An acceptable item is a mail item that meets the specific requirements and conditions of a service available through us.
Glossary
This glossary provides definitions of terms used in Canada Post documents.
Please note:
These definitions are under continual review and the contents may be amended from time to time without notice.
Browse definitions by letter
A
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acceptable item
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acceptance
Acceptance is a favourable reception of mail items prepared by the sender before mailing according to conditions we stipulate.
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acceptance scan
An acceptance scan is a scan that records the date we accepted an item.
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account number
See customer number.
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address
An address is the information required to identify the specific location of a home or business. An address could also be the destination where mail is delivered and received.
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Address Accuracy Program
The Address Accuracy Program is a program designed to encourage you to accurately address your mail. Taking part in the program is mandatory for all mailings greater than 5,000 items. We consider an address as accurate when all the parts of the address are present, correct, and match information in our address database.
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address carrier
An address carrier is a separate enclosure in a Publications Mail™ item used to provide the recipient’s address for delivery purposes. The carrier is normally a single sheet or over cover that you may attach to the outside of the publication or enclose with the host publication.
The carrier may have advertising or a promotional message and a response mechanism, such as a Business Reply Mail™ item
You must not personalize address carriers with more than the address block information (name and address) of the addressee.
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address incomplete; incomplete address
Address incomplete or incomplete address means an address with missing delivery information.
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addressee
An addressee is the person, business, or institution to which you address a mail item or shipment.
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addressee’s representative
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advertising brochure
An advertising brochure is a thin collection of unbound, stapled, or press-pasted printed pages. The pages display a sampling of products or services for sale, which may include prices and item numbers.
The advertising brochure shouldn’t have:
- The word “CATALOGUE” or “CATALOG”
- An index or table of contents
See catalogue
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advertorial
An advertorial is advertising material presented under the guise of editorial material.
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Advice of Receipt (AR) card
An Advice of Receipt (AR) card is a hard copy proof of delivery that includes the date and signature of the addressee. It’s available for International Registered Mail™.
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agreement year
An agreement year is a period of 12 consecutive calendar months falling between 2 anniversary dates.
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air mail
Air mail is mail paid at the air mail price for transportation by air.
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air mail sticker
An air mail sticker is an adhesive label used on:
- Small Packet – USA (Air)
- Small Packet – International (Air)
- International Parcel – Air
- U.S. and International Letter-post items
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air stage office
An air stage office is a Post Office whereby all mail must be airlifted for more than 6 months of every year. Air stage offices exist because a viable surface transportation alternative isn’t available in the area. These offices are generally confined to remote or isolated communities.
Please note: We consider an air stage office to be air stage for the entire year.
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alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is any beverage intended for human consumption containing alcohol (for example, beer, wine, and spirits) as defined in the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act, as amended.
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ANA NAN
ANA NAN is the alpha-numeric (A)-(N) formula that makes up the Canadian Postal CodeOM.
Please note: “A” is an alphabetic character; “N” is a numeric character. The two units of the code have different functions:
- ANA is the Forward Sortation Area (FSA)
- NAN is the Local Delivery Unit (LDU)
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annual or one-time publication
An annual or one-time publication is an enclosed publication (newspaper, magazine, or newsletter) published at a frequency of less than twice a year.
This type of publication is clearly identified on the cover, or in the masthead, with the words “ANNUAL PUBLICATION” or “ONE-TIME PUBLICATION” (or similar wording) printed in block lettering.
Otherwise, we may consider this type of publication as co-packaged and priced accordingly.
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AO mail
AO mail are items which don’t meet the normal size limits of standard mail such as letters and postcards.
Please note: The acronym “AO” is an abbreviation of the international term “autres objets” used by the Universal Postal Union.
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applicable published prices
Applicable published prices are the prices, including any applicable fees, charges, or surcharges regarding each product and service, less any applicable rebate.
The prices are set by us and are in effect:
- At the time of mailing
- As published
We make the prices available for general application to you and amend them from time to time.
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approval / stamp approval
Approval (or stamp approval) is a postage stamp selection sent by a stamp dealer to a collector for their inspection.
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AR / AR card
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area control list
An area control list is a list of destinations to which certain goods is controlled.
Please note: This list is established under the Export and Import Permits Act.
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area deposit
An area deposit is a mailing deposited in the mail processing facility or mail induction centre which dispatches directly to the final site from which the mail will be delivered to the addressee.
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authorized representative / recognized representative of an addressee
An authorized representative (or recognized representative of an addressee) is a person with written authorization to:
- Pick up mail addressed to another party
- Receive mail addressed to another party
- Sign for mail addressed to another party
Please note: For items delivered to the door (addressee’s address), we consider the person who answers the door as the authorized representative. This person may accept the item by virtue of having access to the addressee’s premises. For items delivered to the post office (notice to pick up at the post office), the authorized representative must present a letter of authorization as per our current identification requirements policy. Our employees don’t have the authority to sign on behalf of a customer during the course of their duties or while wearing their uniforms.
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authorized user
An authorized user is a party appointed by you, and approved by us, to have access to the products and services offered under a specific agreement.
Please note: Unless otherwise specified in the Agreement, an authorized user has full access to the products and services offered under the Agreement.
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automated operation
An automated operation is a mail processing operation done by mechanized means with specialized systems or devices.
B
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back issue
A back issue (also known as an extra issue, double-issue, or ride-along publication) is a previously published copy or issue of a Publications Mail™ item.
A back issue may be:
- Individually addressed as a Publications Mail item
- Enclosed and priced with a Publications Mail item
- A complimentary promotional copy of another title or the same title
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barcode - 2D data matrix
A 2D data matrix barcode is an option we offer to you on mail items to increase creativity and help improve readability.
The barcode has:
- Service type
- Address information (Postal CodeOM and address locators)
- Customer data
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barcode - 4-state
A 4-state barcode is a barcode that has addressing and customer-specific information. The barcode helps process and track mail items as they move through the distribution system.
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base weight
The base weight is the initial weight step for pricing purposes.
Service Base weight Machineable Standard (STD) Up to 50 g (1.76 ounces) Machineable Oversize (OS) Up to 100 g (3.5 ounces) Delivery Facility Presort (DFP) Up to 100 g (3.5 ounces) Special Handling (SH) Up to 200 g (7 ounces) -
Basic Identifying Information
The Basic Identifying Information used for Publications Mail™ is the Publications Mail Agreement number (PM number). You need the PM number for proof of payment and processing, including for the return of undeliverable Publications Mail items.
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Bilateral Postal Convention
A Bilateral Postal Convention is an agreement about postal services made between Canada and another postal administration.
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Bill of Lading (BOL)
A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a barcoded shipping label composed of 3 copies manually completed by the shipper
The 3 copies are:
- Copy required for the billing
- Customer receipt
- Shipping Label
The BOL details both the shipper and the receiver’s full addresses including Postal CodeOM and telephone number.
Please note: You must complete the BOL in English or include an English translation.
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BMF
See bulk mail facility.
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book
A book is a collection of printed or manuscript pages sewn or glued together along one side and bound between rigid boards or flexible covers. Books are published or intended for publication.
Published books normally have an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
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booklet
A booklet is a thin collection of unbound or bound printed pages between flexible covers. A booklet’s content is related to the editorial content of the Publications Mail™ item.
Booklets must not adversely affect the ease of handling of the item.
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bound
Bound pages are either sewn, stapled, or glued together.
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box assembly
See mailbox assembly.
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boxholder
A boxholder is a customer renting or using a post office box.
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BPS
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break
A break is the separation point between letter carrier routes.
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BRM
See Business Reply Mail.
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brochure
A brochure is a folded sheet of paper that has information other than merchandise or services for sale.
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bulk form
Bulk form is any mail combined in a container of similar size.
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Bulk Mail Facility (BMF)
A Bulk Mail Facility (BMF) is a facility designed specifically for processing all mail in the bulk processing stream. This is a part of a mail processing plant.
