(The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

Canada Post seeing “unprecedented” number of transactions at post offices

Dec 10, 2020 | 11:06 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– The holiday season is always busy for Canada Post, but this year is busier than ever according to the company.

Canada Post says it’s experiencing an “unprecedented” number of transactions at post offices across the country as people look to safely connect with their loved ones through the mail for the holidays.

C-P has seen an increase in customers dropping off parcels for shipping to family and friends or purchasing stamps for greeting cards. A growing number of small businesses are bringing in packaged orders to be shipped to their customers, as well.

Anyone looking to visit a Canada Post location may experience long line-ups.

“Post office employees understand the importance of each item and are working hard to serve customers as quickly and safely as possible,” Canada Post stated.

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“It’s important to note that some transactions are more complex, such as international parcels, and therefore take longer to process.”

The company is offering tips to help line-ups move a bit faster:

• Stay patient and keep the post office friendly. Customers must ensure they’re wearing a face covering and respect all safety measures such as physical distancing.
• Customers can purchase a flat rate box from any post office and ship up to five kilograms anywhere in Canada. Canada Post says they’re easy to address and can be dropped off at a post office or in any red street letter box.
• If customers are using their own box, properly package and clearly address it before visiting the post office. Tips on this are available at canadapost.ca.
• For international items, it’s suggested that customers fill out customs forms online in advance at canadapost.ca before dropping off a package.

RAMPING UP DELIVERY

Canada Post says parcels are being delivered around the clock but even with additional resources, customers can expect to experience some delays.

In order to accommodate the busy holiday season in a COVID-friendly manner, Canada Post has:

• Added more than 4,000 temporary seasonal employees.
• Increased its fleet by more than 1,000 vehicles and added key equipment.
• Delivering on weekends in many communities, added more parcel pick-up locations and hours at many post offices have been extended.
• Canada Post is working with major customers to manage demand, improve the flow of parcels within its network and is encouraging Canadians to shop earlier than later.
• Implemented physical distancing in all aspects of its operations and face coverings are mandatory in all Canada Post facilities.

For more, visit canadapost.ca.

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