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Navigating the Canada Post Strike: Ecommerce Solutions You Can Trust

As Canada Post is on strike, many ecommerce businesses are understandably anxious about potential disruptions in their shipping operations. However, there’s no need to panic. With Chit Chats, your business can continue to thrive, no matter what happens.

Update May 21, 2025

Canada Post-Based Services Reinstated

We have come to the decision that we will not be disabling Canada Post-based services until there has been confirmation on the type of strike that will take place. 

All domestic services that utilise the Canada Post network will be reactivated as of today, and Canada Post-based U.S. services will no longer be disabled today.

However, it is strongly recommended that you continue to use Chit Chats Select for your domestic shipments and Chit Chats International once available (more below) for your U.S. DDU shipments in preparation for the Canada Post strike. 

Key points:

  • The Canada Post strike is slated to happen Friday, May 23 12:00 AM local time with the possibility of it being a rotating strike or a national disruption.
    • If the strike is a national disruption, then all applicable services will be disabled once again.
    • If the strike is a rotating strike, all applicable services will remain available; however, they will be subject to service delays due to Canada Post running at limited capacity. 
  • All Canada Post-based services will remain available until there is confirmation on whether or not the Canada Post strike will take place and what type of strike will be held.
  • If using the Cheapest Postage Type Option on the platform or importing via a CSV file, the platform may auto-select a service that uses a Canada Post-based option. Please manually adjust the postage.
  • Buying any Canada Post-based postage during this time will be done at your own risk. 
  • Opt for Chit Chats Select while the strike is on the horizon.

Now Available: Chit Chats International to the U.S.

In order to provide you with alternative options for DDU postage for U.S. tariffed shipments, we have partnered with our international postage provider, PostNL to offer service to the U.S. via Chit Chats International. 

The process is similar to other destinations as shipments will arrive in the Netherlands for processing before going to the country of destination (in this case the U.S.) for final mile delivery (with USPS).

Key points:

  • This is a DDU option; therefore, any shipments that are subject to tariffs will require the recipient (your client) to pay any duties upon delivery. 
  • The delivery estimate to the U.S. is 6-12 business days.
    • The service as a whole remains 5-22 business days
  • The dimensional requirements for shipments to the U.S.:
    • Maximum weight: 2 kg
    • Maximum dimensions: L+W+H =90 cm; Longest side = 60 cm
    • Minimum weight: 1 g
  • Supports U.S. territories and military addresses
  • No return service
  • Similarly to Expedited Parcel USA, you are required to sign the CN22 form on the label
  • Although the label indicates a section for an HS code, since the destination is ultimately the U.S., you should enter the 10-digit HTS code for these shipments
  • For insurance purposes, these shipments are considered international shipments and do not follow the coverage limits of U.S. services.

Update May 20, 2025, 3 PM EST

In preparation for the potential Canada Post strike and to ensure uninterrupted service for our clients, we will be disabling all domestic services that rely on the Canada Post network as of today, May 20 at 5 PM EST / 2 PM PST. The following services will be affected:

  • Chit Chats Canada Tracked
  • Chit Chats Slim

Additionally, all U.S. services that use the Canada Post network will be temporarily disabled by end of day tomorrow, May 21:

  • Tracked Packet USA
  • Expedited Parcel USA

Domestic Shipping Alternatives

We recommend using Chit Chats Select, which offers coverage for over 90% of Canadian addresses. Please note:

  • This service does not support PO Boxes, rural routes, and some remote areas.
  • For apartment deliveries, ensure the buzzer code is included in the second address line to avoid delivery delays.

DDU Alternatives for U.S. Tariffed Shipments

At this time we do not have any alternative solutions for DDU postage that does not use the Canada Post network. However, we are actively working on a potential solution that could provide continued access to U.S. shipping during the disruption. More details to come once confirmed.

This proactive measure is intended to prevent any disruptions or delays due to shipments getting caught in the Canada Post network during the strike. 

If the strike that happens on May 23 is a rotating strike, we will re-enable all Canada Post-based services, but they will be subjected to transit delays caused by the rotating strike’s service impact.

For more information on the possible labour actions that CUPW may take, please visit the update below.

We appreciate your understanding and will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves.

Update May 20, 2025

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has sent Canada Post a strike notice, stating that a strike could begin as early as 12:00 AM (local time) on May 23 if a resolution is not reached.

Possible Labour Actions

CUPW may choose between two types of labour actions:

  • Rotating Strike: In this scenario, postal workers strike on a rotating schedule. Canada Post operations would continue, but with limited capacity and potential delays.
  • National Disruption: This would be the same as the strike seen at the end of 2024. Canada Post services would be completely suspended, with no mail accepted or delivered until the strike is resolved. All mail already in the mailstream would be held.

