Key Highlights: Passport shipments to Canada are largely unaffected by the strike, particularly those routed through our DDP (Delivery Duties Paid) service. While we’re actively working to minimize delays, customers receiving parcels at PO Boxes or in remote locations may still experience some disruptions.
As of November 15, 2024, Canada Post workers have initiated a nationwide strike, halting mail and parcel deliveries across the country. While this may raise concerns for ecommerce brands shipping to Canada, Passport customers can rest assured – we’ve already implemented measures to keep your packages moving.
Passport’s Seamless Service Keeps Canadian Shipments On Track
Passport has long been committed to providing innovative, industry-leading shipping solutions, both internationally and throughout Canada. Beyond our cross-border expertise, we also offer Canada domestic shipping, enabling faster and more efficient deliveries within the country.
Thanks to our strategic partnerships and robust network, over 80% of our Canadian shipments bypass Canada Post entirely – meaning the vast majority of our brands’ customers have remained unaffected by the strike. In the last 14 days alone, Passport successfully delivered nearly 70,000 parcels to Canada, showcasing our ability to handle high volumes and adapt seamlessly to evolving business needs.
For the limited percentage of shipments that have been impacted, here’s how Passport is working to minimize delays:
- Rerouting DDP Shipments – On Tuesday, November 12th, we proactively adjusted routes to divert as much volume as possible away from Canada Post (CPC) to help reduce potential service disruptions.
- Maintaining CPC-Specific Services – CPC remains the sole carrier equipped to deliver to PO Boxes and remote areas across Canada. As a result, these shipments will continue through their network.
How Canada Post Shipments Are Being Handled
- DDP Shipments – Packages destined for PO Boxes or remote locations will be held at the nearest CPC terminal (Montreal, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver) until deliveries resume.
- DDU Shipments – Passport is converting DDU shipments to DDP wherever possible, allowing us to reroute these goods alongside other DDP shipments. Any DDU shipments that cannot be rerouted will continue to be delivered as usual to USPS, which has contingency plans in place with Canada Post. If storage or shipment management issues arise at USPS, we will temporarily hold these shipments at our domestic processing facility until the strike is resolved and deliveries can proceed.
What We Know About the Canada Strike Timeline
Strikes of this nature can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. While industry experts estimate that this strike may not exceed 10 days, the exact duration remains uncertain. Unlike previous rolling strikes that affected specific cities, this is a nationwide strike, which could potentially lead to a quicker resolution.
As of November 20, 2024, negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are ongoing, with a special mediator appointed by the federal government to assist in reaching an agreement. While some progress has been made on minor issues, significant disagreements remain unresolved.
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide more information as it becomes available. For the latest updates, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our Service Alert emails.
International Delivery You Can Count On
For US merchants shipping to Canada, this strike underscores the importance of partnering with a carrier that can quickly adapt to unexpected challenges. With the holidays approaching, ensuring on-time delivery is more critical than ever.
Passport’s expertise and extensive global network make it easy for brands to expand internationally with confidence, knowing their deliveries are in reliable hands. Our commitment to customer service and flexible logistics framework allows us to swiftly respond to global events, providing peace of mind even during the busiest seasons.
Carpe, a leading antiperspirant brand, turned to Passport to optimize their Canadian operations as the first step in their international expansion. This initial success established a strong foundation for global growth and boosted their confidence to expand into new markets, ultimately doubling their international contribution from 5% to 10% of total revenue. Learn more about how Carpe scaled seamlessly with Passport’s support here.
Ready to elevate your Canada ecommerce strategy and grow internationally?
Let Passport make it seamless. Reach out to our team today to schedule a demo.
