The Best Options for Shipping parcels to Ukraine

The Best Options for Shipping parcels to Ukraine

The 2016 census offers some insight into Canada's close ties with Ukraine, with almost 1.36 million or 4% of the Canadian population reporting ethnic origins in Ukraine. Under such circumstances, there is a constant need to keep channels open between the two countries, be it for communication, travel, or the smooth shipping of goods.

The article looks into postal services and logistics companies to find the best options for shipping parcels to Ukraine.

Trouble in paradise?

Shipping to Ukraine, along with travel and communication, have all been compromised by the Russian invasion. Customers have reported unexpected delays, cancellations, or losses due to the prevailing circumstances.

The challenging operating environment has also served up the perfect opportunity for the best services to distinguish themselves from the rest - with deliveries to an active war zone.

Things to keep in mind when shipping to Ukraine

Certain considerations, such as weight limits, shipping costs, and tracking facilities, should always be in your mind when shipping parcels. It can be the difference that makes or breaks your decision to stick with a shipping company.

Customs Considerations:

Ensure that you are aware of the customs regulations and requirements for shipping to Ukraine. This may include providing a detailed description of the contents, declaring the value of the items, and paying any applicable customs duties and taxes.

Packaging:

Proper packaging is crucial to ensure the safe transportation of your items. Follow the guidelines provided by the chosen shipping service to pack your items securely.

Tracking:

Most courier and express services offer tracking options, allowing you to monitor the progress of your shipment in real-time. This can provide peace of mind and help you stay informed about the delivery status.

Shipping Costs:

The shipping cost will depend on your package's weight, dimensions, and destination. Compare prices from different services to find the most cost-effective option for your needs.

The best options in the market

Now that you have the basics covered in what to look for in a courier service let us dive into the best options that provide shipping services from Canada to Ukraine.

MEEST parcel delivery

The MEEST Group were among the pioneers of Ukraine's postal logistics market and had the honor of being Canada's first major investment into independent Ukraine in 1992. They are one of Ukraine's most recognizable logistics operators dealing in express delivery services.

Why MEEST

MEEST is among the few logistical chains still operational in Ukraine. You can still ship your packages to residential addresses in Ukraine with very few limitations.

Are there limitations on parcel sizes shipped from Canada to Ukraine?

According to their website, MEEST allows a minimum weight of 0.1 kg 0.22lbs with a maximum weight of 30kg 66lbs.

Other benefits when shipping with MEEST

Shipping with MEEST comes with complimentary company insurance of 60 CAD with a maximum additional insurance of up to 800 CAD.

Users also benefit from not paying additional import duty when shipping goods with a maximum value of 150 EUR.

How to use MEEST

Using MEEST is as simple as registering at the MEEST portal and choosing one of the following options:

• Canada Post Drop-off: This option allows you to drop off the parcel at any Canada Post branch, who will transfer it to MEEST for shipping.
• Canpar Home Pick-up: This option sends a courier from Canpar to receive the package and transfer it to MEEST for shipping.

Canada Post

Canada Post is Canada's national postal services and e-commerce delivery company with a stated goal "to serve all Canadian residents, businesses, and organizations by providing protected conveyance of messages, information, and parcels throughout Canada and by providing quality value-added service that earns customers' loyalty."

Package Specification when Shipping to Ukraine with Canada Post

Canada Post allows a maximum weight of 30 kg for International Parcels shipped by Air or Surface and 2 kg for Small packets delivered by Air or Surface.

There are no provisions for oversized packages.

Canada Post also allows a maximum coverage of $ 1,000 for International Parcels shipped by Air or Surface for all packages except Small Packets.

Packaged goods valued up to 150 EUR are not subject to customs duty.

Canada Post also provides tracking numbers that allow you to track your parcels until they are delivered.

Other Courier and Express Services

Apart from these options, popular private courier companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL also provided shipping services from Canada to Ukraine before the conflict. These popular services often offer faster delivery times compared to standard postal services along with the standard tracking options.

Unfortunately, UPS has suspended all operations in Ukraine along with FedEx, who temporarily closed all inbound and outbound services to Ukraine as of December 18th, 2023.

Among the big three, only DHL has resumed limited shipping to safer locations within Ukraine.

Conclusion

Choosing the best package delivery service from Canada to Ukraine ultimately involves a careful evaluation of various factors such as shipping speed, reliability, tracking options, cost-effectiveness, and, most importantly, availability - given that most companies have temporarily suspended their services in the region.

This is where we highly suggest a company like MEEST or Canada Post that still operates and delivers packages within Ukraine.