Xpresspost™
The following sections are covered in this chapter:
2 | What Is Xpresspost? |  |
Xpresspost is a service for documents and parcels that provides delivery next day local, next day to 2 days regional, and 2 days national, between most major urban centres.
Customers can ship any item by Xpresspost, provided the item:
- meets the size and weight specifications for this service
- is properly prepared and packaged
- does not contain any prohibited mail or a dangerous good.
Xpresspost must be shipped in Canada for delivery in Canada.
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NOTE :
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Products and services are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in General Terms and Conditions. See in particular, the section entitled “Entire Agreement”. |
Prepaid products are flat-priced, postage-included envelopes, labels and bubble packs, in regional and national formats, which are purchased in advance and used as required. They can be dropped at any post office or in a street letter box.
Prepaid envelopes and labels can be ordered by calling 1-888-550-6333. Prepaid labels are only available to Customers who have signed a specific Agreement for prepaid products.
Prepaid labels cannot be used on:
- Oversize or Unpackaged items
- items shipped to Air Stage offices
- items shipped to Nunavut, Northwest Territories or Yukon regions.
2.2 | How We Define “Regional” and “National” |
Regional: For use between points within the same region (e.g.: Vancouver to Winnipeg).
Table 1: Canadian Regions
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Prepaid label pricing applies to Atlantic, Central and Western regions only, with the exception of Air Stage Offices. All shipment prices to Air Stage Offices and northern regions are based on non-prepaid prices. |
National: For use between regions within Canada (e.g.: Charlottetown to Vancouver).
3 | Unacceptable Items | |
Any Xpresspost item is considered unacceptable if:
- it is or contains any dangerous substance or article prohibited by law or defined as a dangerous good (see the chapter “Non-mailable Matter” for more information)
- it does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service (see Table 2: “Xpresspost Size and Weight” for more information)
- it may soil, taint or damage mail or mail equipment, expose a person to danger or emit offensive odours
- it contains food perishables or live animals that do not meet applicable shipping requirements
- it is improperly prepared or insecurely packed or wrapped.
4 | Size and Weight | |
Each Xpresspost item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Xpresspost Size and Weight An Oversize charge applies if an item exceeds 1 m in any dimension (length, width or height). The maximum allowable dimension must not be exceeded. If the weight is not recorded on the shipping documentation, the greater of the volumetric weight, actual weight or a standard “default” weight of 5 kg will be applied.
Prepaid labels are available for Xpresspost, for contract Customers only, in two (2) weight levels:
- 1.36 kg (up to 3,220 cm3)
- 5 kg (up to 30,000 cm3).
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The minimum size for a mailing tube is: 100 mm x 23 mm x 23 mm. A surcharge will be applied to mailing tubes that are cylindrical in shape. |
5 | Pricing Information | |
To obtain information on pricing*:
6 | Payment Options | |
Table 3 lists the acceptable proofs of payment for Xpresspost items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
Table 3: Xpresspost Proofs of Payment
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When paying by meter, contract Customers using a Manifest must check the Paid by Meter box, enter the meter serial number, and apply the meter impression on the back of the data processing copy of the Manifest. A postal indicia indicating the Customer Number must be applied on the item. When using a Bill of Lading, apply the meter impression to the back of the data entry copy of the label. If the Order is transmitted electronically using the online Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) (a Manifest is not used), the meter impression must be placed directly on the item. |
Table 4 lists the acceptable methods of payment for Xpresspost items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
Table 4: Xpresspost Methods of Payment
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Credit card is available only to Customers who electronically transmit their Order or purchase prepaid envelopes or labels online. Some exceptions apply. |
For more information, see section 4.6 “Pay for the Item” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.
7 | Service Standards at a Glance | |
The Service Standards for Xpresspost are shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Xpresspost Service Standards See the chapter “Service Standards” for more information.
8 | Features | |
A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below.
