Changes effective January 12, 2009 and other important reminders

Price and service changes will be implemented to Regulated and non-Regulated Transaction Mail and Direct Marketing and Parcels services on January 12, 2009. Parcel services changes effective January 12, 2009 will be posted here in December 2008.

The information in this "Overview of Changes" is for information purposes only and should not be regarded or relied upon as legal advice or opinion. The revised Customer Guides and an overview of changes identifying the revisions to the Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides and the Postal Standards were posted here on November 10, 2008.

TRANSACTION MAIL AND DIRECT MARKETING SERVICES

Price and service changes are summarized for the following affected services. Click on the service name for details:

• Customer Guide Summary of Changes
• Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide Changes
• Domestic Lettermail™
• Incentive Lettermail™
• USA and International Letter-post™
• International Incentive Letter-post™
• *US Direct Entry
• Addressed Admail™
• AdCard™ for Addressed Admail and Unaddressed Admail
• Business Reply Mail™
• International Business Reply Mail™
• Catalogue Mail™
• Publications Mail™
• Unaddressed Admail™
• Data Products effective January 1, 2009
• Change of Address
• Hold Mail
• Postal Boxes

Frequently Asked Questions on these changes are available. Click here.

Customer Guides Summary of Changes

The changes to the 2009 Customer Guides include:

• a highlights page indicating where changes have been made;
• continuation of previous years' efforts for content amalgamation;
• any changes required to implement the approved 2009 service changes; and
• clarification throughout each Guide to improve understanding.

Other notable changes for 2009 include:

• Solicitation by Mail - clarified that Solicitations by Mail are subject to regulatory obligations detailing the wording and format requirements of the Solicitations by Mail Regulations.
• Address Accuracy - added new information regarding the Address Accuracy Program

Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide Changes

The 2009 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides including a page highlighting changes will be posted in January 2009 at canadapost.ca/mailpreparation.

The detailed Overview of Changes documents below identify which Guides and sections are impacted by the 2009 changes.

Customers should also note recent changes noted in the current Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides posted at canadapost.ca/mailpreparation.

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TRANSACTION MAIL SERVICES

Domestic Lettermail

Domestic Lettermail Price Change

For details on all 2009 Lettermail^TM prices including price changes to Oversize Lettermail and the new Irregular Oversize refer to the 2009 Lettermail Price Sheet.

In response to rising cost pressures, Canada Post is proposing an increase from 52 to 54 cents in January 2009. Based on rates of other postal administrations, Canada will continue to enjoy the 3rd lowest rate of postage in the developed world.

Registered Mail Price Changes

Effective January 12, 2009, Registered Mail will increase by 25 cents (3.4% increase), from $7.25 to $7.50.

Domestic Lettermail Overview of Changes

Click here for a detailed Overview of Changes document on the following changes affecting Domestic Lettermail January 12, 2009 as well as important reminders:

• NEW - "Irregular Oversize" Specification and Price for Lettermail
  In order to facilitate mail processing and ensure that our customers continue to receive the highest level of service, Canada Post is proposing to revise the specifications for Oversize (O/S) Lettermail. The proposed new specifications will apply to Lettermail items that are thick and rigid as these types of items require additional efforts during the sortation and delivery processes.
  
  
• NEW - Introduction to Lettermail Advisor
  This user friendly online resource centre will have built-in rules and guidelines to help create great looking Lettermail envelopes and cards while ensuring items are compliant with current Lettermail specifications.
  
  
• REMINDER - Registered Mail Solution Reminder for Large Volume Mailers
  On May 1, 2008, we introduced a new option to allow for the printing of the domestic Registered Mail artwork elements and bar code directly on an envelope or on a notice/letter to show through the envelope window. This automated option puts an end to the long and tedious process of peeling and sticking labels on each mail item, while maintaining all the benefits of Registered Mail.

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Incentive Lettermail^TM

Incentive Lettermail Price Changes

2009 Incentive Lettermail Customer Guide

This is the 2009 version of the Incentive Lettermail Customer Guide, effective January 12, 2009.

Incentive Lettermail Overview of Changes

Click here for a detailed Overview of Changes document on the following changes affecting Incentive Lettermail January 12, 2009, as well as important reminders and how the changes impact the various Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides:

• NEW - Allowing Partial Mailings for Incentive Lettermail
  Partial mailings will be permitted for Incentive Lettermail customers whereby they can induct parts of a single Order over the course of several days.
  
