Regular Parcel™

1

What Is Regular Parcel?

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Regular Parcel is a Parcel Service that provides delivery within 2 business days local, 3 to 5 business days regional, and 4 to 9 business days national, between most major urban centres.

Canada Post's Regular Parcel service is also available with an Agreement. Contract Customers must consult their Customer Guide to obtain detailed information about Canada Post's Regular Parcel 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 Regular Parcel, 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.

Regular Parcel items must be shipped in Canada for delivery in Canada.

2

Unacceptable Items

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Any Regular Parcel item is considered unacceptable if:

• it is or contains any dangerous substance or article prohibited by law or defined as a dangerous good (see Non-mailable Matter for more information)
• it does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service (see Table 1 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.

3

Size and Weight

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Each Regular Parcel item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 1.

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. If the dimensions and weight of any returned parcel cannot be determined, Canada Post reserves the right to charge based on a default weight of 1 kg for Domestic Parcel Services and 750 g for prepaid envelopes and labels.

4

Pricing Information

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To obtain information on pricing*:

• see Counter Prices
• see Business Prices.

5

Payment Options

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5.1	Proofs of Payment

Table 2 lists the acceptable proofs of payment for Regular Parcel items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

5.2	Methods of Payment

Table 3 lists the acceptable methods of payment for Regular Parcel items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

For more information, see Paying For Your Mailing.

6

Delivery Standards at a Glance

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The delivery standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered. These delivery standards are not guaranteed.

See section 4.4 “Regular Parcel™” of “Delivery Standards” for more information.

For a list of FSAs for Major Urban Centres and Non-Major Urban Centres, visit Delivery Standards of the Canada Postal Guide under section 4 “Parcel Services Domestic” Table 11.

7

Features

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

7.1	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 label is created electronically using Canada Post-approved electronic shipping software;
2. when an item is picked up from the Customer’s location by Canada Post or dropped off at a Canada Post site;
3. when the item is sorted in a major Canada Post facility;
4. when the item approaches the final stages of the delivery process and is sent “Out for Delivery” with our delivery agents;
5. when the item is ready to be picked up at one of Canada Post’s facilities for Large Volume Receivers;
6. when the item is successfully delivered or is deemed Undeliverable / Return to Sender;
7. when a delivery attempt is made, but the recipient is not available to accept the delivery, a Delivery Notice Card is left indicating where the item can be picked up;
8. when a Final Delivery Notice Card is issued if the item has not been picked up at the post office;
9. when an item is 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, the shipment will be returned to the sender or sent to the Undeliverable Mail Office;
10. when the shipper has made an error in the postal delivery address, Canada Post will attempt to correct the error and have the item delivered; in the event that Canada Post is unable to determine the correct delivery address, the item will be returned to the sender;
11. when Canada Post has made an error in the transportation of the item causing a possible delay;
12. when Canada Post is experiencing circumstances beyond its control causing a possible delay of the delivery. Force Majeure scans will be made in the event of:

• severe weather/natural disasters – major snow, ice, unplowed streets, extreme heat, cold weather, tornado, hurricane, etc.
• transportation delays
• civil unrest
• power outage (public grid).

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.

7.2	Coverage for Loss or Damage

Coverage of up to $100 is included in the fee for Regular Parcel items for non-contract Customers using Ship-in-a-click. 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.

7.3

Safe Drop

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.

7.4	Redirection

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.

7.5	Return to Sender

Regular Parcel 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.

8

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.

8.1	On-Demand Pickup

On-Demand Pickup services are available to all Canada Post Customers with a “Standing Offer Agreement” (paying by Account or by credit card) and to VentureOne cardholders (paying by credit card).

There is no minimum volume requirement when arranging a Canada Post On-Demand Pickup. A pickup fee per stop will apply unless shipping using either Priority™ Next A.M. or Priority™ Worldwide. Pickups can be arranged up to one month in advance for “ACCOUNT” Customers, 5 Business Days in advance for Customers paying by credit card or on the same Business Day, provided the request is made before the local call-in cut-off time.

Third-Party On-Demand Pickup allows Customers to authorize a Canada Post pickup at a third party location or alternate address. “ACCOUNT” Customers can arrange for the additional pickup locations themselves or provide their seven-digit Canada Post Customer Number to their third-party, authorizing the third-party to arrange for On-Demand Pickup service. It is also acceptable for the authorized third-party to pay for the pickup by credit card.

To arrange an On-Demand Pickup, Customers may contact Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. Visit canadapost.ca/pickup for areas where Canada Post offers pick-up services and for call-in cut-off times.

8.2	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:

• EST - desktop, online or Express Order Entry (EOE) - Ship in Canada
• Ship-in-a-click.

8.3

Signature

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, by contacting Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. Some exceptions apply in smaller centres.

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.

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’s name and the signature of the addressee must be presented; or
• a legal document demonstrating the Customer’s authority to act on behalf of the other individual, such as, a power of attorney, an appointment as trustee or a letter of authorization.

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.

8.4	Signature Hard Copy

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 contacting Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. The Signature Hard Copy will be sent to the sender via Lettermail or by facsimile within three (3) business days of the sender’s request.

8.5	Coverage for Loss or Damage

For Customers who do not use Ship-in-a-click, Coverage for Loss or Damage is available for purchase at post offices. 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.

8.6	Additional Coverage

Additional Coverage is available up to $5,000 for most Regular Parcel shipments, 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.

8.7	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.

8.8	Proof of Age (18 or 19)

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 4.3.2 “Mail Addressed to Children” of “Policies” for an age of majority by province or territory listing.

8.9	Card for Pick Up

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.

8.10	Leave at Door

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 it, the item will be left at the door.

8.11	Do Not Safe Drop

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 is present when delivery is attempted, a Delivery Notice card is left and the item must be picked at the post office.

8.12	Literature for the Blind

Materials for the use of the blind mailed in Canada for delivery in Canada may be sent free of charge. See Literature for the Blind for more information.

9

Labels and Documentation Required

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All items must bear a bar-coded Regular Parcel label.

10

Packaging

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Each item should be packed to protect the content 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.

11

Addressing

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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 Regular Parcel service identifier. See Addressing Guidelines for more information.

12

Deposit of Regular Parcel

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The Customer can deposit Regular Parcel items at any of the following locations:

• at a post office
• in a parcel receptacle
• in a street letter box [items processed and paid (by credit card, or postage meter) through Electronic Shipping Tools, Online or Express Order Entry - Ship in Canada, if size permits].

Items deposited after the last collection time specified on the street letter box are considered as being deposited on the next business day.

13

Delivery of Regular Parcel

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For information about picking up an item at the post office, see Identification Requirements (for printed version, see section 9 of ABCs of Shipping).