Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide LETTER CARRIER PRESORT • Addressed Admail™: Ì • Short and Long (S/L), Oversize (O/S) and Dimensional (Small and Large) Publications Mail™: Ì Short and Long (S/L) and Oversize (O/S) Effective January 13, 2014 ™ Trade-mark of Canada Post Corporation. canadapost.ca/mailpreparation OM Official mark of Canada Post Corporation. T455426 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort IMPORTANT UPDATES Any description of change is provided for reference and convenience purposes only. The description of change does not form part of the Agreement between the Customer and Canada Post. Customers should ensure they are using the most current version of the Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide, including all amendments and other applicable documents, which are posted on the Canada Post website. See in particular, canadapost.ca/postalservices for key documents. Important Updates: DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE Revision v1.1 LOCATION Posted on February 24, 2014 Addition of CDC Level 3 to deposit location types. Amendment v1.0 Effective on February 24, 2014 Section 4.1 “Deposit location types” Posted on November 15, 2013 Introduced a non-transmitted Order surcharge. Effective on January 13, 2014 Section 2.3 “Creating Orders (Statements of Mailing)” Eliminated the requirement to include the word Forward (FWD) on Throughout document. Residue bundle, container and shipping unit labels. Reminder of 2013 Updates: DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE Revision v1.2 LOCATION Posted on April 10, 2013 Effective on June 14, 2013 The 2D barcode label is now available through your SERP recognized presortation software. Throughout document. Introduced Letterflatainer (LFT) as an acceptable container. Section 2.2.1.1 Section 5.1 NOTE: This amendment updates the June 14, 2013 version 1.2 guide. When there is an amendment or a revision to the document, the version number will be modified as follows: • an amendment increases the first digit in the version (e.g., version 2.0, 3.0) • a revision increases the second digit in the version (e.g., version 1.1, 1.2) • the version number restarts at 1.0 every January of a given year. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter Carrier Presort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1 Who should use this Guide? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 What is Letter Carrier Presort (LCP)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 Key requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1 1 2 Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1 Presort elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1.1 Software Evaluation Recognition Program (SERP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1.2 Postal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1.3 Delivery Mode Code (DMC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1.3.1 Placement of Delivery Mode Code (DMC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1.4 National Presortation Schematic (NPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 Containerization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1 Acceptable containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.1 Acceptable Canada Post-supplied containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.1.2 Acceptable customer-supplied cardboard containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2.2 Acceptable shipping units (monotainers and pallets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3 Creating Orders (Statements of Mailing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 3 Mail Preparation and Presortation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3.1 Grouping mail items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.1.1 Levels of groupings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.1.2 Separating groupings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.1.3 Identifying DCF, FCP and Residue groupings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 3.2 Placing groupings in containers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3.2.1 Levels of containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 3.2.2 Filling containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 3.2.3 Preserving integrity of mail preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 3.2.4 Labelling containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 3.2.4.1 Labelling containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3.3 Placing containers into shipping units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3.3.1 Levels of shipping units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3.3.2 Filling shipping units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 3.3.3 Securing pallets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 3.3.4 Labelling shipping units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 3.4 Summary of mail preparation and presortation process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 4 Deposit Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 4.1 Deposit location types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 4.2 Maximum volume acceptable per day, by deposit location type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 5 Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 5.1 Do-it-yourself checklist for preparing Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mailings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 5.2 Other Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide Version 1.1 Page i January 13, 2014 LETTER CARRIER PRESORT 1 OVERVIEW 1.1 Who should use this Guide? This guide explains how to prepare Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mailings using presortation software for the following services: • Addressed Admail™: Short and Long (S/L), Oversize (O/S) and Dimensional (Small and Large) • Publications Mail™: Short and Long (S/L) and Oversize (O/S) Please ensure you are using the most recent version of this guide and other support documents that detail our requirements, qualifications, terms and conditions, and pricing. These documents are available online at canadapost.ca/postalservices. It is your obligation to meet all the requirements outlined in your Customer Agreement. NOTE 1: Some words and expressions used in this document have a specific meaning. Please refer to Section 1 "Definitions" of the General Terms and Conditions for the definition of specific terms referenced throughout this document and the Agreement. 2: The figures in this document are used for illustration only. 3: If developers of presortation software find any discrepancy between this guide and the Presortation Technical Specifications (PTS), the information in the PTS takes precedence. 1.2 What is Letter Carrier Presort (LCP)? Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) is a mail preparation and presortation option that allows mailers to sort their mail items to specific letter carrier walks (or other delivery routes) using presortation software recognized by Canada Post. When you prepare and presort mail to meet our specifications, your mail will bypass various processing steps and mail distribution facilities within our network. 