Q3 2023 Data: What is the percentage of packages that get lost in transit? Data by Province and Carrier

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.

Ah, lost packages—the unexpected hiccup in the smooth flow of e-commerce. Every business hopes to avoid it, yet it's an all-too-common occurrence.

 It's a silent challenge that often goes unnoticed, yet its impact resonates deeply, affecting not just the bottom line but also customer trust and satisfaction. The frustration of dealing with these mishaps can strain resources, disrupt operations, and erode the hard-earned confidence of your clients.

But don’t worry—in the heart of this challenge lies the focus of our Buster Fetcher Report Shipping Data for Q3-2023! Our team has meticulously analyzed over 1.7 million shipments from major carriers like Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and Purolator. We've zeroed in on the pervasive issue of lost packages in transit, especially across the diverse provinces of Canada.

Whether you're a startup in the bustling streets of Toronto or a corporate giant in the serene landscapes of British Columbia, these insights are your roadmap to fewer 'lost package' headaches.  

Let's journey through these informative findings!

Table of Contents

Percentage of Lost Packages by Carrier and Province

Strategizing for Success: How to Navigate Through Canada's Lost Package Data

Conclusion

Percentage of Lost Packages

• Low National Averages, but Noteworthy: Across Canada, the national averages for lost packages are fairly low for each carrier. Canada Post leads with a slight margin at 0.42%, followed closely by UPS at 0.29%.
  
  
• FedEx in Alberta: A notable anomaly is FedEx's 1.36% in Alberta, which is significantly higher compared to the rates it has in other provinces. It's also the highest individual percentage among all carriers for any given province.
  
  
• Consistency in British Columbia: British Columbia exhibits fairly consistent and low lost package percentages across all carriers, ranging from 0.10% for Purolator to 0.37% for Canada Post.
  
  
• Canada Post's Variances: While Canada Post maintains relatively low percentages, there are spikes in some provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador at 0.92% and Saskatchewan at 0.49%.
  
  
• Purolator's Minimums: Purolator showcases the lowest percentage in many provinces. For instance, in Quebec, the percentage is just 0.07%.
  
  
• Saskatchewan's FedEx Concern: A point of interest is FedEx's 3.13% in Saskatchewan, indicating a potential concern for businesses and consumers using this carrier in that province.

In conclusion, while lost packages represent a small fraction of total shipments, the impact on businesses can be significant, especially if not addressed promptly through claims. The differences across provinces and carriers emphasize the need for businesses to be vigilant and proactive in their shipping strategies.

Strategizing for Success: How to Navigate Through Canada's Lost Package Data

Here's our takeaway from the data and how you can apply it to your business:

Embrace Proactivity with Canada Post

Despite its lead in lost package percentages at 0.42%, Canada Post's rates are still relatively low.

However, with notable variances in provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan, businesses using Canada Post should be extra vigilant in these regions.

Implementing proactive tracking and customer communication systems can help mitigate potential issues before they escalate.

Rethink Strategies with FedEx in Alberta and Saskatchewan

With FedEx's lost package rate hitting 1.36% in Alberta and a concerning 3.13% in Saskatchewan, businesses in these provinces might need to reassess their carrier choices or enhance their follow-up procedures.

Consider diversifying your carrier options or enhancing shipment insurance in these areas to safeguard your deliveries.

Leverage Purolator's Strength in Quebec

Purolator's impressively low rate of 0.07% in Quebec presents an opportunity for businesses operating in this province.

Capitalizing on Purolator’s reliable service here could increase your overall shipping efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Uniformity in British Columbia

The consistency across carriers in British Columbia is reassuring. It suggests that regardless of the carrier chosen, the risk of lost packages remains low. Businesses can focus more on other factors like cost, delivery speed, or sustainability when choosing a carrier in this province.

General Vigilance

Overall, while the national averages for lost packages are low, the regional spikes highlight the importance of a tailored approach.

Regularly review your shipping data, stay informed about regional performance, and be ready to adjust your strategies as needed.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the Buster Fetcher Report Shipping Data for Q3-2023, it's clear that the journey of each package is a story in itself, filled with variables and unexpected turns.

While the national averages for lost packages are reassuringly low, the regional variances reveal a more complex narrative.

So, what's the next step? If you're keen to dig even deeper and get the full picture, why not grab the complete report? It's chock-full of detailed analysis and nifty tips that could be a game-changer for your shipping game.

We invite you to read online the full Buster Fetcher Report Shipping Data for Q3-2023. Packed with detailed analyses and practical recommendations, this report is your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of shipping in Canada.