Xpresspost includes an On-time Service Guarantee. Canada Post offers replacement service or credit of the shipping charges (transportation charges), if the sender’s shipment is not delivered on time, as measured against the published service standards for Xpresspost, in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information. Customers can also call Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333.
8.2 | Tracking and Delivery Confirmation |
Canada Post has deployed systems and capabilities throughout the delivery network to scan bar-codes and track parcels at the following stages of delivery:
- When a shipping order is created electronically at a post office or when using a Canada Post or third-party shipping application.
- When the parcel is first accepted by Canada Post (automated post offices, postal facilities, Scheduled Pick-up and On-Demand Pick-up).
- When the parcel enters a postal facility where it is being sorted and directed to its proper destination.
- When it reaches the final stages of the delivery process and is “Out for Delivery” by a letter carrier or a driver.
- When it has successfully been delivered.
Canada Post commits to providing a Delivery Confirmation scan event for every bar-coded item that is successfully delivered. This provides confirmation that the item arrived at its destination. Upon delivery, or attempted delivery, the item identification (ID) number is scanned and the date is captured. This information is usually available by noon the next business day following delivery at www.canadapost.ca or through an automated phone response system by calling 1-888-550-6333.
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NOTE 1:
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Depending on the parcel’s dimensions, the means by which the parcel was handed off to Canada Post and the number of steps that a parcel may take through the Canada Post network between its origin and its destination, some of the steps may not be necessary or scanning capabilities may not exist. |
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2:
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Some of the tracking information coming from some systems is uploaded at the end of the day and may not be available immediately once the bar-code is scanned. This means that the tracking information for a parcel going through a specific phase of delivery may not be available until the following business day. In instances where a parcel must cross rural areas or a remote region of the country, it is possible that the tracking information may take longer before it is available. |
8.3 | Coverage for Loss or Damage |
Coverage of up to $100 is included in the fee for Xpresspost items, including prepaid products. Certain items are excluded. The value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.
When an item will not fit in the addressee’s regular mail receptacle, leaving it in a Safe Drop location will be considered. To be considered as a Safe Drop, the item cannot be left in the open (e.g. doorstep). A Safe Drop card, indicating the location of the Safe Drop, is left at the time of delivery.
A contract Customer using an electronic shipping system may, at the time of shipping, instruct that the item NOT be Safe Dropped by adding the notation “DO NOT SAFE DROP” in the Attention box on the shipping label. A delivery attempt will be made and if no one is available to receive the item, a Delivery Notice card will be left. Items requiring a signature will not be safe dropped.
Provided the addressee has filed a Change of Address Notification, Canada Post will redirect the item, whenever possible, to the new address at no additional charge. The item must be mailed within Canada.
Xpresspost items that cannot be delivered or redirected will be returned to sender for a fee, payable by the sender. Where the item bears postage stamp(s) or meter impression denoting the original amount of postage, the item will be returned for an amount equal to the original postage, less any option fee, using the postage due process. Where the Customer Number is located on the item, the item will be returned and the Customer will be invoiced an amount equal to the original fee paid, less any option fee.
9 | Options | |
An option is a service enhancement which is not included automatically as part of the basic service. The Customer must select the option by checking a box or affixing an additional label or sticker. Most options are available for an additional fee. The available options are described below.
9.1 | Delivery Updates by Email |
Delivery Updates by email is a free option that allows Customers to request to receive email notifications whenever scan events occur on their barcoded items. Customers must select this option, enter a valid email address and select the event type in order to receive email notifications. This option is available to all Customers using the following:
- Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) - desktop, online or Express Order Entry (EOE) - Ship in Canada
- Ship-in-a-click
- Track a Package
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Delivery Updates is also available to Third Party Shippers (3PSS) and users of Customer Developed Shipping Systems (CDSS). |
Provided the Signature option was purchased at the time of shipping, delivery information will be available at no additional charge, usually by noon on the business day following delivery. This delivery information can be obtained on Canada Post’s website, from the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333 or via the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) software. Some exceptions apply in smaller centres.
