Domestic Shipping: The Complete Guide To Savings (2024)

Domestic shipping processes for e-commerce businesses can be overwhelming at first glance, from the complex routes it takes behind the scenes to the thrill of knowing your products reach your customer's destination.

But, worry not, because in this comprehensive guide, we'll uncover everything you need to know and provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the world of domestic shipping like a true expert.

Key Takeaways

• Knowing the services and rates of Canada’s leading domestic shipping providers will help you make informed decisions when choosing your business’s shipping partner.
  
  
• The Canada Border Services Agency provides updates and regulations on items that are not allowed for Canadian border entry.
  
  
• Working with a reliable shipping partner is a great strategy to foster customer loyalty and satisfaction while growing your business.

What Is Domestic Shipping?

Domestic shipping refers to the essential process of getting your e-commerce goods from point A to point B, navigating various shipping options, carriers, and local regulations. Basically, it's all about ensuring your packages reach their destinations smoothly and on time, serving your Canadian customers effectively across the vast and diverse regions of the country.

Domestic Shipping Companies’ Services And Rates In Canada

There are many shipping service providers in Canada which are committed to providing great logistics services to Canadian e-commerce business owners. Here are some of the leading carriers along with their services.

Stallion

Stallion, a Canada-based logistics provider, offers simplified shipping services including domestic, cross-border, and international e-commerce shipping. Their efficient domestic shipping solutions has made them a trusted partner for Canadian e-commerce entrepreneurs, enabling them to streamline their operations and deliver products quickly while maintaining the highest standards of service quality.

Key Services:

• Seamless E-Commerce Platform Integration - Integrate your online business to your Stallion account for the easiest order fulfillment and shipping management. By doing so, you’re able to save more time and sources as you complete your online store’s transactions all in one place.
• Packaging Supplies Availability - Stallion allows you to purchase e-commerce shipping supplies through your account or at the nearest Stallion branch. This keeps you from ordering at a third-party supplier, thus allowing you to pack and complete orders quickly.
• Premium Package Protection - For as low as 0.39 CAD, you can add package protection to your customer’s order while they're on their way to your customers. While Stallion offers the lowest offer for shipping insurance, you’re still able to get a premium quality with its fast turnaround time, hassle-free online claims processing, full coverage protection, and flat-rate pricing.

Domestic Shipping Rates:

Here’s a quick overview of Stallion’s affordable shipping rates when shipping domestically. The shipping costs below are for a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) parcel from Mississauga (ON) to Vancouver (BC).

Canada Post

Canada Post is the primary postal service carrier in Canada. As the national postal service, they facilitate mail and package delivery across Canada and internationally, serving as a vital logistical link for Canadian businesses, including e-commerce enterprises, of all sizes.

Key Services:

• Regular Parcel - This is Canada Post’s most economical ground delivery service for domestic shipments with projected shipping arrival dates ranging from 1-10 business days, depending on factors such as customer destination, peak season, and natural causes. Additional fees may incur for options such as signature and identity option for when the item is delivered, package insurance.
• Xpresspost - This offers a fast and cost-effective shipping service as packages are shipped to the customers within 2-3 business days. Paid options for this service include signature and identity option, liability coverage, and collect on delivery (COD). This option tends to be more affordable than Priority.
• Priority - Canada Post offers this service for time-sensitive packages with its next-business-day delivery between major urban centres. This service includes signature collection and online tracking.

Domestic Shipping Rates:

Here’s a quick overview of Canada Post’s shipping prices for domestic shipments. The shipping costs below are for a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) parcel from Mississauga (ON) to Vancouver (BC).

Purolator

Purolator is known for its extensive Canadian network and innovative solutions. Its customized shipping services tailored to meet the needs of e-commerce businesses across the country. The shipping company offers a broad spectrum of shipping solutions designed to facilitate seamless parcel delivery for online retailers.

Key Services:

• Purolator Express - Purolator Express is ideal for time-sensitive packages and offers features such as delivery by noon or end of day, depending on the service selected, along with tracking, signature confirmation, and insurance coverage.
• Purolator Ground - Purolator Ground is a cost-effective shipping service that focuses on reliable and economical flexible delivery times for non-urgent shipments. It also includes features like tracking and optional signature confirmation.

Domestic Shipping Rates:

Here’s a quick overview of Purolator’s domestic shipping costs for a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) parcel from Mississauga (ON) to Vancouver (BC).

UPS Canada

UPS Canada's commitment to technological innovation is evident through its user-friendly shipping tools and platforms like UPS My Choice and UPS Marketplace Shipping, allowing seamless integration with e-commerce systems, enabling label printing, scheduling pickups, and real-time tracking.

Key Services:

• UPS Standard - This is UPS Canada’s reliable and cost-effective domestic shipping service providing a time-definite commitment typically ranging from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the destination.
• UPS Express Saver - This option is an expedited shipping service designed for time-sensitive shipments within Canada. It ensures next-business-day delivery to most metropolitan areas and 2-business-day delivery to remote locations across the country.
• UPS Express - UPS Express is a premium express shipping service offered by UPS Canada, guaranteeing next-business-day delivery by a specific time to most Canadian addresses. This service is ideal for urgent and time-critical shipments.
• UPS Expedited - UPS Expedited is a ground shipping service tailored for faster delivery of packages within Canada. It typically delivers shipments in 1 to 3 business days based on the distance, offering a balance between speed and cost-effectiveness for time-sensitive deliveries.