1.3 Key requirements To qualify for the Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) option, your mailings must: • consist of items that meet the requirements specified in the applicable Canada Post's Non-machineable Postal Standards guide • be presorted using presortation software recognized by Canada Post • be accompanied by Orders (Statements of Mailing) prepared, transmitted electronically and submitted using Canada Post's Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) • consist of at least 1,000 items* per Order (Statement of Mailing) • be deposited in Canada for delivery in Canada • meet all requirements and qualifications specified in your Customer Agreement and the applicable Customer Guide. * You may deposit less than the minimum volume provided you pay the applicable phantom price. The phantom price is only available for single deposits - it is not available on partial mailings. Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide Version 1.1 Page 1 January 13, 2014 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 2 BEFORE YOU START As the name suggests, Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mail must be presorted to specific letter carrier walks (or other delivery routes). Here's what that means: 2.1 Presort elements Mail Presortation is the process of sorting and grouping mail items bound for a common destination. Mail presortation is based on the National Presortation Schematic (NPS) and is performed using presortation software recognized by Canada Post. The software does the following: • • sorts mail items: Ì by their Postal CodeOM, and Ì according to the delivery route identified by the Delivery Mode Code (DMC) groups mail items by a common destination according to the NPS. Mail Preparation is the process of preparing containers and shipping units for a common destination. It involves labelling groupings, containers and shipping units in such a way that Canada Post can bypass various processing steps and facilities within its mail distribution network. 2.1.1 SOFTWARE EVALUATION RECOGNITION PROGRAM (SERP) Our Software Evaluation and Recognition Program (SERP) exists to evaluate the accuracy of presortation software programs. Those we recognize as acceptable appear on our website in a regularly updated list. SERP is open to all in-house or commercial software developers who would like their software to be recognized by Canada Post. For more information, or to have your software evaluated by Canada Post, please visit canadapost.ca/presortationsoftware. 2.1.2 POSTAL CODE The presortation software will sort mail items by Postal Code. The Postal Code is a six-character alphanumeric code in the form of ANA NAN, in which "A" represents a letter of the alphabet, and "N" represents a number. It is an integral part of every postal address in Canada, and was designed to help sort mail, both mechanically and manually. The Postal Code is made up of two segments, as shown in Figure 1: 1. The first three characters (ANA) represent the Forward Sortation Area (FSA), a geographical region, and 2. The last three characters (NAN) represent the Local Delivery Unit (LDU), a specific city block or rural community. NOTE: Rural areas are identified by a zero in the FSA (e.g., M0L 3K2). Figure 1: Postal Code segments FSA LDU For more detailed information, please visit Section 5 of Addressing Guidelines in the Canada Postal Guide. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 2 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 2.1.3 DELIVERY MODE CODE (DMC) The presortation software also sorts mail items according to specific letter carrier routes or other delivery routes. These are known as modes. The delivery route for an individual address is identified by a specific Delivery Mode Code (DMC). The DMC must be printed in the address block of every mail item in a Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mailing (see Figure 2). The DMC consists of two parts, a Delivery Mode Audit Code (DMAC) and a Delivery Mode Detail (DMD). The Delivery Mode Audit Code (DMAC), a single letter in parentheses, identifies which version of the NPS and Delivery Mode Data Product was used to prepare a mailing. This Audit Code must appear on every mail item, regardless of its destination. The Delivery Mode Detail (DMD), a string of alphanumeric characters, identifies the letter carrier route or delivery mode as well as the letter carrier responsible for delivery of the mail item or group of items. This information must appear on every mail item with an urban Postal Code. Figure 2: Delivery Mode Code (DMC) Delivery Mode Code ABC COMPANY H 12(M) 317 BLACKACRES BLVD W LONDON ON N6G 3R7 H 12(M) Delivery Mode Audit Code Delivery Mode Detail 2.1.3.1 Placement of Delivery Mode Code (DMC) The DMC may appear on any non-address line in or above the address block, that is, on any line that does not contain delivery information (see Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5). Figure 3: DMC placement on addresses with three or more lines 3 to 4 blank spaces to the right of the non-address line ABC COMPANY H 12(M) 317 BLACKACRES BLVD W LONDON ON N6G 3R7 Lines containing delivery information Figure 4: DMC placement on addresses with four or more lines 3 to 4 blank spaces to the right of the longest non-address line ABC COMPANY (M) ATTN: AL MARTINEAU H12 317 BLACKACRES BLVD W LONDON ON N6G 3R7 January 13, 2014 Audit Code and DMD are vertically aligned Lines containing delivery information Version 1.1 Page 3 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Figure 5: DMC placement above the address block Up to 2 lines above the address block, 3 to 4 blank spaces to the right of the non-address line H 12(M) ABC COMPANY 317 BLACKACRES BLVD W LONDON ON N6G 3R7 2.1.4 NATIONAL PRESORTATION SCHEMATIC (NPS) The National Presortation Schematic (NPS) indicates how mail in Canada is distributed through specific Canada Post facilities. It lists all Forward Sortation Areas (FSAs) and shows how to consolidate mail into groupings and containers. The four NPS levels of consolidation are (as shown in Figure 6): NPS Level 1 - Delivery Facility (DF) NPS Level 2 - City NPS Level 3 - Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) NPS Level 4 - Forward Consolidation Point (FCP). Any mail items that cannot be consolidated to one of these four levels will be consolidated as Residue. Figure 6: Illustration of the NPS FSA K2S LEVEL 1 DELIVERY FACILITY (DF) LEVEL 2 CITY K2S 1A0 STITTSVILLE ON LEVEL 3 DISTRIBUTION CENTRE FACILITY (DCF) LEVEL 4 FORWARD CONSOLIDATION POINT (FCP) K0A 9ZO OTTAWA ON DCF K0A K7K K7L K7M K7N K7P K7L 1X0 KINGSTON ON STN MAIN K7M 5E0 KINGSTON ON STN A K7L 1X0 KINGSTON ON K0H 9ZO KINGSTON ON DCF K0A 9ZO OTTAWA ON FWD K0H K1P K1R K2P K1G 2C0 OTTAWA ON LCD CENTRETOWN K1L K1M K1N K1L 5A0 OTTAWA ON STN VANIER K1G 0A0 OTTAWA ON Canada Post updates the NPS monthly to reflect the changing inventory of Canadian addresses. These monthly updates also appear in presortation software recognized by Canada Post. In order to receive optimal service and avoid surcharges, you must ensure that you are using the most current version of both the Delivery Mode Data and the recognized presortation software. