A spokesperson for Canada Post says they are preparing for an exceptionally busy holiday season this year.
Jon Hamilton said Canadians started shopping online during the pandemic, and those numbers have only increased.
“We, in the last few weeks, have really seen a high volume in terms of the number of parcels coming in as Canadians are starting to shop early just to avoid the rush,” said Hamilton.
In response to the high demand, the Crown corporation has brought in 4,000 extra workers, 1,000 more vehicles, and extended their hours to keep up, he said.
Hamilton said Canadians will notice some differences in terms of how workers are delivering parcels this year because of the pandemic.
“We do a knock, drop and go approach so we’ve eliminated that customer interaction at the door to ensure that we’ve got the distancing,” he said.
Masks have also been made mandatory at all post offices across the country, said Hamilton.
The high volume of parcels means Canada Post has also adjusted the dates you should mail your packages by to ensure they arrive at their destination before Christmas.
Hamilton said they have delivery options up to Dec. 21 with priority shipping, but they will cost you more than regular parcel shipping.
Packages being sent by regular parcel should be in the mail by Dec. 18 for local delivery, Dec. 15 to 17 for regional delivery, and Dec. 9 to 16.
“Those are ranges just because we know we’re going to see an incredible amount of parcel volume,” said Hamilton.
Holiday cards should be sent by Dec. 21 locally and provincially and by Dec. 18 nationally, according to the Crown corporation’s website.
Hamilton had one piece of advice for looking to send a parcel or card: the earlier you can get it in the mail, the better.
“This is the year to break that last-minute habit when it comes to the holidays just to give yourself peace of mind,” he said.
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