ALL SERVICES
- All Services: Will there be price increases and when will they take effect?
Effective January 12, 2009, there will be price increases to the following services (click on the Price Sheets for details):
- All Services: What are the service changes to take effective January 12, 2009?
The following changes take effect January 12, 2009, unless noted otherwise:
Also noted for customer convenience are important reminders and new service enhancements that are available for immediate use.
Lettermail
- New Irregular Oversize Lettermail specifications and prices
- Introduction to Lettermail Advisor
Important Reminders
- Registered Mail customer printed barcodes
- Do-It-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors
Incentive Lettermail
- Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Orders
- Allow for partial mailing
- Pallet Changes
- Introduction to Lettermail Advisor
Available August 4, 2008
- Phantom / best value option
Important Reminders
- Do-It-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors
Addressed Admail
- Catalogue Mail amalgamation / discontinuation
- Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Orders
- Change to legal notification period
- Increase to machineability read rate target
- Pallet changes
- Optical Endorsement Line Option
Effective June 12, 2008
- Sexually explicit material amendment
Important Reminders
- Do-It-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors
AdCard
- Effective Immediately
- Specification changes to AdCard
Catalogue Mail
- Catalogue Mail discontinuation See Addressed Admail
Publications Mail
- Implementing Letter Carrier Presort distance-based pricing
- Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Orders
- Change to legal notification period
- Increase to machineability read rate target
- Pallet changes
- Changes in Canada Post's participation in the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) effective March 31, 2009
- Optical Endorsement Line Option
Important Reminders
- Proof of Payment Location for Publications Mail
- Do-It-Yourself Checklist to Avoid Common Errors
- Register to receive electronic reports for undeliverable Publications Mail
Unaddressed Admail
- Unaddressed Admail Two-Tier service offering
- Improvements to Preparing and Depositing Orders
- Pallet changes
- Reduction in maximum container weights
Effective June 12, 2008
- Sexually explicit material amendment
- All Services: When were customers with a Canada Post Agreement notified of the changes?
Customer notification was sent via Xpresspost with signature to Agreement owners beginning July 14, 2008, as well as to Authorized Users and Value Added Mailers (Mail Service Providers). A reminder will also be sent to customers early in January 2009. The timing for communicating these changes reflects Canada Post's continuing efforts to respond to customers' requests for a predictable and manageable environment for price and service changes.
- All Services: When did customers receive the 2009 Price Sheets and Customer Guides?
In mid-July 2008, along with the notification letter, customers were provided with 2009 Price Sheets indicating the new prices to which they are entitled by their Agreement with Canada Post.
Again this year, we asked customers to tell us their format preference for the Customer Guides - either in hardcopy or accessible online through the Canada Post website. Since many customers told us they no longer need printed Customer Guides this will be the second year Customer Guides will be provided only to customers who opted to continue to receive them in that format. These customers will receive a hardcopy version of their Agreement specific Customer Guides with the reminder letter to be sent to customers in early January 2009.
All 2009 Customer Guides for Transaction Mail and Direct Marketing services will be posted here by November 10, 2008.
Current Customer Guides and any Amendments can be found on the Canada Post Website at www.canadapost.ca/postalservices
- All Services: Is there a web location that centralizes all the pertinent information on how to access and use Canada Post commercial services?
Canada Post is always looking for ways to serve customers better and continues to invest in bringing customer value to the marketplace. To make it easier to do business with us, our new website www.canadapost.ca/postalservices centralizes all the pertinent information on how to access and use Canada Post commercial services. Site categories include:
- Customer Guides
- Canada Post Prices
- Mail Preparation and Presortation Guides
- Postal Indicia
- Container Labels
- Householder Counts and Maps
- Postal Guide
- Postal Standards
- Do-It-Yourself Checklists to Avoid Common Errors
- Details on Surcharges
DOMESTIC LETTERMAIL
- Lettermail: What is changing regarding Oversize Lettermail?
Canada Post is proposing to revise the specifications for Oversize Lettermail items that are thick and rigid, or thick and have box-like edges as these types of items require additional efforts during the sortation and delivery processes.
"Regular" Oversize Lettermail items will include:
- Oversize items between 0.18 mm and 10 mm thick regardless of flexibility;
- Oversize items greater than 10 mm up to 20 mm thick, that are flexible (not rigid) and do not have a box-like edge.
