Are discounts available for international shipments?

Calgary has access to an extensive network of discounts on international shipments through Canada Post, which offers structured savings programs for different categories of users. The most significant is the Solutions for Small Business™ program, which allows you to save up to 58% on international shipments depending on your annual shipping costs.

The discount system is based on four savings tiers, which are determined by the customer's annual shipping costs. Qualification is automatic each quarter based on the previous 12 months' spending, making the system dynamic and fair for all program participants.

Solutions for Small Business™ program structure

Discount levels and qualification

The Solutions for Small Business™ program is divided into four main levels:

  • Level 1 (Online/Post Office) — annual shipping costs from $0 to $2,499. Discounts: up to 20% on Xpresspost™ International, up to 24% on International Parcel – Air, and up to 45% on Small Packet™ International – Air.
  • Level 2 (Online) — annual shipping costs between $2,500 and $4,999. Discounts: up to 25% on Xpresspost™ International, up to 27% on International Parcel – Air, and up to 50% on Small Packet™ International – Air.
  • Level 3 (Online) — annual spending between $5,000 and $7,499. Discounts: up to 30% on Xpresspost™ International, 34% on International Parcel – Air, and 53% on Small Packet™ International – Air.
  • Level 4 (Online) — annual spending over $7,500. Discounts: up to 34% on Xpresspost™ International, up to 41% on International Parcel – Air, and up to 58% on Small Packet™ International – Air.

Detailed discount structure for services

  • Xpresspost™ International — 20–34%.
  • International Parcel – Air — 24–41%.
  • International Parcel – Surface — 4–30%.
  • Small Packet™ International – Air — 45–58%.
  • Small Packet™ International – Surface — 19–27%.
  • Tracked Packet™ International — 2–10%.

Special promotional programs for 2025

Limited-time discount for small businesses

February 17–April 27, 2025:

  • Expedited Parcel — up to 70% for up to 500 g, starting at $3.50.
  • Tracked Packet USA — up to 64% (until June 25, 2025).

National partnership with technology platforms

  • EasyPost — up to 34% domestic, up to 58% international.
  • Shopify — up to 41% on International Parcel™, up to 24% on Small Packet™ International.

Alternative discount providers

Third-party logistics platforms

  • FlagShip Company — up to 70% discounts through partners (Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar).
  • Shippo — integration with Canada Post and 40+ carriers.

Specialized services for ethnic communities

  • Ukrposhta + Canada Post — 10% on large parcels, 15% on “Small packages PRIME.”
  • Meest Corporation — delivery to Ukraine from $15, 7–14 days.

Corporate and commercial programs

  • For 750+ international shipments per year — individual discounts, commercial software.
  • Bulk shipping discounts — 1000+ domestic or 100+ international.
  • Snap Ship™ — online tools for comparing rates, printing labels, and scheduling pickups ($3.50/pickup).

Geographic and seasonal features

  • Calgary — full access to all discount levels.
  • Regional rates are cheaper than national rates.
  • Holiday surcharges (November 4, 2024 – January 12, 2025): $30 for oversized items, $30 for unpackaged items, $400 for oversized items.
  • Recommended dates: Europe – by December 11 (Xpresspost International), by December 9 (Tracked Packet).

Technological solutions and API integration

  • FreightAmigo — automatic discounts for e-commerce.
  • Canada Post API — rates, labels, addresses, delivery confirmation.
  • Mobile app — automatic addition of tracking numbers.

Specific discounts for certain customer categories

  • Students — access through small business programs or SPC/ISIC cards.
  • Seniors — no official discounts, but there are benefits for military personnel.
  • Large families — group discounts through corporate programs.

Comparison with competitors

  • DHL Express Calgary — up to 30% domestic, 20% international.
  • UPS/FedEx — full range of international options.
  • Canada Post is cheaper than UPS on most routes.

Future trends and program development

  • AI and big data — route optimization and forecasting.
  • Expansion of partnerships (Ukrposhta and others).
  • More support for small/medium-sized businesses.

Practical recommendations for getting the maximum discounts

  • Use the deepest discounts on Expedited Parcel™ and Tracked Packet™ USA.
  • Optimize package sizes and weights.
  • Plan volumes during promotional periods.
  • Integrate rates into your business processes.

The discount system for international shipments in Calgary is comprehensive and multi-tiered, offering significant savings opportunities for both individual users and businesses.