September 25, 2025 Update: Nationwide Strike Begins
As of Thursday, September 25, Canada Post workers have launched a full nationwide strike, halting all parcel processing and delivery. Canada Post is no longer accepting new shipments, and all existing parcels in the network are being held until the strike ends. Some post offices have been closed, and service guarantees have been suspended.
USPS is still transporting parcels into Canada, but Canada Post is not processing them. The Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) guarantee to Canada is suspended as of October 3, 2025, and shipments will only move once operations resume.
Passport customers remain unaffected thanks to our diversified carrier network and in-house experts — a key advantage for brands looking to avoid disruption and keep Canada-bound shipments moving.
Earlier this year, a Canada Post (CPC) strike was originally expected to begin Friday, May 23. Instead, CPC workers initiated a nationwide overtime ban, limiting their weekly hours to 40. This action caused processing delays across the Canada Post network and impacted delivery speeds, especially to P.O. Boxes, rural areas, and remote postal codes.
On June 17, DHL Express also announced a full suspension of Canada parcel operations due to labor disputes and legislation restricting replacement workers, with service halted effective June 20.
Those partial disruptions have now escalated into the full nationwide strike that began on September 25.
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 disruption with greater capacity, more carrier diversification, and a proven playbook.
The Current Outlook
A nationwide strike is now in effect, and Canada Post has ceased all parcel processing and delivery until negotiations conclude. USPS continues to accept items bound for Canada, but because Canada Post is not operating, those parcels are being staged rather than delivered. Service guarantees — including USPS’s Priority Mail Express International (PMEI) — have been suspended as of October 3.
Strikes of this nature typically last from several days to a few weeks. While experts suggest this one may resolve quickly, the duration remains uncertain.
However, the impact will not end immediately when the strike does. Once operations resume, Canada Post will face a backlog of packages, which could create additional delays as the network works to clear held inventory. At the same time, the Canadian government has proposed reforms such as phasing out door-to-door delivery for millions of households, which could permanently alter how Canada Post operates in the future.
Fortunately, Passport’s multi-carrier DDP network is already prepared to absorb much of the disruption. We have activated rerouting protocols for shipments in transit and are holding packages destined for regions currently inaccessible, ensuring minimal disruption to customers.
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).
- Impacted packages will be held at the Passport facility closest to the last CPC terminal, and delivery will resume post-strike.
- Priority DDU shipments are disrupted, as USPS handoffs to Canada Post are not being processed.
- USPS PMEI service guarantees are suspended starting October 3, 2025.
- Any brand still relying on Canada Post directly will experience indefinite delivery delays.
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 still accepting packages into Canada, but because Canada Post is not processing them, Priority DDU shipments will not be delivered during the strike.
- We recommend temporarily disabling Priority DDU shipping at checkout until service resumes.
- Any DDU parcels already in transit will be staged and released once Canada Post operations restart.
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
Read the full success story here
Final Takeaways
- A full nationwide strike began on September 25, halting all Canada Post operations.
- USPS handoffs are stalled, and PMEI guarantees are suspended starting October 3.
- Passport’s DDP network continues to deliver to 94%+ of Canadian destinations, with minimal disruption.
- If you rely on cross-border DDU or ship to remote areas, now is the time to adjust your strategy.
Just like 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, customersuccess@passportglobal.com, or contact us here. We’re here to help!