New Irregular Oversize Lettermail items will include:
- Oversize items greater than 10 mm up to 20 mm thick that are rigid (not flexible) and/or have a box-like edge.
For 2009, each price point for "Irregular" Oversize Lettermail items will be double the corresponding "Regular" Oversize Lettermail prices. Refer to Lettermail Price Sheet for details.
Features and options such as Return to Sender also apply to "Irregular" Oversize Lettermail.
There is no change to Oversize items that are less than 10 mm thick.
"Irregular" Oversize Lettermail is not available at an Incentive Lettermail price.
- Lettermail: Why is Canada Post proposing a new specification for Irregular Oversize items?
The current criteria for Oversize Lettermail items was not developed with fulfilment type products in mind and as such the processing equipment is not engineered to efficiently process mail items that are thick and rigid, or thick and have box-like edges.
By isolating oversize mail items that can be processed mechanically, Canada Post can continue to offer our customers a low-cost, high-value option for these items.
- Lettermail: Which items will be impacted by the new Irregular Oversize Lettermail specifications?
Today, if you use the Oversize Lettermail service to send a media disc – such as a CD, a DVD or a video game disc – in a standard CD or DVD case you would pay $1.15 to mail an item within Canada.
Beginning in January 2009, media discs packaged in older, thicker CD and DVD cases will likely be defined as Irregular Oversize Lettermail, with the applicable postage of $2.36 (assuming the item is less than 100 g). However, if you send the disc in a slim CD or DVD jewel case, or the disc by itself with no case in a sturdy envelope, the item would most likely be less than 10 mm thick and would be defined as "regular" Oversize Lettermail. In 2009, this would only cost you $1.18 in postage, a three-cent increase (2.6%) over the 2008 price for "regular" Oversize Lettermail.
Other examples that may qualify for the "regular" Oversize Lettermail prices include:
- Slim DVD case (7 mm thick);
- Slim CD jewel case (5 mm thick);
- Any item less than 10 mm thick, regardless of its flexibility; or
- Any item up to 20 mm thick that is flexible and does not have a box-like edge.
- Lettermail: How can a mail item be tested to see if it meets the new Irregular Oversize Lettermail flexibility specification?
In 2009, all Canada Post retail outlets will be equipped with tools to measure the dimensions of oversize items and test the flexibility of thick items.
Alternatively, test Oversize items over 10mm thick as follows:
Check to make sure that the thickness of a Lettermail item is between 10 mm and 20 mm then to test for flexibility, apply either Test A or Test B. Test A is the most reliable test to determine the flexibility of a mail item.
Test A
Using the new plastic template with 140 mm radius curve (to be released Nov 2008) bend the item around the curve along the length of the item so that it touches all points along the curve without excessive force applied. If the item does not bend along the curve it fails to meet the flexibility criteria.
Test B - Use the Table Flex Test. Note that this test is provided for illustration purposes only.
Step 1: Place your piece flat on a table, with the long edge of the piece parallel to the table's edge.
Step 2: Extend the piece halfway off the edge of the surface, so that one half of the short edge is flat on the table and the other half is off the table. Hold the half of the piece that is still on the table flat with one hand.
Step 3: With your other hand, press down on the piece slightly at a point approximately 2.5 cm from the long edge of the item that is off the table.
Step 4: If you can push the edge approximately 2.5 cm down without lifting up the half that is flush with the flat surface – and without damaging the item – it will likely qualify as "regular" Oversize Lettermail. If the item cannot bend 2.5 cm towards the floor without lifting up the other edge, or without damaging the item, it will likely not meet the flexibility requirement, and would be defined as Irregular Oversize Lettermail.
- Lettermail: What will happen if there is insufficient postage on an Oversize Lettermail item?
If there is insufficient postage on an item, the item will be subject to Canada Post's short paid policy whereby the item may be returned to the sender for collection of the missing postage. To ensure your items arrive on time and that the correct postage is applied, we encourage customers to verify that their Oversize Lettermail items meet the specifications for size, weight, thickness and flexibility before putting them in the mail.
- Lettermail: What are the long-term plans for Oversize Lettermail?
At present, the expectation is that the definition for Irregular Oversize Lettermail will exist until the end of 2011, at which time it will be eliminated.
Beginning in 2012, all items that previously were sent as Irregular Oversize Lettermail will be regarded as a Parcel. "Regular" Oversize Lettermail will continue to have specifications for flexibility with the absence of box-like edges.