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bulk mail
Bulk mail is an expression used in postal facilities to describe a quantity of mail.
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Bulk Processing Stream (BPS)
The Bulk Processing Stream (BPS) is a processing stream representing mail input in bulk form for delivery in bulk form.
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bundle / bundling
A bundle is a group of mail items secured together by strapping using either:
- Elastic bands
- String
- Plastic straps
A bundle can also be secured together by shrink-wrapping.
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bundle label
A bundle label (also known as a facing slip) is a small slip of paper – either pre-printed or hand-written – attached to the top of a mixed bundle. The label shows the destination of the bundle.
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Bundle of Unaddressed Copies
A Bundle of Unaddressed Copies is two or more copies of the same Publications Mail™ item (and any enclosure) wrapped or tied together in a bundle for delivery to either a news dealer or other bulk receiver at a single address.
You may send two or more back issues of a Publications Mail item as a Bundle of Unaddressed Copies.
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business day
A business day is a day other than:
- Saturday
- Sunday
- A statutory holiday
- Any day normally observed as a holiday by us
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business distribution
Business distribution is the delivery of mail to a business address.
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Business Reply Mail (BRM)
Business Reply Mail™ (BRM) is a Domestic or International reply card or envelope.
You can send BRM items (cards or envelopes) if you’ve entered into an appropriate Agreement with us for this service.
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Business Reply Mail (BRM) recipient
A Business Reply Mail™ (BRM) recipient is a person who uses a BRM card or envelope as their response vehicle of choice to a BRM customer.
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Business Reply Mail (BRM) customer
A Business Reply Mail™ (BRM) customer is a person who enters into a BRM Agreement and obtains our approval to distribute envelopes or cards that meet the requirements for the BRM service.
C
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C/O
See care of.
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cachet
Cachet is either:
- A special design or inscription on an envelope to commemorate a postal or philatelic event relating to the stamp
- An advertisement forming part of a postage meter impression
- A motto or slogan included in a postal cancellation
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Call For (CF)
Call For (CF) is an internal delivery service where you come to pick up the mail at the counter.
It’s used as an interim mode, whereby a Rural and Suburban Mail Carrier (RSMC) will deliver the mail.
Unlike General Delivery, this is supposed to be an interim service while you wait for us to install the assigned prime mode (within 30 business days).
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Canada Gazette, Part II
Regulations made under Section 19 of the Canada Post Corporation Act are published in the Canada Gazette. All regulations, as defined in the Statutory Instruments Act, and certain other classes of instruments and documents are required to be published.
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Canada Post
Canada Post is the commercial name of the Canada Post Corporation.
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Canada Post Corporation (CPC)
The Canada Post Corporation (CPC) is a corporation established by an Act of Parliament to carry out certain activities under the direction and control of a Board of Directors.
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Canada Post Corporation Gazetted Regulations
The Canada Post Corporation Gazetted Regulations are regulations proposed by Canada Post and approved by the Governor in Council under the Canada Post Corporation Act and Regulations.
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Canada Post’s responsibility for mail
Canada Post’s responsibility for mail ends when we’ve delivered the mail to:
- The addressee or their representative
or
- A mail receptacle at the delivery address or at a post office box where the mail is addressed to or in care of that box
If the item is sent by Registered Mail™, the responsibility of the Corporation ends when the addressee or another adult at the destination address signs for the article.
- The addressee or their representative
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Canadian Forces Post Office (CFPO)
A Canadian Forces Post Office (CFPO) is a military post office run by the Canadian Forces Postal Service (CFPS) to provide postal facilities for:
- Canadian military units abroad
- Canadian naval ships on cruise
- Personnel authorized to receive or send Canadian Forces Mail (CFM)
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Canadian Forces Postal Service (CFPS)
The Canadian Forces Postal Service (CFPS) is a military postal service authorized to run post offices and provide postal facilities for the Canadian Forces in Canada and abroad.
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cancellation
A cancellation is an impression used to mark a postage stamp to prevent its reuse.
The cancellation mark may be done by machine, hand stamp, or indelible pencil (if missed by initial processing).
A date, time, and location are usually included in the cancelling die.
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Card For Pickup
Card For Pickup is a delivery option that requires the recipient to pick up an item at the post office. A Delivery Notice Card will be left for the addressee and the item will be forwarded to the designated post office. The addressee or a representative is required to show one valid piece of government-issued photo identification when picking up the item at the post office.
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care of (C/O)
Care of (C/O) is a manner of addressing mail to allow its delivery to a named representative of the addressee.
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catalogue
A catalogue is bound, printed matter containing a listing of products or services for sale. A catalogue can also include prices and item numbers.
Catalogues may have an index or table of contents and the word “CATALOGUE” or “CATALOG” printed in block lettering.
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CDCs
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Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is a document for customs purposes attesting to the location of the manufacturing of an article.
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CFPO
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CFPS
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Change of Address (Mail Forwarding)
See Mail Forwarding.
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city consolidation
City consolidation is the second level of consolidation, as per the National Presortation Schematic (NPS).
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clear-wrapped
Clear-wrapped means completely enclosing the item in a secure plastic wrapper. The wrapper is transparent or has a transparent window clearly displaying the required addressing and identifying information.
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CMB
See community mailbox.
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COD
See Collect on Delivery.
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Collect on Delivery (COD)
Collect on Delivery (COD) is a service option available for domestic parcel shipments, for an extra fee. This option isn’t available at non-automated post offices. We’ll card all COD items (no delivery to the door).
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collection box
See street mailbox.
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commemorative stamp
A commemorative stamp is a stamp that’s issued to commemorate an event or to honour a person. These stamps are normally printed in limited quantities and sold in a specific period of time.
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Commercial Deposit Centres (CDCs)
Commercial Deposit Centres (CDCs) are delivery facilities that we equip to accept, verify, and process commercial mailings.
Refer to the Find a Deposit Location tool to determine the:
- Acceptable mail type
- Daily maximum volume
- Deposit location address
- Hours of deposit
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co-mingling
Co-mingling is a process by which we prepare separate mailings for processing in such a way that we intermingle them together to create a single sequenced mailing. Co-mingling takes place either in the same packaging, bundle or grouping, or container or shipping unit.
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commitment
A commitment is an identified time period for the processing of mail. Each process stream has a specified processing commitment.
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community mailbox (CMB)
A community mailbox (CMB) is a large, firmly anchored steel box (module) made up of individual compartments. Each CMB serves one street address for mail delivery.
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community mailbox service; CMB mailbox service
Community mailbox service (CMB mailbox service) is the delivery of mail to a large steel box. Each locked compartment serves one street address. Each unit also offers a larger compartment for parcel delivery, and a mailbox for outgoing letters.
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consignee
A consignee is the receiver or addressee of a mail item.
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consolidation
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Consumers' Choice Program
The Consumers’ Choice Program is a program introduced by us on July 2, 1997, to respect consumers’ wishes not to receive unaddressed material.
When a Canadian opts into Consumers’ Choice, we’ll continue to deliver:
- Community newspapers (without commercial inserts/enclosures) – only inserts in the public interest are acceptable
- Mailings in the public (as opposed to commercial) interest from:
- Federal government departments or agencies
- Provincial government departments or agencies
- Territorial government departments or agencies
- Municipal government departments or agencies
- Band councils
- Materials from:
- Elections Canada
- Provincial chief electoral officers
- Territorial chief electoral officers
- Municipal election officials (or the deputy returning officer)
- Political parties and electoral candidates during an election
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container label
A container label is a piece of thin cardboard affixed to a container. The label details the contents and the container’s destination.
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containerization
Containerization is the process of packaging the mail for shipment. Mail items are placed into containers (Canada Post-supplied or customer-supplied, approved by us) suitable for handling through our processes.
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contract customer
A contract customer is a customer who has signed a written Agreement or contract with us for a specific service.