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 4 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 2.2 Containerization Containerization is the process of packaging the mail for shipment. Mail items are placed into containers suitable for handling through Canada Post's processes. These containers are then placed into shipping units (pallets or monotainers) suitable for handling through our transportation network. You may enquire about or order our equipment by contacting the National Equipment Container Facility (NECF) order desk, by telephone at 905-565-0480, by fax at 905-564-6830, by email at [email protected] or through a Regional Equipment Coordinator. Find a list of Regional Equipment Coordinators at canadapost.ca/mailpreparation. Please note that Canada Post's equipment may only be used when using Canada Post's products or services. It remains our exclusive property. Personal use is not permitted. You are responsible for ensuring that the equipment remains in good condition, reasonable wear-and-tear accepted. NOTE 1: The minimum ordering quantity for plastic pallets is 40 units. 2: Effective January 16, 2012, Canada Post no longer accepts Addressed Admail and Publications Mail mailings inducted in bags. 2.2.1 ACCEPTABLE CONTAINERS The acceptable containers for Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) are Canada Post-supplied containers (lettertainers, letterflatainers (LFT’s) and flats tubs). Alternative acceptable container options for Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) are customer-supplied cardboard containers (see Section 2.2.1.2). NOTE: Customers may use cardboard containers in conjunction with Canada Post-supplied lettertainers or flats tubs, provided the same type of container is used for each destination facility. 2.2.1.1 Acceptable Canada Post-supplied containers The acceptable containers for Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) are lettertainers, letterflatainers (LFTs) and flats tubs. Lettertainers (see Figure 7) and letterflatainers (LFTs) (see Figure 8) are used for: • Short and Long (S/L) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items • Small Dimensional Addressed Admail items (lettertainers only). Figure 7: Lettertainer Figure 8: Letterflatainer (LFT) Flats tubs (see Figure 9) are used for: • Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 5 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort • Large Dimensional Addressed Admail items. Figure 9: Flats tub All containers must be deposited with lids, unless other arrangements have been made with a Canada Post representative. Letterflatainers (LFTs) do not require lids. Please refer to Table 1 for container specifications. NOTE: Containers prepared in a Level 1 (DF) monotainer (see Section 3.3.1 "Levels of shipping units") may be nested and deposited without lids. In such case, we recommend covering monotainers with cardboard to protect the load. Table 1: Container specifications TYPE OF CONTAINER CATEGORY CONTAINER WEIGHT (INCLUDING LID) LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT MAXIMUM WEIGHT (INCLUDING MAIL, CONTAINER AND LID) Lettertainer Short & Long (S/L) Flats Tub Oversize (O/S) TYPE OF CONTAINER 1.8 kg (4 lbs) 535 mm (21.1 in) 251 mm (9.8 in) 156 mm (6.1 in) 22.7 kg (50 lbs) 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs) 405 mm (15.9 in) 240 mm (9.4 in) 303 mm (11.9 in) 22.7 kg (50 lbs) LENGTH WIDTH HEIGHT MAXIMUM WEIGHT (INCLUDING MAIL, 394 mm (15.6 in) 244 mm (9.6 in) 150 mm (5.9 in) CATEGORY CONTAINER WEIGHT (WITHOUT LID) CONTAINER AND LID) Letterflatainer (LFT) Short & Long (S/L) NOTE: 0.995 kg (2.2 lbs) 22.7 kg (50 lbs) Container dimensions in Table 1 are the measurements inside the container. 2.2.1.2 Acceptable customer-supplied cardboard containers Customer-supplied cardboard lettertainers are acceptable for: • Short and Long (S/L) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items • Small Dimensional Addressed Admail items. Customer-supplied cardboard boxes are acceptable for: • Short and Long (S/L) and Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items • Small and Large Dimensional Addressed Admail items. Customer-supplied cardboard containers must: • meet the requirements outlined in this guide • have lids and be sturdy to withstand handling during processing • meet the dimensions outlined in Table 1 in order to be compatible with the presortation software results. Customers may produce their own cardboard containers using the manufacturing specifications posted online at canadapost.ca/mailpreparation. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 6 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 2.2.2 ACCEPTABLE SHIPPING UNITS (MONOTAINERS AND PALLETS) Monotainers and pallets (also referred to as skids) are acceptable shipping units for containers (see Table 2 and Table 3). Use of monotainers or pallets is mandatory for Dimensional Addressed Admail, and it is optional for Short and Long (S/L) and Oversize (O/S) Publications Mail and Addressed Admail mailings. Shipping units are used to group containers intended for one Order (Statement of Mailing) or bound for the same destination (e.g., all mail items for Vancouver arrive on one pallet). This reduces the handling and helps ensure timely delivery. Table 2: Acceptable shipping units CANADA POST-SUPPLIED MONOTAINER CUSTOMER-SUPPLIED PLASTIC PALLET WOODEN PALLET Table 3: Shipping unit specifications TYPE OF SHIPPING UNIT WEIGHT LENGTH WIDTH Monotainer 97 kg (213.8 lbs) 1.322 m (52 in) 1.067 m (42 in) 1.115 m (43.8 in) 900 kg (1,984.2 lbs) Pallet 9 kg* (19.8 lbs) 1.22 m (48 in) 1.02 m (40 in) 1.5 m (59 in) 900 kg (1,984.2 lbs) * MAXIMUM HEIGHT MAXIMUM WEIGHT (INCLUDING MAIL & (INCLUDING MAIL & SHIPPING UNIT) SHIPPING UNIT) 9 kg (19.8 lbs) is the weight of a plastic pallet supplied by Canada Post. If you are supplying your own wooden pallets, we recommend the bloc design to be used (as shown in Table 2). In addition, the following requirements must be met: • pallets must not have critical defects (i.e. exposed nails, significant splits, missing wood, decay or damaged/ jagged parts) • the top surface of the pallet must be flat and stable, allowing for safe loading and unloading of mail without tipping or sliding • pallets must be able to withstand temperatures of -40°C to 40°C, and severe weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice and humidity • pallets must be built so their bottom deck boards do not obstruct entry by a forklift. Pallets should be accessible by a forklift on all four sides and by a hand jack on two sides • openings for forks must be: Ì at least 102 mm (4") in height on the sides of the pallet without bottom deck boards; and Ì at least 89 mm (3.5") in height on the sides with bottom deck boards • metal strapping is not permitted • pallets must conform to: January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 7 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Ì ASTM - D1185 - Standard Test Methods for Pallets and related Structures Employed in Materials Handling and Shipping Ì ISO-8611 - Pallets for Materials Handling - Flat Pallets - Part 3: Maximum Working Loads Ì Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets by National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (USA). 