Priority Courier is the Shipping and Delivery Service that provides delivery by noon next day for local and regional, and noon next day to 1 day for national, between most major urban centres.
Customers can ship any item by Priority Courier, provided the item:
meets the size and weight specifications for this service;
is properly prepared and packaged; and
does not contain any prohibited mail or a dangerous good.
Priority Courier must be shipped in Canada for delivery in Canada.
Prepaid Products
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 Courier drop box. Prepaid containers and labels can be ordered by calling 1 888 550-6333.
How We Define “Regional” and “National”
Regional: For use between points within the same region (e.g.: Vancouver to Winnipeg).
REGIONS
DEFINITIONS
Atlantic
Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Central
Québec and Ontario, including Western Ontario (postal codes P7A to K, P8N, P8T, P9A, P9N, P0T to Y)
Western
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Western Ontario (postal codes P7A to K, P8N, P8T, P9A, P9N, P0T to Y)
Nunavut
X0A
Nunavut
X0B and X0C
Northwest Territories
X0E, X0G and X1A
Yukon
All
NOTE:
Prepaid labels are only available to customers who have signed a specific agreement for prepaid products. Prepaid label pricing applies to Atlantic, Central and Western regions only, with the exception of Air Stage Offices. All shipments to Air Stage Offices and northern regions are based on contract prices.
National: For use between regions within Canada (e.g.: Charlottetown to Vancouver).
Unacceptable Items
Is considered unacceptable as Priority Courier any item:
that is or contains any dangerous substance or article prohibited by law or defined as a dangerous good. Go to Section B Chapter 7, Non-mailable Matter.
that does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service
that may soil, taint or damage mail or mail equipment, expose a person to danger or emit offensive odors
containing food perishables or live animals that do not meet applicable shipping requirements
improperly prepared or insecurely packed or wrapped.
Size and Weight
CATEGORY
LENGTH
WIDTH
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
Documents and Parcels
max.
No dimension may exceed 2 m Length + Girth must not exceed 3 m
30 kg
min.
100 mm
70 mm
1 mm
–
Packets
max.
3,220 cubic centimeters
1.36 kg
min.
100 mm
70 mm
1 mm
–
Prepaid Products
Letter
max.
318 mm
241 mm
–
–
Pack
max.
394 mm
305 mm
–
–
VentureOne Small Business Value Pack – Letter
max.
318 mm
241 mm
–
–
NOTE:
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.
2.
Prepaid labels are available for Priority Courier, for contract customers only, in three weight levels:
1.36 kg (up to 3,220 cm3)
5 kg (up to 30,000 cm3)
10 kg (up to 60,000 cm3)
Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight applies when items are large in size and light in weight. Go to Section B Chapter 4, Planning a Mailing. For prepaid labels, the item must not exceed the maximum weight or dimensions specified on the label.
Payment Options
Proofs of payment
The following proofs of payment are acceptable for Priority Courier items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
CONTRACT CUSTOMER
VENTUREONE CUSTOMER
CONSUMER CUSTOMER
•
Meter impression*
•
Postal indicia
•
Meter impression
•
Postage stamp
•
Postage stamp
•
Postal indicia (produced by the Ship-in-a-click™ service)
*When paying by meter, contract customers using a Manifest must check the Paid by Meter box, enter the meter serial number, and apply the meter impression on the back of the data processing copy of the Manifest. A postal indicia indicating the Customer Number must be applied on the item. When using a Bill of Lading, apply the meter impression to the back of the data entry copy of the label. If the Order is transmitted electronically using the online Electronic Shipping Tools (a Manifest is not used), the meter impression must be placed directly on the item.
Methods of Payment
The following methods of payment are acceptable for Priority Courier items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.
CONTRACT CUSTOMER
VENTUREONE CUSTOMER
CONSUMER CUSTOMER
•
Account
•
Business/certified cheque
•
Credit card*
•
Business/certified cheque
•
Cash
•
Credit card (where available)
•
Debit card (where available)
•
Money Order
•
Traveller's cheque
•
Cash
•
Certified cheque
•
Credit card (where available)
•
Debit card (where available)
•
Money Order
•
Traveller's cheque
*Credit card is available only to customers who electronically transmit their Order or purchase prepaid containers or labels online. Some exceptions apply.
Priority Courier 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 service standards for Priority Courier, in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions. Go to General Terms and Conditions.
Acceptance Scan
This scan records the date an item was accepted by Canada Post. The information is available by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1 888 550-6333, via the Internet and via the Electronic Shipping Tools software.
Delivery Confirmation (Tracking)
This feature provides positive confirmation that the item arrived at its destination. Upon delivery, or attempted delivery, the item ID (identification) number 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, via the Internet and via the Electronic Shipping Tools software.
Coverage for loss or damage
Coverage of up to $100 is included in the fee for Priority Courier items, including prepaid products. Certain items are excluded. The value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. Go to General Terms and Conditions.
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 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.
A contract customer using an electronic shipping system may, at the time of shipping, instruct that the item NOT be Safe Dropped by adding the notation “Do Not Safe Drop” in the Attention box on the shipping label. A delivery attempt will be made and if no one is available to receive the item, a Delivery Notice card will be left.
Items requiring a signature will not be safe dropped, except in an apartment building where the item may be left with the administration or security office or the superintendent, provided this person agrees to sign for the item on behalf of the addressee.
