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Expedited Parcel™ – USA

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Last updated: 2013-01-14

IMPORTANT UPDATES
Last Updated Date
Description
Location
January 14, 2013
Delivery standards updated from 4 to 8 business days to 4 to 7 business days.
May 22, 2012
The maximum amount eligible for refund of gift certificates or gift cards has been reduced from $500 to $100.
April 23, 2012
Priority Next A.M. rebranded to Priority.

1

What Is Expedited Parcel – USA?

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Canada Post’s Expedited Parcel – USA service is available to consumers and VentureOne cardholders.

Expedited Parcel – USA service is also available with an Agreement. Contract Customers must consult their Parcel Services Customer Guide for information.

Expedited Parcel – USA items must bear an Expedited Parcel – USA shipping label and must be posted in Canada for delivery in the USA. Items may not be combined with Collect on Delivery (COD), Registered (including Advice of Receipt), Literature for the Blind or Signature.

NOTE:
Products and services are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the General Terms and Conditions.

1.1

Prepaid Products

Not applicable.

2

Unacceptable Items

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Any 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 or refer to the Non-mailable Matter Regulations or the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act).
  • it does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service
  • 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.
  • any item that is in contravention of applicable Universal Postal Union prohibitions, and U.S.A.’s Department of Transportation or Customs Regulations. The United States prohibits or applies restrictions on the acceptance of certain articles for transmission by post. For more information on restrictions and prohibitions, see International Destination Listing.

The Customer has the responsibility of ensuring that the contents of an item can be shipped under Canadian legislation, including but not limited to the Criminal Code, the Canada Post Corporation Act (including, in particular, the Non-Mailable Matter Regulations), the Tobacco Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations, the IATA (International Air Transport Association) or the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Dangerous Goods Regulations and all applicable laws.

For more information visit the following links
Canada Post Corporation Act
Non-Mailable Matter Regulations
Tobacco Act
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act
International Air Transport Association
International Civil Aviation Organization
General Terms and Conditions
Canada Postal Guide

Canada Post will not deliver offensive articles that contain sexually explicit material, any information relating to bookmakers, pool-setting, betting or wagering or unlawful schemes, or any item related to schemes to defraud the public.

NOTE 1:
Restrictions change from time to time, therefore the Customer must ensure the contents meet all current applicable requirements. For more information on unacceptable items, visit Non-mailable Matter in the Canada Postal Guide.
2:
Prohibitions or restrictions on the acceptance of certain articles for transmission by post may apply (refer to “International Destination Listing” in the section Postal Services Information of the Canada Post website).

3

Size and Weight

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Each Expedited Parcel – USA item must meet the size and weight specifications.

Table 1: Expedited Parcel – USA Size and Weight
Category
Length
Width
Height
Weight
Parcels
max.
Length: 2 m
Length + Girth: 2.74 m
30 kg
min.
210 mm
140 mm
5 mm
Mailing Tube
min.
210 mm x 45 mm x 45 mm
(A surcharge will be applied to mailing tubes that are cylindrical in shape)

An oversize charge applies if an item exceeds 1 m in any dimension (length, width or height). 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*:

*
Volumetric weight may apply. See section 3.4 Weigh and Measure the Item of ABCs of Mailing for more information.

5

Payment Options

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5.1

Proofs of Payment

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

Table 2: Expedited Parcel – USA Proofs of Payment
Consumer/VentureOne Customer
  • meter impression
  • postage stamp

5.2

Methods of Payment

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

Table 3: Expedited Parcel – USA Methods of Payment
Consumer/VentureOne Customer
  • cash
  • certified cheque
  • credit card (where available)
  • debit card (where available)
  • money order
  • traveller’s cheque

6

Delivery Standards at a Glance

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The delivery standards are from 4 up to 7 business days between major urban centres in Canada to the U.S.A. Delivery standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered. These delivery standards are not guaranteed.

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 items at various stages:

  • when a shipping Order is created electronically when using Canada Post’s Electronic Shipping Tools (EST)
  • when the item is first accepted by Canada Post via an Automated Post Office, Postal Facility, On-Demand Pickup or Third-party On-demand Pickup
  • when the item prepared is sorted and prepared for dispatch to the postal administration or designated operator.

Tracking of items by a postal administration or designated operator is available:

  1. When the item reaches the destination.
  2. If the item goes through the detailed customs inspection process.
  3. When the item reaches the final stages of the delivery process i.e. attempted delivery or successful delivery.
NOTE:
Canada Post will provide tracking information for Delivery Confirmation upon delivery or attempted delivery from the postal administration or designated operator. This provides positive information that the item arrived at its destination. The item number (ID) is scanned and the date captured. The information is usually available by noon the next business day following delivery, via an automated phone response system by calling 1.888.550.6333 or online at canadapost.ca. Delivery Confirmation is not available for items mailed to American Military post offices or US territory addresses.

7.2

Deliver to a Post Office Box

Items will be delivered to a post office box in a country where this type of delivery is available. The On-time Delivery Guarantee or the Money-Back Guarantee does not apply to items addressed to a post office box.

7.3

Customs Clearance

Canada Post will provide a presentation of all items to U.S.A. Customs. Issues related to duties and admissions will be the responsibility of the addressee (importer of record).