  
• NEW - Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Your Orders
  Beginning January 2009, Canada Post and software vendors will introduce a Mailing Plan file import option, which will allow customers to import their Mailing Plan into the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST - Desktop and Online).
  
  
• NEW - "Irregular Oversize" Specification and Price for Lettermail
  In order to facilitate mail processing and ensure that our customers continue to receive the highest level of service, Canada Post is proposing to revise the specifications for Oversize (O/S) Lettermail. The proposed new specifications will apply to Lettermail items that are thick and rigid as these types of items require additional efforts during the sortation and delivery processes.
  
  
• NEW - REVISED - Wooden Pallet Specifications for all Mail on Pallets
  Canada Post is introducing new specifications for wooden pallets that will help ensure a safer workplace for our employees, reduce damage to mail and ensure that pallets are compatible with material handling equipment used at our processing and delivery installations.
  
  
• NEW - Introduction to Lettermail Advisor
  This user friendly online resource centre will have built-in rules and guidelines to help create great looking Lettermail envelopes and cards while ensuring items are compliant with current Lettermail specifications.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - REVISED - Use of Metal Strapping on Pallets no Longer Permitted
  Use of metal strapping on all pallets is no longer permitted. Non-compliant mailings will be refused beginning January 12, 2009.
  
  
• REMINDER - Phantom Adjustment / Best Value Option for Incentive Lettermail
  New functionality in EST (Desktop and Online versions) effective August 4, 2008 identifies situations where paying full rate for a mailing may be more economical and advises the customer on the best value option.
  
  
• REMINDER - Do-It-Yourself Checklist
  The Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors itemizes the most frequently encountered domestic and international mailing issues and provides references where customers can obtain further information for proper mail preparation. Click here to access the Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors.

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USA and International Letter-post^TM

USA and International Letter-post Price Changes

There will be price increases to USA and International Letter-post^TM effective January 12, 2009. For details refer to the 2009 USA and International Letter-post Price Sheet.

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International Incentive Letter-post^TM

International Incentive Letter-post Price Changes

There will be price increases to International Incentive Letter-post^TM effective January 12, 2009. For details please contact your Canada Post Sales Representative, or call 1 800 260-7678 to determine if you qualify for International Incentive Letter-post pricing.

2009 International Incentive Letter-post Customer Guide

This is the 2009 version of the 2009 International Incentive Letter-post Customer Guide, including changes effective January 12, 2009.

International Incentive Letter-post Overview of Changes

• NEW - U.S. Direct Entry Letter-post
  On January 12, 2009 Canada Post proudly introduces U.S. Direct Entry Letter-post, a new and innovative service that allows Canadian organizations to derive increased value from their U.S.-bound mail by giving it a "U.S. look," complete with American postage and a U.S. return address. A local look increases the likelihood that U.S. customers will respond to mail-based offers and improves the overall customer experience. More convenient and cost effective than alternate channels, Canada Post's new U.S. Direct Entry Letter-post service is the ideal method for Canadian organizations to reach and service U.S.-based customers, grow their American customer base and increase their return on investment.
  
  Click here to learn more about this new service.

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DIRECT MARKETING SERVICES

Addressed Admail^TM

Addressed Admail Price Changes

There will be price increases to Addressed Admail^TM and Dimensional Addressed Admail effective January 12, 2009. For details refer to the 2009 Addressed Admail Price Sheet.

Please Note: Effective January 12, 2009 the Addressed Admail S/L Machineable Mail "up to 50 g" weight band will be split into two weight bands - Up to 30 g and Over 30g up to 50g. The "up to 30 g" category will be priced at $0.38 per item, $0.01 lower than the current price for an item of that weight.

2009 Addressed Admail Customer Guide

This is the 2009 version of the Addressed Admail Customer Guide, effective January 12, 2009.

Addressed Admail Overview of Changes

Click here for a detailed Overview of Changes document on the following changes affecting Addressed Admail January 12, 2009, as well as important reminders and how the changes impact the various Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides:

• NEW - Addressed Admail Scoops up Catalogue Mail
  We are simplifying our product offering by discontinuing the Catalogue Mail^TM service effective January 12, 2009. As we are expanding the specifications of the Addressed Admail service to accommodate the broader "catalogue" requirements, many Catalogue Mail customers will simply be able to use their Addressed Admail Agreement for catalogue items weighing less than 1.36 kg.
  