We’ve Got You Covered

We understand that strike uncertainty can impact your business, but rest assured, Chit Chats is here to support you. For uninterrupted shipping, consider using Chit Chats Select for your domestic shipments, which offers reliable delivery without relying on Canada Post.

We proudly supported countless Canadians and Canadian businesses during the 2024 strike, and we’re fully prepared to do it again this time.

Update May 12, 2025

Negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post resumed on April 29, after failing to reach an agreement since March 2025. As mentioned in our previous updates, if no agreement is reached, a strike could begin as early as May 22.

Unlike the strike at the end of 2024, there has been no mention of a 72-hour strike notice. This means a work stoppage could occur without warning starting at 12:00 a.m. on May 22.

How to Prepare

With a possible strike on the horizon, we strongly encourage you to consider alternative shipping options to minimize potential disruptions:

  • Switch to Chit Chats Select for all domestic shipments as soon as possible to avoid delays or items getting stuck in the Canada Post mailstream.
  • Be cautious with shipments sent via Chit Chats Canada Tracked, particularly to remote locations or long-distance destinations, as the nationwide delivery estimate is 8 business days. These shipments may be at greater risk of being impacted if a strike occurs.

Ensure to bookmark this page for the latest updates.

Update April 9, 2025

Canada Post and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have agreed to postpone negotiations for a new collective agreement until August 2026, or until both parties decide to resume discussions sooner.

PSAC is the union representing the administrative, clerical, technical, and professional employees at Canada Post. Therefore, this does not impact the ongoing labour negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), which represents drivers, postal clerks, and other frontline staff.

In other words, if Canada Post and CUPW do not reach an agreement by May 22, the possibility of another strike remains.

Update January 27, 2025

Canada Post and the CUPW will participate in hearings as part of the Industrial Inquiry Commission (IIC). Key issues will be addressed during hearings on January 27 and 28, with additional sessions scheduled for February and March. The commission is required to submit its report to the Ministry of Labour by May 15. In the meantime, the previously agreed-upon terms between Canada Post and the CUPW have been extended until May 22.

If an agreement is not reached by the end of May, another strike could take place. Stay informed by bookmarking this page for the latest updates.

Update December 16, 2024

Canada Post will resume operations on Tuesday, December 17, following a work mandate issued by the Canada Industrial Relations Board to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.

What does this mean?

  • While operations will resume on December 17, major delays are expected. Canada Post will prioritize delivering backlogged shipments that were in their system before the strike, ahead of newly handed-off shipments.
  • Chit Chats Canada Tracked and Slim shipments that were in the Canada Post mailstream during the strike will now continue on their way to their destinations. Please allow additional time for these shipments to be delivered. Take note that delays caused by the strike are not covered by Chit Chats Insurance.
  • Chit Chats Canada Tracked and Slim postage will be available once again for purchase starting December 17; however, we recommend to continue to use Chit Chats Select until the Canada Post delay has ended.

Note: Due to high shipment volumes, Canadian couriers are experiencing delays therefore causing longer processing times for Chit Chats Select. Rest assured, your shipments will still be on their way to their destinations. Read more

Things to know

  • No new mail will be accepted by Canada Post until Dec 19
  • Chit Chats Canada Tracked and Slim shipments will begin to be handed off between December 19 to December 23 depending on Canada Post’s transportation availability.
  • Expect Canada Post delivery delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025.

Update November 15, 2024

Starting today, November 15, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has initiated a strike against Canada Post. There will be a complete shutdown during the strike, causing service disruptions and delays in shipments to many recipients across Canada. Canada Post will not accept any new mail, and all shipments already in the mailstream network will be held. Once the strike concludes, shipments will be processed and delivered on a first-in, first-out basis. 

We understand how stressful this can be, especially with the peak season ahead, but there’s no need to worry!

With Chit Chats Select, your Canadian-bound packages can keep moving despite the strike.

  • This service covers 90% of Canadian addresses
  • Excludes (does not delivery to) PO boxes, rural routes and some rural addresses.
  • For deliveries to apartments, make sure you include a buzzer code in the second address line.

We’re here to help you avoid delays and ensure your shipments reach their destinations on time.

Please be advised that all courier services across Canada are expecting higher than normal volume and deliveries may take longer than normal due to the strike. 

Key Updates

If you have Chit Chats Canada Tracked and Chit Chats Slim shipments already in the Canada Post network, they will be held by Canada Post and likely delayed until after the strike.

Both Canada Tracked and Slim have been disabled so please use Chit Chats Select for your Canadian shipments.

