Explore the diverse landscape of delivery services in Canada, from apps like UberEats to traditional courier services like Canada Post and UPS, highlighting the advantages, drawbacks, and top considerations for drivers.
With the introduction of app-based shopping and ordering, delivery has increased dramatically. Delivery is a mainstay of businesses and families everywhere one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. This expansion presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for new drivers. However, with so many delivery companies and delivery styles to choose from, it can be difficult for a new driver to decide which delivery service to pursue. Here’s a rundown of all the options for those just getting started in Canadian delivery services.
Salary: Pay per delivery
Commitment: Part-time
For those interested in trying out delivery work, food delivery is a great option. The job does not require any heavy lifting, the hours are flexible, and the pay is based on the number of packages delivered. You can work your own hours, drive your own car, and make a positive difference in your community.
While food delivery is ideal for beginners, it does have some disadvantages. With delivery companies, drivers are not eligible for a pension or retirement savings plan. All drivers are considered independent contractors, which means they receive few if any benefits. Because pay is based on the number of packages delivered, local food demand has a significant impact on daily earnings. Food delivery may not provide a stable and consistent income for those living in rural areas, as deliveries are becoming fewer and farther between.
Salary: $22-27/hour CAD
Commitment: Part-time or full-time
Those entering the delivery sector in Canada have a lot of options thanks to Amazon. Every Amazon driver is equipped with the Amazon Rabbit and Amazon Flex software, which optimizes and organizes all deliveries in a timely manner. Drivers can get started quickly, drive their own car, and earn more than the national average. Amazon is rapidly becoming one of the world’s wealthiest companies, providing drivers with a steady stream of work and consistent pay.
While Amazon may be one of the best options for drivers, it is not available in all parts of the country. At this time, driver positions are only available in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Furthermore, Amazon has a reputation for having high work standards. There have also been reports of couriers working overtime to finish their manifests.
Salary: $19-27/hour CAD
Commitment: Part-time or Full-time
Canada Post is one of the country’s oldest delivery services, with a wealth of experience and expertise in all aspects of delivery. Every year, the Post moves billions of packages and parcels, serving almost every Canadian. For new drivers, joining an established organization with a pension, union, and mentors, such as the Post, can be beneficial. All employees have access to cross-training and career advancement opportunities.
Working for the country’s oldest courier service has its drawbacks. Canada Post’s technology isn’t up to par when it comes to assisting drivers (Many drivers wish they had access to third-party third-party services like EasyRoutes to get them through the day more efficiently). Furthermore, most positions have the potential to become full-time. Canada Post is a great place to start a career, but it may not be the best option for a part-time job or side hustle.
Salary: $19/hour CAD
Commitment: Part-time or Full-time
DHL is a well-known brand around the world, allowing drivers to add a powerful name to their resume. There are numerous opportunities to advance and take on different roles within the company. DHL focuses on getting high-priority packages to millions of people all over the world, which gives the job more meaning.
The benefits plan is inferior to competing services for those who want to work part-time. There have also been reports of consistent overtime, long hours on the job, and mismanagement from both part-time and full-time employees. Before you apply, we recommend spending some time learning about the work culture and job satisfaction at your local branch.
Salary: $63,000 CAD
Commitment: Full-time
Purolator is a leading Canadian courier service in today’s delivery market. Purolator stands out because of its fast-paced culture, despite being mostly owned by Canada Post. Purolator is known for encouraging everyone to improve and optimize their current processes. Employee loyalty is also a strong point for Purolator, as many drivers have been with the company for decades.
There have been reports of layoffs at Purolator that affect long-term employees, but layoffs are uncommon and are usually associated with larger economic downturns. Furthermore, Purolator’s fast-paced environment allows for few to no breaks during a shift. If drivers want to take breaks from their schedule, they must stay focused or have route optimization software on hand.
Salary: $15/hour CAD
Commitment: Part-time or full-time
UPS is a well-known global delivery company. There are numerous opportunities for those interested in starting a career at UPS, with locations all over the world and an internal emphasis on career advancement and learning. UPS also invests heavily in driver technology, eager to improve how drivers optimize their daily routes. UPS also has a strong courier union that can offer guidance, mentorship, and become lifelong friends. UPS employees congregate in friendly online communities like the Brown Cafe to talk about their jobs and personal lives.
UPS Couriers are underpaid, particularly in Canada’s delivery market. While UPS invests in technology, the company’s route optimization software and order management device, known as the DIAD, is the subject of frequent employee complaints (Delivery Information Acquisition Device).
Starting a career in delivery can be intimidating, especially if you aren’t a map whiz or a seasoned driver. But there’s no need to be concerned. Delivery can be efficient, safe, and energising if you have the right tools.
It’s critical for new drivers to get off on the right foot with the right technology. Drivers can use good software to plan their routes, find the best routes, and navigate with ease throughout the day. You can avoid road closures and traffic jams by using route optimization software, and your packages will arrive faster. What’s the best part? You save time, money, and miles with great technology like EasyRoutes.
As the delivery sector continues to grow, the opportunities for drivers in Canada are plentiful. While there are many delivery driving services to choose from, it’s important to remember a few big ideas when getting started:
This overview should assist Canadians in gaining a better understanding of the delivery driving landscape. Joining a delivery service allows you to make a significant contribution to your community while also earning a decent wage. In addition, the job can be exciting, convenient, and liberating. Most importantly, the industry is constantly evolving, so there is never a bad time to start. We hope you choose Straightaway to master your new career when you get out there.
Roundtrip's mission is to equip every business with the software tools they need to deliver products to their customers in a delightful way. Thousands of Shopify merchants worldwide choose EasyRoutes to power their local deliveries across dozens of product categories, from meal kits and groceries to coffee, cupcakes, kibble, and so much more. Our easy-to-use route planning and delivery optimization app is certified Built for Shopify, a two-time Shopify staff pick, and the top rated local delivery app on the Shopify App Store.