  
• NEW - Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Your Orders
  Beginning January 2009, Canada Post and software vendors will introduce a Mailing Plan file import option, which will allow customers to import their Mailing Plan into the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST - Desktop and Online). The electronic transmission of the Mailing Plan into EST and bar-coded container labels will be mandatory for LCP Addressed Admail and LCP Publications Mail by July 20, 2009.
  
  
• NEW - Change to Legal Notification Period for Addressed Admail
  Effective January 12, 2009, the notification period for Addressed Admail will change from 180 calendar days to 30 calendar days to align the notification period with all other Canada Post services.
  
  
• NEW - Machineable Mail Readability Rate Increase for Addressed Admail
  To qualify for the Machineable Mail price, mailings must achieve the required read rates. For Short and Long (S/L) the target read rate will increase from 90% to 95% and for Oversize (O/S) the target read rate will increase from 80% to 85%, otherwise a price adjustment is applicable.
  
  
• NEW - REVISED - Wooden Pallet Specifications for all Mail on Pallets
  Canada Post is introducing new specifications for wooden pallets that will help ensure a safer workplace for our employees, reduce damage to mail and ensure that pallets are compatible with material handling equipment used at our processing and delivery installations.
  
  
• NEW - Optional (previously Optical) Endorsement Line for Addressed Admail
  As an alternative to printing and manually applying a label to identify each bundle (grouping) of mail. The Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) will be generated by Software Evaluation Recognition Program (SERP) whereby the DCF, FCP and Residue bundle information will be printed directly on to the mail item or address label as the top line of the address block.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Reusable Plastic Pallets for Addressed Admail
  The offer of safe, reusable plastic pallets is now open to qualifying Addressed Admail customers who mail brick-piled O/S LCP or NDG Addressed Admail items.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Reduction in Minimum Pallet Height for Brick-piled Addressed Admail
  Addressed Admail customers are no longer required to obtain approval to reduce the minimum brick-piling height from 500 mm to 150 mm for Local pallets and 300 mm for Forward pallets.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Brick-piling for Levels 3 and 4 Acceptable for Addressed Admail
  Addressed Admail customers no longer require approval to brick-pile to level 3 and level 4. Brick-piled monotainers and pallets must continue to meet all other make-up specifications.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - REVISED - Use of Metal Strapping on Pallets no Longer Permitted
  Use of metal strapping on all pallets is no longer permitted. Non-compliant mailings will be refused beginning January 12, 2009.
  
  
• REMINDER - Do-It-Yourself Checklist
  The Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors itemizes the most frequently encountered domestic and international mailing issues and provides references where customers can obtain further information for proper mail preparation. Click here to access the Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors.

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AdCard^TM for Addressed Admail and Unaddressed Admail

Click here for a detailed Overview of Changes document on the following changes affecting AdCard^TM for Addressed Admail and Unaddressed Admail effective January 12, 2009 as well as important reminders:

• NEW - AdCard^TM Specification Changes
  The standard AdCard is being reduced from 139.7 mm x 215.9 mm (5 1/2" x 8 1/2") to 136.5 mm x 212.7 mm (5 3/8" x 8 3/8").
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Scented AdCard^TM
  In June 2008, Canada Post introduced Scented AdCard^TM – bringing a new sensory dimension to our one-stop solution for direct mail.

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Business Reply Mail^TM / International Business Reply Mail Overview of Changes

Business Reply Mail Price Changes

There will be price increases to Business Reply Mail^TM and International Business Reply Mail effective January 12, 2009. For details refer to the 2009 Business Reply Mail Price Sheet.

2009 Business Reply Mail Customer Guide

This is the 2009 version of the Business Reply Mail Customer Guide, effective January 12, 2009. Note changes to the section on Paying for Your Mailing.

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Catalogue Mail^TM Overview of Changes

• NEW - Discontinuing the Catalogue Mail Service
  We understand there is customer confusion regarding which Canada Post service to use when mailing catalogues. To help address this issue, Canada Post is simplifying its product offering by discontinuing the Catalogue Mail service effective January 12, 2009. Refer to the section above Addressed Admail Scoops up Catalogue Mail.

