Priority Courier™

1	What’s In This Chapter

The following sections are covered in this chapter:

2

What Is Priority Courier?

Priority Courier is a Parcel Service that provides guaranteed on-time 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
• does not contain any prohibited mail or a dangerous good.

Priority Courier items must be shipped in Canada for delivery in Canada.

2.1	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 if no additional options are required.

Prepaid envelopes and labels can be ordered by calling 1-888-550-6333. Prepaid labels are only available to Customers who have signed a specific Agreement for prepaid products.

Prepaid labels cannot be used on:

• Oversize or Unpackaged items
• items shipped to Air Stage offices
• items shipped to Nunavut, Northwest Territories or Yukon regions.

2.2	How We Define “Regional” and “National”

Regional: For use between points within the same region (e.g.: Vancouver to Winnipeg).

National: For use between regions within Canada (e.g.: Charlottetown to Vancouver).

3

Unacceptable Items

Any Priority Courier item is considered unacceptable if:

• it is or contains any dangerous substance or article prohibited by law or defined as a dangerous good (see the “Non-mailable Matter” chapter for more information)
• it does not meet the size and weight specifications for this service (see Table 2: “Priority Courier Size and Weight” 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.

4

Size and Weight

Each Priority Courier item must meet the size and weight specifications shown in Table 2.

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.

Prepaid labels are available for Priority Courier, for contract Customers only, in two (2) weight levels:

• 1.36 kg (up to 3,220 cm³)
• 5 kg (up to 30,000 cm³).

5

Pricing Information

To obtain information on pricing*:

• see Canada Post Prices
• see Small Business Prices
• see Rate Codes and Rate Zones.

6

Payment Options

6.1	Proofs of Payment

Table 3 lists the acceptable proofs of payment for Priority Courier items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

6.2	Methods of Payment

Table 4 lists the acceptable methods of payment for Priority Courier items. Some restrictions or conditions may apply.

For more information, see section 4.6 “Pay for the Item” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.

7

Delivery Service Standards at a Glance

The delivery service standards for Priority Courier are shown in Table 5.

See the “Service Standards” chapter for more information.

8

Features

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

8.1	On-time Guarantee

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. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information. Customers can also call Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333.

8.2	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 order is created electronically at a post office or when using a Canada Post electronic shipping system, an approved electronic shipping system developed by a third-party or one that is developed by a customer.
2. When an item is picked-up from its origin location by Canada Post.
3. When the item is first accepted by Canada Post (automated post offices; postal facilities, Scheduled Pick-up and On-demand Pick-up).
4. When the item enters a processing facility where it is being sorted and directed to its proper destination.
5. When the item reaches the final stages of the delivery process and is “Out for Delivery” by Canada Post delivery experts.
6. When the item has successfully been delivered or is deemed undeliverable (Return to Sender).
7. When a delivery attempt was made but the recipient was not available to accept the delivery and a notice card was left indicating where the item can be picked-up.
8. When an item was not deliverable because it was shipped to a wrong address, or the recipient refused to accept the delivery, or the item has been left unclaimed at a post office, indicating that the shipment will be returned to the sender.

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 by noon the next business day following delivery at www.canadapost.ca or through an automated phone response system by calling 1-888-550-6333.

8.3	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. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

8.4

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.

8.5	Redirection

Provided the addressee has filed a Change of Address Notification, Canada Post will redirect the item, whenever possible, to the new address at no additional charge. The item must be mailed within Canada.

8.6	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.

9

Options

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.

9.1	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 the following:

• Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) - desktop, online or Express Order Entry (EOE) - Ship in Canada
• Ship-in-a-click
• Track a Package.

9.2

Signature

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 (EST) 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.

9.3	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 (3) business days of the sender’s request.

9.4	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. See General Terms and Conditions at www.canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

9.5	Collect on Delivery (C.O.D.)

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.

9.6	Scheduled Pick-up

This option is available to Customers using “Account” as a method of payment for Parcel Services. Scheduled Pick-up is provided on business days only according to a mutually agreed-to schedule. To set up Scheduled Pick-up, the shipper must contact a Canada Post representative or call Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333. Customers may visit www.canadapost.ca/pick-up for a list of areas where Canada Post offers Scheduled Pick-up.

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 Parcel Services can be consolidated with the weekly volume of Domestic Parcel Services and counted towards the pick-up fee threshold.

