October 12, 2011
Posted in News Releases
The holiday season seems far away but mailing deadlines start now
It’s never too early to send holiday greetings!
October 12, 2011
Posted in News Releases
(Ottawa, ON) – A country as diverse as Canada means that holiday greetings are sent literally around the world, and Canada Post reminds everyone that it is already time to think about planning international holiday mailings. There are several mailing options to ensure delivery in foreign countries in time for the holidays and each product has its specific mailing deadline.
Holiday cards and packages can be sent through Canada Post to anywhere in the world and Canada Post has a service to suit everyone’s needs and budget. Holiday greetings can be sent via Letter-post, Surface Parcel, Air Parcel, Xpresspost™ and Priority™ Worldwide.
The earliest suggested deadline for the most economical parcel service is October 12 for Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Parcels for Central and South America, Asia and Australia should be sent by October 18; and October 25 for Carribean and European destinations. Parcels shipped to the US should be sent by December 8. Canada Post does offer priority services for those who cannot meet these early-bird special rates.
Below is a summary of all international mailing dates:
| Holiday Cards | Holiday Packages | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mailing to… |
I’m ready early |
I want the most economical |
Took me longer than I thought… |
I’m at the last minute… |
||
|
Letter |
Surface Parcel |
Air Parcel |
Xpresspost™ |
Priority™ Worldwide |
||
|
Africa |
November 22 |
October 12 |
November 22 |
December 1 |
December 15 |
|
| Asia | November 29 | October 18 | November 29 | December 6 | December 17 | |
| Australia | November 29 | October 18 | — | December 6 | December 16 | |
| Caribbean | November 29 | October 25 | November 29 | December 6 | December 17 | |
| Central/South America | November 29 | October 18 | November 22 | December 1 | December 17 | |
| Europe | November 29 | October 25 | November 29 | December 6 | December 17 | |
| Middle East | November 29 | October 12 | November 29 | December 6 | December 17 | |
| New Zealand | November 29 | October 12 | — | December 6 | December 16 | |
| USA | December 13 | December 8 | — | December 16 | December 20 | |
Canada Post has a solution for domestic mailers as well, a package sent via Priority™ Next A.M. will be accepted up to December 22. Regular Parcels going across the country need to be in the mail system by December 12. Greeting cards going outside a province should be mailed by December 15; within a province by December 16; and local greetings should be in the mail by December 19.
Even though there is still plenty of time to send holiday greetings and gifts within Canada, last year Canada Post delivered over one billion cards and packages during the holiday season. It really is important to mail holiday items in time to avoid disappointment.