Top 10 Courier Services in Calgary: Which One Is The Best For You?

Calgary businesses rely heavily on reliable courier services to deliver their packages. But with so many options available, choosing the right courier can feel overwhelming. This blog discusses the top 10 Calgary courier services.

You will learn how to deal with their offerings and identify the one that best suits your needs. Whether you focus on speed, affordability, or specialized services, this blog will help you find the perfect courier partner!

Key Takeaway

• Identify your business’s shipping needs, such as speed, coverage, and specialized services. Remember, different couriers offer unique benefits.
  
  
• Evaluate couriers based on delivery speed, coverage area, price and value, reputation and reliability, and technology and tracking. These factors ensure timely, safe, and efficient deliveries, boosting customer satisfaction.
  
  
• Thoroughly research and compare courier services. The blog profiles ten Calgary couriers, highlighting their pros and cons. Contact couriers directly for specific details and pricing to make an informed choice.
  

Which Courier Service Suits Your Business?

Let’s narrow down your options! Here are some shipping providers to choose from:

1. Stallion

Stallion is a Canadian shipping company with a branch in Calgary. They focus on providing eCommerce businesses with competitive rates and reliable options for domestic, U.S., and international shipping needs. Their goal is to make shipping simple and cheap, helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed.

ABOUT THEM

• Delivery Services
  • Canadian Shipping
    
    
  • U.S.Shipping
    
    
  • International Shipping
    
    
  • Amazon FBA
    
    
  • Stallion Protection
    
    
  • Returns
    
    
    
• Address: 5614 A Burbank Road SE Calgary AB T2H 1Z4
  
  
• Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 am to 7 pm
  
  

Pros

• Competitive Shipping Rates. Stallion offers the most competitive rates in the market. This advantage enables businesses to save money on shipping. Additionally, the affordable rates allow them to cover the shipping costs occasionally. The free shipping gives customers more reason to shop from their online store.
  
  
• Partnerships with Major Couriers. By collaborating with major courier companies, Stallion provides a range of shipping options and benefits from reduced rates and reliable services.
  
  
• Simplified Cross-Border Shipping. Stallion specializes in cross-border shipping to the U.S., offering hassle-free and extremely efficient solutions that simplify the process and reduce costs.
  
  
• Customer Support and Flexibility. They provide great customer service and flexible shipping solutions, so you don’t have to look for another courier to fulfill your store’s needs.
  
  

Cons

The only disadvantage of using Stallion Express is its dependence on partner couriers. If any issues or delays happen with these partners, it can directly impact Stallion. This downside can potentially affect reliability and customer satisfaction.

2. City Wide Courier

City Wide Courier is a Calgary-based logistics and courier provider that specializes in delivering packages and documents within Calgary. It caters to various client bases, including businesses, individuals, and organizations that need fast and reliable local delivery services.

ABOUT THEM

• Services
  • Same-day delivery
    
    
  • Scheduled delivery
    
    
  • Rush delivery
    
    
    
• Address: 708 Coach Bluff Crescent SW Calgary, Alberta T3H 1A8
  
  
• Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
  
  

Pros

• Speed and Efficiency. City Wide Courier offers fast delivery options and timely service. This is crucial for online businesses to meet customer expectations for timely delivery.
  
  
• Local Expertise. City Wide Courier is based in Calgary and likely has excellent knowledge of the local area. This can lead to faster and more efficient delivery routes.
  
  
• Flexibility. They may offer a range of delivery options. With these services, you can cater to the varied needs of your online business.
  
  

Cons

• Limited Coverage. City Wide Courier has limited coverage than larger courier companies. This issue could restrict delivery options for businesses with customers or packages delivered outside Calgary. If you plan to expand your business, City Wide Courier may not be the best option to consider.
  
  
• Volume Restrictions. They may restrict the size or weight of packages they can handle, which could be a limitation for businesses shipping large or bulky items.
  
  
• Cost Considerations. A local courier could be more expensive for certain shipment sizes or distances.
  

3. Select Delivery Systems

Select Delivery Systems Inc. is a Calgary-based courier company that specializes in a wide range of delivery needs. They handle corporate and residential deliveries, catering to businesses and individuals.

