Priority™ Next A.M.
1 | What Is Priority Next A.M.? |  |
Priority Next A.M.* is a Parcel Service that provides guaranteed on-time delivery by noon next day for local and regional, and noon next day to 1 day for national, between most major urban centres.
Canada Post's Priority Next A.M. service is also available with an Agreement. Contract Customers must consult their Customer Guide to obtain detailed information about Canada Post's Priority Next A.M. service. Contract Customers may also visit canadapost.ca/postalservices under Parcel Services for a list of support documents or call a Commercial Service Network Representative at 1.866.757.5480 for general information on Canada Post's products and services.
Customers can ship any item by Priority Next A.M., 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.
Priority Next A.M. items must be shipped in Canada for delivery in Canada.
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Business days, between major urban centres. Some exceptions apply. |
Prepaid products are flat-priced, postage-included envelopes and labels, 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 Priority Next A.M. drop box if no additional options are required.
Prepaid envelopes and labels can be ordered by calling 1.888.550.6333. Prepaid labels must be ordered in advance (as they need to be overprinted with the Customer's name and address) and 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.
1.2 | 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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NOTE:
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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.: Vancouver to Halifax).
2 | Unacceptable Items | |
Any Priority Next A.M. item is considered unacceptable if:
3 | Size and Weight | |
Each Priority Next A.M. item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Priority Next A.M. 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 Priority Next A.M., 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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NOTE:
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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. |
4 | Pricing Information | |
To obtain information on pricing*:
5 | Payment Options | |
Table 3 lists the acceptable proofs of payment for Priority Next A.M. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
Table 3: Priority Next A.M. Proofs of Payment
Table 4 lists the acceptable methods of payment for Priority Next A.M. items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
Table 4: Priority Next A.M. Methods of Payment For more information, see “Paying For Your Mailing”.
6 | Delivery Service Standards at a Glance | |
The delivery service standards for the Priority Next A.M. service are guaranteed. Some exceptions apply.
Table 5: Priority Next A.M. Delivery Service Standards See section 4.4 “Priority™ Next A.M.” of “Service Standards” for more information.
7 | Features | |
A feature is something that is provided as part of the basic service. The available features are described below.
7.1 | On-time Delivery Guarantee |
Priority Next A.M. 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 delivery service standards for Priority Next A.M., in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions. See General Terms and Conditions at canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information. Customers can also call Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333.
7.2 | 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 label is created electronically using a Canada Post approved electronic shipping software.
- When an item is picked-up from the Customer location by Canada Post or dropped off at a Canada Post site.
- When the item is sorted in a major Canada Post facility.
- When the item reaches the final stages of the delivery process and is “Out for Delivery” by Canada Post.
- When the item is successfully delivered or is deemed Undeliverable (Return to Sender).
- When a delivery attempt is made but the recipient is not available to accept the delivery and a notice card is left indicating where the item can be picked-up.
- When an item was not deliverable because it was shipped to an incorrect address, or the recipient refused to accept the delivery, or the item is unclaimed at a post office, indicating that the shipment will be returned to the sender.
- When Canada Post is experiencing circumstances beyond our control causing a possible delay of the item.
- When Canada Post has discovered an error made by the sender with the addressing of the item. Canada Post will attempt to correct the error and have the item delivered; unfortunately this may cause a possible delay. In the event that Canada Post is unable to determine the correct delivery address, the item will be returned to the sender.
- When Canada Post has made an error in the transportation of the item causing a possible delay.
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 immediately after delivery or no later than noon the next business day following delivery at canadapost.ca or through an automated phone response system by calling 1.888.550.6333.
7.3 | Coverage for Loss or Damage |
Coverage of up to $100 is included in the fee for Priority Next A.M. 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 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 must not require a signature, must not be in an area which is not authorized for safe drop, and 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.
Provided the addressee has filed a Change of Address Notification and the service is still in effect, Canada Post will redirect the item, whenever possible, to the new address at no additional charge. The item must be mailed within Canada.
Priority Next A.M. 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 a 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.
8 | 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.