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co-op mailing
A co-op mailing is promotional content from two or more organizations, typically printed as booklets, cards or enclosed in an envelope.
Co-op mailings are not:
- Catalogues
- Directories
- Newsletters
- Calendars
- Community newspapers
The inclusion of the mailer/sender identification (customer name and, or logo) is not considered promotional content. Canada Post reserves the right to refuse, at its sole discretion, any co-op mailing that does not meet its criteria, including, without limitation, a mailing by a customer that is primarily engaged in the reselling of the co-op item, rather than promoting its own products or services.
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co-packaging
Co-packaging is the inclusion of an item (Personalized Mail™, Lettermail™, or Publications Mail™) from different mail owners within a Publications Mail item sent to the same recipient.
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corner block
We describe the corner block as the four stamps and corner selvage of the stamp pane. The selvage includes printing and quality control numbers and markings. Different markings might be present on the selvage of the corner block, depending on whether the block is the upper or lower left, or the upper or lower right of the pane.
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corner set
The corner set is the set of all four corner blocks taken from the same pane.
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coverage (Liability Coverage)
Liability Coverage is a service we offer that gives compensation for the loss, mishandling, or damage of a mailable item.
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CPC
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customer number
A customer number is a 7-digit number assigned to each customer who signs a service Agreement.
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Customer Relationship Support
Customer Relationship Support is a service we offer consisting of direct communications with the public on such matters as:
- Claims
- Enquiries and complaints
- Requests for services such as community mailbox key replacement
- Other public relations activities
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Customer Service
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customs clearance
A customs clearance authorizes the release of an article of mail to the addressee by Customs.
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Customs Declaration
A Customs Declaration is a mandatory form or label affixed to U.S. and International mail to simplify customs clearance in the country of destination. It’s included on most international shipping labels.
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customs duty
Customs duty is an amount of tax or tariff applied to an item imported from another country.
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customs examination
Customs examination is the process of inspecting a mail item by customs officers to decide whether duty and/or taxes apply, and if the item is permitted entry into Canada.
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customs label
A customs label (CN22 or CN23) is a form or label required on all U.S. and International items subject to customs control. The customs form label is also known as a Customs Declaration, and is included on most international shipping labels.
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customs primary screening centre
A customs primary screening centre is an area within the international exchange offices where an initial segregation is made between items which can be released for domestic delivery and items attracting duty and/or taxes or requiring further inspection.
D
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damaged mail
Damaged mail is mail damaged while processed by us or at another postal administration. Damaged mail may be due to improper
- Packaging
- Handling
- Processing
- Delivery
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date stamp
A date stamp is the metal or rubber stamp used on mail or on forms to show the date or to cancel the postage stamp.
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datestamp / to date stamp
Datestamping is the act of dating items or dating and cancelling stamps on mail.
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DCF
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default weight
Default weight is the standard weight that we’ll apply per item if the weight of a shipment isn’t on the proper shipping document. We’ll charge the default weight accordingly.
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delivery area
A delivery area is an area to which we offer mail delivery service from any postal facility or service.
This includes:
- An individual Letter Carrier
- A Rural Route
- A delivery route
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Delivery Confirmation
Delivery Confirmation provides proof of delivery. You can view and print a Delivery Confirmation online for up to 1 year once your parcel is delivered. A hard copy of a Delivery Confirmation is also available for up to 7 years through Customer Service.
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Delivery Facility (DF)
A Delivery Facility (DF) is the facility from which the mode of delivery emanates.
This can include the:
- Location of a postal box
- Origination of the rural route
- Origination of a letter carrier route
The DF can include:
- Urban postal stations
- Letter carrier depots
- Rural postal facilities
This is the first level of consolidation, as per the National Presortation Schematic (NPS).
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Delivery Facility Presort
Delivery Facility Presort is a mail presortation option for sequencing mail by Forward Sortation Area (FSA) or Postal CodeOM. After sorting, we group the mail and containerize it according to the National Presortation Schematic (NPS).
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Delivery Mode Audit Code
The Delivery Mode Audit Code is a single letter in parentheses, identifying which version of the National Presortation Schematic (NPS) and Delivery Mode Data Product was used to prepare a mailing. The Delivery Mode Audit Code must appear on every mail item, regardless of its destination. This code changes monthly.
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Delivery Mode Code (DMC)
The Delivery Mode Code (DMC) is the delivery route for an individual address identified by a specific code.
The DMC is made up of two parts:
- Delivery Mode Audit Code (DMAC)
- Delivery Mode Detail (DMD)
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Delivery Mode Detail
The Delivery Mode Detail is a string of alphanumeric characters identifying the:
- Letter carrier route or delivery mode
- Letter Carrier responsible for delivery of the mail item or group of items
This information must appear on every mail item with an urban Postal CodeOM.
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delivery mode data technical specifications
The delivery mode data technical specifications provide information that contains the Postal CodeOM and the related modes of delivery (for example, a Letter Carrier walk).
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delivery mode identifier
The delivery mode identifier is numerical and is the routing information, such as a letter carrier route number.
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delivery mode type
The delivery mode type is an alphabetical character, which identifies the mode of delivery.
Here are the delivery mode types:
- A = delivery to block face address
- B = delivery to an apartment building
- E = delivery to a business building
- G = delivery to a Large Volume Receiver
- H = delivery via a Rural Route
- J = General Delivery
- K = delivery to a post office box (not a community mailbox)
- M = delivery to a Large Volume Receiver (post office box)
- T = delivery via a suburban service
- X = delivery via a mobile route
- Z = we’ve retired this Postal CodeOM (no further delivery to this code)
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Delivery Notice Card (DNC)
A Delivery Notice Card (DNC) is used to show that an item is available for pickup at the designated post office. The DNC will provide instructions to the receiver on where to pick up their item.
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delivery standards
Delivery standards represent the expected transit time from deposit to delivery for items tendered before the local cut-off time. Delivery standards are calculated in business days. Any deposits made on holidays or weekends will be accepted on the next business day.
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destination facility
A destination facility is a facility to which mail is destined. The National Presortation Schematic (NPS) outlines all level 1, 2, 3, and 4 destination facilities to which we consolidate mail.
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DF
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direct
Direct mail is a bundle, box, container, or bag containing mail destined for processing at one post office or one postal station or depot. These offices are the first level of consolidation.
-
direct container
A direct container is a container consisting of bundles of items for either:
- The same rural or urban post office
- One postal station or depot
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direct delivery
A direct delivery is a bundle or bag of mail delivered by vehicle directly to you if you regularly receive mail in volume.
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directory
A directory is printed matter of bound or spiral-bound pages made up of an alphabetical or classified listing of names, addresses, or other data.
A directory usually has an index and often has page tabs.
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dispatch
Dispatch is an entire shipment prepared by us for forwarding to another location or service.
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dispatch note
A dispatch note is an international term referring to a form prepared by the mailer, documenting the contents of a mail item. The dispatch note may go with the relative invoice or statement of value to ease customs clearance in the country of destination.
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Distribution Centre Facility (DCF)
A Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) is a major postal facility where mail is:
- Received
- Sorted
- Handled
- Sent to a group of dependent postal facilities
- Received from a group of dependent postal facilities
This is the third level of consolidation, as per the National Presortation Schematic (NPS).
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distribution
Distribution is the sorting system set up to move mail from the point of mailing to the office of delivery with the least possible intermediate handling.
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DMC
See Delivery Mode Code.
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Do Not Forward (DNF)
Do Not Forward (DNF) is a service option applicable to Lettermail™ items that we can’t deliver as addressed because the addressee has moved. We’ll return the Lettermail item to the sender and not forward it to the addressee, even if the addressee has filed a Mail Forwarding request with us. This option requires that the item bear a legitimate DNF endorsement.
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document
A document is a business or personal correspondence item that has no defined commercial value.
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domestic mail
Domestic mail is mail originated in Canada and addressed to points in Canada.
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double issue
A double issue is two issues of a host publication bound together as one volume.