PUBLICATIONS MAIL
- Publications Mail: What was the change to undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM) and when did it come into effect?
On January 14, 2008, a new application was launched to automate and streamline the return of undeliverable Publications Mail address information to publishers. This service enhancement resulted from a need identified by Canada Post and customers to improve the processing of undeliverable Publications Mail.
Beginning in January, the address and keyline (subscriber account) information from undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM) items will be data-entered and an electronic uPM report will be provided weekly to customers using Canada Post's secure PosteCSTM service. Customers are required to provide their email address for this enhancement by registering for the uPM service, by completing the online form at canadapost.ca/upmform.
There is an electronic uPM report provided for each publication title, containing:
- a "Detail" section listing the keyline (subscriber account), name and address of each undeliverable publication
- a "Summary" section for easy invoice reconciliation
- a unique billing identifier that can be matched to the relevant invoice.
- Publications Mail: Why did Canada Post change the process for undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM)?
After extensive consultation with publishing associations, Canada Post centralized and automated the return of undeliverable Publications Mail information, thereby replacing the less efficient manual process. This will result in:
- improved turn-around time
- reduced costs for publishers by eliminating redundant mailouts caused by untimely notification of undeliverable publications
- better reconciliation of invoices and record-keeping
- Publications Mail: How did the undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM) initiative impact Publishers?
Publications Mail customers now have a choice on how to receive their undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM) address information. Customers can opt to either receive an electronic report containing address label information or have the entire undeliverable Publications Mail item returned by mail.
- Customers opting to receive the electronic reports must register by completing the online registration form at canadapost.ca/upmform. Customers will be invoiced the $1.00 ($1.05 as of January 12, 2009) uPM processing fee for each undeliverable address.
- For customers opting to have their entire publication returned if undeliverable, no registration is required and Canada Post will automatically return the entire mail piece to the Canadian return address identified in the detailed identifying information, as described in the Publications Mail Customer Guide. The uPM Processing fee for each returned item will be invoiced at $1.00 ($1.05 as of January 12, 2009) per returned item, plus the applicable postage.
For pricing details, please refer to the Publications Mail Price Sheet posted at canadapost.ca/postalservices
There is no requirement for Publishers to purchase any software. The only requirement to receive the uPM report electronically is internet access and a valid email address. Reports are sent via an email link to our secure PosteCS™ server.
- .pdf for visual clarity
- .csv format, which can easily be downloaded to an electronic spreadsheet or database (e.g. Excel, etc.).
Please note that PosteCS is compatible with MACs and Adobe PDF and CSV files.
For Tax information, please consult www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/prices/CPintro-e.asp for more details.
Publishers should also ensure that the Basic Identifying Information is visible on the outside of the mail piece or on the address label (e.g. PM40012345) to ensure efficient processing and avoid any surcharges. Further information is available in the Publications Mail Customer Guide.
- Publications Mail: When were customers notified of changes to the process for undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM)?
Customers with a Publications Mail Agreement and their Authorized Users were notified of changes to the undeliverable Publications Mail (uPM) process in the 2008 Transaction Mail and Direct Marketing price and service changes notification package sent to them in July 2007 and an update letter was sent in November 2007.
- Publications Mail: Do publishers have to pay for this service?
Yes, Publishers currently pay for the notification of undeliverable publications as part of their Publications Mail Agreement. The uPM processing fee applies to each undeliverable item. If customers choose to have the entire Publications Mail item returned rather than receiving an electronic report then postage will be applied as well. For additional information, please refer to the Publications Mail Price Sheet at www.canadapost.ca/customer_guides.
- Publications Mail: How often do publishers receive electronic reports for undeliverable Publications Mail?
Publishers will receive the uPM report on a weekly basis via PosteCS . If there are no undeliverable Publications Mail items during the reporting period, no report will be issued.
- Publications Mail: Do Publishers have to continue to provide the Canadian address for undeliverable returns in the basic identifying information in the publication?
Yes, please refer to the Detailed and Basic Identifying Information sections in your Publications Mail Customer Guide, section 2.2.1.1.
The email address of the Agreement holder, however, will not be required as part of the identifying information since it will exist in Canada Post's uPM database once it is provided with registration for the uPM electronic reporting service.
