Xpresspost Certified™

1	What’s In This Chapter

The following sections are covered in this chapter:

2

What Is Xpresspost Certified?

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Xpresspost Certified is a service for sending documents that captures the recipient’s signature on delivery of the item. It is only available to contract Customers who have a Parcel Services Agreement.

Two (2) formats are available for the Xpresspost Certified service (as shown in Table 1).

3

Unacceptable Items

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Xpresspost Certified may not be used to send:

• any item other than documents
• any item prohibited by law in Canada or defined as dangerous goods. See the “Non-mailable Matter” chapter for more information.

4

Size and Weight

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Each Xpresspost Certified item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 2.

5

Pricing Information

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For pricing information, contact a Canada Post Sales Representative.

6

Payment Options

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6.1	Method of Payment

The following methods of payment are acceptable for Xpresspost Certified items (some restrictions or conditions may apply):

• account
• credit card

For more information, see section 4.6 “Pay for the Item” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.

7

Delivery Service Standards at a Glance

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The delivery service standards for Xpresspost Certified items are shown in Table 3. Service standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered from the point of deposit to the destination points.

See the “Service Standards” chapter for complete details.

8

Features

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A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below.

8.1

Signature

A signature is automatically included as part of the price. The signature image of the person who signed for receipt is generally available by noon on the next business day following delivery by visiting our Online Business Centre at www.canadapost.ca/obc or by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333.

8.2	Signature Copy

A hard copy signature of the person who signed for the delivery, is also available for a fee by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1 888 550-6333 and will be sent to the Customer via Lettermail or by facsimile within three business days for the Customer’s request.

8.3	On-time Guarantee

Canada Post offers replacement service or credit equivalent to the shipment charges if the published delivery service standards are not met. Exceptions and conditions apply. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

8.4	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:

1. When a shipping order is created electronically at a post office or when using a Canada Post electronic shipping system, an approved electronic shipping system developed by a third-party or one that is developed by a customer.
2. When an item is picked-up from its origin location by Canada Post.
3. When the item is first accepted by Canada Post (automated post offices; postal facilities, Scheduled Pick-up and On-demand Pick-up).
4. When the item enters a processing facility where it is being sorted and directed to its proper destination.
5. When the item reaches the final stages of the delivery process and is “Out for Delivery” by Canada Post delivery experts.
6. When the item has successfully been delivered or is deemed undeliverable (Return to Sender).
7. When a delivery attempt was made but the recipient was not available to accept the delivery and a notice card was left indicating where the item can be picked-up.
8. When an item was not deliverable because it was shipped to a wrong address, or the recipient refused to accept the delivery, or the item has been left unclaimed at a post office, indicating that the shipment will be returned to the sender.

Canada Post commits to providing a Delivery scan event for every bar-coded item that is successfully delivered or determined to be undeliverable and returned to the sender. This provides electronic confirmation of the delivery status. Upon delivery, or attempted delivery, the tracking number is scanned and the date and time are 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.

8.4.1

Delivery Confirmation Certificate

Customers can view or print a certificate that summarizes the delivery record and the signature name of the recipient by visiting our Online Business Centre at www.canadapost.ca/obc or by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333. Large volume mailers of Xpresspost Certified can sign up to receive their delivery confirmation certificate through an automated process. Contact a Canada Post Sales Representative for more information.

8.4.2

Reference Number

Customers can assign up to two reference numbers of their choice to each item and obtain tracking information via the Canada Post website [available only to Customers using Electronic Shipping Tools (EST)].

8.5	Redirection

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.

8.6	Return to Sender

Xpresspost Certified items that cannot be delivered will be returned to sender for a fee, payable by the sender.

9

Options

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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

Delivery Updates is a free option that allows Customers to request to receive email notifications whenever scan events occur on their barcoded items. To receive notifications, Customers must select this option, enter a valid email address and select the types of events for which they want to be notified. 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.

9.2	Parcel Return Service

Return Service options are available to contract Customers who wish to offer Return Service to their own Customers (addressees) and pay for the shipping fee. The applicable shipping fee in effect on the actual shipping date will be charged to the contract Customer. The item is returned to the original shipper via the service indicated on the Return Service label. There are two methods available:

Customers who use the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or another approved shipping software can order a Return Service Label at the time the originating shipment order is created (referred to as an Anticipated Return). These Return Service labels contain a tracking bar code that is directly linked to the original shipment. Also, the shipper will receive email notifications when the item is being returned provided the Delivery Updates option was selected at the time the label was created.

For Customers not using Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or another approved shipping software, Return Service labels are available from the Canada Post website in PDF format. No tracking bar code is available on these labels. For convenience, hard copy labels may be printed in advance and stored in inventory. Visit www.canadapost.ca/returnservice to obtain a Return Label template or to review the label specifications.

Customers who generate more than 10,000 returns a year may be eligible for a Bulk Rated Return Service contract. For more information on Return Service, visit www.canadapost.ca/returnservice, contact a Canada Post representative or call 1 866 757-5480.

9.3	Scheduled Pick-up

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.

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. For a list of available pick-up locations, Customers can visit www.canadapost.ca/pick-up or contact the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333.

10

Addressing

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Addresses must be legible, complete and include the correct Postal Code. See the “Addressing Guidelines” chapter for complete details.

11

Deposit of Xpresspost Certified

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The Customer can deposit Xpresspost Certified items at any one of the following locations:

• in a street letter box (prepaids only)
• at a post office
• at a processing plant

12

Delivery of Xpresspost Certified

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Where mail is normally delivered to the addressee’s door, the Xpresspost Certified item will be delivered to the door, provided there is someone available to sign for the item. If no one is available, a Delivery Notice card will be left in the mailbox.

Xpresspost Certified delivered to a community mailbox, urban group mailbox, apartment or rural route will be delivered to the door if the addressee’s door is within 0.5 km from the road. Otherwise, a Delivery Notice card will be left.

For post office box and general delivery, a Delivery Notice card will automatically be left.