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duty
Duty is money (a charge or tax) requested by the jurisdiction of a country for a fiscal purpose.
See customs duty.
E
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edgemarking
Edgemarking is ink or paint (the colour of which must significantly contrast with the colour of the envelope) applied to the top edge of an envelope to show a break between groupings and/or delivery facilities of presorted mail.
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Electronic Shipping Tools (EST)
Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) is the software application or third-party shipping system approved by us, which allows you to prepare, transmit, and submit your Orders.
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enclosure
An enclosure is an insert (enclosed in a magazine) or outsert (enclosed in an envelope or polybag) that’s included with a Publications Mail™ item.
Enclosures must not adversely affect the ease of handling of the mail item.
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exclusive privelege
Under sections 14 and 15 of the Canada Post Corporation Act, we have the sole and exclusive privilege in Canada of:
- Collecting letters to the addressee
- Sending letters to the addressee
- Delivering letters to the addressee
This exclusive privilege extends to letters weighing up to 500 g (17.6 ounces) mailed:
- In Canada for delivery in Canada or outside Canada
- Outside Canada for delivery in Canada
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Expedited Parcel
Expedited Parcel™ is a domestic parcel service for contract customers. All Expedited Parcel items are tracked, delivery times are guaranteed, and delivery status can be checked online.
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Expedited Parcel - USA
Expedited Parcel™ - USA is a ground parcel service to the U.S. available to all customers. Expedited Parcel - USA provides delivery confirmation and must bear an Expedited Parcel - USA barcoded label.
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Export Control List (ECL)
An Export Control List (ECL) is a list of goods established under the Export and Import Permits Act to control the export of certain goods.
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export permit
Export permits are needed for all goods listed in the Export Control List (ECL) or goods destined for Area Control List countries. This is a requirement whether or not the goods are listed on the ECL.
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extraction bars (Business Reply Mail)
Extraction bars are the three vertical bars printed on Business Reply Mail™ items. These bars allow mechanized mail processing equipment to identify and segregate such mail items.
F
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face up
Face up means to arrange the mail so that the postal indicia (or stamp) and the addresses are right side up and face in the same direction.
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facility
See postal facility.
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facing slip
See bundle label.
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FCP
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feature
A feature is a service enhancement that we offer automatically to you as part of the basic service.
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Flats Sorting Machine (FSM)
A Flats Sorting Machine (FSM) is a machine for automated processing of Oversize (OS) items.
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flats tub
A flats tub is a hard-sided container (supplied by us) used primarily to transport Oversize (OS) mail.
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Fleet Mail Office (FMO)
A Fleet Mail Office (FMO) is a military post office run by the Canadian Forces Postal Service to provide facilities for Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS).
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FMO
See Fleet Mail Office.
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foreign mail
See international mail.
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Forward Consolidation Point (FCP)
The Forward Consolidation Point (FCP) is the fourth level of consolidation in the National Presortation Schematic (NPS). We only access this level for the make-up of monotainers and pallets.
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forward delivery
Forward delivery is the delivery of mail outside the postal delivery area of the place of mailing.
-
forward mail (FWD)
Forward mail (FWD) is mail going outside the postal delivery area served by the postal facility in which we received it for processing.
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Forward Sortation Area (FSA)
The Forward Sortation Area (FSA) is the first three characters (alpha-numeric-alpha) of the Postal CodeOM, which represent a geographic area.
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franking privilege
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FSA
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FSM
G
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General Delivery
General Delivery is a service provided at post offices for delivery of mail to customers:
- With no fixed address in the letter carrier delivery area
- Who can’t receive mail through the normal delivery modes
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GMB
See group mailbox.
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Government mail free of postage / franking privilege
Government mail free of postage allows for you to send mail to and from the following people free of postage if both the sender and receiver are in Canada:
- The Governor General
- The Speaker or Clerk of the Senate or House of Commons
- The Parliamentary Librarian or the Associate Parliamentary Librarian
- Members of the Senate
- Members of the House of Commons
- The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner or Senate Ethics Officer
- The Director of the Parliamentary Protective Service
- The Parliamentary Budget Officer
Please note: You can't send Parcel Services, options, and special services via government mail free of postage.
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green label
See customs label.
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group mailbox (GMB)
A group mailbox (GMB) is a large steel box made up of individual compartments that can be separately locked. Each compartment serves one street address for mail delivery.
H
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hand cancel or stamp
Hand cancelling or hand stamping is the act of cancelling postage by use of a hand stamp
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Hold Mail
Hold Mail is mail held for a specific period upon instructions in writing from the addressee on payment of a service charge.
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host publication
A host publication is a newspaper, magazine, or newsletter that’s mailed as the primary Publications Mail™ item under a valid Agreement number.
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householder count
Householder count is a delivery count we supply for all urban and rural delivery modes such as:
- Letter carrier routes
- Non-letter carrier routes
- Postal Boxes
I
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import restrictions
Import restrictions are regulations that prohibit the importation of certain items or commodities into a country.
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imprint (to)
To imprint is to place a postage impression on an item of mail.
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inbound
See incoming mail.
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Incentive Lettermail
Incentive Lettermail™ is a category of Lettermail™ that consists of identical items of Standard and Oversize domestic mail as defined by us. Incentive Lettermail is deposited in large quantities and qualifies for a discounted price.
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incentive pricing / incentive rate
Incentive pricing is a special price available to commercial customers who have signed an Agreement and whose mailings meet certain requirements established by us.
These requirements include:
- Volume
- Mail preparation and presortation
- Address accuracy
- Machineability
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incoming mail
Incoming mail is all mail coming into a postal facility.
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incomplete address
See address incomplete.
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indexing
Indexing is the operation of translating a Postal CodeOM to a barcode and printing it in the lower right corner of the item.
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insert
An insert is:
- Editorial or advertising printed matter
or
- Promotional material
The insert is enclosed in, or attached to, the pages or covers of a host publication.
- Editorial or advertising printed matter
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insurance
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interliner
An interliner is a commercial customer whose primary business is to run a transportation, courier, or package distribution service in Canada. This business also presents packages to us on behalf of other customers.
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International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union
The International Bureau is the headquarters of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The International Bureau is responsible for providing logistical and technical support to member postal administrations.
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International List of Post Offices
The International List of Post Offices is a Universal Postal Union (UPU) publication listing all the post offices in the world and including a general information table.
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international mail
International mail is mail:
- Posted to other countries
- Received from other countries
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International Parcel
International Parcel™ service is an economical means of shipping packages of goods, merchandise, and other articles.
We ship international parcels by air or surface from Canada to international destinations, excluding the U.S.
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international reply coupon
International reply coupons are coupons that may be purchased in participating member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
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invoice declaration
An invoice declaration is a form that lists shipment information for customs clearance of international mail items in the destination country. Also referred to as a Customs Declaration, an invoice declaration is used for commercial shipments.
J
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N/A
N/A
K
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N/A
N/A
L
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Large Volume Mailer (LVM)
A Large Volume Mailer (LVM) is a mailer who regularly deposits an average of 100 or more items of mail per business day.
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Large Volume Receiver (LVR)
A Large Volume Receiver (LVR) is a customer that receives 200 items or more of Standard Machineable Lettermail™ each business day.
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LCD
See Letter Carrier Depot.
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LC
See Letter Carrier.
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LDU
See Local Delivery Unit.
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length
Length is the longest dimension of the mail item.
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letter box
See street mailbox.
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Letter Carrier (LC)
A Letter Carrier (LC) is an employee of Canada Post who sorts and delivers mail to an assigned route.
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Letter Carrier Depot (LCD)
A Letter Carrier Depot (LCD) is a postal facility run as a terminal for letter carriers. These facilities don’t serve the general public.
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letter carrier office
A letter carrier office is a postal facility which runs as a letter carrier terminal.
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Letter Carrier walk
A Letter Carrier walk is an outside delivery service available in urban delivery areas only within a specified letter carrier delivery boundary.
