With the Canada Post strike disrupting regular mail and parcel delivery, businesses and individuals across Calgary and the rest of Canada need reliable alternatives to maintain operations. Fortunately, several established courier companies offer dependable service with various speeds, pricing, and coverage options. Below is a ranked breakdown of the top 5 courier services to consider instead of Canada Post.
🥇 1. Purolator – Comprehensive Nationwide Coverage (Best Overall)
Purolator offers extensive coverage across Canada, delivering 100% of postal codes. Their service tiers include Purolator Express for next-day delivery and Purolator Ground for cost-effective, multi-day shipping. With a robust network and reliable tracking, Purolator is a top choice for businesses and individuals seeking seamless nationwide delivery options.
🥈 2. FedEx Canada – Best for Fast and Reliable National & International Shipping
FedEx is renowned for its speed and precision, offering services like FedEx Express for urgent shipments and FedEx Ground for more economical deliveries. FedEx is a top alternative to Canada Post for time-sensitive or cross-border deliveries.
🥉 3. UPS Canada – Best for Flexible Logistics and Cross-Border Expertise
UPS provides a range of services, including UPS Express Critical for same-day delivery and UPS Standard for affordable ground shipping across Canada. Their strength lies in cross-border shipping and scalable logistics solutions, making them suitable for businesses operating in both Canada and the U.S.
4. Canpar Express – Budget-Friendly Domestic Shipping
Canpar specializes in cost-effective domestic ground shipments, offering services like Canpar Ground and Canpar Select for faster delivery. While not as fast as some competitors, it is a low-cost alternative to Canada Post. And its affordable rates make it a practical choice for small and mid-sized businesses prioritizing cost over speed.
5. ICS Courier – Best for Personalized B2B Delivery Services
ICS Courier focuses on business deliveries with a personal touch, providing customized courier services and a strong track record in on-time, damage-free delivery. Though their reach is more limited, ICS excels in reliable service for routine business deliveries, particularly for local Calgary businesses seeking consistency – an Alternative to Canada Post.
🛠️ Choosing the Right Courier During the Canada Post Strike
| Priority | Best Carrier(s) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Reach | Purolator | Services all Canadian postal codes |
| Fast Delivery | FedEx or UPS | Offers express and same-day delivery options |
| Budget Shipping | Canpar | Provides low-cost ground delivery across Canada |
| International | FedEx or UPS | Established cross-border shipping infrastructure |
| Personalized B2B | ICS Courier | Offers customized, hands-on delivery ideal for recurring shipments |
🔍 Additional Courier Options in Calgary
- Ramsay Customs and Logistics, based in Calgary, offers a $20 rate courier service for sending letters and cheques anywhere in Canada. They provide full tracking and specialize in both small and large shipments, making them a reliable local alternative during the strike. Ramsay Logistics
- Stallion Express: Stallion Express provides domestic and international shipping services, servicing e-commerce businesses. They offer discounted rates and have facilities in Alberta, supporting Canadian merchants during postal disruptions.
📌 Final Thoughts
As the Canada Post strike approaches, it’s crucial to identify alternative courier services to ensure smooth delivery operations. Whether you require Canada-wide coverage, fast and budget-friendly options, or personalized B2B services, the couriers listed above offer reliable solutions for various needs. Consider contacting these providers to discuss volume-based contracts or account discounts that could benefit your business during this period.
If you need assistance comparing rates or selecting the best courier for your specific requirements, feel free to ask us! We also offer direct mailing services in Calgary.