The continuous rise of inflation today is surely overwhelming. This affects all scopes of trade – from physical retail to online businesses. So, finding low prices on products and services is a total game-changer. For e-commerce sellers and online customers, cheap delivery and shipping discounts make all the difference.
This year, take a step ahead of the competition by checking out this guide we prepared for you to know the best practices in shipping within Canada.
Key Takeaways
Planning shipments enables e-commerce businesses to explore various delivery services. This can help sellers compare prices and take advantage of discounts and promotions on domestic shipping within Canada.
Opting for reputable shipping providers, like Stallion, ensures reliable service, timely deliveries, and access to negotiated rates. This leads to cost-effective delivery solutions and peace of mind for senders and recipients alike.
Regularly reviewing shipping options and staying updated on discounts and promotions allows online businesses to adapt to changing market dynamics. Doing so can help maintain competitiveness in Canada’s evolving landscape of e-commerce shipping.
Planning your shipments can help you score the best deals on domestic shipping. Doing so allows you to explore various delivery services and compare prices from different courier services.
Additionally, it gives you the flexibility to choose slower yet cheaper shipping options, which can significantly cut costs, especially for non-urgent delivery.
This practical strategy also enables you to take advantage of discounted rates for bulk shipments, promotional offers, or off-peak delivery times that may not be available for last-minute bookings.
So, if this sounds like an excellent idea for you, start planning your shipments and watch those shipping costs shrink.
2. Ship With A Trustworthy Provider
Another surefire way to secure a cheaper Canadian shipping cost is by opting for a reliable shipping provider. After all, shipping with one does not only mean getting your packages from point A to point B. It also means that you’re getting access to their rates, services, and other shipping solutions, without worrying about a single thing.
Major carriers in Canada often usually offer competitive rates tailored to diverse shipping needs, whether you ship boxes across the country. Also, reputable carriers guarantee timely deliveries and reliable service, which can help you avoid costly delays.
Here are some helpful tips you may add to your checklist when checking the trustworthiness of a shipping provider:
Verify if the shipping carrier is licensed and registered.
Research online to see what other customers are saying about the shipping carrier. Look for reviews on platforms like Google Reviews for previous customers’ feedback and experience.
Look for transparency in pricing and policies. A trustworthy shipping carrier should provide clear information about shipping rates, fees, delivery times, and any applicable terms and conditions.
Ensure that the shipping carrier complies with relevant regulations and standards governing the transportation of goods.
In a sense, entrusting your shipments to a trusted shipping partner benefits you with cost-effective delivery solutions and peace of mind, knowing that your shipments are safe.
3. Compare Cheap Shipping Options Between Couriers
Taking time to compare different couriers’ cheap shipping options is essential in uncovering Canada’s most cost-effective delivery solutions.
Remember that each courier has its pricing structure, service offerings, and special deals. By exploring these options, you can evaluate crucial factors like delivery speed, reliability, and additional features against the cost to determine the best value for your needs.
To make the process even easier for you, online platforms and shipping comparison websites provide you with side-by-side rates and services offered by leading couriers.
While this may initially seem like an additional task, remember that a thorough price comparison helps you make better decisions and secure the cheaper option available without compromising on quality or reliability.
Here’s how you can check a shipping provider’s reliability:
Research the shipping carrier’s track record for on-time deliveries.
Look for consistency in the level of service provided by the shipping carrier.
Determine the shipping carrier’s flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs.
Ensure that the shipping carrier prioritizes safety and security measures to protect packages during transit.
4. Take Advantage of Shipping Discounts and Promos
Here’s a pro tip: take advantage of shipping discounts and promotions, as they can be a powerful strategy in uncovering the most affordable domestic shipping options.
Many shipping companies frequently roll out special offers, such as discounted rates, seasonal promotions, or volume-based discounts. By watching out for these deals, you can capitalize on significant savings on your shipping expenses.
