Canada Post Online? - Blu-ray Forum

orangerunner · 01-19-2021, 07:49 PM

What does everyone think of the new mandatory online US Customs forms from Canada Post?

What used to be very simple process for Small Packet service, which was filling-out a paper Customs sticker with a pen, has became quite an elaborate task.

1. go to Canada Post website

2. "find a rate"

3. Fill out the rate quote criteria by filling in the country & state + 3 measurements + the weight.

4. After doing this you finally get to the Customs form which now has to be extensively filled-out.

5. Once it is filled-out you are given a QR code which either has to be sent to your phone or printed.

6. When you go to the post office they have to re-measure and re-weigh your package.

7. They scan your phone or paper print-out with the QR code.

8. They print another piece of paper which you have to sign.

9. They place that piece of paper into a large clear plastic mailing sleeve and away it goes!

10. Whew!

In order to send anything to the US now you have to have the following:

1. a computer/cell phone to start the process

2. a ruler

3. a weight scale

4. a cell phone or a printer (preferably with ink) with a sheet of letter paper.

5. The post office has to print-out second sheet of letter paper and supply a clear plastic envelope to complete the shipment.

I've seen several older people at the counter trying to mail items but don't have the necessary computer/phone/printer/weigh scale that you need to complete this.

will oneill · 01-19-2021, 07:59 PM

I don't ship things so this doesn't affect me, but I did notice the poster/ad for this at the Post Office the other day when picking up a package. I will say that the poster heavily implied (to me, at least) that this new process was a) optional, and b) more convenient, and so if what you're saying is true and neither a) or b) are correct, that feels like pretty dishonest advertising to me on CP's part.

murphywmm · 01-19-2021, 08:10 PM

Sounds like they are trying to avoid having people coming in to the post office. I would be fine with doing this.

canucksam · 01-19-2021, 08:11 PM

Even more work for you, but you still get the same crappy service!

bdpf · 01-19-2021, 08:11 PM

Not sure this is mandatory.
I did mail something to the US in between Xmas and NY in a Canada Post that is not my usual location and while the worker did the same as usual, she did mention to me about the new "option" that was supposedly faster and more convenient.
Then I mailed something else to the US about a week ago at my regular CP and they did the usual and didn't even mention the new option.
Personally, I am fine the way things were as I (as unbelievable as it sounds) don't have a cell phone, don't feel like doing the work that they will redo anyway, and don't feel like spending more on paper and ink given their already very high shipping rates.

happyb · 01-19-2021, 08:22 PM

I've been doing it that way for years lol The only pain is sometimes the QR code wouldn't scan right away. It would take several tries. Other than that it's pretty quick and convenient for me since I hate filling out forms by hand. It always ends up looking like chicken scratch.

Coolcicada · 01-19-2021, 08:22 PM

I don’t think you have to take the measurements or weight by yourself. You can access the customs form here. https://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/a...execution=e1s1

That is all you need, they do the rest.

cdittmer · 01-19-2021, 08:24 PM

I love the new online customs form program. I find it way easier to prepare the shipping labels than handwriting them. The local post office calculates the shipping rates when I bring the package in.

orangerunner · 01-19-2021, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will oneill

I don't ship things so this doesn't affect me, but I did notice the poster/ad for this at the Post Office the other day when picking up a package. I will say that the poster heavily implied (to me, at least) that this new process was a) optional, and b) more convenient, and so if what you're saying is true and neither a) or b) are correct, that feels like pretty dishonest advertising to me on CP's part.

The online Customs Form has been optional for the last year or two but as of this month it is now the only method of sending an item to the US - according to my local post office.

I agree it's quicker if you're sending a larger box or a tracked packaged as you used to have to fill out the larger, more extensive carbon-copy Customs Form. For Small Packet service (DVD & Blu-ray size) you just had to write down "To: USA, From: Canada" + the value + "Used DVD Movie" + sign and date it and you were done. This smaller Customs form was printed on a sticker. Very simple.