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Publications Mail^TM

Publications Mail Price Changes

There will be price increases to Publications Mail^TM effective January 12, 2009. For details refer to the 2009 Publications Mail Price Sheet.

2009 Publications Mail Customer Guide

This is the 2009 version of the Publications Mail Customer Guide, effective January 12, 2009.

NEW - Publications Mail Enclosures Made Easy!

A handy resource tool to assist you in identifying which enclosures (inserts/outserts) would be priced with your host publication or separately at an additional cost is available here.

Publications Mail Overview of Changes

Click here for a detailed Overview of Changes document on the following changes affecting Publications Mail January 12, 2009, as well as important reminders and how the changes impact the various Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides:

• NEW - Implementation of Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) Distance-Based Pricing
  The new pricing structure is based on weight, the presortation level and the Local, Regional or National designations (which is predetermined within the SERP software). Refer to the 2009 Publications Mail Price Sheet for price details and note that there will be no base price increase to Local mailings on January 12, 2009.
  
  
• NEW - Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Your Orders
  Beginning January 2009, Canada Post and software vendors will introduce a Mailing Plan file import option, which will allow customers to import their Mailing Plan into the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST - Desktop and Online). The electronic transmission of the Mailing Plan into EST and bar-coded container labels will be mandatory for LCP Addressed Admail and LCP Publications Mail by July 20, 2009.
  
  
• NEW - Change to Legal Notification Period for Publications Mail
  Effective January 12, 2009, the notification period for Publications Mail will change from 60 calendar days to 30 calendar days to align the notification period with all other Canada Post services.
  
  
• NEW - Machineable Mail Readability Rate Increase for Publications Mail
  To qualify for the Machineable Mail price, mailings must achieve the required read rates. For Short and Long (S/L) the target read rate will increase from 90% to 95% and for Oversize (O/S) the target read rate will increase from 80% to 85%, otherwise a price adjustment is applicable.
  
  
• NEW - REVISED - Wooden Pallet Specifications for all Mail on Pallets
  Canada Post is introducing new specifications for wooden pallets that will help ensure a safer workplace for our employees, reduce damage to mail and ensure that pallets are compatible with material handling equipment used at our processing and delivery installations.
  
  
• NEW - Optional (previously Optical) Endorsement Line for Publications Mail
  As an alternative to printing and manually applying a label to identify each bundle (grouping) of mail. The Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) will be generated by Software Evaluation Recognition Program (SERP) whereby the DCF, FCP and Residue bundle information will be printed directly on to the mail item or address label as the top line of the address block.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Reusable Plastic Pallets for Publications Mail
  The offer of safe, reusable plastic pallets is now open to qualifying brick-piled O/S LCP or NDG Publications Mail items.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Reduction in Minimum Pallet Height for Brick-piled Publications Mail
  Publications Mail customers are no longer required to obtain approval to reduce the minimum brick-piling height from 500 mm to 150 mm for Local pallets and 300 mm for Forward pallets.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Brick-piling for Levels 3 and 4 Acceptable for Publications Mail
  Publications Mail customers no longer require approval to brick-pile to level 3 and level 4. Brick-piled monotainers and pallets must continue to meet all other make-up specifications.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - REVISED - Use of Metal Strapping on Pallets no Longer Permitted
  Use of metal strapping on all pallets is no longer permitted. Non-compliant mailings will be refused beginning January 12, 2009.
  
  
• REMINDER - Changes in Canada Post's Participation in the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) (effective March 31, 2009)
  The Publications Assistance Program (PAP) which is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage (DCH) will undergo changes. Customers will be communicated details on this subject by DCH directly.
  
  
• REMINDER - Proof of Payment Location Reminder for Publications Mail
  The "Proof of Payment", also known as the Identifying Information, for Publications Mail must appear on the outside of the Publications Mail item, preferably on or near the address label.
  
  
• REMINDER - Undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM)
  If customers haven’t yet registered for the undeliverable Publications Mail, or if they want to update an already submitted email address(es), please contact our Credit Management Group at 1.800.267.7651.
  
  
• REMINDER - Do-It-Yourself Checklist
  The Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors itemizes the most frequently encountered domestic and international mailing issues and provides references where customers can obtain further information for proper mail preparation. Click here to access the Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors.