ABOUT THEM

• Services
  • Parcel Delivery
    
    
  • Trucking
    
    
  • Courier Services
    
    
  • Alberta-Wide Delivery
    
    
    
• Address: Bay 1 3815 – 61 Avenue SE Calgary AB T2C 1V5
  
  
• Business Hours:
  • Weekdays at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
    
    
  • After Hours and Weekend: Inquire at their customer service
    
    

Pros

• Speed and Reliability. They specialize in same-day deliveries within Calgary and prioritize prompt service throughout Alberta.
  
  
• Versatility. It’s easier for them to handle various items. Select Delivery Systems’ diverse fleet resources make them adaptable to different needs.
  
  
• Competitive Service. They cater to residential and commercial clients, offering competitive pricing compared to solely business-focused services.
  
  

Cons

• Potential Weekend Limitations. Weekday operation seems primary, with weekend or after-hours requests needing confirmation.
  
  
• Comparison Difficulty. Without readily available pricing on their website, comparing them to other courier services may require contacting them directly.
  

4. ACE Courier

ACE Courier is a well-established Canadian courier company with 30+ years of experience in the industry and a proven track record. Like some of the options mentioned above, ACE Courier highlights its reliable service.

ABOUT THEM:

• Services
  • Overnight pickups
    
    
  • Same-day service
    
    
  • Direct service
    
    
  • Trailer loads
    
    
  • Flat deck
    
    
    
• Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm
  
  

Pros

• Experience and Reliability. With over 30 years in the industry, they likely offer a proven track record of dependable and on-time deliveries.
  
  
• Service Range. From same-day options to specialized logistics solutions, they cater to a wide variety of delivery needs, making them versatile.
  
  
• Potential Flexibility. The possibility of 24/7 service offers extra adaptability for urgent situations or specific delivery schedules.
  
  

Cons

• Limited Online Information. Specific details about pricing, service availability in Calgary, and the extent of their 24/7 service might require contacting them directly.
  
  
• Focus on Broader Services. Their website highlights various services beyond Calgary, potentially making information specific to Calgary less prominent.
  
  
• Unclear Specialization. While they mention industry expertise, it’s unclear how much they cater to specific needs beyond standard deliveries compared to more specialized Calgary-based couriers.
  

5. Flash Express

Flash Express Courier is a local Calgary company specializing in same-day deliveries within the city and surrounding areas. Their primary focus is delivering packages quickly and efficiently, ideal for urgent needs. They advertise competitive rates, making them a budget-friendly option for local Calgary deliveries.

ABOUT THEM:

• Service
  • Regular delivery
    
    
  • Rush delivery
    
    
  • Direct rush delivery
    
    
  • Critical delivery
    
    
    
• Address: Calgary AB
  
  
• Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
  
  

Pros

• Speed. They specialize in same-day deliveries within Calgary and surrounding areas. Thus, they are ideal for urgent needs.
  
  
• Affordability. Flash Express Courier offers competitive local delivery rates. If you’re a business looking to save money, they can be a budget-friendly option.
  
  
• Customer Focus. They prioritize exceeding customer expectations, suggesting a commitment to high-quality service.
  
  

Cons

• Limited Online Information. Specific details about pricing, service area boundaries, and additional delivery options beyond same-day might require contacting them directly.
  
  
• Potential Lack of Variety. Their focus on same-day deliveries might not suit those requiring next-day or other timeframes.
  
  
• Unclear Specialized Services. It’s unclear if they offer specialized services beyond standard deliveries, potentially limiting their usefulness for specific needs.
  

6. Lush Lifting & Logistics

Lush Lifting & Logistics is not your traditional courier service for general parcels. It is a Calgary-based company specializing in relocation services and specific cargo deliveries.

ABOUT THEM

• Services
  • Relocation Services
    
    
  • Building Material Delivery
    
    
  • Seacan Expertise
    
    

Pros

• Specialized Services. This company caters to specific needs beyond standard parcel delivery. If your business offers building materials, hot tubs, and seacans, they are the best choice.
  
  
• Expertise in Specific Areas. Their focus on sheds, hot tubs, building supplies, and seacans suggests expertise in careful handling and potentially secure transport for these items.
  
  
• Seacan Solutions. They offer both transport and potentially on-site storage solutions for seacans, providing a one-stop shop for seacan needs.
  