Delivery is:
- By a Letter Carrier to an individual physical address or to centralized mail delivery
or
- Provided on foot or in a motorized vehicle
- By a Letter Carrier to an individual physical address or to centralized mail delivery
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Lettermail
Our domestic Lettermail™ service is the most convenient and cost-effective way in Canada to send:
- Personal messages
- Business correspondence
- Invoices
- Billing statements
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Letter-post
Our Letter-post service is the most economical method of sending personal and business correspondence to the United States and international destinations.
Letter-post items are composed of paper or other material with the general characteristics of paper (including photographs).
You must post Letter-post in Canada for delivery outside of Canada.
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Letterflatainer (LFT)
A Letterflatainer (LFT) is a container used to transport Standard mail. Letterflatainers don’t need lids.
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levels of consolidation
There are 4 levels of consolidation available as per the National Presortation Schematic (NPS):
- NPS Level 1: Delivery Facility (DF)
- NPS Level 2: City
- NPS Level 3: Distribution Centre Facility (DCF)
- NPS Level 4: Forward Consolidation Point (FCP)
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Liability Coverage
Liability Coverage is a service we offer that gives compensation for the loss, mishandling, or damage of a mailable item.
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Library materials
Library materials may consist of:
- Books
- Magazines
- Records
- CDs
- CD-ROMs
- Audiocassettes
- Videocassettes
- DVDs
- Other audiovisual materials
- Other similar library materials
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Literature for the Blind
Literature for the Blind is a special no charge service available only to blind persons and recognized institutions for the blind.
You can only send the following items as Literature for the Blind:
- Matter impressed in braille or similar raised type
- Plates for manufacturing matter impressed in braille or similar raised type
- Tapes, records, CDs, and other sound recordings posted by the blind in Canada
- Tapes, records, CDs, and other sound recordings and special paper intended solely for the use of the blind if mailed by, or addressed to, a recognized institution for the blind
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local delivery area
See delivery area.
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Local Delivery Unit (LDU)
The Local Delivery Unit (LDU) is the last 3 characters (numeric-alpha-numeric) of the Postal CodeOM. These characters represent a specific point or set of points of call found in the Forward Sortation Area (FSA).
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local delivery
Local delivery is the delivery of mail in the postal delivery area of the place of mailing.
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lock box
A lock box is usually found in a group in post office walls. We sort mail by individual box number from the employee working area. You remove the mail after unlocking the door on the public side. We supply the key when you rent the box.
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luminescence
Luminescence is the emission of light by a substance. It’s a term used to measure the brightness of paper. If the paper is too bright, it will blind the camera or scanner when processed on our automated equipment.
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LVM
See Large Volume Mailer.
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LVR
M
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Machineable Mail
Machineable Mail is mail that our automated equipment can process.
Machineable Mail is a preparation option for:
- Personalized Mail™
- Incentive Lettermail™
- Publications Mail™
- Postal Code Targeting
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machineability requirements
Machineability requirements ensure that your mail items can travel through our automated equipment without damage to them or to the equipment.
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magalogue
A magalogue is a printed publication that combines elements of a magazine and a catalogue including style, format, and layout.
A magalogue is used to sell, promote, or present products or services.
A magalogue is created in the style of a magazine and may include:
- Informative articles
- Pictures
- Product descriptions
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mail contractor
A mail contractor is a person who has entered into a contract with us for the transmission of mail.
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mail conveyance
Mail conveyance is any physical, electronic, optical, or other means used to send mail.
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mail dispatching facility
A mail dispatching facility is a receptacle or mailroom designed for the receipt and temporary storage of mail. This mail is then collected by a post office representative and sent by post.
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Mail Forwarding
Mail Forwarding is a service we offer to people and businesses who wish to have their mail forwarded to a new address either domestically, in the U.S., or internationally.
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mail item
A mail item is a single item or mail piece prepared and mailed using one of the products and services under the General Terms and Conditions.
Also see Publications Mail item.
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mail order
A mail order is an order for goods to be delivered by mail.
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mail preparation
Mail preparation is the process of preparing containers and shipping units for a common destination. It involves labelling groupings, containers, and shipping units.
Mail preparation allows us to bypass various processing steps and facilities in our mail distribution network.
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mail presortation
Mail presortation is the process of sorting and grouping mail items bound for a common destination. We base mail presortation on the National Presortation Schematic (NPS). You can manually perform mail presortation or use presortation software recognized by us.
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Mail Processing Plant (MPP)
A Mail Processing Plant (MPP) is a postal facility created for the processing of mail.
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mail receiver
A mail receiver is a chute, mailbox, or any other receptacle in which we post mail.
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mail receptacle
See mail receiver.
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mailable matter
Mailable matter is anything that you can send by post.
This includes:
- Messages
- Information
- Funds
- Goods
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mailbox
See mail receiver.
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mailbox assembly
A mailbox assembly is a privately owned group of mailboxes in an apartment building or office complex. The assembly is designed for the reception of the mail of all occupants of the building or complex. It's constructed so that each owner or tenant has an individual compartment.
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mailing abroad
We’ll charge the Canadian postage prices if the mailing abroad is made up of large quantities of items or if it’s posted outside Canada by or on behalf of a Canadian mailer for delivery in Canada to profit from lower prices.
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mailing address
A mailing address is an address that specifies where we're to deliver mail.
A mailing address includes:
- Information assigned by the municipality and building owners
- The assigned Postal CodeOM
- Other related address information assigned by us
Please note: The mailing address can differ from the physical or street address.
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mailing list
A mailing list is a list of delivery addresses provided by you.
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Manifest
A Manifest is a document we use to record information related to mailing of parcels.
Services that use this document:
- Priority™
- Xpresspost™
- Expedited Parcel™
- Regular Parcel™
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masthead
The masthead is the part of the editorial space of a publication where:
- Staff members are identified
- You can find information on:
- Subscription rates
- Frequency
- Place of publication
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meter impression
A meter impression is an approved impression placed on a mail item.
The impression is reproduced by a printing die, which shows:
- That postage has been paid
- The amount of the postage paid
- The date
- The meter number
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meter setting
Meter setting is the act of re-setting the descending register in a postage meter. This re-setting reflects the receipt of additional money from a postage meter user.
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meter tape
Meter tape is a gummed roll of paper tape used in meter machines on which the postage required for a bulky item is printed. The tape is then affixed to the article in the same manner as a postage stamp.
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metered mail
Metered mail is mail on which you pay the required postage and show that payment by a meter impression.
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Military Post Office (MPO)
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Minister Responsible
The Minister Responsible is a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada appointed by the Governor in Council to act as the Minister for the purposes of the Canada Post Corporation Act.
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mint
Mint is the condition of a stamp as released by us. Mint means the stamp features:
- No fading
- Full perforations
- Original gum
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minutes of meetings
Minutes of a meeting is an informal document outlining what transpired at a meeting.
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MLOCR
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mobile delivery service
Mobile delivery service is the delivery of mail to industrial areas by motor vehicle. These deliveries are usually done under contract.
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mobile service
Mobile service is delivery of mail to industrial areas by motorized means. These deliveries are usually done under contract.
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monotainer
A monotainer is a large, collapsible steel frame container that’s used to transport mail between postal facilities and Large Volume Mailers.
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monotainer label
A monotainer label is a piece of paper or cardboard with pre-printed or hand-written information detailing the contents and destination of the monotainer. The label is attached to two sides of the monotainer.
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Motorized Route (MR)
A Motorized Route (MR) is a route where the Letter Carrier (LC) has the use of a vehicle to help in the delivery of items.
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MPO
See Military Post Office.
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MPP
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Multi-Line Optical Character Reader (MLOCR)
A Multi-Line Optical Character Reader (MLOCR) is a machine used for mail processing that reads the complete address on a properly addressed mail item and encodes the corresponding fluorescent barcode.
