Postal Guide
- Canada Postal Guide

Last updated: 2006-09-18

Section C – Chapter 6

Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.)

Table of Contents

• What is it?
• Unacceptable Items
• Size and Weight
• Payment Options
• Service Standards
• Features
• Options
• Labels and Documentation Required
• Format
• Addressing
• Deposit of Collect on Delivery Items
• Delivery of Collect on Delivery Items
• General Terms and Conditions
• Pricing Information
• Go to Canada Post Prices
• Go to Small Business Prices
• Go to Rate Codes and Rate Zones

What is it?  to top of page

Collect on Delivery (domestic) is an option available with the following services:

• Priority Courier
• Xpresspost
• Expedited Parcel
• Regular Parcel

Collect on Delivery is a domestic service by which an amount due to the sender is collected by Canada Post upon delivery, on behalf of the sender. The amount and method of payment must be specified by the sender.

Before the item is handed over to the addressee or his representative, the addressee or his representative must pay the Collect on Delivery amount as specified by the sender on the Collect on Delivery form. The sender may include in the amount of Collect on Delivery charges:

• the value of the item
• service charges in the case of repairs
• sales taxes
• postage
• Collect on Delivery fee and special service fees, when applicable.

When the addressee of the package pays with cash, Canada Post will collect up to a maximum of $1,000 and will send a Money Order to the sender.

When the addressee of the package pays by cheque, post-dated cheque, traveller’s cheque or Money Order, Canada Post will collect up to a maximum of $25,000. The amount collected is then forwarded to the sender. Cheques, traveller’s cheques and Money Orders must be payable to the sender.

NOTE:
To cancel a Collect on Delivery charge, the sender must supply the postal outlet administrator with a letter authorizing the cancellation or change to the Collect on Delivery amount and the mailing receipt. The sender must pay Canada Post for all expenses incurred by such changes.

Should the addressee want a refund for a Collect on Delivery item, this must be arranged between the sender and the addressee.

Unacceptable Items  to top of page

• items not ordered or requested by the addressee
• Collect on Delivery service must not be used to collect an amount owed on a previous transaction.

Size and Weight  to top of page

Size and weight is governed by the service to which Collect on Delivery is applied.

Payment Options  to top of page

Proofs of payment

The following proofs of payment are acceptable for purchasing Collect on Delivery service. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

Methods of Payment

The following methods of payment are acceptable for purchasing Collect on Delivery service. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

*Credit card is available only to Customers using Electronic Shipping Tools or purchasing prepaid containers or labels online. Some exceptions apply.

NOTE:
Upon delivery, Customers can pay for a Collect on Delivery item in cash (up to a maximum of $1,000), by cheque, post-dated cheque, traveller’s cheque or Money Order payable to the sender (up to a maximum of $25,000). The amount collected by Canada Post is then forwarded to the sender.

Collect on Delivery items over $500 must be picked up by the addressee, unless they are payable by cheque.

For more information, Go to Section B – Chapter 5, Paying for a Mailing.

Service Standards  to top of page

Service standards are governed by the service to which Collect on Delivery is applied.

Features  to top of page

A feature is provided automatically as part of the basic service.

Delivery Confirmation (Tracking)

Provides positive confirmation that the C.O.D. item and remittance arrived at their destination. Upon delivery, or attempted delivery the item ID (identification) number is scanned and the date captured. This information is available by noon the next business day following delivery via an automated phone response system by calling 1 888 550-6333 and via the Internet.

Coverage for loss or damage

Coverage of up to $100 is included in the fee for Collect on Delivery items. Certain items are excluded. The value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. Go to General Terms and Conditions.

Options  to top of page

An option is a service enhancement which is not provided automatically as part of the basic service. The Customer must select the option by checking a box or affixing an additional label or sticker.

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, from the Customer Relationship Support group at 1 888 550-6333 or via the Electronic Shipping Tools 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.

Signature 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 calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1 888 550-6333. The Signature Copy will be sent to the Customer via Lettermail or by facsimile within three business days of the Customer’s request.

Additional Coverage

Additional Coverage is available up to $5,000 for Collect on Delivery items. Certain exceptions apply. The value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. Go to General Terms and Conditions.

Labels and Documentation Required  to top of page

For single mailings or group shipments, a Collect on Delivery sticker must be affixed to each item.

Format  to top of page

No wording indicating that the item can be examined before acceptance by the addressee may appear on the Collect on Delivery item. The addressee may, however, be informed of the sender’s name.

Addressing  to top of page

All Collect on Delivery items must bear a complete address including a correct postal code. Go to Section B – Chapter 3, Addressing.

All Collect on Delivery items must bear a Canadian return address.

Deposit of Collect on Delivery Items  to top of page

• at a postal outlet
• at a processing plant
• pick up (contract Customers only).

Delivery of Collect on Delivery Items  to top of page

To the door (some exceptions apply).

General Terms and Conditions  to top of page

Go to General Terms and Conditions.