  

Cons

• Limited Service Range. They specialize in specific cargo and might not be suitable for standard parcel delivery needs.
  
  
• Unknown Delivery Area. While they mention Calgary and surrounding areas, a precise service area map might not be available online.
  
  
• Not Suitable for Urgent Needs: Their services likely focus on scheduled deliveries rather than same-day delivery.
  

7. Airdrie Courier

Airdrie Courier is a local Calgary-based courier company. They primarily cater to Airdrie and offer daily delivery to and from Calgary. Thus, if you are looking for a courier specializing in regional deliveries, they can be a good option to consider.

ABOUT THEM

• Services
  • Parcel delivery
    
    
  • Document delivery
    
    
  • Skids and cargo delivery
    
    
    
• Address: PO Box 70017 Creekside PO Airdrie AB T4B 0V9
  
  
• Business Hours: Weekdays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  
  

Pros

• Local Focus. They specialize in serving Airdrie and surrounding areas, potentially offering in-depth knowledge of the region and efficient deliveries.
  
  
• Hand-Loaded Parcels. They handle a variety of hand-loaded parcels, potentially accommodating diverse delivery needs for businesses and individuals.
  
  
• Volume Discounts. They offer discounts for sending multiple parcels at once, making them potentially cost-effective for businesses sending out bulk shipments within their service area.
  
  

Cons

• Potential Regional Focus: Their primary service area seems to be Airdrie and surrounding areas. They might not be suitable for deliveries outside their designated region.
  
  
• Unclear Account Setup: It’s unclear if they require account creation for services, which might add an extra step for new customers.
  
  
• Unknown Weekend/After-Hours: Their website doesn’t clarify weekend or after-hours service availability. Confirming their operating hours directly is best.
  

8. RMMT Enterprises

RMMT Enterprises is a Calgary-based moving and delivery company that offers reasonable prices and aims to make the moving or delivery process a pleasant experience for its clients.

ABOUT THEM:

• Services
  • Packing services
    
    
  • Logistics advice
    
    
  • Storage services
    
• Address: PO BOX 54 Station M T2P 2G9 Calgary Alberta Canada
  
  
• Business Hours: 24/7
  
  

Pros

• Local and Affordable. They cater to Calgary and surrounding areas, potentially offering competitive rates for local deliveries and pick-ups.
  
  
• Efficiency and Convenience. They prioritize getting your items to their destination quickly and conveniently, saving you time and effort.
  
  
• Moving Capability. While not their primary service, they can handle small-scale moves alongside deliveries, offering a one-stop shop for some relocation needs.
  
  

Cons

• Potentially Basic Services. Their focus on pick-up and delivery might mean they lack the extensive services dedicated moving companies offer for complex relocations.
  
  
• Unclear Insurance. Information about insurance options for your items during delivery might be unavailable online.
  
  
• Unknown Scalability. While they handle moves, it’s unclear whether they are equipped for large or complex moves.
  

9. West Direct Express Courier

West Direct Express is a Calgary-based company offering various services related to shipping and logistics.

• ABOUT THEM
  • Services
    • Courier Services
      
      
    • Domestic and International Air and Ocean Freight
      
      
    • Warehousing and Distribution
      
      
  • Address: 333 28 St NE Bay 30 Calgary AB T2A 7P4 CA
    
    
    
• Pros
  • Comprehensive Services. West Direct Express offers a wide range of air and ocean freight services.
    
    
  • Business Solutions. Their warehousing and distribution services can handle inventory management for businesses, which could benefit companies needing such solutions.
    
    
    
• Cons
  • Unclear Local Delivery Services. While they might offer local deliveries, their website seems more geared towards businesses and larger cargo shipments. You might need to confirm this service to ensure you don’t have issues along the way.
    
    
  • Limited Online Information. They don’t provide enough details about their services and prices. This could potentially be an issue, especially if you are on a tight budget. There could be surprise expenses that can ruin your budget plan.
    

10. Manila Cargo Express

The next one on this list is not a courier but a shipping cargo. Manila Cargo Express specializes in international cargo shipping, particularly Balikbayan boxes, from Canada to the Philippines.