2.3 Creating Orders (Statements of Mailing) In order to access Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) prices, you must prepare, transmit electronically and submit your Orders (Statements of Mailing) using Canada Post's Electronic Shipping Tools (EST). Non-transmitted Orders (Statements of Mailing) may be subject to a surcharge. Visit canadapost.ca/surcharges for additional information. When completing Orders (Statements of Mailing), you must use the Presort Mailing Plan Import Program or surcharges will be applied. This program will enable you to import the Mailing Plans developed by the presortation software directly into the EST, reducing the amount of data you need to enter. The EST software is free of charge and can be accessed through the Business segment of the Canada Post website at canadapost.ca/newuser. Customers must register once in the Business segment of the website to access the EST. For technical enquiries, customers can call the Technical Help Line at 1-866-511-0546. 3 MAIL PREPARATION AND PRESORTATION The mail preparation and presortation process requires (as shown in Figure 10): • grouping mail items for a common destination and placing them in a specific (address-based) order • placing groupings with a common destination into containers in a specific order, and • placing containers with a common destination into shipping units (monotainers or pallets). Figure 10: Mail preparation and presortation process Mail items Section 2 • Meet non-machineable specifications • Contain Delivery Mode Code Items must be grouped together (GROUPINGS) Section 3.1 • Minimum number of items per grouping • Levels of groupings • Separating groupings • Identifying DCF, FCP and Residue groupings Groupings must be placed into CONTAINERS Section 3.2 • Maximum weight of a filled container • Levels of containers • Filling containers • Labelling containers Containers are placed into SHIPPING UNITS* Section 3.3 • Levels of shipping units • Filling shipping units • Securing pallets • Labelling shipping units *Use of monos/pallets is mandatory for Dimensional Addressed Admail and optional for S/L and O/S Addressed Admail and Publications Mail When you prepare your mail, you must use presortation software recognized by Canada Post. This software evaluates information from input files (such as mailing lists) to determine the groupings, containers and shipping units that can be created from them while meeting all our specifications for the service. The software also determines the appropriate sequence of mail items so you can arrange all groupings and mail items in them accordingly. The following section provides an overview of some of our key mail preparation and presortation requirements. NOTE: Software developers may obtain more detailed information about our requirements by consulting our Presortation Technical Specifications (PTS). January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 8 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 3.1 Grouping mail items All items in a mailing must be part of a grouping. All groupings (except Residue) must have a minimum of eight items for Addressed Admail mailings or a minimum of six items for Publications Mail mailings. If this minimum requirement is not met, the items are consolidated to the next level (see Section 3.1.1 "Levels of groupings"). Grouped mail items must meet the consolidation requirements set out in Canada Post's Delivery Mode Data Product and National Presortation Schematic (NPS). These requirements are updated monthly in presortation software recognized by Canada Post. 3.1.1 LEVELS OF GROUPINGS The presortation software will determine which groupings are possible for a given mailing. There are five allowable types of groupings: 1. Delivery Mode Direct (DMD) 2. NPS Level 1 - Delivery Facility (DF) 3. NPS Level 3 - Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) 4. NPS Level 4 - Forward Consolidation Point (FCP) 5. Residue. The presortation software will group together mail items that have a common destination and/or sortation. For example, it will: • group all items delivered by the same letter carrier (a DMD grouping) • group all items delivered from the same postal station or letter carrier depot (a DF grouping) • group all items delivered in the same area, such as a city and surrounding area (a DCF grouping) • group all items delivered in the same province (an FCP grouping) • place all remaining items into a Residue grouping. The software begins by creating all possible DMD groupings. Then: • if not enough items remain to create a DMD grouping, it will create all possible DF groupings • if not enough items remain to create a DF grouping, it will create all possible DCF groupings • if not enough items remain to create a DCF grouping, it will create all possible FCP groupings • for all items that cannot be grouped at any other level, it will create Residue groupings. For each grouping it creates, the software also determines the sequence of the mail items within the grouping. 3.1.2 SEPARATING GROUPINGS Once your mail has been presorted, make sure it can withstand handling. Preserve the integrity of your groupings by separating them in their containers, using one of the following acceptable methods: a) bundling b) separator cards c) edgemarking. Mail items within groupings must all face the same direction. A) Bundling January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 9 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort A bundle is a group of mail items secured together by strapping (e.g., elastic bands, string, or plastic straps) or by shrink-wrapping. Please refer to Table 4 for bundling requirements. Table 4: Bundling requirements TYPE OF MAILING MAXIMUM BUNDLE THICKNESS MINIMUM NUMBER OF ITEMS* PER BUNDLE • Short and Long (S/L) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail • Small Dimensional Addressed Admail 100 mm (4 in) six for Publications Mail eight for Addressed Admail and Dimensional Addressed Admail • Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail • Large Dimensional Addressed Admail 200 mm (8 in) * The maximum thickness takes precedence over the minimum number of items. The last Residue bundle has no minimum number of items, although it still must follow the specifications for maximum thickness per bundle. NOTE 1: When a bundle exceeds the maximum thickness and there are sufficient items to create a full second bundle, it is preferable to split the total number of items into two equal bundles, rather than create one full bundle and one very small bundle. For example, if there is a Short and Long (S/L) bundle of 52 items with a thickness of 125 mm, make two bundles of 26 items. 