Redirection
Priority Courier items will be redirected, within Canada only, for a fee payable by the addressee, if the addressee has a Change of Address Notification on file. The price for Redirection will be equal to the Priority Courier Counter price for conveying the item from the old address to the new address.
Return to Sender
Priority Courier 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. Where the Customer Number is located on the item, the item will be returned and the customer will be invoiced an amount equal to the original fee paid, less any option fee.
Options
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. Most options are available for an additional fee.
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, 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. In an apartment building, a signature may be obtained from the administration or security office or the superintendent, provided this person agrees to sign for the item on behalf of the addressee.
Signature Copy
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 calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1 888 550-6333. The Signature Copy will be sent to the sender via Lettermail or by facsimile within three business days of the sender’s request.
Additional Coverage
Additional Coverage is available up to $5,000 for most Priority Courier shipments, including prepaid products, for a fee. Certain exceptions apply. The value of the item must be declared on the shipping documentation. Go to General Terms and Conditions.
Collect on Delivery (COD)
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. 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. Collect on Delivery service must not be used to collect an amount owed on a previous transaction.
Scheduled Pick-up
This option is available to Customers using “Account” as a method of payment for Shipping and Delivery 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 Shipping and Delivery Services can be consolidated with the weekly volume of Domestic Shipping and Delivery 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.
On-demand Pick-up
This option is available to Customers using “Account” as a method of payment for Shipping and Delivery Services. On-demand Pick-up is available, for a fee, on a per pick-up basis. Customers may arrange for pick-up by calling the Customer Relationship Support group at 1-888-550-6333.
Card for Pick-up
This option is available, free of charge, to contract 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.
Leave at Door
This option is available, free of charge, to contract 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.
Do Not Safe Drop
This option is available, free of charge, to contract 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.
Pick-up at the Post Office
This option is available, free of charge, to contract customers who use an electronic shipping system. The sender must add the notation “Pick-up at the Post Office” in the Attention box of the shipping label and selects a post office where the item is to be delivered. The shipping label must show the addressee’s name and phone number. The addressee will be required to show identification when picking up the item at the post office.
Proof of Age Required
This option is available, for a fee, to contract customers who use Electronic Shipping Tools or another approved shipping software. The sender must add the notation “Proof of Age Required” in the Attention box of the shipping label. A photo I.D. will be required at the time of delivery if the addressee appears to be less than 25 years of age. A signature will be obtained upon delivery.
Return Service Label
This option is available to contract customers who wish to offer Return Service to their own customers (addressees) and who do not need to track their returned items. The addressee may use the Return Service label to return the item to the original shipper, via the service which is indicated on the label. The original shipper is responsible for the shipping charges. Customers who generate more than 10,000 returns a year can obtain a Bulk Return Service contract. For more information or to obtain a Return Service label template, visit: www.canadapost.ca/returnservice .
Anticipated Return Service Label
This option is available to contract customers who use the Electronic Shipping Tools or another approved shipping software. It allows customers to offer Return Service to their own customers (addressees) and track the returned items. The addressee may use the Anticipated Return Service label to return the item to the original shipper, via the service which is indicated on the label. The original shipper is responsible for the shipping charges. Customers can obtain the Anticipated Return Service label by selecting the Return Service Label option when preparing the shipment on the Electronic Shipping Tools or another approved shipping software. Customers who generate more than 10,000 returns a year can obtain a Bulk Return Service contract. For more information, visit: www.canadapost.ca/returnservice .
Labels and Documentation Required
Priority Courier items must bear a Priority Courier bar-coded label or a bar-coded label along with a Priority Courier identifier. 33-086-386 (See Figure C.2.1), as well as the destination and return addresses.
Figure C.2.1
Contract customers must indicate on the Priority Courier Bill of Lading or Manifest the weight of all items, except prepaid products and items priced at the flat rate or piece-kilo rate. If the weight is not recorded on the documentation, the greater of the volumetric weight, actual weight or a standard “default” weight will be applied.
Prepaid labels cannot be used on:
Oversize or Unpackaged items
items to Air Stage offices
items to Nunavut, Northwest Territories or Yukon regions.
Packet items should bear a Small Packet label 33-086-227 (See Figure C.2.2).
NOTE:
Packet items may not exceed 1.36 kg in weight or have a total volume exceeding 3,220 cm2.
Figure C.2.2
Manifest (order)
Two paper copies of the electronic Order (Manifest), or the original hard copy Manifest, must be given at the time of mailing to an authorized Canada Post employee at the Receipt Verification Unit (RVU) or at the postal facility approved by Canada Post. For more information, Go to Section B – Chapter 5, Paying for a Mailing, Order (Manifests or Bills of Lading).
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.
NOTE:
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.
Addressing
All items must bear a legible address including the correct postal code; a Canada Post authorized bar code, proof of payment, and a Priority Courier service identifier. Go to Section B Chapter 3, Addressing.
All Priority Courier items must bear a Canadian return address.
Prior to Depositing Priority Courier
Scheduling
Customers who deposit large volumes of Priority Courier into any mail processing plant must contact the local Canada Post Distribution Representative beforehand to properly schedule this mail. Scheduling requirements may vary from location to location.
Deposit of Priority Courier
at a postal outlet
at a processing plant
in a Priority Courier drop box (metered and prepaid items only)
in a Priority Courier vault box (available for customers who ship outside normal pick-up hours)
Priority Courier can also be picked up (certain conditions apply).