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flipistics · ‎09-20-2023

I have a question regarding shipping items with Li-ion batteries. I was told by my local post office that they will not accept anything with lithium ion batteries, no matter what they are (even watches). Apparently that's what they were told to do by people above them. It's my understanding that this is incorrect. Even the ABCs of Shipping on Canada Post's website, which was updated about a month ago, say that items containing them can be shipped out via ground (with a few conditions and possible UN labelling requirements).

I am a SfSB member, although that shouldn't matter. When I called the support number, the person had no idea about the policies and simply gave me the number to call Transport Canada (which seems pointless, since this seems to be an internal Canada Post communication issue). I know we have a few people on these boards that work in Canada Post offices as well as other people who regularly deal with this kind of thing. Am I correct in being able to ship these types of things out (things like cell phones, digital cameras, etc), and if so, how the hell do I get this communicated to the local post offices?

I realize I could probably just install the battery in the camera (especially if they're 4 cells or less), box it up, and send them out without a UN label anyway. I'd much rather have the battery separate outside of the camera, slap a UN 3481 label on the box, and prevent any internal electronics issues if the box gets bumped around too much and the power button is activated or something.

@dinomitesales

recped · ‎09-20-2023

The actual Canada Post rules can be found on this page:

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/abcs-of-mailing/batteries.page

Scroll down for the Lithium section.

Basically most small electronic devices (phones, cameras etc) that have small internal batteries can be shipped. Raw batteries or items that have large batteries are not allowed or are only available for surface delivery.

"What else could I do? I had no trade so I became a peddler" - Lazarus Greenberg 1915
- answering Trolls is voluntary, my policy is not to participate.

flipistics · ‎09-21-2023

@recped wrote:
The actual Canada Post rules can be found on this page:

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/abcs-of-mailing/batteries.page

Scroll down for the Lithium section.

Basically most small electronic devices (phones, cameras etc) that have small internal batteries can be shipped. Raw batteries or items that have large batteries are not allowed or are only available for surface delivery.

Yeah, that's what I printed off and showed them. Unfortunately, they've apparently been told differently by someone above them and can't go against what they've been directed to do. Not sure how to get it reversed. Calling the SfSB number was a complete waste of time. The person I talked to had no idea of the regulations and said to call Transport Canada 🙄

recped · ‎09-21-2023

Are the packages you are shipping small enough to go in the red box and avoid the counter?

Normally I would just say to go to another post office but I checked your location and understand it's a bit of a drive.

"What else could I do? I had no trade so I became a peddler" - Lazarus Greenberg 1915
- answering Trolls is voluntary, my policy is not to participate.

flipistics · ‎09-21-2023

@recped wrote:
Are the packages you are shipping small enough to go in the red box and avoid the counter?

Normally I would just say to go to another post office but I checked your location and understand it's a bit of a drive.

It's a small community. They know me and would recognize it regardless, although that's a good idea if they fit. It's not the fault of the staff / post master in my local outlet. They're being told to do that by someone higher up so I suspect it would be the same for all the post offices in the area regardless. I wonder if the Chamber of Commerce or my local member of parliament would be able to help? Maybe they'd be able to get in contact with the right person in upper management.

recped · ‎09-21-2023

I wouldn't bother with the Chamber of Commerce or your MP.

Have you tried here:

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/ombudsman/

Our office investigates complaints that haven't been solved by Canada Post to your satisfaction. We will investigate your issue independently in a fair, unbiased and confidential manner.

"What else could I do? I had no trade so I became a peddler" - Lazarus Greenberg 1915
- answering Trolls is voluntary, my policy is not to participate.

flipistics · ‎09-21-2023

@recped wrote:
I wouldn't bother with the Chamber of Commerce or your MP.

Have you tried here:

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/ombudsman/

Our office investigates complaints that haven't been solved by Canada Post to your satisfaction. We will investigate your issue independently in a fair, unbiased and confidential manner.

Thanks, that might help.

dinomitesales · ‎09-25-2023

Sorry, been off the boards for a while. The staff at your post office are mistaken and stubborn. Lithium-ion batteries can not be shipped internationally (aside form the United States in some cases) but they are certainly allowed to be shipped domestically using pretty much any service, provided they aren't like industrial batteries or the type used to power scooters or hoverboards or whatnot.

I would recommend just printing the postage yourself and dropping them off. No need to tell the people what's inside the box. You aren't breaking any rules.