As for the Canada Post website, the only way to find the Customs Form (at least that I could see easily) was to go through the "Find a Rate" process.
The way it is set-up it appears you are required to fill-out the whole rate calculator process in order to get to the "Fill Out Customs Form" blue button.

I suppose you don't have to go through this hassle if you bookmark the shortcut.

The clerks at the post office have a lot of angry feedback from customers that still require a cell phone or a home printer in order to make this process work. Yes, I know it's 2021 and a cell phone should be mandatory in life but the fact is many people either don't have one or don't know how to use it.

Coolcicada · 01-19-2021, 11:00 PM

There are many ways to find the customs form. Or you can just google for "Canada Post Customs form" and it's the first result.

orangerunner · 01-19-2021, 11:18 PM

Thanks for posting that but if they're implementing this new rule they may want to make it front and centre rather than have people scroll through a couple of tabs and find the fine print at the bottom of the option list. I'm not sure how easily this translates to a tiny phone screen either.

JurassicMatt · 01-20-2021, 05:09 PM

Hi, I work for Canada Post.

This isn't just a Canada Post thing, or a "package to the US thing", this is a requirement of the Universal Postal Union that all barcoded labels traveling internationally must have the customs information provided electronically by 2021. A couple points:

This regulation going into effect has been known for quite some time. Canada Post has been pushing the online customs form option for years now. It is not hard to find - simply go to canadapost.ca/customs and fill in the info (you don't need to enter the dimensions or weight of the item - that is done at the post office). You can even do it through the app. It's quite simple - I have people fill it in while they're waiting in line if they have the app and it makes the transaction quicker overall.

You can still use the paper form, there is nothing stopping you from doing that. The transaction will just take a bit longer to process because we have to manually enter all the information from the customs form into the computer (sender's name/address, customer's name/address, description of contents, value of shipment, other options, etc.). Add additional time if the customer hasn't pre filled out the form as we need to wait for them to manually write everything on the form, then enter all the information into the computer. Filling the customs form out ahead of time online shaves minutes off the transaction and makes a significant difference during busy times of the year.

Again, this information is not hard to find and has been clearly advertised at post offices for years now. canadapost.ca/customs or simply download the Canada Post app. Very simple.

DiamondDave · 01-20-2021, 05:19 PM

I last sent something to the US in November and did it online from home, printed the label, and dropped it in the mailbox.

The only difference between sending something to the US as opposed to Canada is that I had to take an extra 15 seconds entering what the item was, and its value.

So either something has significantly changed in the procedure (QR codes, having to take it to a postal drop off to be double checked by an employee?) or you have your facts screwed up.

TheCapn · 01-20-2021, 08:06 PM

bit off topic but in case you were wondering what that black hole in shipping was back before Christmas

https://www.cp24.com/news/121-canada...d-19-1.5275114

It says "so far this year" but I will assume that they all probably tested + before the holiday but didn't disclose anything until now because they didn't want to deter anyone from using CP?

Hitman Horton · 01-28-2021, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCapn

bit off topic but in case you were wondering what that black hole in shipping was back before Christmas

https://www.cp24.com/news/121-canada...d-19-1.5275114

It says "so far this year" but I will assume that they all probably tested + before the holiday but didn't disclose anything until now because they didn't want to deter anyone from using CP?

That number is now up to over 200 employees. Agents from customs were also told to stay away. I've got some stuff coming in and I think it's all going through Mississauga so it's likely going to take a while. I just came here to let everybody know to expect delays even within Canada. Mississauga is the largest facility in the country.

pixote · 01-28-2021, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitman Horton

That number is now up to over 200 employees. Agents from customs were also told to stay away. I've got some stuff coming in and I think it's all going through Mississauga so it's likely going to take a while. I just came here to let everybody know to expect delays even within Canada. Mississauga is the largest facility in the country.