If your target audience is Filipinos who want to send some love boxes to their families back home, this might be the most suitable option for you.

ABOUT THEM

• Services
  • Cargo Shipment
    
    
  • Money Transfer
    
    
    
• Address: 945A-999 36 St. NE Calgary AB T2A 7X6
  
  
• Business Hours
  • Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
    
    
  • Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
    
    

Pros

• Potential Expertise. As a subsidiary of a company potentially involved in Philippine cargo shipping, they might have experience and knowledge specific to Filipino customs regulations and efficient Balikbayan box handling.
  
  
• Convenience. If Manila Cargo Express had established shipping processes to the Philippines, they could have offered a convenient solution for Filipinos in Calgary.
  
  
• Cultural Understanding. They might understand the cultural significance of Balikbayan boxes and prioritize carefully handling these packages.
  
  

Cons

• Not A Courier Delivery Provider. As mentioned, they are not a courier delivery provider. Therefore, you cannot expect them to send the orders to your Canadian customers.
  

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing Courier Companies in Calgary

The Calgary courier services listed above might be overwhelming, right? But you don’t have to worry. If you have problems choosing a partner, here are 5 key factors to watch out for. These qualities will ensure that each package is delivered to the correct location at the scheduled time.

1. Delivery Speed

Speed is king in today’s world. Customers expect fast deliveries, which can significantly benefit your business. Choosing a speedy courier has numerous perks that can help a brand stand out, such as:

• It cuts down on waiting times.
  
  
• It keeps customers happy.
  
  
• It reduces the risk of them cancelling orders.
  
  
• It prevents the target audience from going elsewhere.
  

By prioritizing delivery speed, you ensure your products get into customers’ hands quickly. As a result, you can increase satisfaction and potentially increase sales.

2. Coverage Area

Coverage area is crucial for reaching your entire customer base. Yes, you are a Calgary-based online store, but this should not be the case. Consider a team that can help you expand outside your location.

A shipping partner with a limited reach won’t deliver to only some of your potential clients, restricting sales. Thus, choose a courier with a broad coverage area, especially if you cater to outlying regions. This will ensure you can serve every customer regardless of location.

Additionally, wider reach can open doors to the following opportunities:

• Caters to new markets
  
  
• Boosts sales
  
  
• Improves competitive advantage
  

You also don’t have to turn away customers simply because they’re outside a limited delivery zone. Think about it; you will not feel like it and can satisfy your target audience. It’s a win-win situation!

3. Price and Value

Yes, price is a significant factor when choosing a courier. But it’s more than just getting the cheapest option. The courier service should also provide value! A super low price might often mean slow deliveries, limited tracking, or unreliable service.

Thus, look for a courier that balances price with valuable features. These could include fast delivery speeds, a good coverage area, and excellent customer service. By finding the right balance, you get the best value for your money—happy customers and your products delivered on time and intact.

4. Company Reputation and Reliability

Reputation and reliability are crucial when choosing a shipping partner. Your customers put their trust in you by buying your products. So, in return, you should also find a company that is worthy of your trust.

A company with the following qualities can ensure your packages arrive safely and swiftly:

• On-time deliveries
  
  
• Careful handling
  
  
• Excellent customer
  

Meanwhile, a bad experience can damage your brand image. So, choose a reliable partner known for quality service to keep your business running smoothly and your customers happy.

5. Technology and Tracking

Technology and tracking are essential for a smooth shipping experience. Real-time tracking provides you and your customers many benefits, including:

• Monitor package location
  
  
• Address issues and concerns right away
  
  
• Reduce anxiety and provide peace of mind
  

On the other hand, advanced technology ensures efficient routing, minimizes delays and helps avoid lost or damaged items. Choosing a partner with these features keeps everyone informed and streamlines the delivery process.

Final Thoughts

Calgary offers numerous courier services, each with its own pros and cons. The best option depends on your specific needs. Don’t forget to list what you want from a shipping partner to ensure you don’t get overwhelmed.

Remember, this guide is a starting point. Research individual shipping and logistics companies, compare pricing and services, and don’t hesitate to contact them directly to find the perfect Calgary courier partner for your needs.

If you haven’t decided which one to choose, why not start with Stallion? With their affordable services and timely delivery, you can provide the best customer support to your clients.