Canada Post hiring more workers, anticipating long lines at postal offices

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Get ready to wait, if you’re heading to a post office to send those Christmas packages to family and friends.

Canada Post said it has hired 4,000 more workers and put about 1,000 more vehicles on the roads, but it’s also experiencing unprecedented demand right now, which means longer lines at outlets.

“The demand has come from a significant increase in customers dropping off parcels for shipping to family and friends or purchasing stamps for greeting cards,” the company said in a release. “As well, a growing number of small businesses are bringing in packaged orders to be shipped to their customers.”

We are working around the clock to safely deliver this holiday season, but you may encounter lineups in our retail locations.

In the spirit of the season, thank you for staying patient and keeping the post office friendly. pic.twitter.com/UMJprWmBVP

— Canada Post (@canadapostcorp) December 10, 2020

The company is asking you to please mask-up, keep your distance from others in line, and is offering a few steps to speed up the process.

That includes buying flat rate boxes if possible and making sure if you use your own box, that you get it ready before coming to the post office.

“Post office employees understand the importance of each item and are working hard to serve customers as quickly and safely as possible.”

For international packages, you can fill out customs forms online in advance.

Canada Post is also delivering on weekends in many communities, adding more parcel pickup locations and extending hours at some post offices.