Also, some couriers may offer loyalty programs or referral incentives, providing more opportunities to cut down on costs with each shipment.
Whether it’s a limited-time discount code or a recurring promotional offer, taking advantage of these opportunities can result in substantial cost savings over time. So, stay updated for the latest shipping discounts and promos, and watch your delivery expenses go down while still receiving top-notch service.
5. Consider Bulk Shipping Options
As mentioned above, shipping in volume is also another great technique to reduce your shipping costs. Exploring bulk shipping options presents an excellent avenue for discovering Canada’s most affordable delivery solutions.
In addition, if you’re sending multiple items to a single recipient, consider placing them in one box. This strategy, known as package consolidation, often leads to significant cost savings per unit which is a win-win situation for you and your customer.
Many couriers offer discounted rates for bulk shipments, as they can streamline their logistics processes and optimize their resources more efficiently. Delivery vehicles can cut the number of times they need to travel the packages instead of taking multiple trips, leading to faster transit time.
By taking advantage of these bulk shipping options, businesses and individuals can benefit from reduced per-item shipping costs, ultimately translating into substantial overall savings.
Moreover, consolidating shipments can minimize packaging materials and decrease the environmental footprint of multiple smaller shipments.
6. Optimize Packaging
Package optimization can reduce dimensional weight charges and avoid additional surcharges from couriers. Here are some tips to optimize your packaging and how they can cut your shipping expenses:
Choose the right-sized packaging. Choosing the appropriate size for your packaging materials helps lessen excess space in your box. This makes packages more compact, therefore reducing their dimensional size.
Use lightweight materials. Opting for light packaging supplies like bubble mailers or padded envelopes to decrease the overall weight of your shipment.
Consider Eco-friendly options. Exploring sustainable packaging alternatives like recycling packaging materials also helps reduce shipping expenses. For example, instead of purchasing and using packing peanuts, you may use scratch papers to fill in extra spaces in your package.
By optimizing packaging practices, businesses and individuals alike can maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and ultimately find the cheapest delivery options available in Canada.
7. Opt For Ground Shipping
Ground shipping is the most budget-friendly option compared to expedited or express shipping. It works through land transportation networks to deliver parcels over longer transit times. While it may be slower than air or express shipping options, online sellers and customers pay a significantly lower shipping cost. Thus, this option is ideal for non-urgent shipments.
Also, ground delivery is excellent for larger or heavier shipments that may incur higher fees if shipped via air. By choosing this option, e-commerce businesses can take advantage of huge savings on their shipping expenses without sacrificing reliability.
8. Utilize Drop-Off Locations
Another way to uncover Canada’s most affordable delivery options is to utilize drop-off locations. Instead of opting for costly door-to-door delivery services, why not take advantage of drop-off points offered by many courier companies?
Drop-off locations are often conveniently situated in retail stores, post offices, or designated pick-up spots. They allow online business owners to drop off their packages for shipment. By bypassing the need for couriers to make individual pickups, utilizing drop-off locations can lead to cheaper shipping fees.
Cheapest Shipping Rates From The Top Shipping Providers In Canada
Here are some of Canada’s major couriers and their cheapest delivery services. Read through to identify the best cheap courier for your business needs.
Stallion
Stallion is Canadian e-commerce business owners’ go-to choice for shipping needs across Canada because of its reliable shipping solutions and budget-friendly rates. With Stallion, you can trust that your packages will arrive safely and on time, no matter where they’re headed.
Stallion’s commitment to customer satisfaction means prioritizing high-quality service without breaking the bank. They also offer features like shipping supplies, package protection, and store integration, making the entire shipping process more efficient for Canadians.
Here is Stallion’s cheapest shipping option and rate for a 4-kg package shipped from Ontario to British Columbia:
Shipping Option
Shipping Rate
Shipping Duration
ICS Ground
14.78 CAD
7-9 business days
Canada Post
Canada Post is Canada’s national carrier, renowned for its competitive domestic shipping rates. Offering a comprehensive array of services, Canada Post ensures seamless delivery solutions for parcels of all sizes across the country.
