Shipping & Canada Post Stat Holidays

[CACAdmin]

I normally ship on a Monday but as today is a stat holiday in lieu of Remembrance Day, I will ship tomorrow. Speaking of stat holidays, they vary in each province.

With shipping fish, time is of the essence so it is important to know the dates observed by Canada Post as holidays both locally and Canada wide. Here is the Canada Post Holiday Schedule (http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/corporate/about/holidays/).

[PPulcher]

Very useful information. Thanks!

[Melody]

I hear that the borders are way backed up with mail already, with Canadians shopping there so much this year. My next cheque is going to the US just so I can be sure to have it in time.

72 hour heatpacks are the way to go if delays are a possibility. I've tested a few used in incoming shipments and they can last up to five days. There may be less heat by day 4, but its better than nothing.

[PPulcher]

72 hour heatpacks are the way to go if delays are a possibility. I've tested a few used in incoming shipments and they can last up to five days. There may be less heat by day 4, but its better than nothing.


Melody, do you think the cross border shopping is affecting domestic packages sent through the so called Xpresspost?
I can attest to the fact that the heat packs do not last 7 days, nor do well-packed fish :mad:

[Melody]

I've only had them last into the 5th day.

I think part of the border problem is the fact that the items have to be processed through customs, brokered, etc.

More and more are shopping online though, so that could impact things increasingly each year. In 2006, Canadians spent around 8 billion online and that number is expected to double by 2009. We still lag behind the States in online spending though - we're a careful bunch I think. Many people are still somewhat afraid of online shopping, or at the very least intimidated by it.

[PPulcher]

I see online shopping in the US as an extension of the well established mail order 'culture.' We don't seem to have as much of that in Canada. I think our postal rates are higher in Canada for one thing. There is also way more competition in the US.

[Melody]

You definitly see more 'free shipping' offers in the States and I think you're right, our outrageous shipping costs deter shoppers. When it comes down to the crunch and nobody wants to tackle the malls, however, it suddenly seems very worthwhile to hand the shipping cash over.

That's where Canada Post & and couriers are doing damage to Canadian businesses though, because they're so high its comparable to having items shipped in from the US. Combine that with our high dollar and its just too tempting to take our shopping across the border. Putting it all at our fingertips with the Internet has changed the face of commerce in a big way. For a long time many places didn't ship to Canada, but as merchants realize what a vast, wide-open market it is, they're jumping in.

I guess if there's something we really want, we're willing to pay the shipping on top of it... the hobby proves that on a regular basis. Sure makes a person think twice about it though. I've said 'no' to myself many times based on shipping costs alone.

Probably should say it a lot more often than I do :rolleyes: .

[Pamelajo]

In some Provinces there is a new holiday Family day which I think is in February.

[CACAdmin]

Cool... wish we could get a holiday in Feb. I guess Canada Post will have to update their 'holiday' schedule before next Feb.

[Pamelajo]

http://www.thestar.com/OntarioElection/article/266163

[Pamelajo]

http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/
Look to the right in the top column.

[CACAdmin]

So with the new holiday Ontario has 9 Stat holidays same as BC. We have BC Day in August & Remembrance Day but no 'Family Day' and Boxing Day is not a Stat here here in BC.

[CACAdmin]

:bump-5:

[Pamelajo]

Only some companies are giving the family day. If you have a union contract and already have more than 9 stats then you do not get it.

[CACAdmin]

I never thought about that but it's true. Stat holidays have to be negotiated as part of the contract. One more thing to bring to the negotiating table at the next time. :rolleyes: So I guess that means you have to work?

[Pamelajo]

Yep 10 - 6 someone has to feed the old folks.

[Melody]

Human care can't take holidays, unfortunately. I'm sure they appreciate you! Hats off to those in essential services whose only knowledge of holidays is based on their paycheque increases when there's a stat.

[Melody]

Looks like dear ol' Canada Post is being sued (http://www.canadapost.ca/AboutUs/News/Announcements/ShipAgreements.aspx) for overcharging.