2: When bundles of Oversize (O/S) and Dimensional Addressed Admail items exceed the maximum thickness of 200 mm, it is preferable to make two evenly divided bundles. Strapping must be strong and tight enough to hold the bundle together, without the contents sliding, when held vertically. Please refer to Table 5 for strapping requirements. Table 5: Strapping requirements for containers TYPE OF MAILING STRAPPING REQUIREMENT • Short and Long (S/L) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail • Small Dimensional Addressed Admail • Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail [only for bundles placed in Level 1 (DF) containers] Single strapping • Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail [except for bundles placed in Level 1 (DF) containers] • Large Dimensional Addressed Admail Double strapping Shrink-wrapping is an acceptable method of bundling for Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items and for Large Dimensional Addressed Admail items. The plastic used for shrink-wrapping must be strong enough to ensure the bundles remain secured during handling. NOTE: If your mail items are bound using spines, to create an even bundle, you may place the bottom half of the bundle with its spines facing the opposite way than the top half of the bundle (see Figure 11). January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 10 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Figure 11: Bundling items with spines Acceptable Preferred B) Separator cards Separator cards may also be used to indicate breaks between groupings (as shown in Figure 12). Separator cards must: • be made of thin, rigid cardboard (a weight of 120 to 160 grams per square metre is normally adequate) • extend at least 20 mm above the mail items • be at least 155 mm wide • be placed in front of the first mail item in each grouping. Please note that if a grouping is too large to fit into one container, a second separator card is required at the front of the second container. Figure 12: Separator cards 20 mm min. 155 mm min. NOTE: Separator cards can be any colour. When separator cards are used, the minimum number of items per grouping is six for Publications Mail and eight for Addressed Admail. There is no maximum number of items per grouping. Only one separator card is required to identify the start of each grouping, regardless of its size. C) Edgemarking Edgemarking means applying ink or paint to the top edge of a mail item. This is another acceptable way of separating groupings within a container (see Figure 13). Edgemarks are only applied to the first item in each grouping. Edgemarks must meet the following requirements: • their colour must significantly contrast with that of the mail item • the same colour must be used for edgemarking the entire mailing • they must begin approximately 40 mm from the upper-right edge of the mail item • they should be approximately 20 mm long, separated by a gap of approximately 25 mm: Ì the marking nearest the upper-right edge indicates a Delivery Mode Direct (DMD) grouping Ì the additional markings indicate Delivery Facility (DF), Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) and Forward Consolidation Point (FCP) groupings. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 11 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Figure 13: Edgemarking First marking indicates DMD grouping Second marking indicates DF grouping 20 mm NOTE: 25 mm Edgemarks 20 mm 40 mm It is acceptable for DCF and FCP groupings to have only two marks, but the marks must be in the DMD and DF locations. When edgemarks are used, the minimum number of items per grouping is six for Publications Mail and eight for Addressed Admail. There is no maximum number of items per grouping. Only one edgemark is required to identify the start of the grouping, regardless of its size. 3.1.3 IDENTIFYING DCF, FCP AND RESIDUE GROUPINGS All DCF, FCP and Residue groupings must be identified. When using bundling as a separation method, DCF, FCP and Residue bundles must be identified with a bundle label (also called a facing slip). DMD and DF bundles do not require labels. Bundle labels must be securely fastened to the bundle. They must be white in colour, measure 86 mm high by 95 mm wide, and include the routing information as specified in Table 6. Table 6: Routing information on DCF, FCP and Residue bundle labels DCF • Postal Code of the DCF, as per the NPS (e.g. K0K 9Z0) • name of the DCF (e.g., BELLEVILLE ON DCF) • the service option (LCP) EXAMPLES OF BUNDLE LABEL 86 mm GROUPING ROUTING INFORMATION ON BUNDLE LABELS K0K 9Z0 BELLEVILLE ON DCF LCP Postal Code Name of the DCF Service Option FCP • Postal Code of the FCP, as per the NPS (e.g., K0A 9Z0) • name of the FCP with the forward abbreviation FWD (e.g., OTTAWA ON FWD) • the service option (LCP) 86 mm 95 mm K0A 9Z0 OTTAWA ON FWD LCP Postal Code Name of the FCP with the FWD Service Option 95 mm January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 12 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort GROUPING ROUTING INFORMATION ON BUNDLE LABELS • name of the deposit facility (e.g., OTTAWA ON) • the word “RESIDUE” • the service option (LCP) 86 mm Residue EXAMPLES OF BUNDLE LABEL OTTAWA ON RESIDUE LCP Name of Deposit Facility Word “Residue” Service Option 95 mm Additional information may appear above or below the routing information as long as the routing information is more prominent. Instead of attaching bundle labels, you may choose to print an Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) on the first mail item in each bundle. OELs can be generated by the presortation software and printed directly onto the mail item or its address label as the top line in the address block (or the top line within the window) as shown in Figure 14. Figure 14: Optional endorsement line (OEL) K0A 9Z0 OTTAWA ON DCF C. SMITH H15(C) 362 KELLY LANE CUMBERLAND ON K4C 1A7 Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) on DCF bundles K0A 9Z0 OTTAWA ON FWD T. CHARLES H5(C) 423 SARAH STREET HAWKESBURY ON K6A 2A5 Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) on FCP bundles OTTAWA ON RESIDUE T. CHARLES XX12(C) 123 MAIN STREET CORNWALL ON K6B 1B5 Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) on Residue bundles OELs must meet the following specifications: • consolidation information must be printed on the top line of the address block or label • font type and size must be identical to that of the address (an UPPERCASE font is recommended), and • if positioned within a window, the OEL must be visible. When using separator cards as a separation method, each DCF, FCP and Residue grouping must be identified on the part of the separator card visible above the mail items. The following information must be provided: For DCF groupings: • Postal Code of the DCF, as per the NPS (e.g., K0K 9Z0) • name of the DCF (e.g., BELLEVILLE ON DCF), and • the service option (LCP). For FCP groupings: • Postal Code of the FCP, as per the NPS (e.g., K0A 9Z0) • name of the FCP with the forward abbreviation FWD (e.g., OTTAWA ON FWD) • the service option (LCP). January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 13 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort For Residue groupings: • name of the deposit facility(e.g., OTTAWA ON) • the word "Residue" • the service option (LCP). 