Domestic Shipping Rates:

Here’s a quick overview of UPS Canada’s shipping rates for a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) parcel from Mississauga (ON) to Vancouver (BC).

You may visit the shipping provider’s website or contact their customer support to get the most recent updates on their services and rates for domestic shipping.

FAQS About Canadian Shipping, Answered!

Let’s learn more about Canadian shipping by knowing the answers to some of the most common questions from Canadians.

1. Are there any restrictions or prohibited items for shipping within Canada?

Yes, there are some prohibited and restricted items that cannot be shipped within Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces various product restrictions to ensure safety, security, and compliance with Canadian laws.

Items like firearms and weapons (without legal authorization), some animal and plant products, and toxic materials are often prohibited*. Before shipping items within the country, it is important to visit the CBSA website or speak with shipping providers to understand the specific regulations and standards.

*Most courier companies do not cater to shipping these items as they require special permits and handling.

2. Are there drop off or pickup locations around rural/remote areas in Canada?

The availability of drop-off and pickup centres in rural or remote areas may vary depending on the location and the services provided by shipping carriers. Moreover, because of lower population density and logistical challenges, the accessibility and frequency of these services in remote regions may be more limited than in urban areas.

While bigger companies may have established pickup or drop-off stations in some rural areas, coverage may be less broad than in urban areas. Additionally, alternative postal service options such as community mailboxes or designated delivery sites may exist in certain rural areas.

3. How can I ensure the safety of my package?

Ensuring the safety of your package involves several steps to minimize the risk of loss, damage, or theft during shipping. You may consider the following strategies:

• Choose a reliable shipping carrier or service known for their reputability and security measures.
• Properly package your item using sturdy materials and adequate cushioning to protect it during transit.
• Clearly label the package with accurate addresses and contact information. If possible, avoid disclosing valuable or sensitive content visibly on the packaging to prevent theft.
• Track your shipment regularly through the carrier's provided tracking service to monitor its progress and promptly address any concerns or issues that may arise during transit.

Best Practices For Domestic Shipping - Canada

Understand and implement the following best practices to ensure an efficient, timely, and customer-centric shipping service across the country.

Get Package Insurance For Your Domestic Shipments

Whether shipping locally within provinces or across the country, unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, theft, or damage can occur. So, securing package insurance for your domestic shipments is an important step in protecting your goods while they travel across Canada.

Having comprehensive package insurance mitigates these risks while also giving financial security and peace of mind. This proactive strategy not only protects against potential losses, but also indicates a dedication to meeting your customer’s shipping needs by guaranteeing that they receive their packages intact and on time, even in the face of unexpected events.

Optimize Your Domestic Shipping Strategy

Optimizing your domestic shipping strategy, though challenging, is vital for efficient and cost-effective operations. It entails a comprehensive approach that includes factors such as route planning, carrier selection, packing methods, and delivery timelines.

Small businesses may optimize their operations, cut shipping costs, and improve overall service quality by carefully examining the elements. Implementing technology-driven solutions, such as tracking systems and automated processes, increases the strategy's effectiveness by enabling real-time monitoring and quick adjustments.

Furthermore, optimizing your shipping strategy extends beyond internal operations to meet consumer needs promptly, fostering loyalty and trust. Following this holistic approach helps you put your business in a competitive advantage in Canada's growing domestic shipping industry.

Consider Ground Shipping

When choosing between shipping options, considering ground shipping emerges as a safe choice, particularly in the context of domestic logistics in Canada. This option offers a reliable and cost-effective method for transporting goods and is a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of products, providing a balance between affordability and reasonable delivery times.

In addition, since ground shipping produces fewer emissions than air freight, it often matches with sustainability goals, contributing to a more ecologically responsible approach. Its adaptability enables for the transportation of heavier products or non-urgent shipments, providing businesses with an easiest way to fulfill customer demands while being cost-effective.

Choose The Right Shipping Partner

Choosing your shipping partner stands as a pivotal decision impacting the success of domestic shipments within Canada. The right shipping partner isn't merely a provider but a collaborator in ensuring smooth logistics, timely deliveries, and customer satisfaction. It involves assessing factors like reliability, coverage area, cost-effectiveness, and additional services offered.

Your shipping partner should be like Stallion - equipped with a robust network and expertise in navigating Canada's diverse shipping landscape and regulatory requirements. Partnering with Stallion fosters a mutually beneficial relationship, enabling streamlined operations, access to tracking capabilities, and exceptional shipping solutions.

After all, domestic shipping isn't just about transportation; it's a strategic move that elevates the overall shipping experience, contributing to the success and growth of your business in the Canadian market.

Final Thoughts

Be the best in shipping products from your e-commerce business to your customers wherever you are in Canada. Remember to keep yourself updated with the ins and outs of shipping packages to ensure you’re always on the lead in domestic shipping.

Or, make Stallion your shipping partner for a seamless and simplified domestic shipping management. Save your time and energy as you manage your orders and grow your income while Stallion works on ensuring your products reach your customers wherever they are in Canada.