101 - Header Landing
Canada Post, Purolator, UPS, & FedEx

Purolator vs. Canada Post: Which Canadian Shipping Provider is Best?

Published on November 22, 2024

 

When running an e-commerce business in Canada, your shipping partner isn’t just a service provider, it’s an extension of your brand. Late deliveries and high costs can impact customer loyalty and your profit margin.

On top of that, today’s customers have come to expect fast, reliable shipping options, so you’ll need a provider you can trust to deliver on time. On average, consumers are willing to wait just 2.15 days for their online orders to be delivered.

Two of Canada’s top shipping providers, Canada Post and Purolator, offer unique strengths. But which one is the best fit for your business?

Let’s break down the differences between Canada Post and Purolator to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

Canada Post vs. Purolator

What is Canada Post?

Canada Post is Canada’s primary postal service provider. It is a Crown corporation and is owned by the Canadian government. Canada Post offers affordable shipping services for both individuals and businesses. It was created in 1981 to succeed to the Post Office Department.

What is Purolator?

Purolator is a Canada-based company that offers shipping, courier, and freight services. Purolator is owned at 91% by Canada Post, but focuses more on expedited shipping options and commercial shipping services. 

What are the main differences between Canada Post and Purolator?

While Canada Post and Purolator are both Canada-based shipping providers, there are several differences between the two companies. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between the two providers and the services they offer. 

Available services

Canada Post offers a variety of standard postal services for both individuals and businesses. They have post offices throughout Canada where customers can buy stamps, print shipping labels, and set up PO boxes. Canada Post also offers money orders and transfers.

For businesses, Canada Post offers bulk shipping and tracking options. They also offer direct mail services, package tracking, and digital e-commerce solutions.

Purolator offers direct courier services throughout Canada, with detailed shipment tracking and guaranteed delivery times. Purolator also offers a variety of logistics and freight solutions for businesses, including both TL and LTL shipping services, special handling, and returns management options.

Pricing

In general, Canada Post offers lower rates than Purolator, and is generally considered to be the most affordable shipping provider in Canada. Purolator’s rates are higher, which is reflective of the platform’s faster speeds and shipping guarantees. 

For businesses shipping to remote areas, Canada Post’s cost-effective options remain unmatched, according to user feedback. Meanwhile, Purolator’s premium pricing tends to suit businesses prioritizing tight delivery schedules.

Delivery speed

In most cases, Purolator offers faster delivery speeds than Canada Post, and they guarantee delivery times. This includes next-day and two-day domestic and international delivery options. Canada Post also offers some express next-day shipping options for domestic service.

While Purolator’s express services are often praised for their speed in urban areas, some users note occasional delays for rural deliveries. On the other hand, Canada Post’s extensive network ensures consistent service across remote regions, as shared by real-world customers.

Canada Post Delivery Speeds

Shipping Service

Delivery Speed

Priority

Next business day

Xpresspost

1–2 business days

Expedited Parcel

1–8 business days

Regular Parcel

1–10 business days

Xpresspost International

2–7 business days

Tracked Packet International

4–10 business days

Small Packet International

5–10 business days

International Parcel

12+ business days

Purolator Delivery Speeds

Shipping Service

Delivery Speed

Purolator Express

Next business day

Purolator Ground

2–5 business days

Purolator Express Evening

Next business day (evening)

Purolator Ground 9AM

2 or more business days

Purolator Ground 10:30AM

2 or more business days

Purolator Express International

End of 2nd business day

Purolator Express International 12PM

By noon on 2nd business day

Purolator Express International 9AM

By 9 AM on 2nd business day

Areas served

map-canada-fs8

Canada Post delivers to every address in Canada, even those in very remote locations. Purolator also offers extensive domestic shipping options, but may not deliver to some particularly remote areas.

Both Canada Post and Purolator offer international shipping options. Canada Post ships to 190 countries worldwide, while Purolator ships to 210 countries. Purolator offers international shipping guarantees, while Canada Post does not.

Customer service

Purolator and Canada Post are owned by the same parent company, so they offer very similar customer service options.

Some Reddit discussions highlight Canada Post as a go-to for smaller packages and reliable rural deliveries. However, some customers mention frustrations with longer resolution times for claims, compared to Purolator’s faster urban-focused services.

Shipping Rates: Purolator vs. Canada Post

When shipping large volumes of products, finding a provider that fits your budget is key. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of shipping rates for Purolator and Canada Post. 

Shipping in Canada

Domestic shipping costs will vary depending on the size and weight of your package, as well as your destination. Here’s a look at the costs for both carriers to ship a standard five-pound package from Vancouver to Toronto.

Carrier

Shipping Service

Price Range

Canada Post

Regular Parcel

$27.43

Xpresspost

$60.46

Priority

$87.26

Purolator

Purolator Ground

$73.70

Purolator Ground 10:30 AM

$89.24

Purolator Express

$91

Purolator Ground Evening

$92.63

Purolator Express 12 PM

$104.01

Purolator Ground 9 AM

$109.70

Purolator Express 10:30 AM

$115.38

Purolator Express Evening

$124.72

Purolator Express 9 AM

$147.86

Shipping Internationally

International shipping rates are even more variable, depending on the distance to the destination and that country’s shipping protocols. Here’s what it costs to ship a standard five-pound package from Toronto to Berlin.