3.2 Placing groupings in containers Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) groupings must be deposited in containers. The maximum weight of a filled container, including its lid, is 22.7 kg (50 lbs). Containers must be deposited with lids, unless other arrangements have been made with a Canada Post representative. Letterflatainers (LFTs) do not require lids. NOTE: An exception is made for containers prepared in a Level 1 (DF) monotainer (see Section 3.3.1 "Levels of shipping units"). These containers may be nested and deposited without lids. We recommend covering monotainers with cardboard to protect the load. Groupings in containers must all face the same direction (see Figure 15). Figure 15: Groupings facing the same direction 3.2.1 LEVELS OF CONTAINERS The presortation software will determine which container levels are possible for a given mailing. The acceptable levels of containers (also referred to as consolidation levels) are: 1. NPS Level 1 - Delivery Facility (DF) 2. NPS Level 2 - City 3. NPS Level 3 - Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) 4. NPS Level 4 - Forward Consolidation Point (FCP) 5. Residue. Containers are created by putting together groupings that have a common destination and/or sortation level within Canada Post's network of mail processing and delivery facilities. For example, a container may consist of: • groupings to be delivered on routes in the same letter carrier depot (a DF container) • groupings to be delivered in the same area, such as a city and surrounding area (a City container or DCF container) • groupings to be delivered in the same province (an FCP container) • remaining groupings (a Residue container). When you prepare a container for its destination, it must be adequately filled to meet our minimum requirements (see Section 3.2.2 "Filling containers"). The presortation software will determine which consolidation levels are possible for a given mailing. Groupings placed in containers must meet the consolidation requirements set out in the National Presortation Schematic (NPS). The level of consolidation will vary depending on the mail volume. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 14 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Groupings inside containers must be physically separated by one of the three acceptable methods - bundling, separator cards, or edgemarking. The software begins by creating all possible DF containers. Then: • if not enough groupings remain to create a DF container, it will create all possible City or DCF containers • if not enough groupings remain to create City or DCF containers, it will create all possible FCP containers • for groupings that cannot be containerized at any other level, it will create Residue containers. The software will also determine the appropriate order of groupings within each container. 3.2.2 FILLING CONTAINERS Containers must be sufficiently filled to meet our minimum requirements, as shown in Table 7. Table 7: Minimum requirements for filling containers CONSOLIDATION LEVEL IF ONLY 1 CONTAINER TO A DESTINATION, FILL TO A CAPACITY OF: IF MULTIPLE CONTAINERS TO A DESTINATION ALL CONTAINERS EXCEPT THE LAST, FILL TO A CAPACITY OF: LAST CONTAINER, FILL TO A CAPACITY OF: Level 1 - DF 50% 95% No Minimum Level 2 - City 70% 95% No Minimum Level 3 - DCF 70% 95% No Minimum Level 4 - FCP 50% 95% No Minimum No Minimum 95% No Minimum Residue NOTE 1: To assess how full your container is, tip it on its short end at a 45-90° angle (as shown in Figure 16). Once its contents have been compressed by their own weight, measure the length of space occupied against the total length of the container. Express this ratio as a percentage, then compare it with our minimum requirements for that type of container. 2: No container may exceed 22.7 kg (50 lbs) in weight. Figure 16: Assessing container Fill 45 - 90° 3.2.3 PRESERVING INTEGRITY OF MAIL PREPARATION When using separator cards or edgemarking as a separation method, for any container less than full (less than 95% of capacity), you must ensure the integrity of your mail preparation by using packing, as shown in Figure 17. If you use bundle strapping as a separation method, for any container less than full (less than 95% capacity), we recommend adding packing in the container to ensure the integrity of your mail preparation. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 15 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Figure 17: Less than full container Packing 3.2.4 LABELLING CONTAINERS All containers must be labelled with their destination details using routing information from the National Presortation Schematic (NPS). Correctly labelling your containers will ensure your mail is directed to the appropriate work centre within a Canada Post facility. The use of 2D barcoded container labels for LCP mailings is mandatory. The presortation software will provide the information you need to print on container labels. These labels must be bilingual and must include the following details (see Figure 18): • the service name (e.g., Addressed Admail/Médiaposte avec adresse) • the service option (LCP/TPIF) • the following NPS routing information (on all but Residue containers): Ì the facility Postal Code (e.g., K1G 2C0) Ì the facility name (e.g., OTTAWA) Ì the province, in abbreviated form (e.g., ON), and Ì the routing destination (e.g., LCD Centretown). Ensure that the content of the label matches that of the container. Figure 18: 2D Barcoded container label NOTE: Labels for Residue containers must contain the facility name and the word "Residue." Visit canadapost.ca/labels to view label specifications. 3.2.4.1 Labelling containers If you are using Canada Post-supplied containers, insert container labels into the label holder prior to depositing your mailing to a Canada Post facility (see Figure 19). January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 16 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort Figure 19: Placement of label on a container NOTE: 3.3 If you are using customer-supplied cardboard containers, affix a container label on the side of each container. You can order self-adhesive labels online at canadapost.ca/obc under form number 33-086-732 or by contacting the Canada Post Customer Relationship Network by telephone at 1-888-550-6333. Placing containers into shipping units Use of monotainers or pallets is mandatory for Dimensional Addressed Admail, and it is optional for Short and Long (S/L) and Oversize (O/S) Publications Mail and Addressed Admail mailings. 3.3.1 LEVELS OF SHIPPING UNITS Canada Post encourages the consolidation of containers to monotainers or pallets, as per the National Presortation Schematic (NPS). The following are the acceptable levels of consolidation: 1. NPS Level 1 - Delivery Facility (DF) 2. NPS Level 2 - City 3. NPS Level 3 - Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) 4. NPS Level 4 - Forward Consolidation Point (FCP) 5. Residue. The presortation software will determine the consolidation levels that can be created for a given mailing, based on the number of containers. Containers in shipping units must meet the consolidation requirements set out in the National Presortation Schematic (NPS). The level of consolidation will vary depending on the destination of the container. The software begins by creating all possible DF shipping units. Then: • if not enough containers remain to create a full DF shipping unit, it will create all possible City or DCF shipping units • if not enough containers remain to create City or DCF shipping units, it will create all possible FCP shipping units • for all remaining containers that cannot be consolidated to any NPS level, it will create Residue shipping units. If containers are not consolidated within the shipping units as per the NPS, then the shipping unit label must be identified as