides are quite robust, offering full coverage. To track the package, however, Purolator relies on the same infrastructure as Canada Post. That being said, it is still a solid option for those looking for domestic shipments. Purolator vs Canada Post which is better. 

UPS

UPS is a well-known name in the world of shipping, and when it comes to UPS Ground Canada, costs start at CAD 29.72. Delivery times are longer, often taking between 3 to 7 business days.

When it comes to insurance, users receive coverage for up to $100 of the product’s value. For higher amounts, there is an incremental increase in insurance fees. Full tracking is supported for all users through UPS’s in-house platform.

UPS is a global platform, and larger merchants looking for something reliable with proven infrastructure should consider it.

FedEx

FedEx is another highly reliable platform for shipping across Canada and the U.S. The platform also lets users create their own labels using an app and offers standard parcel tracking capabilities. It has over 1,400 locations across Canada and provides a static map for real-time tracking.

Shipping charges start at $17.25, and delivery times range from 1 to 7 business days. Insurance is free for the first $100 of value, with additional coverage available for an added fee. For those looking for consistency and timely deliveries, FedEx is a standard but solid option.

DHL Express

With DHL Express, you can access time-definite, global door-to-door shipping solutions straight from Canada. It offers a unique suite of services such as DHL Express Worldwide, DHL Express 9:00, and DHL Express 12:00. These often provide next-business-day delivery across multiple countries. A money-back guarantee is also available for early services. Rate and delivery details can be found in the 2025 Canada Rate Guide.

It also provides updated quoting tools to help users make decisions faster. That being said, it has undergone a moderate increase in international rates, likely in response to increased U.S. tariffs.

NetParcel

NetParcel is often considered a one-stop shipping broker, connecting merchants with discounted services on both domestic and international scales. Offering a real-time rate comparison tool, it can also integrate easily with other platforms. It even includes LTL freight options, which can help users save 70% to 75% on carrier rates.

User feedback, however, is mixed. Some have praised its savings, while others have raised concerns about its reliability and billing adjustments.

Loomis Express

Loomis Express operates under TFI International and is considered a trusted carrier, delivering across Canada and to more than 220 countries. Its domestic services are notable, offering economical ground delivery solutions. Next-day delivery by 9 AM is another reason this platform is gaining recognition.

For high-volume shippers, however, a residential demand surcharge came into effect in May 2025, adding a $2.50 overhead for more than 1,500 residential deliveries per day.

Canpar Express

Canpar Express has a flexible shipping lineup, with Ground, Select, and Express being the core options. It is well suited for cost-conscious users seeking affordable cross-border eCommerce shipping. Transit times vary, with Ground service taking 1 to 4 days and Express service taking 1 to 2 days, depending on the zone. As for rates, users can check them online without creating an account.

The platform is one of the more established players in the ecosystem, having been founded in 1976.

TForce Logistics

For those who don’t want to compromise on same-day and next-day final-mile shipping across 90% of Canada, TForce Logistics is a good option. Operating from its headquarters in Toronto, the platform offers ground, LTL, truckload, and air freight shipping. It often uses a hybrid model to ensure that costs and services are optimized.

However, it is not perfect, as users have reported mishaps, which makes careful tracking essential.

Overall, this platform follows the philosophy that “one size does not fit all.”

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4. Comparison Table 

Still not sure which one’s right for you? Here’s a side-by-side snapshot to help.

Platform	Pros	Cons
ShippingChimp	Saves 53–60% on parcels Starts at $5.11 domestic / $5.21 U.S.Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce Free pickups & auto-import orders Real-time tracking & proof of delivery	Focused on small-parcel shipping  My not be ideal for oversized or bulky freight
Chit Chats	Up to 50% savings in Canada Up to 80% to U.S./international Partners with USPS & Canada Post66+ drop-off locations	Mixed merchant reviews Issues with returns & mishapsInsurance coverage limits
Purolator	Reliable ground shipping across Canada & U.S. Rates from $8 Robust insurance coverage Strong domestic presence	Relies on Canada Post tracking system Costs rise to $18–$21 for larger parcels
UPS	Global reputation & network Free $100 insurance Full in-house tracking Trusted for enterprise scale	Starting cost high (CAD 29.72) 3–7 day delivery times
FedEx	1,400+ Canadian locations Label creation & tracking toolsDelivery in 1–7 business daysFree $100 insurance	Rates start higher at $17.25 Extra insurance costs apply
DHL Express	Next-day international delivery Time-definite options (9:00, 12:00, Worldwide) Money-back guarantee on select services – Broad global reach	Moderate 2025 rate hikes Higher overall cost than domestic carriers
NetParcel	Up to 70–75% off carrier rates – Real-time rate comparison Integrates with Shopify & WooCommerce Supports LTL freight	Mixed user feedback Billing adjustments reported Reliability concerns
Loomis Express	Backed by TFI InternationalCanada-wide & 220+ global destinations Next-day by 9 AM option Economical ground services	New surcharge for high-volume residential deliveriesSmaller brand visibility
Canpar Express	Affordable ground & express servicesTransit 1–4 days (Ground), 1–2 days (Express) Online rate tools available without account	Coverage depends on zoneSmaller network vs UPS/FedEx
TForce Logistics	Same-day/next-day final-mile in 90% of Canada Hybrid model optimizes cost & serviceOffers ground, LTL, truckload & air freight	Reports of lost/misdirected parcels Requires close monitoring

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How to Choose the Right Alternative

Finding the right shipping partner depends on matching their strengths to your business needs. Here’s a quick checklist of guiding questions to narrow it down:

• Are most of your orders heading to the U.S.?
  If your orders are heading to the US, focus on carriers that offer affordable cross-border and international rates. ShippingChimp is one of them. 
• Do you need same-day delivery in the GTA?
  Options like TForce Logistics or Loomis Express are built for same-day and next-day service in dense urban areas.
  
• Do you ship heavy parcels or lightweight under 500g packages?
  For heavy freight, consider Purolator, UPS, or FedEx. For small parcels, ShippingChimp keep costs lowest.
  
• Do you prioritize integration with eCommerce platforms?
  ShippingChimp connect seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and more, streamlining order management.
  
• Is cost savings your top priority?
  ShippingChimp has the lowest shipping costs. Whether you ship domestic or to the US, ShippingChimp has the best rates.

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Conclusion

Canada Post isn’t the only option. With smart choices, merchants can cut down on shipping costs, improve delivery times, and keep customers happy. And they can do so while protecting their margins. The key is matching the right carrier to the right need, whether that’s affordable cross-border shipping, same-day delivery in major cities, or cost-effective small-parcel solutions.

Curious how much your business could save? Send us your last 30-day invoice and we’ll run the numbers for you: no strings attached.

FAQ 

What’s the cheapest way to ship within Canada?
The most affordable option often depends on parcel size and weight, but services like ShippingChimp and Chit Chats usually offer the lowest domestic rates. ShippingChimp starts at around $5.11, while Chit Chats can provide up to 50% savings compared to standard carriers.

Which carrier is best for small businesses?
For ecommerce brands and small merchants, ShippingChimp is popular because they integrate with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, making order management simple. 

Is UPS cheaper than Canada Post for U.S. shipping?
Not usually. UPS has strong international infrastructure, but its U.S. shipping rates often start higher than Canada Post or Chit Chats. Small businesses typically find Chit Chats or DHL Express more economical for cross-border parcels, depending on weight and destination.