Ensuring a Smooth Holiday Shipping Season: How to Prepare for a Potential Postal Strike 

As we approach the bustling holiday season, Canadian businesses may face unique challenges with a potential postal strike on the horizon. While the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post are in ongoing negotiations, the possibility of a strike could impact mail and parcel delivery across Canada. However, with the right planning, businesses can navigate these potential disruptions smoothly and ensure continued delivery for customers. 

Understanding the Situation 

Contract discussions between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have been ongoing, with key issues around wage increases, health benefits, and staffing. If an agreement is not reached, a strike may become possible. During peak season, this could reduce postal capacity, affecting deliveries during one of the busiest shopping periods. 

Key Considerations for Businesses This Holiday Season 

During the last Canada Post strike, many businesses turned to couriers to fulfill their orders. However, these carriers quickly reached capacity and halted new account setups to avoid breaking their service level agreements (SLAs). This year, other carriers may have more capacity to take on additional shipments. Even so, it's crucial to act early, as uncertainty around a strike may cause surges in demand for alternative shipping options. 

With eShipper, businesses have an advantage—they won’t need to establish new accounts with alternative carriers. Our extensive network gives you immediate access to a range of shipping options, which can reduce potential delays and streamline fulfillment. 

Preparing for Potential Delays and Communicating with Customers 

While Canada Post operations may continue in a limited capacity during a strike, businesses should prepare for delays and keep their customers informed. Here are some proactive steps to ensure smooth communication and continuity: 

1. Notify Customers: Transparency is essential—if Canada Post enters a strike, update your customers on potential delays, particularly for PO Box deliveries. Inform them of any alternative shipping options that may be in place. 

2. Set Realistic Shipping Timelines: Adjust order deadlines to account for possible postal delays. Providing customers with updated shipping timelines will help set the right expectations and reduce customer service inquiries during peak times. 

3. Reinforce In-Store or Local Pickup Options: If feasible, offering in-store or local pickup options for nearby customers can reduce dependence on postal services. 

4. Consider Digital Invoicing Options: For businesses that send invoices or receive payments by mail, consider switching to digital payment solutions during this period to ensure smoother cash flow. 

Embracing Carrier Diversification and Technology for Seamless Operations 

In times of potential disruption, relying on a single shipping provider can leave businesses vulnerable to unexpected delays. Carrier diversification ensures that your fulfillment operations can continue smoothly, even if one service is temporarily unavailable. By working with multiple carriers, you can spread shipping volume across various options, reducing pressure on any single carrier and providing flexibility to handle demand surges. 

Benefits of Carrier Diversification 

1. Reduced Dependency: With access to a variety of carriers, your business can operate with less reliance on any single postal service, ensuring you stay operational despite changes. 

2. Competitive Advantage: Having a range of carriers allows for flexibility in choosing the best fit for each order—whether based on delivery speed, customer preference, or cost-effectiveness. 

3. Improved Customer Experience: Offering customers multiple delivery options allows for more tailored experiences, from faster shipping to specific delivery times, which enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Flexibility 

With eShipper’s technology platform, businesses can quickly adjust shipping strategies, access multiple carriers, and take advantage of real-time rate comparison. Our technology is designed to make adapting to changes easy and efficient: 

1. Instant Carrier Access: Through eShipper’s integrated network, you have instant access to a variety of carriers. This eliminates the time and hassle of setting up new accounts, enabling you to start shipping with alternative carriers right away. 

2. Automated Rate Comparison: eShipper’s platform enables automated rate comparison across carriers, helping you choose the most cost-effective option for each shipment. 

3. End-to-End Tracking and Visibility: Our platform offers comprehensive tracking and visibility on all shipments, allowing you and your customers to monitor packages regardless of the carrier, ensuring peace of mind during high-volume periods. 

4. Dynamic Adjustments for Optimal Routes: With real-time data, you can adapt quickly to shifting demand, sending certain shipments via faster or less congested routes, which helps you maintain delivery promises during peak season. 

By planning early and leveraging eShipper’s technology and network, you can embrace the benefits of diversified carriers and flexible solutions—ensuring a successful holiday season for your business and a positive experience for your customers. 

Using SKIP as an Alternative Shipping Option  

For businesses looking to mitigate potential disruptions, SKIP can serve as an efficient alternative carrier through eShipper’s exclusive Zone Skipping Network. SKIP provides two main services—SKIP Air and SKIP Ground—that can help businesses maintain their holiday shipping operations. 

Final Thoughts: Act Now to Minimize Potential Impacts 

For Canadian businesses, preparing for a potential postal strike is essential to navigate the challenges of a disrupted supply chain. Proactively setting up alternative shipping arrangements and encouraging digital transactions can help lessen the impact of any interruptions. By acting early and keeping customers informed, businesses can safeguard their holiday sales and ensure a smoother season, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing Canada Post negotiations. 

In the event of a Canada Post strike, eShipper is here to support your business with reliable, efficient alternatives that keep your operations on track during the busy holiday season. Contact us to activate SKIP services, explore our network of alternative carriers, and get the support you need to stay ahead of potential disruptions. You’ll have access to flexible shipping solutions designed to keep your holiday operations running smoothly, so you can deliver on customer expectations no matter what the season brings. 

Be sure to check back on this page for regular updates as the Canada Post negotiations progress.