For Canada Tracked and Slim shipments still in our network, these shipments will be held at our warehouse until the strike has ended.

  • If you wish to have these returned to you or switched to Chit Chats Select please reach out to your local branch to request this.
  • We will do our best to retrieve them however there could be delays. Our team is working to get shipments processed and due to the strike we are experiencing a higher volume of shipments and inquiries.
  • If your Chit Chats Canada Tracked or Slim shipments insured by Chit Chats Insurance are stuck in the Canada Post mailstream, please remember that insurance only covers loss and damage, not delays. Shipments delayed by the strike are not eligible for a claim.
  • Canada Tracked and Slim return shipments will also be impacted. Returned shipments in Canada Post network will be held until operations resume. Returned shipments already in Chit Chats network will be processed within our standard timelines.
  • During the strike, you can still create and print Canadian return labels. However, please note that Canada Post will not accept return shipments until the strike is over and operations resume.

Recommendations

  • Update your website and your customers to let them know of delays if you ship using Canada Post.
  • Avoid shipping to PO boxes and rural addresses until Canada Post resumes operations.

Read our original blog post below for full details and how to keep shipping stress-free with Chit Chats.

Start saving with Chit Chats today!

No hidden monthly fees. Unbeatable prices. More than 20 million packages delivered.

Why You Shouldn’t Worry

With a Canada Post strike in 2024, you may be wondering what you can do to ensure your business continues especially as the holiday season approaches.

Chit Chats is your Canada Post alternative to access shipping within Canada, to the U.S. and worldwide.

  • Diverse Carrier Network: Our network includes trusted partner carriers that allow us to provide reliable and low-cost postage options not only in Canada but to the U.S. and worldwide. This means your shipping needs are met without interruption. 
  • Expert & Caring Support: Our team is here to guide you through the shipping process, helping you choose the best options for your specific needs. We’re dedicated to keeping you informed and prepared, so you never feel alone in navigating shipping challenges.
  • Seamless Transitions: Should any disruptions arise, our services allow you to continue to ship smoothly minimizing any potential impact on your delivery schedules. 
  • Customer Focus: Your business is our priority. We are here to provide solutions that will help your business to grow and streamline your operations all while saving money! 

While FedEx and UPS offer alternatives, their rates are often too high for small businesses. Furthermore, Canada Post’s majority ownership in Purolator (91%) makes it a key player at the negotiating table, limiting other affordable options.

Avoid P.O. Box

As precautionary measure, we recommend that you refrain from sending shipments destined to PO boxes just until there is a confirmed decision from the Canada Post union. In the event they strike this will help prevent packages from getting stuck or delayed in transit, sparing you from potential headaches.

Chit Chats: Alternative for Canadian Small Businesses

During the 2018 Canada Post strike, Chit Chats stepped up to support Canadian small businesses, offering a vital lifeline with cost-effective shipping that helped businesses save on postage and continue to deliver to their customers. 

Our platform empowered businesses to keep fulfilling orders without interruption, with convenient tools to estimate rates and create postage labels right from home. This year, we’re here once again to help you keep shipping through any potential disruptions.

Chit Chats Canada Tracked & Chit Chats Slim

Chit Chats does partner with Canada Post for our Canada Tracked and Slim services and a strike could impact delivery timelines for them. Our Chit Chats Select is available which will not be impacted should Canada Post strike and is a very cost-effective option, allowing you to keep your Canadian shipping on track without compromise.

Note: Our Canada Tracked scan-based return labels will be affected as well.

Shipping to the U.S. and internationally

All of our service options to the US and overseas are great Canada Post alternatives as we partner with carriers like USPS and Asendia. These services would not be impacted and will provide you to ship to your customers without disruptions.

Chit Chats History

Understanding businesses and being able to help Canadians is part of Chit Chats mission. Chit Chats exists because Derek Nolan wanted to reduce the cost of shipping his books from Canada to the U.S. He realized he could drive across the border to the U.S. himself and ship his books to his customers at a fraction of the price with USPS. Before he knew it, other book sellers started paying him to take their books and Chit Chats was born. Derek Nolan saw the biggest pain point for many businesses was shipping costs. This made it difficult for many small businesses to compete in the ecommerce industry.

Chit Chats levels the playing field so Canadian businesses can not only compete but thrive!  Ship with Chit Chats today so your business can expand into markets beyond Canada and keep your profits without low-cost shipping rates. Plus access our comprehensive solutions that include insurance, supplies and fulfillment services. 

Start saving with Chit Chats today!

No hidden monthly fees. Unbeatable prices. More than 20 million packages delivered.