- Publications Mail: How do Publishers advise Canada Post of an update or a change to their email address for receipt of the uPM reports?
For email address changes after the initial registration, Publishers may call the Credit Management Group at 1-800-267-7651 to update their email address to continue to promptly receive uPM reports.
- Publications Mail: Where is the list of “major deposit locations postal codes” for Publications Mail posted?
The list of major deposit locations postal codes that are to be used as the deposit location within SERP software for LCP Publications Mail is posted at canadapost.ca/pmsupportdocuments
UNADDRESSED ADMAIL
- Unaddressed Admail: Who is impacted by the introduction of the Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail initiative?
The introduction of Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail on January 12, 2009 affects all Unaddressed Admail customers, those with an Agreement and those without an Agreement. Commercial customers were informed of these changes in the 2009 Direct Marketing and Transaction Mail Price and Service Changes notification package, mailed to customers commencing on July 14, 2008.
- Unaddressed Admail: What are the changes to Unaddressed Admail as a result of introducing Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail on January 12, 2009?
On January 12, 2009 Canada Post will be introducing two categories for Unaddressed Admail: “Basic” and “Premium”.
- A “Basic” price and service offering, which will provide customers with basic service features; and
- A “Premium” price and service offering, which will contain the basic features but also include the ability to select value-added service features.
- Unaddressed Admail: Do the Return to Sender and Undeliverable Unaddressed Admail options apply to both the “Basic” and “Premium” categories?
Effective January 12, 2009, the following options are available with Basic and Premium categories of Unaddressed Admail:
Return to Sender: Undelivered Unaddressed Admail that bears a specific request for return will be returned to sender at the Regular Parcel Counter prices, unless otherwise arranged with Canada Post.
Undeliverable Unaddressed Admail: If, for any reason, the customer’s Unaddressed Admail items cannot be delivered, the items may be returned to the customer, by specific request to do so. The cost for this option is the applicable Regular Parcel Counter price. Alternatively, undeliverable items will be disposed of, or recycled, as determined by Canada Post.
- Unaddressed Admail: How does the introduction of Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail on January 12, 2009 change an Order and Admail Delivery Slips (ADS)?
Effective January 12, 2009 with the introduction of Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail there will be a change when creating an Order in the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) for Unaddressed Admail to indicate the selection of applicable features in the Premium category. Customers will be charged the applicable “Basic” or “Premium” price based on their selection. In EST, customers will see a notice indicating that a Premium feature has been selected. As per the current process, customers cannot combine Standard and Oversize items on the same Order. There is no change to the manual Order (Statement of Mailing) or manual ADS.
- Unaddressed Admail: What price will a customer pay if they have a mix of “Basic” and “Premium” categories on January 12, 2009 under the new Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail?
The following scenarios outline the possible mix of “Basic” and “Premium” and the pricing category that will apply:
The Premium price will apply to the entire Order if all the mail items are Oversize or Samples, or if coverage is all Business points of call or all “Specified Delivery Start Date”. In other cases, the Premium price will apply only to the portion of the Order containing the Premium features. Refer to the following table for examples of when Premium prices apply if the Order is mixed.
If… |
Then… |
The Order has a mixture of “Specified Delivery Start Date” and “Upon Receipt” for different delivery installations… |
…only the volume for the “Specified Delivery Start Date” delivery installations will be charged the Premium price. Delivery installations with “Upon Receipt” will be charged the Basic price |
The Order indicates “Upon Receipt” for all delivery installations with a mixture of Residential and Business coverage… |
…only the Business volume will be charged the Premium price. The Residential volume will be charged the Basic price. |
The Order indicates “Specified Delivery Start Date” for all delivery installations with a mixture of Residential and Business coverage… |
… all volumes will be charged the “Premium” price. |
Note that the Premium price is only applied once to an Order, regardless of how many Premium features have been selected.
- Unaddressed Admail: Where do customers obtain more information regarding the changes taking place to Unaddressed Admail on January 12, 2009?
Refer to the following to obtain more information regarding the changes taking place to Unaddressed Admail on January 12, 2009;
- The 2009 Unaddressed Admail Price Sheet has been amended to reflect the changes effective January 12, 2009;
- The Canada Post web site will be updated to reflect the changes coming effective January 12, 2009 at canadapost.ca/business;
- Click here to view a customer insert on the new Two-Tiered Unaddressed Admail.
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