Dive Brief:
- UniUni has launched a U.S.-to-Canada delivery service for e-commerce brands, the parcel carrier announced in a July 22 news release.
- The offering leverages UniUni's integrated last-mile networks in both countries, enabling the carrier to ferry packages from first-mile U.S. pickup to customer delivery in Canada. UniUni is also rolling out a "Direct Solution" for parcels under $2,500 as part of the service, which aims to streamline customs clearance and enable fast approvals.
- UniUni reached more than 60% of the U.S. population and over 80% of Canada's as of June, with ambitions to expand its direct reach in both countries.
Dive Insight:
UniUni said steady annual growth in Canada's e-commerce market presents an opportunity for U.S. brands to use cross-border delivery capabilities in order to access a new base of customers.
“UniUni is removing the friction that has historically slowed down U.S.–Canada e-commerce logistics,” said Sean Collins, UniUni's VP of cross-border e-commerce and enterprise procurement, in the release. “This new solution connects both sides of the border with one unified network, bringing speed, visibility, and reliability to every shipment.”
The cross-border service also comes as shippers are tapping alternative delivery options in Canada amid an ongoing overtime ban among Canada Post employees. The labor disruption is expected to drag on after members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers rejected the government-owned carrier's contract offers.
Beyond its new U.S.-to-Canada offering, UniUni has been expanding and bolstering its services in other ways this year to grow its North America parcel delivery market share.
Last month, the carrier launched a system of local package drop-off and service points in Canada geared toward small businesses. UniUni also announced its acquisition of Toronto-based delivery provider Shippie in March to expand its network and boost shipping speeds.
The company is among several alternative delivery providers expanding their coverage areas to better compete with major carriers like FedEx and UPS. For example, Veho and GLS US announced new market launches in July.