If the addressee or his/her representative refuses to sign for the item, Canada Post will ask the addressee to print his name in block letters. If the addressee refuses, Canada Post will deliver the item and indicate “SIGNATURE REFUSED” in the Signature box.
If the Signature option was purchased at the time of shipping and if a signature was captured at the time of delivery, a secured signature image will be available, at no additional charge, on Canada Post’s website. A hard copy of the signature is also available, for a fee, by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333. The Signature Copy will be sent to the sender via Lettermail or by facsimile within three (3) business days of the sender’s request.
Additional Coverage is available up to $5,000 for most Xpresspost shipments, including prepaid products, for a fee. Certain exceptions apply. The value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.
9.5 | Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.) |
This option allows an item to be shipped and delivered to the addressee, and an amount of money collected for the item from the addressee in the form of cash or a cheque. The sender will specify the amount of money to be collected and the payment option. The collected amount is then returned to the sender. The maximum amount that Canada Post will collect is $1,000 where the payment option is cash and $25,000 in the case of a cheque. All cheques are made payable to the sender. Collect on Delivery service must not be used to collect an amount owed on a previous transaction.
This option is available to Customers using “Account” as a method of payment for Parcel Services. Scheduled Pick-up is provided on business days only according to a mutually agreed-to schedule. To set up Scheduled Pick-up, the shipper must contact a Canada Post representative or call Customer Service at
1-888-550-6333. Customers may visit www.canadapost.ca/pick-up for a list of areas where Canada Post offers Scheduled Pick-up.
This option is available for a fee based on total volume shipped each week. It is offered at no additional charge for Customers who ship more than 120 items per week. The weekly volume of U.S.A. and International Parcel Services can be consolidated with the weekly volume of Domestic Parcel Services and counted towards the pick-up fee threshold.
This option is available, free of charge, to contract Customers who use an electronic shipping system. The sender must add the notation “CARD FOR PICK-UP” in the Attention box of the shipping label, to ensure that Canada Post does not deliver the item. Canada Post notifies the addressee that the item is to be picked up at the post office. The addressee will be required to show identification before the item is released.
This option is available, free of charge, to contract Customers who use an electronic shipping system. It applies to items normally delivered to the door. The sender must add the notation “LEAVE AT DOOR” in the Attention box of the shipping label. If no one is available to accept it, the item will be left at the door.
This option is available, free of charge, to contract Customers who use an electronic shipping system. The sender must add the notation “DO NOT SAFE DROP” in the Attention box of the shipping label. If no one answers the door when delivery is attempted, a Delivery Notice card is left and the addressee must pick-up the item at the post office.
9.10 | Proof of Age (18 or 19) with Signature |
This option is available, for a fee, to contract Customers who use an electronic shipping system. The sender must note “PROOF OF AGE” in the Attention box of the shipping label. Photo I.D. will be asked at the time of delivery if the addressee appears to be less than 25 years of age. A signature will be obtained upon delivery. See section 6.3.1 “Mail Addressed to Children” of the ABCs of Mailing chapter, for an age of majority by province or territory listing.
9.11 | Proof of Identity with Data Transfer |
Available for a fee, Proof of Identity with Data Transfer is an option for organizations that ship valuable items such as credit cards, personal identification or high value merchandise to individuals at home, within Canada. It ensures that before an item is delivered to the recipient, the recipient's photo ID will be verified and recorded. The ID information recorded will be returned to the shipper by secure electronic means.
This new service option is available for all domestic Parcel Services Contract Customers who have signed-up for the service and use the desktop or online version of the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST), or Third Party Shipping System, to prepare their mailings. Shipping charges as well as a per-transaction fee apply. (Customers should contact their Canada Post Sales representative for more information).
Proof of Identity with Data Transfer items will only be released to the intended recipient. Items will not be delivered to the physical address. The service option includes the following:
- Card-for-Pickup service: a Delivery Notice Card is sent to the recipient; the item is then forwarded to the recipient's designated post office near their home; the recipient is required to pick up the item in person and present valid photo identification, before the item can be released.
