A Canada Post (CPC) strike was originally expected to begin Friday, May 23. However, a full work stoppage has been delayed. Instead, CPC workers have initiated a nationwide overtime ban, limiting their weekly hours to 40. This action is already causing processing delays across the Canada Post network and may impact delivery speeds, especially to P.O. Boxes, rural areas, and remote postal codes. While no lockout has been announced, CPC still retains the right to implement one.
At Passport, we’re closely monitoring the situation and proactively rerouting shipments across our network to limit disruption. With recent experience navigating the 2024 Canada Post strike, we’re entering this potential disruption with greater capacity, more carrier diversification, and a proven playbook.
The Current Outlook
Labor negotiations are ongoing, and while a full strike has not materialized, the current overtime ban is expected to reduce processing capacity and slow delivery timelines. Should a lockout occur, that disruption could intensify. If the strike proceeds, it will temporarily impact Canada Post’s ability to process and deliver parcels—particularly to P.O. Boxes, rural addresses, and remote postal codes.
Fortunately, Passport’s multi-carrier DDP network is already prepared to absorb most of the impact. We’ve activated rerouting protocols for shipments in transit and will begin holding packages headed to inaccessible regions on May 20.
What This Means for Your Brand
Key Impact Areas:
- Only 6% of Passport DDP shipments rely on Canada Post for final delivery (primarily P.O. Boxes and remote areas).
- These packages will be held at the Passport facility closest to the last CPC terminal—delivery will resume post-strike.
- Priority DDU shipments will also be affected, as USPS is expected to suspend cross-border handoffs during the strike (as they did in Q4 2024).
How You Can Stay Ahead
Here’s what we recommend brands and 3PLs do now to minimize disruption:
1. Switch to DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Shipping
- DDP ensures uninterrupted service via alternative carriers.
- Passport dynamically reroutes shipments to avoid CPC bottlenecks.
- Already using DDP? Talk to your Passport rep about disabling postal codes serviced only by Canada Post.
2. Enable Passport Global Expedited DDU Service
- This fast, flexible DDU option avoids Canada Post for most deliveries.
- Duties and taxes are collected upon arrival (not prepaid).
- Ideal for brands not yet transitioned to DDP.
3. Pause Priority DDU for Now
- USPS is likely to halt Priority DDU handoffs during the strike.
- We recommend temporarily disabling Priority DDU shipping at checkout.
- Any DDU shipments already in transit will be securely held until USPS resumes service.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did you use Canada Post for my shipment?
Some addresses—like P.O. Boxes, ultra-remote areas, and certain residential zones—can only be serviced by Canada Post. In these cases, Passport selects CPC as the best (or only) available option. During the strike, these shipments will be safely held until delivery resumes.
2. Can my shipment be rerouted to another carrier?
Unfortunately, no. Once a package is routed through Canada Post, it cannot be intercepted or rerouted to another carrier. CPC facilities are not staffed to process transfers or allow pickups during a strike.
For the full list of FAQs and support templates, visit our Canada Post Strike FAQ page.
Case Study: How ShipBob Turned Last Year’s Strike Into a 40% Expansion
When the 2024 Canada Post strike hit during peak season, Passport helped 3PL partner ShipBob maintain 92–95% operational capacity—outperforming industry averages and avoiding service gaps. Together, we:
- Proactively rerouted shipments through Passport’s DDP and domestic Canada network
- Communicated clearly and consistently with merchants
- Maintained SLA performance without passing additional costs to end customers
The result? ShipBob expanded their Canadian footprint by 40%, adding two new fulfillment centers.
“Passport gave us the confidence to grow during a crisis. We’re investing in our Canadian infrastructure because of the reliability we’ve experienced.”
— Kevin Swearingen, ShipBob
Final Takeaways
- A full strike has not started—but CPC’s overtime ban is slowing delivery.
- Canada Post could still initiate a lockout, escalating disruption.
- Passport’s DDP network continues to deliver to 94%+ of Canadian destinations, with minimal disruption.
- If you’re relying on cross-border DDU or shipping to remote areas, now is the time to adjust your strategy.
Just like we’ve done with the latest tariff changes, Passport is actively monitoring this situation in real time, keeping our customers and partners informed every step of the way. Our mission is to help you adapt quickly, avoid surprises, and continue growing your business globally—even amid disruption.
Need support or want to strategize a response? Reach out to your Passport rep, partners@passportglobal.com, or contact us here. We’re here to help!
