How to prepare your mail

You will organize your mail into bundles and then place them in containers. The number of bundles and containers you need depends on how many pieces you're sending and the number of delivery offices they're going to.

Bundling your mail

1. Determine how many pieces are needed for each delivery office using our Residential and Business Counts and Maps.

2. Sort your mail into bundles

a. For Letter Carrier delivery sort your mail into bundles of 200:

• Each bundle must be less than 100 mm (4") thick.
• If your bundle of 200 is too thick, reduce the number of pieces in each bundle to 50 or 100 (remember not to exceed the maximum thickness).

b. For mail delivered to routes that are not served by Letter Carriers, sort your mail as follows:

• When your items weigh less than 500 g each, you should prepare 100 mm (4�) thick bundles.
• When your items weigh 500 g or more each, you should prepare 200 mm (8�) thick bundles.

Remember that the maximum number of items for all bundles is 200.

c. All the bundles for a single delivery office should contain an equal number of pieces�except the last bundle (called "residue" bundle), which will make up the remainder of the quantity you need for that delivery office. For example:

3. Securely double-strap each bundle to prevent it from breaking open during handling or transit.You can use elastic bands, string, or plastic straps, but shrink-wrapping is not allowed. Keep track of which bundle is the "residue" bundle.

Placing your mail in containers

4. After you've bundled your mail, put it into suitable mail containers for delivery. An acceptable container is:

• Sturdy and able to withstand normal handling during processing (sorting with other containers, transporting, opening, emptying, etc.).
• Fully sealed on all sides.
• Easy enough for a single person to carry.
• Less than 22.7 kg (50 lb.) in weight.
• Disposable, as we cannot return it to you.

The boxes your printers use when they package your order are often suitable containers. Other options may be file storage or moving boxes. The containers don't have to be new�just sturdy (and fully sealed). Containers you supply need to be approved by us.

You can use Unaddressed Admail Flexipacks� when you drop off your mail directly at the delivery office� when transportation fees do not apply.

Note: You need to provide a sample of the piece being mailed on or before time of drop-off. If you are testing multiple versions, with different sizes or weights, you need to provide a sample of each.

Read our Mail Preparation Guide for more detailed instructions and information about other ways to prepare your mail.

Learn about the types of delivery routes.

When to drop off your mail

When you do not specify a delivery start date

when you specify a delivery start date

(Note: Premium Unaddressed Admail prices apply.)

Note: For all services, deposits on weekends and statutory holidays are considered as being deposited on the next business day.

The delivery start date indicated on your order (Statement of Mailing) will be adjusted for all mailings dropped off earlier or later than the required times indicated above.

Canada Post