FAQ

 

Resources and FAQ for Canada/International Mail

Average postal delivery transits by service (business days):

 

Canada Post Services:

Addressed Admail:    3 to 10 days – delivery to all urban centers within 7 business days

Publications Mail:      2 to 9 days – delivery to all urban centers within 7 business days

Expedited Parcel:       nationwide delivery within 7 days (2-4 east/3-5 central/5-7 west)

Lettermail:                   2 to 4 business days

United States Postal Service:

IPA:             5 to 8 days

ISAL:            7 to 14 days

 

International:

Standard Service:         7 to 14 days

Priority Service:            3 to 10 days

 

FAQ:

 

Q:            Does international mail have to be enclosed?

A:            Yes, international mail is required to be enclosed (poly, envelope, carton, etc.)

Q:           Does Canada mail have to be enclosed?

A:            For some services, Yes – for others, No:

-  Canada Post parcels and mail with loose inserts must be enclosed.  Lettermail must be enclosed or sealed on all sides.  USPS Canada mail must be enclosed.

-   Canada Post admail and publications are not required to be enclosed as long as there are no loose inserts.

Q:           Does the word “Canada” have to be printed on the address block?

A:           For mail depositing direct with Canada Post – No.  Since the mail is considered domestic mail for Canada Post, “Canada” should not be printed on the address block.

For mail shipping via U.S.P.S. – Yes the word “Canada” should be printed as it’s considered international mail via the U.S.P.S.

Q:            Will I get undeliverable mail back?

A:            Canada Post returns undeliverable parcels and publications, but they also charge a return    postage fee (this is to ensure you update the subscriber or customer address   in your database).  Undeliverable lettermail is returned at no additional charge.  Admail service does not include return service, unless  you specifically request this service (a special indicia and additional service fees apply).  For international and U.S.P.S. returned mail, RCS will forward any returns received on your behalf.

Note:  RCS provides address hygiene for Canada Post mail to minimize the amount of undeliverable mail (and return fees if applicable).

 

Q:            What is “LCP”?

A:             LCP is “Letter Carrier Presort” and it indicates that list presort was performed prior toaddressing.  LCP applies to admail and publications mailings and there is a minimum postage charge of 1,000 pieces for LCP.  LCP allows for faster processing and delivery, as well as postage discounts.

 

Q:            What is list work and how does it affect my mail?

A:             List work is required for LCP mailings and is suggested for any mailings for Canada Post, as it helps to improve delivery and processing transits, minimize undeliverable mail, and in some cases, reduce postage costs.  List work may include address correction and postal presort.  RCS will advise you if your mailings are applicable for listwork services.  Mailings 5,000 records or more are require address hygiene to meet Canada Post regulations.

 

Q:            What is a Publications Mail Agreement Number and how do I get one?

A:             Publishers are required to have an agreement number with Canada Post for Publications Mail Service.  This number must be visible on the cover and most publishers print it on the first line of the address block (RCS can add the number to the mail file).  Or, the number can be printed on the cover.

RCS can apply for an agreement number for you (there is no fee), and we’ll help you with proper placement to ensure postal regulations are met.

 

Q:           Does it matter what return address I have on my mail?

A:            Yes – Canada Post requires a Canada return address be printed (U.S. return is not acceptable for postal regulations).  Customers can utilize RCS’ Canada return address if you don’t have your own.  It is acceptable to print your U.S. return address for U.S.P.S. and international mail.  RCS will advise you of the correct process during our free analysis.

 

Q:            Is there a certain address format that I have to use for postal regulations?

A:            Yes – Canada Post has several address format requirements, and there are different requirements per service.  RCS can advise you of these requirements during your free analysis.

Got a question that isn’t listed?  Email Pete Jackson at Pete@ReallyCoolSolutions.com or visit our Contact page and send us your question.  We’ll send you a reply promptly.