Canada Post workers refuse overtime: On May 23rd, the union representing Canada Post's delivery workers opted to remain on the job to avoid major service disruptions. However, Canada Post's workers are currently refusing to work overtime, which may cause delays in deliveries.
Here's everything you need to know about how Canada Post's workers refusing overtime will affect you, and how to ensure your shipments avoid delays to Canada in the meantime 🇨🇦
All services on Pirate Ship remain active (as of 6/23/2025)
No services suspended: As of May 23rd, 2025, all international USPS and UPS services remain active on Pirate Ship. We will continue monitoring the situation and will update you if either USPS or UPS suspends any services to Canada 👍
Refusal of overtime work may affect USPS shipments to Canada, along with Simple Export Rate®
Possible delays for USPS shipments already in transit: If you sent a package to Canada through USPS that is currently in transit, there's a chance that it will be held up by Canada Post's workers refusing overtime work.
This may cause delays for international USPS shipments going to Canada since USPS partners with Canada Post to carry out last-mile delivery.
Simple Export Rate shipments will also be affected: Canada Post's workers refusing overtime may also cause delays for Simple Export Rate deliveries.
Use UPS to ship to Canada in the meantime
UPS services won't be affected: While Canada Post employees refuse overtime work, we recommend using UPS to ship to Canada.
Any refusal of overtime work won't affect UPS services, since UPS uses its private network for delivery and doesn't rely on Canada Post.
UPS services may incur brokerage fees: UPS shipments to Canada may incur brokerage fees, since UPS acts as the broker to navigate shipments past Canadian customs.
Brokerage fees get applied to your account via carrier adjustments and vary depending on the service you pay for. Learn more about brokerage fees from UPS here.
Shipments to Canadian PO boxes may be delayed: Shipments addressed to Canadian PO boxes can only be delivered by Canada Post. Since UPS hands these shipments to Canada Post for last-mile delivery, they may also face delays.
UPS implemented temporary fees for Canada-bound shipments
Temporary continuity fees for UPS shipments to Canada: UPS anticipates higher package volume due to uncertainty around a potential Canada Post strike. As a result, UPS implemented surge pricing fees for Canada-bound shipments beginning on Sunday, May 18th. The surge pricing fees are:
UPS Standard® to Canada: $0.49 per package
All other UPS services to Canada: $0.49 per pound
When you use UPS to ship to Canada, you'll see this surcharge listed as a "Temporary Service Continuity Fee (Canada Post Strike)" before you purchase your label.
Protect your shipments with InsureShield® coverage
Consider purchasing InsureShield: In times of uncertainty, we always recommend adding coverage through InsureShield. It’s a simple way to add extra peace of mind in case of unexpected delays or issues.
Protecting your packages with InsureShield will allow you to file claims if your Canada-bound shipments get lost or are indefinitely delayed due to any work stoppages.