In today’s eCommerce environment, reliable shipping is table stakes. For Canadian retailers, the ongoing Canada Post workers’ strike presents significant challenges, leaving businesses scrambling to fulfill orders at the busiest time of the year. With the services of Canada Post disrupted due to the strike, finding alternative shipping carriers becomes key to maintaining business operations.

In this article, we delve into the strike’s impact on retailers and explore alternative carriers along with actionable strategies to help your business stay on course during these challenging times.

The Impact of the Canada Post Workers’ Strike

The Canada Post strike began last Friday with 55,000 employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) walking off. This large-scale action has led to the suspension of core operations, including the delivery of parcels, letters, and direct mail. Here are details on how the operations have been impacted and the latest developments:

Service Disruptions

• The strike has resulted in delays for mail and parcel deliveries, with no new items being processed or accepted during the disruption. 
• Additionally, some post offices have been temporarily closed, and service guarantees for items already in the postal network have been suspended. New mail will only be accepted once the strike is resolved.
• Due to the uncertainty caused by possible strike activity, Canada Post is suspending Date Specific delivery for Neighbourhood Mail mailings.

Delivery of Socio-Economic Cheques to Continue

• Canada Post and CUPW have agreed to continue the delivery of socio-economic cheques during any upcoming labour disruption, for eligible and participating government organizations. 
• The agreement ensures government financial assistance delivered by mail will reach seniors and other Canadians who rely on it.

What Customers Should Expect During a Rotating Strike

Canada Post will continue operations during rotating strikes, with disruptions limited to specific locations for set periods. While mail and parcels will still be accepted, processed, and delivered in unaffected areas, closures in strike-affected regions may create ripple effects throughout the network.

Items already in the network will remain secure but cannot be retrieved until the disruption ends. Delivery will resume on a first-in, first-out basis once operations restart, but it may take time for processing and delivery to return to normal.

How the Strike Affects eCommerce Retailers

• Delayed Deliveries- With workers on strike, Canada Post’s ability to meet delivery timelines is severely compromised leading to delayed deliveries.
• Customer Dissatisfaction- The shipping delays are bound to cause negative reviews, cancellations, and loss of customer loyalty.
• Supply Chain Bottlenecks- Beyond customer deliveries, inbound shipments from suppliers may also be delayed, affecting inventory levels and overall operations this holiday season.

If the strike continues, these challenges will escalate, requiring merchants to take necessary steps to mitigate a larger impact.

Alternative Carrier Services for Canadian Merchants

With a national carrier like Canada Post experiencing disruption, other larger courier providers and regional shipping companies may step in to fill the gap. Here are some of the most reliable alternatives for your consideration.

• UPS: Known for its robust infrastructure and reliable tracking systems, UPS is ideal for both domestic and international shipments.
• FedEx: Offers fast delivery options, including overnight shipping, making it suitable for time-sensitive orders.
• Purolator: A Canada-based courier that specializes in domestic deliveries, providing competitive rates and localized expertise.
• DHL: Renowned for its international shipping network, DHL eCommerce is perfect for Canadian merchants with a global customer base.
• Regional Couriers: For merchants looking for cost-effective alternatives, partnering with local or regional couriers can be a smart choice. Some notable options include Canpar Express, Sendle, and DTDC Express Canada.

Tips for Managing Shipping Operations During Disruptions

Adapting your shipping strategy during the Canada Post strike can help minimize the disruption to your business. Here are some actionable tips to keep your business running smoothly.

1. Diversify Your Carrier Network- Relying on one shipping provider is risky. Build relationships with multiple national and regional carriers to ensure you’re covered.
2. Communicate with Customers- Transparency is key. Update your website with shipping delays and offer clear information at checkout. Consider sending email notifications to inform customers about potential disruptions and alternative options.
3. Offer Flexible Shipping Options- Provide multiple shipping options, including store pickup, to give customers more control. Allow them to choose between speed and cost, and highlight premium options for time-sensitive orders.
4. Adjust Your Shipping Policies- Extend delivery windows to manage customer expectations. Start by offering free shipping as a goodwill gesture to maintain loyalty.
5. Monitor Shipping Performance- Use shipping software to track performance and identify areas for improvement. This helps in maintaining efficiency and making data-driven decisions.

What’s Next?

At ShipperHQ, we will keep a close eye on developments surrounding the strike and share updates as new information becomes available. While the strike poses significant challenges to your business operations, it doesn’t have to disrupt your ability to serve customers. By implementing the right shipping strategies and exploring alternative carrier partners, you can continue to run your business with minimal disorder.

Want to learn more about ShipperHQ and discover how you can futureproof your shipping operations? Fill out this form and our shipping experts will reach out to you.