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multi-web construction self-mailer
A multi-web construction self-mailer is a fully sealed mailable item consisting of multi layers of single carbonized sheets of paper. Printing is by impact printer after the form is constructed.
N
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National Presortation Schematic (NPS)
The National Presortation Schematic (NPS), formerly known as the National Distribution Guide, is a document that sets out mail presortation schematics. We need these schematics to presort mail to direct facilities or consolidation points.
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National Presortation Schematic (NPS) Levels
The National Presortation Schematic (NPS) Levels of consolidation as per the NPS are:
- NPS Level 1: Delivery Facility (DF)
- NPS Level 2: City
- NPS Level 3: Distribution Centre Facility (DCF)
- NPS Level 4: Forward Consolidation Point (FCP)
Any mail item that we can’t consolidate to one of these four levels, we'll consolidate as Residue.
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Neighbourhood Mail
Neighbourhood Mail™ is made up of printed and non-printed matter, such as product samples, that aren’t addressed to a specific address in Canada.
You must not address the items, but they may bear wording (without a destination address) such as:
- “HOUSEHOLDER”
- “OCCUPANT”
- “RESIDENT”
- “BUSINESS OWNERS”
- “MARKETING MANAGER”
- “PURCHASING MANAGER”
- “BOXHOLDER”
Neighbourhood Mail provides information to target mailings to neighbourhoods or localities that have the highest potential audience, without a customer database.
This can include information about:
- Geographic location
- Demographics
- Lifestyle
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newsletter
A newsletter is a printed sheet, pamphlet, or small newspaper containing news or information. A newsletter can be of interest to, or bear the interests of, a special group. Newsletters may include some advertising.
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newspaper
A newspaper is a paper, bound or unbound, that has:
- News
- Articles of opinion
- Features
- Advertising (usually)
A newspaper is printed and distributed daily or weekly.
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newspaper (community)
A community newspaper must:
- Have a maximum ratio of 70% advertising, including all enclosures, to 30% news/editorial/community notices content
- Be published not more than 3 times a week
- Serve the community in which it’s published through its news and editorial content
A community newspaper must not:
- Be a newsletter intended for a special interest group
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non-letter carrier delivery route
A non-letter carrier delivery route is a delivery route where delivery service is provided by means other than a Letter Carrier.
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non-letter carrier office
A non-letter carrier office is a postal facility which doesn’t run as a letter carrier terminal.
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non-mailable matter
Non-mailable matter is items and articles prescribed as non-mailable matter by Section 3 of the Prohibited Mail Regulations and other regulations.
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NPS
O
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OCR
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OS
See Oversize.
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office of delivery
The office of delivery is the postal facility that will deliver the mail.
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office of deposit / induction location / originating office
An office of deposit (also known as an induction location or originating office) is a Canada Post facility where you’re authorized to deposit mail.
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Official First Day Cover
An Official First Day Cover is a specially printed envelope sold at philatelic counters and by mail order from the National Philatelic Centre. It’s used in conjunction with the stamp to which it relates.
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On-time Delivery Guarantee
We offer an On-time Delivery Guarantee for certain products if your shipment isn’t delivered on time, as measured against the published delivery standards, under the General Terms and Conditions. If your shipment isn’t delivered on time, you’ll get a replacement service or credit equal to the shipment charges (transportation charges).
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Optical Character Reader (OCR)
An Optical Character Reader (OCR) is a machine that reads the Postal CodeOM on mail.
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option
An option is a service enhancement that isn’t offered automatically as part of the basic service.
You must select the option by either:
- Checking a box
or
- Affixing an additional label, sticker, or specified indicia (additional fees may apply)
- Checking a box
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origin-destination table
The origin-destination table is a table in SERP software which identifies distance-based pricing structure.
It’s based on the National Presortation Schematic (NPS).
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originating office
See office of deposit.
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other items (AO)
See AO mail.
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Other Lettermail
Other Lettermail™ is any mail that doesn’t qualify as Standard Lettermail. We include Oversize and Non-standard Lettermail items in this category.
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out for delivery scan
An out for delivery scan indicates that the item is out for delivery.
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out-of-spec
Out-of-spec items are items that exceed our maximum parcel specifications.
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Out-of-spec Surcharge
An Out-of-spec Surcharge applies when:
- Any item dimension exceeds 2 m (78.7 inches)
or
- The length and girth of an item combined exceeds 3 m (118 inches)
or
- The weight of the item exceeds 30 kg (66 pounds)
This surcharge applies to the following services:
- Priority™
- Xpresspost™
- Expedited Parcel™
- Regular Parcel™
- Any item dimension exceeds 2 m (78.7 inches)
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outstanding points of call
Outstanding points of call are points of call receiving an interim delivery mode (such as General Delivery) although qualifying for another standard delivery mode (such as community mailbox service or door-to-door letter carrier delivery).
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Oversize
Oversize items are items that exceed the Standard size requirements of the service. Sizes and prices for mailing Oversize items vary by service.
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Oversize Surcharge
An Oversize Surcharge applies when an item has any dimension exceeding 1 m (39.4 inches) and/or the item measures more than 76 cm (30 inches) along its second longest side.
The Oversize Surcharge applies for the following services:
- Priority™
- Xpresspost™
- Expedited Parcel™
- Regular Parcel™
P
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package
A package is any wrapped bundle which exceeds the dimension or weight of a Standard or Oversize letter. For example, a packet or a parcel.
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pallet
A pallet is a wooden or plastic platform used for the conveyance of containers or brick-piled mail items. Pallets are also referred to as skids.
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pallet label
A pallet label is a piece of paper or cardboard with pre-printed or hand-written information detailing the contents and destination of the pallet. The label is attached to two sides of a pallet.
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parcel delivery
Parcel delivery is the delivery of parcel-type mail by motor vehicle.
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Parcel Services
In general, Parcel Services is a mail service handling parcels either by air or surface.
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partial mailing
A partial mailing is the part of the total mailing deposited on one of the scheduled mailing days.
Each partial mailing must:
- Follow the minimum volume per deposit requirements for the product
- Be accompanied by an Order (Statement of Mailing) showing the part of the mailing
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perishable article
A perishable article is any matter subject to deterioration due to lengthy transmission time or exposure to hot and cold extremes.
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Personal Contact Item (PCI)
A Personal Contact Item (PCI) is an item which must be delivered by hand to the addressee or recognized representative to get a signature or for the collection of charges.
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personalized
We define personalized as having the name of the addressee (person the item is being sent to) and an extra piece of information (or more) relating to that person.
Types of personalization include:
- Address
- Unique membership number
- Account balance
- Points record
- Financial information
- Purchase history
You must not personalize address carriers with more than the address block information (name and address) of the addressee. The address block can include the keyline addressee account code (for example, subscriber account number).
We can only accept a personalized enclosure with a publication in Publications Mail™ as co-packaged Personalized Mail™ or Lettermail™, if applicable, except for a renewal notice.
If personalized editorial content is part of the page count of a host publication, we then consider it an integral part of the publication itself and not an enclosure. So, we’d price it with the host publication.
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Personalized Mail
We define Personalized Mail™ as mailable items that all have the same purpose and the same goal. The content doesn’t have to be the same.
The primary intention (main messaging) of the mail items is to motivate a person to take action by:
- Promoting a product, service, program, or event.
- Soliciting donations or contributions.
- Reporting on financial performance, primarily for promotional purposes.
- Supporting your loyalty card program. This includes all mailings relating to loyalty card programs and excludes credit or debit cards with or without reward points.
For more information on Personalized Mail product qualification criteria, please refer to the Personalized Mail customer guide (PDF).
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phantom price
A phantom price is an amount of extra postage payable for a mailing that doesn’t meet the minimum volume requirement.
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point of call
A point of call is an actual or potential business or residential point of delivery.
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points of call served
Points of call are the total number of authorized delivery locations.