Residue (see Section 3.3.4 "Labelling shipping units"). January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 17 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 3.3.2 FILLING SHIPPING UNITS Monotainers and pallets must be filled to meet our requirements, as shown in Table 8. Table 8: Fill requirements for shipping units FILL REQUIREMENT PALLET MONOTAINER WITH MAIL DESTINED WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF DEPOSIT WITH MAIL DESTINED OUTSIDE THE PROVINCE OF DEPOSIT Min. 18 lettertainers or 18 letterflatainers (LFTs) or 12 flats tubs or 500 mm (excluding height of the pallet) 18 lettertainers or 27 lettertainers or 18 letterflatainers (LFTs) or 12 flats 27 letterflatainers (LFTs) or 18 tubs flats tubs Max. 48 lettertainers or 48 letterflatainers 36 lettertainers or 48 letterflatainers (LFTs) (40 letterflatainers with (LFTs) or 32 flats tubs or 1.5 m (including lids) or 24 flats tubs or contents may be piled up to 25 mm below the height of the pallet) top of the monotainer NOTE 1: Fill requirements outlined in Table 7 are also applicable if you are using customer-supplied containers. 2: Pallets or monotainers may not exceed 900 kg (1984.2 lbs) in weight. 3.3.3 SECURING PALLETS All pallets must be securely fastened and structurally sound. To preserve the integrity of your mailing, ensure that: • three layers of stretch-wrapping are applied around the pallet and its load, or • cross-strapping is applied (as shown in Figure 20). NOTE 1: If using plastic pallets, it is recommended to apply four cross straps encompassing both the pallet bottom and the containers. 2: Metal strapping is not permitted. Figure 20: Stretch-wrapped and cross-strapped pallet 3.3.4 LABELLING SHIPPING UNITS All pallets and monotainers must be labelled. SERP generated labels may contain an optional 2D barcode. This will ensure that your mail is directed to the appropriate facility within Canada Post's network. Labels must be white and meet the following requirements: • measure 216 mm high by 279 mm wide (8.5 in x 11 in) in letter landscape or letter portrait format. Labels may also be prepared in legal portrait format 216 mm x 355 mm (8.5 x 14) • be printed in black in a font size large enough to occupy the entire label • prominently display the facility name (which must be visibly larger than all other information). The information provided on the label must include the following (as shown in Figure 21): • the service name (Addressed Admail, Dimensional Addressed Admail, or Publications Mail) January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 18 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort • the service option (LCP) • the following National Presortation Schematic (NPS) routing information (on all but Residue monotainers or pallets): Ì the Postal Code of the Canada Post deposit facility (e.g., K0A 9Z0) Ì the name of the facility (e.g., OTTAWA) Ì the province, in abbreviated form (e.g., ON), and Ì the routing designation (e.g., DCF). Figure 21: SERP generated monotainer and pallet label NOTE: Labels for Residue monotainers or pallets and all labels generated without the use of SERP software must display the name of the deposit facility and the word "Residue." As shown in Figure 22: • each monotainer must have at least one label, although two are recommended • each pallet must have two labels. Figure 22: Labels attached to monotainers and pallets Labels January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 19 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 3.4 Summary of mail preparation and presortation process Figure 23 summarizes the results of each stage in the mail preparation and presortation process for Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mailings. Figure 23: Results of mail preparation and presortation process Groupings Containers NPS Level 4 NPS Level 3 NPS Level 2 NPS Level 1 Delivery Mode Direct (DMD) N/A DMD Delivery Facility (DF) N/A N/A DMD DMD DF DF DF City Shipping Units* DMD DMD DMD City City Residue Distribution Centre Facility (DCF) DCF DMD DMD OR DCF DCF FCP Forward Consolidation Point (FCP) DF DCF DF DMD FCP FCP sidue FCP DF DCF DMD Re Residue Residue Residue Note: All containers must have lids except for containers in a Level 1 (DF) monotainer. Letterflatainers (LFTs) do not require lids. *Use of monos/pallets is mandatory for Dimensional Addressed Admail and optional for S/L and O/S Addressed Admail and Publications Mail. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 20 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 4 DEPOSIT SITES Canada Post facilities are designed to ensure that your mail is handled efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays. All items must be deposited with an authorized representative at the deposit location selected on the Order (Statement of Mailing). Items cannot be deposited into street letter boxes or other mail receptacles. Daily maximum volumes of mail have been implemented for certain types of deposit locations. A look-up tool called Find a Deposit Location is available at canadapost.ca/depositlocations to help you identify the right deposit location for your mailing based on Postal CodeOM, mail type and quantity. In addition, this tool will provide further information such as the deposit location address and hours of deposit. NOTE: 4.1 Items deposited after the deposit location cut-off times are considered as being deposited on the next business day. Visit canadapost.ca/cutofftimes for a list of select deposit location cut-off times. Deposit location types We have assessed the capabilities of our deposit locations to ensure they are properly equipped and capable of handling your mail efficiently and on time. The type of mail and the volume which can be accepted in each of these facilities have been defined into the following Deposit Location Types: • Receipt Verification Units (RVUs) accept all products and all volumes with the exception of machineable mail (i.e.: mail prepared in accordance with the Machineable Mail Specifications). Not all RVUs are approved to accept all types of Machineable Mail. This list of approved induction locations for Machineable Mail can be found at canadapost.ca/cutofftimes. • Commercial Deposit Centres (CDCs) are facilities that are equipped to accept, verify, and process commercial mailings. Commercial mailings deposited at a CDC will continue to be processed at a Canada Post mail processing plant. These deposit locations can accept up to the equivalent of 2 shipping units (monotainers/pallets) CDC Level 1, 3 shipping units (monotainers/pallets) CDC Level 2 or 7 shipping units (monotainers/pallets) CDC Level 3 – of commercial mail per day per customer with the exception of Machineable Mail (customers exceeding these volumes will be referred to the nearest RVU). • Corporate Post Offices accept all commercial products except Machineable Mail. These deposit locations can accept up to the equivalent of five containers (Corporate Post Office Level 1) or 12 containers (Corporate Post Office Level 2) – of commercial mail per day per customer with the exception of Machineable Mail (customers exceeding these volumes will be referred to the nearest CDC or RVU). • Delivery Facilities that have not been designated as CDCs will not accept commercial mailings, except Unaddressed Admail for local delivery (to a maximum of full coverage for that Delivery facility). Refer to the Find a Deposit Location tool at canadapost.ca/depositlocations to identify the right deposit location for your mailing based on mail type and quantity. