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

Authored by Matt Lessard

Since 2001, Matt Lessard has started numerous projects, from an E-commerce SaaS to an online store shipping to over 80 countries. Creator of Buster Fetcher®, a technology reducing shipping costs. Passionate about personal development and business growth.

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

Purolator Delivery Speeds

Areas served

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.

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.

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.

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

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!