Canada Customs was moved to a different floor, they're still operating within the building now. Less than 6% of the workforce in Mississauga is on leave as that building employs over 4,500 people. It sucks and I hope they get better, but CanPost has already started re-directing packages to other sorting facilities to help relieve the backlog. Overall they're handling it very well imo. Good on them.

pixote · 01-28-2021, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCapn

bit off topic but in case you were wondering what that black hole in shipping was back before Christmas

https://www.cp24.com/news/121-canada...d-19-1.5275114

It says "so far this year" but I will assume that they all probably tested + before the holiday but didn't disclose anything until now because they didn't want to deter anyone from using CP?

Out here in Peel we like to keep secrets for as long as we can when it comes to COVID unfortunately, kind of like how the Amazon warehouse has had over 400 positive cases in Peel, but the big one is Maple Lodge Farms. I know multiple people who work there, including my bother in laws parents and my best friends son. That's one of the places that's been hit the hardest but they won't disclose it publicly as they're essential in food supply. They've had multiple outbreaks and problems but I've only seen the media report on 25 people back in the summer lol. This is why PEEL is getting nailed. Per capita we have more warehouses than anywhere in Canada.

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens...cate-1.5852114

If you know the warehouses from [Peel Region], they supply the food, the other essential products to all over Canada. The transportation industry based ... in Peel region is the one that provides all the supplies ... to our entire nation.

https://nationalpost.com/news/more-t...pread-of-virus

The two Amazon “fulfillment centres” in Brampton, Ont., one in nearby Caledon and one in Mississauga — all close to busy Toronto Pearson International Airport — have had a combined total of about 400 cases, said a source familiar with the data.

https://www.caledonenterprise.com/ne...d-19-outbreak/

Peel Health won't identify Mississauga business with region's single largest COVID-19 outbreak

ilovedealsonmovies · 01-28-2021, 02:12 PM

i use chitchats express to ship to the us

aaron158 · 01-28-2021, 02:16 PM

canada post is a rip off when it comes to shipping things to the us.

https://forums.redflagdeals.com/netp...0-off-2296241/

look into netparcel u can get discounted ups labels the discount to the us is so good that it blows away canada post and can even cost less money then it cost to ship something within canada. the discounts for shipping within canada are pretty ok to on par with canada post and great when the package is large and heavy.

for Eg i can ship a 1 pound package anywhere in the usa via netparcel about 9-10 bucks cad. canada post would charge $12-13 to do that without tracking by air mail and it would take 10+ working days ups is like 6 working days. to get tracking with canada post would cost more like 18 to 20 bucks and still take 10 or more working days.

shipping the same package within canada cost about 12 bucks so some how there discount is better to ship to the us then it is within canada lol.

they also have heavy discounts overseas but prices to ship overseas are still crazy high no matter what. like even shipping a single bluray overseas would cost $20 some odd with the discount.

spawningblue · 01-28-2021, 02:37 PM

A little off topic, but does anyone know the best way to ship three DVDs within Canada using Canada Post?

Normally I ship one DVD or Blu-ray in a bubble mailer for $2-$3 Lettermail. Would it be best to do the same here, and just ship them as three separate orders for $6-$9. It seems like as soon as it is shipped in a box the costs jump to like $20.

01-19-2021, 07:49 PM	#1
orangerunner Active Member Member since:Feb 2015 Timezone GMT: -8	Canada Post Online? What does everyone think of the new mandatory online US Customs forms from Canada Post? What used to be very simple process for Small Packet service, which was filling-out a paper Customs sticker with a pen, has became quite an elaborate task. 1. go to Canada Post website 2. "find a rate" 3. Fill out the rate quote criteria by filling in the country & state + 3 measurements + the weight. 4. After doing this you finally get to the Customs form which now has to be extensively filled-out. 5. Once it is filled-out you are given a QR code which either has to be sent to your phone or printed. 6. When you go to the post office they have to re-measure and re-weigh your package. 7. They scan your phone or paper print-out with the QR code. 8. They print another piece of paper which you have to sign. 9. They place that piece of paper into a large clear plastic mailing sleeve and away it goes! 10. Whew! In order to send anything to the US now you have to have the following: 1. a computer/cell phone to start the process 2. a ruler 3. a weight scale 4. a cell phone or a printer (preferably with ink) with a sheet of letter paper. 5. The post office has to print-out second sheet of letter paper and supply a clear plastic envelope to complete the shipment. I've seen several older people at the counter trying to mail items but don't have the necessary computer/phone/printer/weigh scale that you need to complete this.

