Priority™

1

What Is Priority?

Priority is a Parcel Service that provides guaranteed next day* on-time delivery for local, regional and national, between most major urban centres.

Canada Post's Priority service is also available with an Agreement. Contract Customers must consult their Customer Guide to obtain detailed information about Canada Post's Priority service. Contract Customers may also visit canadapost.ca/postalservices under Parcel Services for a list of support documents or call a Commercial Service Network Representative at 1.866.757.5480 for general information on Canada Post's products and services.

Customers can ship any item by Priority service, 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 items must be shipped in Canada for delivery in Canada.

1.1	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 drop box if no additional options are required.

Prepaid envelopes and labels can be ordered by calling 1.888.550.6333. Prepaid labels must be ordered in advance (as they need to be overprinted with the Customer's name and address) and 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.

1.2	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.: Vancouver to Halifax).

2

Unacceptable Items

Any Priority 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 (see Table 2 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.

3

Size and Weight

Each Priority 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. 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.

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

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

4

Pricing Information

To obtain information on pricing*:

• see Counter Prices
• see Business Prices.

5

Payment Options

5.1	Proofs of Payment

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

5.2	Methods of Payment

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

For more information, see Paying For Your Mailing.

6

Delivery Standards at a Glance

The delivery standards for the Priority service are guaranteed. Some exceptions apply.

See section 4.1 “Priority™” of “Delivery Standards” for more information.

For a list of FSAs for Major Urban Centres and Non-Major Urban Centres, visit Delivery Standards of the Canada Postal Guide under section 4 “Parcel Services Domestic” Table 11.

7

Features

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

7.1	On-time Delivery Guarantee

Priority service 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 delivery standards for Priority service, in accordance with the General Terms and Conditions. See General Terms and Conditions at canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information. Customers can also call Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333.

7.2	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 label is created electronically using Canada Post-approved electronic shipping software;
2. when an item is picked up from the Customer’s location by Canada Post or dropped off at a Canada Post site;
3. when the item is sorted in a major Canada Post facility;
4. when the item approaches the final stages of the delivery process and is sent “Out for Delivery” with our delivery agents;
5. when the item is ready to be picked up at one of Canada Post’s facilities for Large Volume Receivers;
6. when the item is successfully delivered or is deemed Undeliverable / Return to Sender;
7. when a delivery attempt is made, but the recipient is not available to accept the delivery, a Delivery Notice Card is left indicating where the item can be picked up;
8. when a Final Delivery Notice Card is issued if the item has not been picked up at the post office;
9. when an item is not deliverable because it was shipped to an incorrect address, or the recipient refused to accept the delivery, or the item is unclaimed at a post office, the shipment will be returned to the sender or sent to the Undeliverable Mail Office;
10. when the shipper has made an error in the postal delivery address, Canada Post will attempt to correct the error and have the item delivered; in the event that Canada Post is unable to determine the correct delivery address, the item will be returned to the sender;
11. when Canada Post has made an error in the transportation of the item causing a possible delay;
12. when Canada Post is experiencing circumstances beyond its control causing a possible delay of the delivery. Force Majeure scans will be made in the event of:

• severe weather/natural disasters – major snow, ice, unplowed streets, extreme heat, cold weather, tornado, hurricane, etc.
• transportation delays
• civil unrest
• power outage (public grid).

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 immediately after delivery or no later than noon the next business day following delivery at canadapost.ca or through an automated phone response system by calling 1.888.550.6333.

7.3	Coverage for Loss or Damage

Coverage of up to $100 is included in the fee for Priority 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 canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

7.4

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 must not require a signature, must not be in an area which is not authorized for safe drop, and 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.

7.5	Redirection

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

7.6	Return to Sender

Priority 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.

8

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.

8.1	On Demand Pick Up

On-Demand Pickup services are available to all Canada Post Customers with a “Standing Offer Agreement” (paying by Account or by credit card) and 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 unless shipping using either Priority or Priority™ Worldwide. Pickups can be arranged up to one month in advance for “ACCOUNT” Customers, 5 Business Days in advance for Customers paying by credit card or on the same Business Day, provided the request is made before the local call-in cut-off time.

Third-Party On-Demand Pickup allows Customers to authorize a Canada Post pickup at a third party location or alternate address. “ACCOUNT” 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. It is also acceptable for the authorized third-party to pay for the pickup by credit card.

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

8.2	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:

• EST - desktop, online or Express Order Entry (EOE) - Ship in Canada
• Ship-in-a-click.

8.3

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, by contacting Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. Some exceptions apply in smaller centres.

If the Customer (including someone living at the same address) is picking up a carded item at the post office:

• an acceptable government-issued photo ID will be required.

If the Customer authorizes someone not living at the same address to pick up the carded item, the authorized representative (in addition to one valid piece of government-issued photo id) must present the following:

• a signed Delivery Notice Card with the authorized individual’s name and the signature of the addressee must be presented; or
• a legal document demonstrating the Customer’s authority to act on behalf of the other individual, such as, a power of attorney or an appointment as trustee; or
• a letter of authorization.

A space will be included on the Delivery Notice Card for the addressee to authorize someone else to pick up the item (e.g. a third-party not living at the same address as the addressee).

A Self-declaration form is available for third-party authorization for entities such as businesses and organizations. This form requires the name and address of the business or entity, the name(s) and signature(s) or the individual(s) receiving authority, and the title, name and signature of the individual picking up the item, witnessed by a post office employee.

8.4	Signature Hard 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 contacting Customer Service at 1.888.550.6333. The Signature Hard Copy will be sent to the sender via Lettermail or by facsimile within three (3) business days of the sender’s request.

8.5	Additional Coverage

Additional Coverage is available up to $5,000 for most Priority 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 canadapost.ca/generalterms for more information.

8.6	Collect on Delivery (COD)

Available for a fee, 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, post-dated cheque or money order. 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. The Customer assumes all risks associated with payment by cheque. Collect on Delivery service must not be used to collect an amount owed on a previous transaction.

8.7	Card for Pick Up

This option is available, free of charge, to Customers who use a Canada Post-approved 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.

8.8	Leave at Door

This option is available, free of charge, to Customers who use a Canada Post-approved 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.

8.9	Do Not Safe Drop

This option is available, free of charge, to Customers who use a Canada Post-approved 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.

8.10	Proof of Age (18 or 19)

This option is available, for a fee, to contract or VentureOne Customers who use a Canada Post-approved 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 4.3.2 “Mail Addressed to Children” of “Policies” for an age of majority by province or territory listing.

9

Labels and Documentation Required

Priority items must bear a Priority barcoded label or a barcoded label along with a Priority identifier label 33-086-386 (as shown in Figure 1), as well as the destination and return addresses.

Figure 1: Priority Identifier Label

10

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.

11

Addressing

All items must bear a legible mailing address and a Canadian return address including the correct Postal Code, a Canada Post authorized bar code, proof of payment, and a Priority service identifier. See Addressing Guidelines for more information.

12

Deposit of Priority

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

• at a post office
• in a Priority drop box [prepaid products (provided that all selected options have been paid for) and items processed and fully paid (by credit card or postage meter) through Electronic Shipping Tools, Online or Express Order Entry - Ship in Canada, if size permits]
• in a Priority vault box (available for Customers who ship outside normal pickup hours).

13

Delivery of Priority

For information about picking up an item at the post office, see Identification Requirements (for printed version, see section 9 of ABCs of Shipping).