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Unaddressed Admail^TM

Unaddressed Admail Price Changes

There will be price increases to Unaddressed Admail^TM effective January 12, 2009. For details refer to the 2009 Unaddressed Admail Price Sheet.

2009 Unaddressed Admail Customer Guide

This is the 2009 version of the Unaddressed Admail Customer Guide, effective January 12, 2009.

Note the clarification provided in Section 4.2.4 When to Deposit, specifying the differences between "Specified Delivery Start Date" and "Upon Receipt" mailings.

Unaddressed Admail Overview of Changes

Click here for a detailed Overview of Changes document on the following changes affecting Unaddressed Admail effective January 12, 2009 as well as important reminders and how the changes impact the various Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides:

• NEW - Two-Tier Service Offering for Unaddressed Admail
  Effective January 12, 2009, we will be introducing two categories for Unaddressed Admail; "Basic" and "Premium". The Basic category will allow customers to send "Standard" size items (excluding samples), targeting residential points of call (including houses, apartments, farms) and the "Upon Receipt" delivery option. The Premium category includes the characteristics within the "Basic" category plus value-added features such as Samples, Oversize items, the "Specified Delivery Start Date" delivery option and targeting to Business points of call. The Premium price will only be applied once to a mailing, regardless of how many premium features are chosen.
  
  
• NEW - Reduction in Container Weights for Unaddressed Admail
  Effective January 12, 2009 the maximum container weight (including bags) for Unaddressed Admail will be reduced from 25 kg to 22.7 kg (50lbs) to align weight specifications for Unaddressed Admail mailings with other Canada Post services.
  
  
• NEW - REVISED - Wooden Pallet Specifications for all Mail on Pallets
  Canada Post is introducing new specifications for wooden pallets that will help ensure a safer workplace for our employees, reduce damage to mail and ensure that pallets are compatible with material handling equipment used at our processing and delivery installations.
  
  
• NEW - Do-It-Yourself Checklist
  The Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors itemizes the most frequently encountered domestic and international mailing issues and provides references where customers can obtain further information for proper mail preparation. Click here to access the Do-it-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Reduction in Minimum Pallet Height for Unaddressed Admail
  The minimum pallet height requirement is reduced from 500 mm to 150 mm for "direct to delivery installation" pallets of brick-piled Standard and Oversize Unaddressed Admail. This change minimizes bag and container usage and maximizes direct to station pallets.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Use of Metal Strapping on Pallets no Longer Permitted
  Use of metal strapping on all pallets is no longer permitted. Non-compliant mailings will be refused beginning January 12, 2009.
  
  
• RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED - Reusable Plastic Pallets for Unaddressed Admail
  The offer of safe, reusable plastic pallets is open to qualifying Unaddressed Admail customers who mail Standard and O/S Unaddressed Admail items.
  
  
• REMINDER - Updated Householder Definitions Applicable to Unaddressed Admail
  Canada Post recently clarified the definitions for Householder Types, making it easier for customers to differentiate the types of delivery points: houses, apartments, businesses or farms. Click here to view the updated definitions.

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Data Products - Effective Date – January 1, 2009

Change of Address (Counter and Electronic)
Effective Date – January 12, 2009

Hold Mail (Counter and Electronic)
Effective Date – January 12, 2009

Postal Boxes
Effective Date - January 1, 2009

Postal Boxes Pricing Tables

To determine which pricing table to use, consult your local post office.

Postal Box Prices ($) for Urban Areas Excluding Toronto and Vancouver Cores

Postal Box Prices ($) for Urban Areas for Toronto and Vancouver*

*Toronto Core boundaries are defined as: within Bloor St./Lake Ontario/Jarvis St./Bathurst St. The defined forward sortation areas (FSA's) are: M4Y, M5B, M5S, M5T, M5V and M5W. Vancouver Core boundaries are defined as: within Coal Harbour/False Creek/main ST./Stanley Park. The defined forward sortation areas (FSA's) are: V6A, V6B, V6C, V6E, V6G, V6Z, V7X and V7Y.

Postal Box Prices ($) for Rural Areas

Postal Boxes Refund Tables

Refund Prices ($) for Urban Areas Excluding Toronto and Vancouver Cores

Refund Prices ($) for Urban Core Areas for Toronto and Vancouver

Refund Prices ($) for Rural Areas

Refund Prices ($) for General Delivery