01-19-2021, 07:59 PM	#2
will oneill Special Member Member since:Nov 2010 Location:Ottawa 4K collection:430 Blu-ray collection:5122 DVD collection:589 Digital collection:21 iTunes collection:61 Trading Score:5 Timezone GMT: -5	I don't ship things so this doesn't affect me, but I did notice the poster/ad for this at the Post Office the other day when picking up a package. I will say that the poster heavily implied (to me, at least) that this new process was a) optional, and b) more convenient, and so if what you're saying is true and neither a) or b) are correct, that feels like pretty dishonest advertising to me on CP's part.

01-19-2021, 08:10 PM	#3
murphywmm Special Member Top contributor Member since:Jul 2014 Location:Edmonton, Canada 4K collection:370 Blu-ray collection:3721 DVD collection:63 Blu-ray reviews: 7 Trading Score:2 Timezone GMT: 0	Sounds like they are trying to avoid having people coming in to the post office. I would be fine with doing this.

01-19-2021, 08:11 PM	#4
canucksam Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Nov 2017 Location:Western Canada 4K collection:6 Blu-ray collection:840 DVD collection:1427 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 13 Trading Score:1 Timezone GMT: -6	Even more work for you, but you still get the same crappy service!

01-19-2021, 08:11 PM	#5
bdpf Special Member Member since:Feb 2011 Location:Toronto, Canada Home Theater Gallery:7 Trading Score:106 Timezone GMT: -5	Not sure this is mandatory. I did mail something to the US in between Xmas and NY in a Canada Post that is not my usual location and while the worker did the same as usual, she did mention to me about the new "option" that was supposedly faster and more convenient. Then I mailed something else to the US about a week ago at my regular CP and they did the usual and didn't even mention the new option. Personally, I am fine the way things were as I (as unbelievable as it sounds) don't have a cell phone, don't feel like doing the work that they will redo anyway, and don't feel like spending more on paper and ink given their already very high shipping rates.

01-19-2021, 08:22 PM	#6
happyb Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Feb 2011 Location:Toronto 4K collection:783 Blu-ray collection:4945 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:14 Timezone GMT: -5	I've been doing it that way for years lol The only pain is sometimes the QR code wouldn't scan right away. It would take several tries. Other than that it's pretty quick and convenient for me since I hate filling out forms by hand. It always ends up looking like chicken scratch.

01-19-2021, 08:22 PM	#7
Coolcicada Senior Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Canada 4K collection:419 Blu-ray collection:871 Trading Score:13 Timezone GMT: -7	I don’t think you have to take the measurements or weight by yourself. You can access the customs form here. https://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/a...execution=e1s1 That is all you need, they do the rest.

01-19-2021, 08:24 PM	#8
cdittmer Active Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:Saskatoon, Canada Blu-ray collection:1632 Trading Score:2 Timezone GMT: -7	I love the new online customs form program. I find it way easier to prepare the shipping labels than handwriting them. The local post office calculates the shipping rates when I bring the package in.

01-19-2021, 11:00 PM	#10
Coolcicada Senior Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Canada 4K collection:419 Blu-ray collection:871 Trading Score:13 Timezone GMT: -7	There are many ways to find the customs form. Or you can just google for "Canada Post Customs form" and it's the first result.

01-19-2021, 11:18 PM	#11
orangerunner Active Member Member since:Feb 2015 Timezone GMT: -8	Thanks for posting that but if they're implementing this new rule they may want to make it front and centre rather than have people scroll through a couple of tabs and find the fine print at the bottom of the option list. I'm not sure how easily this translates to a tiny phone screen either.