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post
To post is to deposit mail in a mail receiver, post office, or to leave mail with a person authorized by us to receive mailable matter.
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post box
A post box is a public mailbox.
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post office box
A post office box is usually in a post office wall in a group. We sort mail by individual box number in the employee working area. You remove the mail after unlocking the door on the public side with the key supplied when you rent the box. Also known as a PO Box.
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postage
Postage is the charge or surcharge payable for us to collect, send, and deliver:
- Messages
- Information
- Funds or goods
- Coverage (Liability Coverage) or other special services provided by us in relation thereto
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postage paid
Postage paid is a term we use instead of a postage stamp to show that we've authorized postage.
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postage stamp
A postage stamp is any stamp, postage impression, or postage meter impression authorized by Canada Post for the purpose of paying postage.
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Postal Code
A Postal CodeOM is a six-character alphanumeric code in the form of ANA NAN. “A” is a letter of the alphabet, and “N” is a number. A Postal CodeOM is an integral part of every postal address in Canada. We designed postal codes to help sort mail, both mechanically and manually.
Please note: “Postal Code” is also an official mark of Canada Post.
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Postal Code Targeting
Postal Code Targeting is a service that gives you the ability to target a specific geographic or demographic at the Postal CodeOM level.
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postal facility
A postal facility is any building or its parts used for postal purposes.
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postal indicia
A postal indicia is a marking that identifies the service name and the customer number.
You must:
- Print or apply the indicia to each mail item when paying by commercial account
- Create the indicia by using Canada Post-supplied artwork
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Postal Money Order
A Postal Money Order is a postal document you buy at a postal facility for sending money.
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postal station
A postal station is a facility run in larger urban centres. Postal stations provide counter and delivery services for heavily populated areas that are some distance from the main post office.
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postmark
A postmark is a marking applied to a cover to show the date and point of mailing or arrival.
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pre-authorized payment
Pre-authorized payment is an automatic transfer of funds from your designated bank account to our designated bank account on invoice due date.
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prepaid container
A prepaid container is a flat rate, postage-included container into which you may insert documents and non-documents. In the case of U.S. and International shipments, you can only insert documents.
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prepaid label
A prepaid label is a flat rate, postage-included label which you affix to documents and non-documents for transmission.
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presort
See mail presortation.
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presort software
Presort software is software designed to presort according to the specifications outlined in the Presort Technical Specifications.
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Presort Technical Specifications
We intend the Presort Technical Specifications document to specifically give developers of presortation software our presortation requirements.
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Priority
Priority™ is a domestic parcel service that provides guaranteed on-time delivery by next day 1 between most major urban centres for Local, Regional, and National mail.
All items are tracked and delivery status can be checked online. Signature collection and One-Time On-Demand Pickup are available at no extra charge.
1 Some exceptions apply.
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progressive pricing
Progressive pricing is a pricing process where the item is subject to a base price and an extra per gram charge.
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prohibited mail
Prohibited mail is an article not acceptable for mailing as defined by:
- Statute
- Agreement
- Regulations
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prohibitory order
A prohibitory order is an order made under Section 43 of the Canada Post Corporation Act. The order states that any person who uses the mail to commit an offence or aids, procures, or counsels any person to commit an offence, or with intent to commit an offence, uses the mail to accomplish such an object, is served with an order prohibiting delivery of mail to that person.
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proxy
A proxy is an official document used to allow one person to act for another.
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Publications Mail item
A Publications Mail™ item is:
- Magazines and newspapers in print form containing news and miscellaneous information, such as articles, features, and advertising
- Newsletters in print form, non-promotional in nature, containing news or information to a membership, special interest group, or association
- In no more than 50% of the issues in any 12-month period and has a maximum ratio of 70% advertising to 30% news/editorial (including editorial content sponsored by an advertiser)
Please note: Newsletters are usually in the form of printed sheets, pamphlets or small newspapers. Newsletters may include some advertising.
Q
-
N/A
N/A
R
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rate
A rate is postage charged per unit of measurement on the various types of mail. Also referred to as “price”.
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readability requirements
Readability requirements ensure that our automated equipment can find and read the address on each of your mail items.
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refused
An item is refused when the addressee has declined to accept the mail item.
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Registered Mail
Registered Mail™ is a service that provides the sender with a mailing receipt and secures:
- The signature of the addressee
- A print of the signature
- The date upon delivery of the item
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registration
Registration is the act of registering an item. See Registered Mail.
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Regular Parcel
Regular Parcel™ is a domestic parcel service which we deliver to the addressee by ground. A tracking number is provided and delivery status can be checked online.
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renewal notice
A renewal notice is printed notification, which may be personalized, to a subscriber about the status of the subscription and options for renewal of the Publications Mail™ item.
Renewal notices may also contain:
- Subscription offers for the Publications Mail item or other publications
- Request of subscription renewal
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report
A report is a printed document that describes the findings of some person or group on a single subject.
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Repositionable Notes
Repositionable Notes (RPNs) are adhesive notes that you can adhere to a publication or its enclosures up to a maximum of three layers.
Visit our Postal Services Information site for more information.
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residential distribution
Residential distribution is the delivery of mail to a residential address.
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Residue
Residue mail items are mail items that we couldn’t group or containerize to any National Presortation Schematic (NPS) levels.
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retail counter
A retail counter is a place in a postal facility where the general public may buy postal products.
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Retail Postal Outlet (RPO) / postal outlet
A Retail Postal Outlet (RPO) (or postal outlet) is a facility run by a person or a corporation under a specific agreement to offer postal retail sales and services. Sometimes, the RPO also offers limited delivery services to the general public. RPOs are generally set up in an urban area.
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retail product
A retail product is any product not related to postal services sold by us.
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return envelope
A return envelope is an envelope used by letter carriers to return undeliverable items after completion of a tour of duty.
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return label / Return Service label
A return label (or Return Service label) is a service that allows a customer to provide a return label, which the addressee can use to return an item to the original shipper and have the charges billed back to the original shipper. The return label can be provided in an outgoing parcel, or printed on demand afterwards.
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Return Service contract
A Return Service contract is a contract for large volume customers who generate more than 10,000 item returns a year using any of the following services:
- Priority™
- Xpresspost™
- Expedited Parcel™
- Regular Parcel™
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Return to Sender (RTS)
Return to Sender (RTS) is a term indicating that the mail item is to be returned to the sender as it:
- Is undeliverable
- Doesn’t bear postage
- Is short paid
- Bears a “DO NOT FORWARD” endorsement, and the addressee has filed a Mail Forwarding request
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ride-along publication
A ride-along publication is a complimentary promotional copy of another title or the same title (a separate newspaper, magazine, or newsletter that the receiver hasn’t requested) per mailing up to 6 times in a calendar year. The intention of a ride-along publication is to build subscription levels (such as enclosing a Business Reply Mail™ item for the ride-along title).
A ride-along publication must be clearly identified on the cover or on a separate sheet, card, or overcover with the words “COMPLIMENTARY” or “FREE ISSUE/COPY” (or similar wording) printed in block lettering.
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RPO
See Retail Postal Outlet.
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RR
See Rural Route.
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rural area
A rural area is the area to which we offer mail delivery service from a non-letter carrier post office, including rural mail delivery.
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Rural Mailbox (RMB)
A Rural Mailbox (RMB) is a privately owned mailbox for the delivery and collection of mail along a Rural Route.
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Rural Route (RR)
A Rural Route (RR) is a system for collection and delivery of mail. An RR is also used for the transaction of other postal business with customers living in rural areas.
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Safe Drop
We’ll consider leaving an item in a Safe Drop location when it won’t fit in your regular mail receptacle. A Safe Drop location is an appropriate safe place where the item is sheltered from the weather and not seen by passers-by. We won’t Safe Drop items requiring a signature.
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sample
A sample is non-printed matter in a trial size portion of an actual product.