- Signature service: the addressee's signature will be obtained to show that the delivery handoff is completed.
9.12 | Return Service Labels |
These options are available to contract Customers who wish to offer Return Service to their own Customers (addressees) and pay for the shipping fee. Shipping charges only apply if the item is returned bearing the Return Service label. The applicable charges in effect on the actual shipping date will be charged to the Customer. The item is returned to the original shipper via the service indicated on the Return Service label. Return Service labels are available in two types:
Return Service Label (no tracking barcode) – The shipment is returned using the shipping service indicated on the label; however, no tracking barcode is available. The addressee may use the Return Service label to return the item to the original shipper, via the service which is indicated on the label. Visit www.canadapost.ca/returnservice to obtain a Return Label template or to review the specifications.
Anticipated Return Service Label (with a tracking barcode) – This option is available to contract Customers who use the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or another approved shipping software. In addition to the shipping fees being charged to the original shipper, the Anticipated Return Service label contains a tracking barcode and is directly linked to the original shipment. Also, the original shipper will receive email notifications when the item is being returned provided the Email Notification option was selected at the time the label was created.
Customers who generate more than 10,000 returns a year can obtain a Bulk Return Service contract.
9.13 | Literature for the Blind |
Materials for the use of the blind mailed in Canada for delivery in Canada may be sent at no charge. See the chapter “Literature for the Blind” for more information.
10 | Labels and Documentation Required | |
Xpresspost items must bear an Xpresspost bar-coded label or a bar-coded label along with an Xpresspost identifier label 33-086-572 (as shown in Figure 1), as well as the destination and return addresses.
Contract Customers must indicate on the Xpresspost Bill of Lading or Manifest the weight of all items, except prepaid products and items priced at the flat rate or piece-kilo rate. If the weight is not recorded on the documentation, the greater of the volumetric weight, actual weight or a standard “default” weight will be applied.
Prepaid labels (available to Customers with an Agreement only) cannot be used on:
- Oversize or Unpackaged items
- items shipped to Air Stage offices
- items shipped to Nunavut, Northwest Territories or Yukon regions.
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Shipment prices for these items will be based on non-prepaid prices. |
Two paper copies of the electronic Order (Manifest), or the original hard copy Manifest, must be given at the time of mailing to an authorized Canada Post employee at the Receipt Verification Unit (RVU) or at the postal facility approved by Canada Post. For more information, see section 4.5.2 “Order (Manifest)” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.
11 | Packaging | |
Each shipment should be packed to protect the contents and ensure safe transportation with normal care and handling.
Customers who deposit unpackaged items (i.e. pails, tires, etc.) must pay an Unpackaged Items Surcharge.
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NOTE 1:
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The Oversize Surcharge and Unpackaged Items Surcharge are never combined. If a Customer pays the Unpackaged Items Surcharge, then the Oversize Surcharge is waived and vice versa. |
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A surcharge will be applied to mailing tubes that are cylindrical in shape. |
12 | Addressing | |
All items must bear a legible address including the correct postal code; a Canada Post authorized bar code, proof of payment, and an Xpresspost service identifier. See the chapter “Addressing Guidelines” for more information.
All Xpresspost items must bear a Canadian return address.
13 | Prior to Depositing Xpresspost | |
Customers who deposit large volumes of Xpresspost into any mail processing plant must contact their local Canada Post Distribution Representative beforehand to properly schedule this mail. Scheduling requirements may vary from location to location.
14 | Deposit of Xpresspost | |
The Customer can deposit Xpresspost items at any of the following locations:
- at a post office
- at a processing plant
- in a street letter box [prepaid items if no additional options are required, electronically processed items paid by meter or items processed and paid using the online version of the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) only].
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Xpresspost can also be picked up (certain conditions apply). |
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