01-20-2021, 05:09 PM	#12
JurassicMatt Junior Member Member since:Jan 2020 Location:Manitoba, Canada Blu-ray collection:6 Timezone GMT: -6	Hi, I work for Canada Post. This isn't just a Canada Post thing, or a "package to the US thing", this is a requirement of the Universal Postal Union that all barcoded labels traveling internationally must have the customs information provided electronically by 2021. A couple points: This regulation going into effect has been known for quite some time. Canada Post has been pushing the online customs form option for years now. It is not hard to find - simply go to canadapost.ca/customs and fill in the info (you don't need to enter the dimensions or weight of the item - that is done at the post office). You can even do it through the app. It's quite simple - I have people fill it in while they're waiting in line if they have the app and it makes the transaction quicker overall. You can still use the paper form, there is nothing stopping you from doing that. The transaction will just take a bit longer to process because we have to manually enter all the information from the customs form into the computer (sender's name/address, customer's name/address, description of contents, value of shipment, other options, etc.). Add additional time if the customer hasn't pre filled out the form as we need to wait for them to manually write everything on the form, then enter all the information into the computer. Filling the customs form out ahead of time online shaves minutes off the transaction and makes a significant difference during busy times of the year. Again, this information is not hard to find and has been clearly advertised at post offices for years now. canadapost.ca/customs or simply download the Canada Post app. Very simple.

01-20-2021, 05:19 PM	#13
DiamondDave Active Member Member since:Apr 2014 Blu-ray collection:209 Timezone GMT: -5	I last sent something to the US in November and did it online from home, printed the label, and dropped it in the mailbox. The only difference between sending something to the US as opposed to Canada is that I had to take an extra 15 seconds entering what the item was, and its value. So either something has significantly changed in the procedure (QR codes, having to take it to a postal drop off to be double checked by an employee?) or you have your facts screwed up.

01-20-2021, 08:06 PM	#14
TheCapn Power Member Member since:Mar 2011 4K collection:906 Blu-ray collection:6905 Trading Score:1 Timezone GMT: 0	bit off topic but in case you were wondering what that black hole in shipping was back before Christmas https://www.cp24.com/news/121-canada...d-19-1.5275114 It says "so far this year" but I will assume that they all probably tested + before the holiday but didn't disclose anything until now because they didn't want to deter anyone from using CP?

01-28-2021, 02:12 PM	#18
ilovedealsonmovies Special Member Member since:Jun 2011 Location:vancouver 4K collection:164 Blu-ray collection:165 Blu-ray reviews:2 Timezone GMT: -8	i use chitchats express to ship to the us

01-28-2021, 02:16 PM	#19
aaron158 Contributor Top contributor Member since:Aug 2011 4K collection:2 Blu-ray collection:1378 DVD collection:166 Trading Score:12 Timezone GMT: -5	canada post is a rip off when it comes to shipping things to the us. https://forums.redflagdeals.com/netp...0-off-2296241/ look into netparcel u can get discounted ups labels the discount to the us is so good that it blows away canada post and can even cost less money then it cost to ship something within canada. the discounts for shipping within canada are pretty ok to on par with canada post and great when the package is large and heavy. for Eg i can ship a 1 pound package anywhere in the usa via netparcel about 9-10 bucks cad. canada post would charge $12-13 to do that without tracking by air mail and it would take 10+ working days ups is like 6 working days. to get tracking with canada post would cost more like 18 to 20 bucks and still take 10 or more working days. shipping the same package within canada cost about 12 bucks so some how there discount is better to ship to the us then it is within canada lol. they also have heavy discounts overseas but prices to ship overseas are still crazy high no matter what. like even shipping a single bluray overseas would cost $20 some odd with the discount.

01-28-2021, 02:37 PM	#20
spawningblue Blu-ray Samurai Top contributor Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 4K collection:708 Blu-ray collection:5497 DVD collection:1776 Trading Score:109 Timezone GMT: -8	A little off topic, but does anyone know the best way to ship three DVDs within Canada using Canada Post? Normally I ship one DVD or Blu-ray in a bubble mailer for $2-$3 Lettermail. Would it be best to do the same here, and just ship them as three separate orders for $6-$9. It seems like as soon as it is shipped in a box the costs jump to like $20.

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