The holiday season is a flurry of activity that can leave your head spinning. It’s also the time of year when Canada Post is phasing out canvas mailing bags for Unaddressed Admail. As much as you’ve grown to love them, you’ll have to let them go, and if you haven’t planned ahead, you could be in for a whole other headache.
(Publications Mail customers, take note: You’re next, in 2011.)
But there’s still time. Avoid the New Year’s headache by test-driving the new container requirements before they become mandatory.
Canvas bags have been used for years as an acceptable container for dropping Unaddressed Admail at the post office. However, labels and tags were often mislaid or torn, and wear and tear on the bags impacted the condition of the contents. Citing handling efficiency and protection of the mailing, Canada Post is eliminating canvas bags for Unaddressed Admail in favour of Canada Post supplied reusable containers, brick-piling, Flexipacks (some conditions apply) and certain customer-supplied containers. Canvas bags will no longer be available after December 31, 2009, and by January 11, 2010, postmasters will no longer accept mail dropped off in them.
CCNA has been working with its members and with Canada Post to ensure that the transition to the new requirements goes smoothly. Although members who use Unaddressed Admail may recall receiving letters from Canada Post about the changes throughout 2009, many may not be aware that they can transition to the new procedures now.
How do I do this?
HereÔÇÖs how:
- Familiarize yourself with the options.
- Talk to a Canada Post representative.
- Review your own procedures.
- Order your supplies.
- Try out your new system a couple of times before the January 11 deadline.
1. Familiarize yourself with the options.
Here are the container options, depending on the size of mailing:
- SMALL:
Canada Post Flexipack – single-use pouches made of recycled plastic; available in two sizes – fee involved
- MEDIUM:
Hard-sided containers – Lettertainers for standard items; Flat tubs for oversize items; reusable, no fee
- LARGE:
Plastic pallets (i.e., a skid, for stacking hard-sided containers, or brick-piling mailings);
Monotainers (i.e., a metal cage, also for stacking hard-sided containers)
Both pallets and monotainers are reusable; no fee
- SMALL, MEDIUM OR LARGE:
Your own container – e.g., cardboard boxes for any size mailing; a double-strapped bundle for small mailings
You may be concerned that the switch will translate to dozens or hundreds of plastic bins occupying space in your offices, trucks and post offices.