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:
- EST - desktop, online or Express Order Entry (EOE) - Ship in Canada
- Ship-in-a-click
Provided the Signature option was selected at the time of shipping, delivery information will be available at no charge, usually by noon on the business day following delivery. This delivery information can be obtained on Canada Post’s website, by contacting Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. 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.
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NOTE 1:
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If the Customer (including someone living at the same address) is picking up a carded item at the post office, an acceptable government issued photo ID will be required. |
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2:
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If the addressee is personally known by name to the post office of delivery, customer identification will not be required. |
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If the Customer authorizes someone not living at the same address to pick up the carded item, a signed Delivery Notice Card with the authorized individual name and the signature of the addressee must be presented. |
A space will be included on the Delivery Notice Card for the addressee to authorize someone else to pick up the item (e.g. a third-party not living at the same address as the addressee).
A Self-declaration form is available for third-party authorization for entities such as businesses and organizations. This form requires the name and address of the business or entity, the name(s) and signature(s) or the individual(s) receiving authority, and the title, name and signature of the individual picking up the item, witnessed by a post office employee.
If the Signature option was selected 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 charge, on Canada Post’s website. A hard copy of the signature is also available, for a fee, by contacting Customer Service 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 Priority Next A.M. 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 canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.
8.5 | Collect on Delivery (COD) |
Available for a fee, 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, post-dated cheque or money order. 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. The Customer assumes all risks associated with payment by cheque. Collect on Delivery service must not be used to collect an amount owed on a previous transaction. Coverage of up to $100 is included with this option.
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NOTE:
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The COD service option is not available with prepaid products. |
This option is available, free of charge, to 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 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 the item, it will be left at the door.
This option is available, free of charge, to 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.
8.9 | Proof of Age (18 or 19) with Signature |
This option is available, for a fee, to 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 4.3.2 “Mail Addressed to Children” of “Policies” for an age of majority by province or territory listing.
9 | Labels and Documentation Required | |
Priority Next A.M. items must bear a Priority Next A.M. bar-coded label or a bar-coded label along with a Priority Next A.M. identifier label 33-086-386 (as shown in Figure 1), as well as the destination and return addresses.
10 | 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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2:
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A surcharge will be applied to mailing tubes that are cylindrical in shape. |
11 | Addressing | |
All items must bear a legible mailing address and a Canadian return address including the correct Postal Code, a Canada Post authorized bar code, proof of payment, and a Priority Next A.M. service identifier. See “Addressing Guidelines” for more information.
12 | Deposit of Priority Next A.M. | |
The Customer can deposit Priority Next A.M. items at any of the following locations:
- at a post office
- in a Priority Next A.M. drop box [prepaid products (provided that all selected options have been paid for) and items processed and fully paid (by credit card or postage meter) through Electronic Shipping Tools, Online or Express Order Entry - Ship in Canada, if size permits]
- in a Priority Next A.M. vault box (available for Customers who ship outside normal pickup hours).
13 | Delivery of Priority Next A.M. | |
Table 6: Canada Post provides the following options for the delivery of Priority Next A.M. items
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For apartment buildings, a delivery attempt will be made at the door. In buildings with an intercom, contacting the Customer using the intercom is considered a delivery attempt. In cases where the elevator is out of service, the delivery person will attempt delivery wherever physically possible, taking into consideration the employee’s safety and welfare; otherwise, a Delivery Notice card will be left for the addressee. |
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A Delivery Notice card is used to show that the item is available for pick up at a nearby post office. A Final Notice card will be sent to the addressee if the item has not been picked up after 5 calendar days. The item will be held at the post office for a total of 15 calendar days after which time it will be returned to the sender. |
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For non-signature items shipped to addresses where mail is delivered to the door, if the item does not fit in the addressee’s mail receptacle or no one answers the door, it is at Canada Post’s discretion to consider leaving the item in a safe drop location provided the item does not require the collection of funds. For an apartment building, the item may be left with the building administration personnel. A Safe Drop Notification card, indicating the location of the safe drop, will be left at the time of delivery in the addressee’s mail receptacle. |
For information about identification requirements when picking up an item at the post office, see section 4 “Identification Requirements” of “Policies”.
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