Carrier

Shipping Service

Price Range

Canada Post

International Parcel – Surface

$69.95

Xpresspost™ – International

$116.53

Purolator

Purolator Express International Guaranteed

$259.75

Purolator Express International 12 PM Guaranteed

$273.63

For both domestic and international shipments, costs may increase if you are shipping items with a higher declared value. 

Fastest Carrier

In general, Purolator provides faster service than Canada Post, although they both offer express delivery options.

Many people prefer Purolator for express delivery because of its guarantees. Many of Purolator’s shipping services come with a guarantee that your items will get to their destination within a pre-specified time.

If the shipment doesn’t arrive by the designated time, you are eligible for a refund. Buster Fetcher can help you file late delivery claims and get refunds from Purolator automatically, so you never miss out on the money you’re owed.

Late delivery Refunds Service | Buster Fetcher

Canada Post only offers its On-Time Delivery Guarantee for some express services, so it is not available for standard parcel shipments. On top of that, Canada Post often encourages customers to waive this delivery guarantee, even for services where it is available. This is not recommended, as you won’t be eligible for a refund, even if the delivery is late. 

Which Carrier to Choose

The right shipping carrier for your needs will depend on your business goals and budget. If your primary goal is keeping costs low, then Canada Post may be a better option for you. Canada Post generally offers more affordable prices than Purolator and may also be a good choice if you need to ship to very remote domestic locations, as they deliver to every address in the country.

If you frequently ship small packages to remote regions, Canada Post’s low-cost services may be ideal.

However, if you are focused primarily on fast delivery, Purolator may be a better option. Although their prices are higher than Canada Post’s, they offer faster shipping options and more extensive shipping guarantees. This makes Purolator particularly appealing if meeting tight delivery timelines for urban customers is critical.

Purolator also offers freight shipping and other business-focused services, which may make it the better fit for a fast-growing e-commerce business.

Ultimately, you’ll need to consider what makes the most sense for your business when choosing a shipping carrier. No matter which option you select, Buster Fetcher is here to make sure you never miss out on a shipping refund or opportunity to save money.

Carrier Comparison: Canada Post vs. Purolator

 

Canada Post

Purolator

Pricing

Offers most affordable pricing in Canada

Premium pricing for faster service and guaranteed deliveries

Insurance

Priority, Xpresspost, Expedited Parcel, and Flat rate boxes include liability coverage up to CAN$100. Option to purchase additional liability coverage for most packages. 

Coverage of up to CAN$100 for all parcels, with the ability to purchase additional coverage up to CAN$5000. 

Return

Offers returns services for businesses, with options for label-free and box-free returns

Package-free returns are available at Purolator drop boxes and stores

Delivery time guarantee

Only offers guarantees for express services, and may push you to waive these guarantees

Almost all Purolator delivery services have guarantees, so you will receive a refund if your package doesn't arrive on time

Scheduled delivery

Offers one-time scheduled pickups for additional fees, with recurring pickup options for businesses. Canada Post does not guarantee delivery at specific times for most services

Offers scheduled pick-up and drop-off services

Pick-up option

Offers both one-time and recurring pickups for businesses. Allows customers to pick up deliveries at post offices using FlexDelivery

Offers scheduled pickups, including same-day and freight pickup options. Customers can pick up packages at kiosks in urban centers throughout Canada

Prohibited items

Prohibits items that are explosive, highly flammable, radioactive, or otherwise dangerous. Other prohibited items include replica munitions, precious metals, and items with offensive odours. 

Dangerous goods must be shipped using Purolator’s special handling services

Pricing calculations

Pricing is calculated based on dimensional weight and distance shipped

Pricing is calculated based on dimensional weight, distance shipped, and shipping speeds

Max volume

Max dimensions and weight vary by shipping class, standard parcels have a maximum of 30 kg and 2 meters

165 inches and 150 lbs, packages over 70 lbs require additional surcharge

Save on Your Shipping Costs With Buster Fetcher

No matter which shipping provider you use, Buster Fetcher can help you keep your shipping costs under control. Buster Fetcher analyzes your shipping invoices from Canada Post, Purolator, and a wide range of other shipping providers, looking for errors and inconsistencies. We’ll automatically request late delivery refunds for you, so you’ll get your money back without any extra effort. Set up a free Buster Fetcher account today to get started!


About the Author

matt lessard

Matt Lessard

E-commerce Entrepreneur and Founder of Buster Fetcher®

Since 2001, Matt Lessard has launched various projects, ranging from an E-commerce SaaS to an online store shipping to over 80 countries. He created Buster Fetcher®, a technology that significantly reduces shipping costs, with a mission to help businesses Win the shipping game™.


Thousands of clients benefit from his expertise in finding refunds for late packages, optimizing costs, and clarifying their shipping profiles, thus helping businesses grow.

106 - CTA - Simple

SUBSCRIBE to BUSTER FETCHERTM

Join the nearly 2,000 Canadian customers who save on shipping every month with Buster FetcherTM

Person browsing leather goods on an online marketplace on a tablet
Increase your online sales with marketplaces! Learn the pros, cons, and a step-by-step guide to conquer the Canadian platforms.
Close-up of the Canada Post postmark on the back of a mail delivery truck
Discover how the Canada Post strike is impacting e-commerce retailers during the holiday season. Learn the innovative strategies to survive.
Choose the right shipping partner for your business. Canada Post vs Purolator: A detailed comparison for Canadian companies.
102 - Footer