Updated: December 19, 2024
The Canada Post strike brought the Canadian logistics world to a standstill during the busiest time of the year. Small businesses are facing an estimated $1 billion in losses as disruptions mount.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Peak season sales are critical for most businesses, and holiday shoppers expect fast deliveries. Shipping delays from the Canada Post strike have caused frustrated shoppers, lost sales, and diminished trust in brands.
The latest TL;DR as of December 19, 2024:
- Canada Post operations resumed on Tuesday, December 17 at 8:00 a.m. local time, as the federal labour relations board ordered postal workers to return to work.
- New commercial volumes weren’t accepted into their network until Thursday December 19. This meant they weren’t picking up or accepting mail or parcels for the first 48 hours of resumed operations.
- Their priority in resume operations is in safely reopening facilities, restarting machines and vehicles which sat idle for weeks, and working through the volumes in their network.
- As new volumes are accepted, mail and parcels will be on a first-in, first-out basis.
- Canada Post customers are to expect delays through the remainder of 2024 and into January 2025
A critical way to stay ahead is to seek out alternative carriers. From local couriers to reliable partners like GoBolt Parcel, brands can diversify their networks, protect their operations, and deliver on promises to their shoppers, despite disruptions.
Jump to our list of recommended alternative shipping carriers.
Understanding the Canada Post Strike and Its Impact
The Canada Post strike, which began on November 15, 2024, caused widespread disruption across the country. With 55,000 postal workers walking off the job over wages and working condition disputes, the strike brought mail and parcel delivery services to a standstill. Millions of undelivered packages piled up in sorting facilities, and Canada Post ceased accepting new mail until further notice.
The timing of the strike during the peak holiday season compounds its impact. Small businesses, many of which rely heavily on Canada Post for affordable shipping, faced massive losses. Shoppers, already concerned about delays, turned to alternative retailers or abandoned online carts altogether, leading to further losses for ecommerce brands.
“This poorly (and intentionally) timed strike is crushing companies when they need logistics support more than ever,” said Mark Ang, Co-founder and CEO of GoBolt. “This underscores the importance of a multi-carrier strategy.”
These challenges highlight a critical vulnerability for brands dependent on a single carrier. The strike underscores the need for brands to adopt a multi-carrier shipping approach to diversify their delivery networks and prepare for potential disruptions.
Strike Impacts on eCommerce Brands & Retailers
Here’s a closer look at how the Canada Post strike affects ecommerce brands and retailers and what you can do to navigate disruptions.
1. Delayed Shipments & Frustrated Shoppers
One of the most immediate impacts of the strike is the delay in shipments. When shoppers don’t receive their orders within the expected time frame, frustration, and dissatisfaction can quickly set in. Negative experiences can damage shopper loyalty, leading to negative reviews, and a decline in repeat business.
2. Increased Costs Due to Last-Minute Contingency Plans
Switching to alternative shipping providers at the last minute to address strike-related delays can lead to unexpected costs and operational strain. Some businesses will be forced to turn to express or premium shipping options to ensure timely delivery, which often come with higher costs.
These last-minute decisions can cause delays in inventory management, affect supply chain efficiency, and require extra resources to handle the transition smoothly.
Proactive Shipping Solutions During Strikes & Disruptions
To minimize the negative impact of a Canada Post strike, online retailers need to stay proactive and prepared.
- Implement a Multi-Carrier Shipping Strategy:
Diversifying your shipping options with a multi-carrier strategy can provide the flexibility needed during disruptions, like the Canada Post strike. With multiple carriers, you can quickly pivot to alternative services that minimize delays and prevent shipping bottlenecks. - Adjusting Delivery Timeframes:
Adjusting your shipping expectations and clearly communicating revised delivery windows is essential. This will help manage shopper expectations upfront, reducing frustration over missed deadlines, and give your team flexibility in case of delays. - Proactively Managing Shopper Expectations:
Communication is critical during this time. Update your customers regularly on the status of their orders through email or tracking notifications, and provide transparency on any delays. Set clear expectations regarding how the strike might impact delivery times and offer alternative solutions, such as expedited shipping options or the ability to choose a different carrier.
Alternative Shipping Carriers During the Canada Post Strike
Top Canada Post Alternatives: Reliable courier options for Canadian brands
There are several reliable courier options that offer strong service in Canada and internationally. Some top Canada Post alternatives include:
- GoBolt Parcel
- UniUni
- TForce
- Intelcom
- Canpar
- FedEx
Each of these carriers offers different strengths, so it’s important to evaluate them based on your specific needs and company values, whether that’s speed, sustainability, cost, or geographic coverage.
GoBolt: A Reliable Shipping Partner During the Canada Post Strike
When disruptions like the Canada Post strike impact shipping, brands need a reliable partner to ensure smooth and efficient deliveries. GoBolt’s simplified last mile services keep operations running smoothly, ensuring timely deliveries, reducing customer support inquiries, and maintaining high levels of shopper satisfaction.
- Cost-Effective Delivery with No Fuel Surcharge
GoBolt helps mitigate additional shipping expenses by offering no fuel surcharge on deliveries through GoBolt Parcel. - Real-Time Tracking and Transparent Delivery Updates
One of the key advantages of working with GoBolt is our real-time delivery tracking. With GoBolt, your team and your shoppers stay informed every step of the way. By providing in-transit updates, GoBolt enhances the shopper experience, reducing frustration, and building trust.
- Sustainable, EV-Powered Deliveries
With a growing fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), GoBolt offers eco-friendly delivery options that reduce your carbon footprint and Scope 3 emissions without compromising on service.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Post strike introduced a unique set of challenges for Canadian ecommerce brands. With the right alternative shipping carries in place, hurdles like this can be overcome.
By partnering with GoBolt, you gain access to cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable shipping solutions that will keep your business running smoothly, even in the face of disruptions. With real-time tracking, no fuel surcharge, and eco-friendly EV deliveries, GoBolt is the ideal logistics partner to help you mitigate the impact of the strike and continue to serve your shoppers without compromise.
Interested in learning more about GoBolt? Contact us today.