7.4

Liability Coverage

Most Parcel Services include up to $100 Liability Coverage, including Prepaid Products. The availability and the limits of Liability Coverage may vary according to the nature of the items being shipped. Exceptions and conditions apply. See Limitation of Liability and Guarantee at canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

7.5

Return to Sender

Items that cannot be delivered or redirected will be returned to the 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. The return of an item is dependent upon the regulations for return of mail in the specific destination.

Items are returned to the sender when:

  • the item is refused or unclaimed by the addressee
  • the delivery address is incomplete or does not exist
  • the addressee is no longer at the address and no forwarding address is available
  • an improper shipping label has been applied
  • the item’s dimensions or weight exceeds the maximum allowed
  • the item has been refused entry by the destination country.

The Customer is responsible for the Return to Sender service fee regardless of the reason for the return. Returned items refused by the Customer (shipper in Canada) are treated as undeliverable and disposed of or recycled pursuant to Canada Post’s policy on undeliverable items at the Customer’s expense (i.e., disposal, shipping and all other applicable charges).

8

Options

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An option is a service enhancement which is not included automatically as part of the basic service. Most options are available for an additional fee. The available options are described below.

8.1

Delivery Updates

Delivery Updates is a free option that allows Customers to receive email notifications of item-tracking events as they occur. This option is available to all Customers creating parcel Orders with Canada Post’s Electronic Shipping Tools (EST), Ship-in-a-click or if “Track” is used at canadapost.ca. The Customer may enter a total of four email addresses per shipment.

Delivery Updates tracking-event types include:

  • Ship - Indicates that the shipment Order has been created and that the item has been given to Canada Post for delivery (only available when using EST or Ship-in-a-click).
  • Exception - Notifies you of any unforeseen delivery interruptions (e.g. items that are returned to the sender or refused, items delayed due to circumstances beyond Canada Post’s control, addressing errors, transportation errors, etc.).
  • Delivery - Indicates that the item has been delivered or that a Delivery Notice Card has been left with the addressee asking the addressee to pick up the item at a local post office. Where applicable, a signature image or signatory name is available to view online.

8.2

Additional Liability Coverage

Additional Liability Coverage is available up to $1,000CDN for shipments, for a fee. All options must be selected at the time of shipping to ensure they are properly captured and linked to the unique tracking number. Certain exceptions apply. The covered value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. See General Terms and Conditions for more information.

NOTE:
Refer to “International Destination Listing” or “International Shipping Chart” in the Postal Services Information section of the Canada Post website to determine if coverage is available.

8.3

On-Demand Pickup

On-Demand Pickup services are available 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. Pickups can be arranged up to five (5) Business Days in advance or on the same Business Day, provided the request is made before the local call-in cut-off time.

8.4

Third-Party On-Demand Pickup

Third-Party On-Demand Pickup service is available to VentureOne cardholders (paying by credit card).

Third-Party On-Demand Pickup allows Customers to authorize a Canada Post pickup at a third party location or alternate address. 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.

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

9

Labels and Documentation Required

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Every item must have the following:

  • bear a shipping label which must be visible and affixed flat and wrinkle-free to the largest side of the item; avoid wrapping the label around the edges of the item or applying it in a manner that makes it difficult to scan the bar code. (shipping labels can be ordered by visiting canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/business/tools/est.jsf or by calling Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333)
  • be addressed to a specific individual, organization or company name, and the name and telehpone numbr of the sender, including a Canadian return address clearly printed on the shipping label affixed to the item. It is highly recommended to include the addressee’s telephone number on the item
  • an acceptable proof of payment
  • a declared value indicated in the Customs Declaration portion of the shipping label
  • be accompanied by any document (invoice, licence, certificate, permit, etc.) required by the destination.
NOTE 1:
It is Customer’s responsibility to ensure that all customs documentation and certificates for the goods being shipped are provided. Canada Post assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information entered by the Customer on the Customs Declaration or other documentation.
2:
For information concerning tariffs, taxes and other import charges and any requirements for certificates of origin, the Customer should contact the appropriate local bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Permits and certificates may be accessed from the Trade Documentation website at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-e.html. See also Customs Requirements for more information.
3:
Business Reply Mail™ addresses must not be used for Parcel services.

10

Packaging

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All items must conform to the packaging requirements of Canada Post, and must not contain dangerous or prohibited materials. Items that are improperly packaged, labelled or that lack proper documentation may be subject to delay or may be refused and returned at the Customer’s expense.

Customers who deposit unpackaged items (i.e. pails, tires, etc.) must pay an Unpackaged Items Surcharge.

NOTE 1:
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.
2:
A surcharge will be applied to mailing tubes that are cylindrical in shape.

For specific packaging requirements, see ABCs of Mailing of the Canada Postal Guide.

11

Addressing

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The address information on the shipping label must be complete as specified in the Addressing Guidelines of the Canada Postal Guide.

To facilitate the handling of an item during transmission by post, it is highly recommended to include the addressee’s telephone number on the item.

NOTE 1:
U.S.A. ZIP Code is mandatory for all U.S.A. destinations.
2:
Customers are responsible for signing all documentation where applicable. Employees are prohibited from signing the shipping label or the Invoice Declaration/Commercial Invoice on the sender’s behalf.

12

Depositing

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Expedited Parcel – USA items may be dropped off during advertised hours of acceptance at:

  • a post office
  • a street letter box (items processed by a Canada Post online shipping tool only).

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

13

Delivering

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Expedited Parcel – USA items will be delivered in accordance with the procedures of the destination.




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