9.7	On-demand Pick-up

This option is available to Customers using “Account” as a method of payment for Parcel 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. Customers can visit www.canadapost.ca/pick-up for a list of pick-up locations. On-demand Pick-up for Priority Courier can be arranged up to five (5) business days in advance.

9.7.1

Third-party On-demand Pick-up

Upon request, Canada Post will pick up Priority Courier items from a third-party and deliver as indicated. The “Account” Customer is charged for the pickup and delivery services. This option is available for Customers using “Account” as a method of payment. The “Account” Customer must provide the seven-digit Customer number to the third-party. The Third Party must quote the seven-digit Customer number to the Canada Post Representative upon pick-up request. To activate Third-Party On-demand Pick-up service, contact a Canada Post Representative or call Customer Service at 1-888-550-6333. Customers can visit www.canadapost.ca/pick-up for a list of pickup locations.

9.8	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.

9.9	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.

9.10	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.

9.11	Proof of Age (18 or 19) with Signature

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 6.3.1 “Mail Addressed to Children” of the ABCs of Mailing chapter, for an age of majority by province or territory listing.

9.12	Proof of Identity with Data Transfer

Available for a fee, Proof of Identity with Data Transfer is an option for organizations that ship valuable items such as credit cards, personal identification or high value merchandise to individuals at home, within Canada. It ensures that before an item is delivered to the recipient, the recipient's photo ID will be verified and recorded. The ID information recorded will be returned to the shipper by secure electronic means.

This new service option is available for all domestic Parcel Services Contract Customers who have signed-up for the service and use the desktop or online version of the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST), or Third Party Shipping System, to prepare their mailings. Shipping charges as well as a per-transaction fee apply. Customers should contact their Canada Post Sales representative for more information.

Proof of Identity with Data Transfer items will only be released to the intended recipient. Items will not be delivered to the physical address. The service option includes the following:

• Card-for-Pickup service: a Delivery Notice Card is sent to the recipient; the item is then forwarded to the recipient's designated post office near their home; the recipient is required to pick up the item in person and present valid photo identification, before the item can be released.
• Signature service: the addressee's signature will be obtained to show that the delivery handoff is completed.

9.13	Parcel Return Service

This option is available to contract Customers who wish to offer Return Service to their own Customers (addressees) and pay for the shipping fee. The applicable shipping fee in effect on the actual shipping date will be charged to the contract Customer. The item is returned to the original shipper via the service indicated on the Return Service label. There are two methods available:

Customers who use the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or another approved shipping software can order a Return Service Label at the time the originating shipment order is created (referred to as an Anticipated Return). These Return Service labels contain a tracking bar code that is directly linked to the original shipment. Also, the shipper will receive email notifications when the item is being returned provided the Delivery Updates option was selected at the time the label was created.

For Customers not using Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or another approved shipping software, Return Service labels are available from the Canada Post website in PDF format. No tracking bar code is available on these labels. For convenience, hard copy labels may be printed in advance and stored in inventory. Visit www.canadapost.ca/returnservice to obtain a Return Label template or to review the label specifications.

Customers who generate more than 10,000 returns a year may be eligible for a Bulk Rated Return Service contract. For more information on Return Service, visit www.canadapost.ca/returnservice, contact a Canada Post representative or call 1 866 757-5480.

10

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 label 33-086-386 (as shown in Figure 1), as well as the destination and return addresses.

Figure 1: Priority Courier Identifier Label

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 shipped to Air Stage offices
• items shipped to Nunavut, Northwest Territories or Yukon regions.

10.1	Order (Manifest)

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, see section 4.5.2 “Order (Manifest)” of the “ABCs of Mailing” chapter.

11

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.

12

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. See the “Addressing Guidelines” chapter for more information.

All Priority Courier items must bear a Canadian return address.

13

Prior to Depositing Priority Courier

13.1	Scheduling

Customers who deposit large volumes of Priority Courier into any mail processing plant must contact their local Canada Post Distribution Representative beforehand to properly schedule this mail. Scheduling requirements may vary from location to location.

14

Deposit of Priority Courier

The Customer can deposit Priority Courier items at any of the following locations:

• at a post office
• at a processing plant
• in a Priority Courier drop box [prepaid items if no additional options are required, electronically processed items paid by meter or items processed and paid using the online version of the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST)]
• in a Priority Courier vault box (available for Customers who ship outside normal pick-up hours).

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