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 21 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 4.2 Maximum volume acceptable per day, by deposit location type Table 9: Maximum volume acceptable per day, by deposit location type for Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) Addressed Admail & Publications Mail PRODUCT RVU CDC LEVEL 1* CDC LEVEL 2* CDC LEVEL 3* Addressed Admail and Publications Mail Acceptable. No maximum volume applicable 2 shipping units** (monotainers/ pallets) 3 shipping units** (monotainers/ pallets) 7 shipping units** (monotainers/ pallets) CORPORATE CORPORATE POST OFFICE POST OFFICE LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 DELIVERY FACILITY* 5 containers 12 containers Not acceptable *** *** Find a Deposit Location at canadapost.ca/depositlocations. * ** *** This location type is not equipped to process mail received in monotainers or pallets that are double-stacked. A monotainer can accommodate approximately 36 Lettertainers, 48 letterflatainers (LFTs) (40 letterflatainers with lids) or 24 Flats tubs. Containers include Canada Post-supplied containers and customer-supplied cardboard containers. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 22 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort 5 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 5.1 Do-it-yourself checklist for preparing Letter Carrier Presort (LCP) mailings WHEN CREATING YOUR LCP MAILING, FOLLOW THESE STEPS ... REFERENCE Before you start, ensure that ... Your mail items meet our requirements for non-machineable items. Non-Machineable Addressed Admail Postal Standards Non-Machineable Publications Mail Postal Standards You are using a current version of the presortation software recognized by Canada Post to prepare the mailing. Section 2.1.1 Once your mailing has been presorted by the software, ensure that ... Your mailing is separated into five allowable levels of groupings: DMD, DF, DCF, FCP and Residue. Section 3.1.1 Each grouping has a minimum of eight Addressed Admail items, or a minimum of six Publications Mail items. Section 3.1 Mail items within groupings all face the same direction. Section 3.1.2 All groupings are separated using one of the acceptable methods: bundling, separator cards, or edgemarking. Section 3.1.2 DCF, FCP and Residue groupings are identified: • when using bundling as a separation method: with a bundle label (also called a facing slip) or with the Optional Endorsement Line (OEL) • when using separator cards as a separation method: with the routing information printed on the separator cards. Section 3.1.3 When placing groupings into containers, ensure that ... All groupings are placed into acceptable containers: • Short and Long (S/L) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items are placed into lettertainers or letterflatainers (LFTs) • Oversize (O/S) Addressed Admail and Publications Mail items are placed into flats tubs • Small Dimensional Addressed Admail items are placed into lettertainers • Large Dimensional Addressed Admail items are placed into flats tubs. NOTE: Customer-supplied cardboard containers are an acceptable alternative container option. Section 2.2.1.1 Section 2.2.1.2 All containers are deposited with lids except for letterflatainers (LFTs) which do not require lids. NOTE: Containers prepared in a Level 1 (DF) monotainer may be nested and deposited without lids. Section 2.2.1.1 The weight of each filled container does not exceed 22.7 kg (50 lbs). Section 3.2 Groupings in containers all face the same direction. Section 3.2 Groupings are consolidated at the acceptable container levels: DF, City, DCF, FCP and Residue. NOTE: Groupings inside containers are separated using bundling, separator cards, or edgemarking. Section 3.2.1 All containers meet the minimum fill requirements: If only one container to a destination: • 50% for DF and FCP containers • 70% for City and DCF containers • no minimum requirement for a Residue container. If multiple containers to a destination: • 95% for all containers except the last no minimum requirement for the last DF, City, DCF, FCP and Residue containers. Section 3.2.2 January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 23 Mail Preparation and Presortation Guide – Letter Carrier Presort WHEN CREATING YOUR LCP MAILING, FOLLOW THESE STEPS ... REFERENCE For any less than full container, the integrity of your mail preparation is preserved by using packing. Section 3.2.3 All containers are labelled using 2D barcoded container labels produced by the presortation software. Section 3.2.4 The content of the label matches the content of the container. Section 3.2.4 If using shipping units (monotainers or pallets), ensure that ... Section 3.3.1 Containers are consolidated to acceptable shipping units (monotainers or pallets). NOTE: Use of monotainers or pallets is mandatory for Dimensional Addressed Admail and it is optional for Short and Long (S/L) and Oversize (O/S) Publications Mail and Addressed Admail mailings. Containers are consolidated at the acceptable shipping unit levels: DF, City, DCF, FCP and Residue. If containers are not consolidated within the shipping unit as per the NPS, then the shipping unit is identified as Residue. Section 3.3.1 Monotainers or pallets meet all fill requirements. Section 3.3.2 Pallets are securely fastened using three layers of stretch-wrapping or cross-strapping. Section 3.3.3 Monotainers or pallets are properly labelled. Section 3.3.4 When completing your Order (Statement of Mailing), ensure that ... Your Order (Statement of Mailing) is properly completed and electronically transmitted using the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST). Section 2.3 Mailing plans are imported into EST using the Presort Mailing Plan Import Program. Section 2.3 When you are ready to deposit, ensure that ... Your mailing will be deposited at the deposit location as selected when completing your Order (Statement Section 4 of Mailing) using the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST). 5.2 Other Resources For more information on service qualifications and requirements for Canada Post’s services, please refer to: • Addressed Admail Customer Guide • Publications Mail Customer Guide. For detailed information on how to create non-machineable mail items, please refer to: • Postal Standards Non-machineable Addressed Admail • Postal Standards Non-machineable Publications Mail. For information and tools designed to assist you in preparing mailings for deposit to approved Canada Post facilities, please refer to: • Address validation program for mailings greater than 5,000 items (Address Accuracy Program) • National Presortation Schematic (NPS) used for Presort mailings • Delivery Mode Data Product • Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) • Container label artwork. For more information on surcharges applied by Canada Post for mailing anomalies, please refer to • Surcharge Details. January 13, 2014 Version 1.1 Page 24
© Copyright 2024