Types of samples:
- Beauty seal: A beauty seal sample is less than a single use of a cosmetic product sealed and attached to a page or to another acceptable enclosure. The sample is attached in a way that doesn’t greatly increase the thickness of the page or the enclosure.
- Promotional or novelty item: A promotional or novelty item sample is a non-personalized item used to promote a brand name or product or service. A promotional or novelty item may be an actual product if it’s intended as a trial to be used, displayed, or worn by the reader of the publication.
- Scent strip: A scent strip sample is a part of a page or of an acceptable enclosure that’s impregnated with a fragrance (less than a single use) in such a way that the scent can’t be released during normal postal handling.
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segregate
To segregate is to separate mail by its physical characteristics.
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self-mailer
A self-mailer is a printed piece of mail folded in such a way that you can mail it without an envelope.
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shipment
A shipment is one or more items tendered at one time and place by one shipper for shipment to one consignee.
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shipper
A shipper is the sender of a shipment.
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shortpaid mail
Shortpaid mail is mail bearing insufficient postage.
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Signature
Signature is an option you select for a service whereby we get the signature of the addressee or the addressee’s representative upon delivery of items using the following services:
- Priority™
- Xpresspost™
- Expedited Parcel™
- Regular Parcel™
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Signature Hard Copy
Signature Hard Copy is a service whereby the mailer can ask for a hard copy of the signature which we got from the addressee or the addressee’s representative upon delivery of items using the following services:
- Priority™
- Xpresspost™
- Expedited Parcel™
- Regular Parcel
- Domestic Registered Mail™
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single deposit
A single deposit is when you deposit all items:
- At one time in one day
- On a single Order
- At one location
This applies unless we agreed to another arrangement with you.
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single mailing
See single deposit.
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SLB
See Street Mailbox.
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slogan
A slogan is a phrase inserted in the die hub of a cancelling machine that appears in the postmark when we cancel letters.
See cachet.
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small packet
A small packet is an international package weighing up to 2 kg (4.4 pounds), usually containing goods.
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Smartmail Marketing
Smartmail Marketing™ is an approach to direct mail that uses its most powerful attributes to amplify the effect of your marketing.
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Solutions for Small Business
We tailor Solutions for Small Business™ to offer small businesses powerful ways to run more productively and profitably. You don't need a contract and it's free to join.
Solutions for Small Business customers enjoy end-to-end services and tools including:
- E-commerce solutions
- Marketing solutions
- Shipping solutions
- Pricing rewards
- Exclusive offers
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sort / sortation
Sorting (or sortation) is the separation or division of mail according to:
- Post offices
- Transportation routes
- Counties
- Provinces
- States or countries
- Local delivery methods, for example:
- General Delivery
- Post office boxes
- Letter carrier routes
- Postal station separations
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souvenir sheet
A souvenir sheet is a mini-sheet having one or more stamps (similar or different) and a printed commemorative inscription.
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Special Handling
Special Handling is a mail preparation and presortation option available for Personalized Mail™, Postal Code Targeting, and Publications Mail™ services.
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special mailing
A special mailing is a large, irregular mailing such as election notices or income tax forms.
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special service
A special service is a service defined under the Special Service and Fees Regulations of the Canada Post Corporation Act and Regulations.
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specimen, scientific
You may mail a scientific culture or specimen under strict regulations.
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Station (STN)
A Station (STN) is a delivery facility as per Level 1 of the National Presortation Schematic (NPS).
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statutory holiday
A statutory holiday is a public holiday authorized by statute.
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STN
See Station.
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Street Letter Box (SLB)
See street mailbox.
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street mailbox / Street Letter Box (SLB)
A street mailbox (or Street Letter Box [SLB]) is a box for posting mail.
It’s placed at sites convenient to the public, such as:
- Street corners
- Shopping centres
- Public transit locations
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suburban service
Suburban service is delivery by contractor to group mailboxes, usually near or on the perimeters of urban areas.
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supplier account
Meter customers use a supplier account to pay for parcel shipments from the same account used to fill the postage meter. Instead of applying a meter impression, meter customers create a shipping label using Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) or an approved shipping platform.
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surcharge
A surcharge is an extra cost or tax levied for a specific reason.
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surface mail
Surface mail is mail transported by land or water.
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survey
A survey is a questionnaire that seeks to gather information or opinions.
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tagged stamp
A tagged stamp is a stamp invisibly marked during production to make it positively identifiable to an automatic facer canceller.
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tariff number
A tariff number is an international standardized code for each commodity that you must enter on the Bill of Lading, if available.
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thickness
Thickness is the dimension which is perpendicular to the address side of a mail item.
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Third Party Shipping System Software
Third Party Shipping System Software is computer software developed by a third party for the use by qualified commercial mailers. The software establishes pricing of products and services, and prepares Canada Post shipping labels and electronic or manual manifests.
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Time-committed
Time-committed is a service option that a Publications Mail™ customer may ask for. Time-committed means we mail the Publications Mail items relatively often and the items meet specific criteria.
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Track
Track and Trace is a system that uses advanced tracking barcode technology to provide you with the most current information available about the status of your item or package.
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Tracked Packet
Tracked Packet™ is a reliable shipping service for small and lightweight items weighing up to 2 kg (4.4 pounds) to the U.S. and select international destinations.
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transcript
A transcript is a formal record of institutional meetings or formal proceedings.
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transportation fee
We charge a transportation fee to customers who have chosen to deposit Neighbourhood Mail™ other than at the office of delivery. You must pay this fee to transport the items to the office of delivery.
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undeliverable mail
Undeliverable mail is mail that we can’t deliver to the addressee for any reason. This category also includes any mail whereby law prohibits delivery or the addressee refuses delivery. Mail is also considered undeliverable if:
- It doesn’t bear a complete address
- The addressee has moved without providing a forwarding address
- It’s refused by the addressee
- You or the addressee don’t pay the postage due
See our Undeliverable mail page for more information.
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underpaid mail
See shortpaid mail.
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Universal Postal Union (UPU)
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is the international body co-ordinating the postal interests of worldwide postal organizations. The UPU’s headquarters are in Bern, Switzerland.
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unknown
Unknown means that the addressee doesn’t live at the address given and is unknown to delivery personnel.
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unpaid mail
Unpaid mail is mail that doesn’t bear any postage.
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UPU
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urban area
An urban area is the area to which we offer mail delivery service from any letter carrier post office. This includes any letter carrier, Rural Route, or other route serving an urban Forward Sortation Area (FSA).
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volumetric equivalent of actual weight (VE)
Volumetric equivalent of actual weight (VE) isn’t a unit of measure, mass, or volume.
VE is a tool developed from industry experience of typical parcel densities that allows more exact pricing of an item given its weight and the space it occupies in a truck or an airplane.
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voting ballot
A voting ballot is an official document used to cast or register a secret vote.
Documents not considered a voting ballot and acceptable as enclosures include blank:
- Generic nominations
- Registrations
- Entries or similar forms
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width
The width is the shortest dimension when facing the address side of a mail item.
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wrapper
A wrapper is a plastic or paper covering (for example, a polybag or envelope) that allows secure enclosure of promotional or editorial materials along with the host publication.
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Xpresspost
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Xpresspost - USA
Xpresspost™ - USA is a service for documents and parcels to the U.S., its territories, and possessions.
Xpresspost - USA provides:
- Delivery Confirmation
- Service guarantees
Xpresspost - USA items must bear an Xpresspost - USA barcoded shipping label.
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Xpresspost - International
Xpresspost™ - International is a service for documents and parcels to participating international destinations.
Xpresspost™ - International provides:
- Delivery Confirmation
- Service guarantees
Xpresspost - International items must bear an Xpresspost - International barcoded shipping label.
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N/A
N/A
Z
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ZIP code
A ZIP code is a United States Postal Service (USPS) term for their Postal CodeOM. ZIP stands for “Zone Improvement Plan.”
Last modified: June 1, 2020
These definitions are under continual review and the contents may be amended from time to time without notice.