Here is Canada Post’s cheapest shipping option and rate for a 4-kg package shipped from Ontario to British Columbia:
Shipping Option
Shipping Rate
Shipping Duration
Regular ParcelTM
36.26 CAD
8 business days
While it comes with tracking features, Canada Post Regular Parcel has optional features including:
Signature and Identity Services
Liability Coverage
Collect On Delivery (COD) service
Return to Sender service
Canpar Express
Canpar Express is another trusted shipping provider in Canada, renowned for its reliable services and efficient delivery solutions. With a focus on speed and convenience, Canpar Express offers competitive rates for domestic shipping services.
Canpar Express offers a range of shipping features like:
pickup tag
collect service
Cash On Delivery (COD)
chain of signature service
pickup on demand
premium services
Here is Canpar Express’s cheapest shipping option and rate for a 4-kg package shipped from Ontario to British Columbia:
Shipping Option
Shipping Rate
Shipping Duration
Ground Shipping
198.64 CAD
2 business days (Guaranteed)
Purolator
Purolator caters to diverse e-commerce shipping needs across the country. Their domestic shipping rates are designed to be affordable without compromising on quality, making them a great option for customers seeking cost-effective shipping solutions.
Purolator’s shipping features include specialized delivery options like:
signature services
special handling
pickup and delivery services
returns services
Additionally, Purolator offers a variety of delivery options, including express, ground, and same-day shipping services, to accommodate different timelines and preferences.
Here is Purolator’s cheapest shipping option and rate for a 4-kg package shipped from Ontario to British Columbia:
Shipping Option
Shipping Rate
Shipping Duration
Purolator Ground
104.97 CAD
7 business days
UPS Canada
UPS Canada caters to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals across the country. Their domestic shipping rates are designed to provide value and affordability, ensuring that customers can send parcels reliably and cost-effectively within Canada.
Here is UPS Canada’s cheapest shipping option and rate for a 4-kg package shipped from Ontario to British Columbia:
Shipping Option
Shipping Rate
Shipping Duration
UPS Standard
47.72 CAD
3-4 business days
FedEx Canada
FedEx Canada is a leading shipping provider known for its unparalleled reliability and comprehensive range of services. They remain a trusted shipping partner, delivering seamless domestic shipping solutions tailored to the needs of Canadian customers.
Here is FedEx Canada’s cheapest shipping option and rate for a 4-kg package shipped from Ontario to British Columbia:
Shipping Option
Shipping Rate
Shipping Duration
FedEx Ground
50.46 CAD
3-4 business days
Note: Please visit the carrier’s website or use their shipping calculator to get accurate and updated shipping rates for their services.
Final Thoughts
It takes a lot of research and strategic approaches when you navigate the realm of diverse Canadian shipping options. So, keep in mind that by staying informed and proactive, you can unlock significant savings and streamline shipping processes. In return, this can ultimately enhance your overall efficiency and profitability in the e-commerce industry.
The secret to make these easier to achieve is to partner with the best shipping carrier in Canada – that is, Stallion.
Get started today! Ship faster, smarter, cheaper with Stallion.
Aman looks after the content marketing department at Stallion Express. He is passionate about helping businesses grow by providing informative and up-to-date trends in the eCommerce industry. Outside the office, you can find him on the soccer field cheering on Real Madrid.
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Hear what online sellers in Canada are saying
"Stallion Express is a game changer for small business owners like myself. My online store wouldn't be where it's at today without the Stallion Express team."
Dorothy Wong
"Outstanding service. Delivery is always on time. Accessible location. Expert staff. There's nothing else I could ask for."
Norma Joseph
"Stallion Express has been fulfilling my shipments with excellence for the longest time. With their quick actions and unparalleled customer service, they are the best shipping company."
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