How To Track Canada Post Mailers And Ensure Efficient Business Communication?
As we all know, Predator is one of the classic alien movies of all time. Okay, maybe there is some scope for argument in that. In the movie, the alien (predator) has all the cool gadgets it uses for tracking down its prey. It has everything from infrared to night vision goggles to make monitoring more accessible and efficient.
If only we had the same cool stuff for tracking business mailers. Every marketer or business owner who ever wondered how to track Canada Post mailers has wished for some cool gadgets like the predator. It would tell them exactly how, when, and where their business mail went.
We may not have wicked gadgets like in the movies for tracking mailers, but there are still some excellent tools you could use. It is not difficult to follow your business mailers today, and you can do it all online too. But the question of reliability and application remains.
Here, we discuss how to track Canada Post mailers most efficiently and accurately as possible. Let us now take you through the step-by-step process of tracking Canada Post mailers and discuss alternatives for efficient tracking and analysis of business communication.
How To Track Canada Post Mailers?
Tracking your Canada Post mailers is relatively straightforward compared to other postal service providers. And unlike the stereotypes about governmental organizations, the Canada Post tracking service is reliable.
However, you could always use third-party service providers like Ship24 for tracking Canada Post mailers. The process of monitoring your mailers is pretty much the same, regardless of whether you use Canada Post’s Track tool or a third-party tracking service.
How To Track Canada Post Mailers Using Canada Post Track Tool?
The first and foremost thing you need to have for tracking Canada Post mailers is the tracking number. You can get the tracking number from Canada Post as soon as you mail the letter. All you have to do is keep the tracking number safely with you.
A quick tip to help you with the safekeeping of your tracking number is to save it as soon as you get it. Take a picture of the tracking number, or get Siri to note down the tracking number as you recite it. And if you like to keep things a little more old-fashioned, write it down on your notepad.
The important thing is to keep the tracking number safe and accessible for tracking Canada Post mailers. Here is a step-by-step guide for monitoring postal mail using the Canada Post Track tool.
Step 1: Obtain The Tracking Number
The first thing you need to do for tracking Canada Post mail is to obtain the tracking number. There is a chance instead of the tracking number, you get a delivery notice card number or a reference number. You can use any of these numbers for tracking your postal mail.
Step 2: Enter The Tracking Number Into Canada Post Online Track Tool
Once you have the tracking number (delivery notice card number or reference number), you can go to the Canada Post online Track tool. After accessing the Canada Post online Track tool, you can see an area for entering your Canada Post tracking number.
You can enter multiple Canada Post tracking numbers in one go. It means you can track numerous packages simultaneously. You can track up to 24 different packages in one track. But make sure you separate the tracking numbers of each mail with commas or line breaks.
Step 3: Obtain The Latest Location And Status Of Your Package
After you enter the tracking number and press the “Track” button, you get all the latest information about your package(s). The Canada Post tracking information includes the newest location and package delivery status.
How To Use Canada Post Online Tracking Tool?
Above, we saw how to track Canada Post mailers using their online tracking tool. You need one of the three things listed below to monitor your Canada Post packages.
- Tracking number (from the receipt or package)
- Delivery notice card (receivable in your mail)
- Reference number (obtained from the person shipping the package)
Canada Post Tracking Via Tracking Number
Not to state the obvious, but the best way to track your Canada Post mailer is using the tracking number from the receipt. It is almost like asking what the avengers do when they avenge (and, of course, save the world). While using the tracking number for Canada Post tracking may not save the world, it can save you a lot of time and trouble.
What Is A Tracking Number?
You can find the tracking number for your Canada Post mailer on the receipt or your package. The Canada Post tracking number comes in numeric digits and alphanumeric characters. The numeric type tracking number includes 16 numeric digits (1111 1111 1111 1111). On the other hand, the alphanumeric type tracking number contains 13 alphabetic and numeric characters (AA 111 111 111 AA)
How To Track Canada Post Mailers Using Tracking Number?
Tracking your Canada Post using the tracking number uses the same process we discussed above. You start by entering the tracking number(s) into the tracking number box in the online tracking tool. If you want to run Canada Post tracking for multiple packages, you simply press “enter” after each tracking number.
Canada Post Tracking Via Delivery Notice Card
Another option for tracking Canada Post mailers is to use the delivery notice card number. You may be unfamiliar with the delivery notice card number compared to the tracking number. Don’t worry; below, we explain the delivery notice card number.
What Is A Delivery Notice Card Number?
The delivery notice card number is the same as a tracking number for all practical purposes. However, you can not find it like the tracking number on the receipt. To see the delivery notice card number go to the notification card you receive in the mail.
The delivery notice card number for Canada Post Tracking comprises 15 digits. Once you find the delivery notice card number, you must type in the 15-digit number in Canada Post’s online tracking tool.
How To Track Canada Post Mailers Using Delivery Notice Card Number?
Tracking your Canada Post mailer using the delivery notice card number is no different than using a tracking number. You must get the delivery notice card number from the mail and type it in the Canada Post tracking tool. Similar to the tracking number, you can track multiple packages by pressing enter or comma.
Canada Post Tracking Via Reference Number
The third and final option for tracking Canada Post mailers is using the reference number. Much like the delivery notice card number, many of you may be unfamiliar with the reference number for your outgoing mail. However, there is a simple explanation, which we discuss in the section below.
What Is A Reference Number?
A person can obtain the reference number for a Canada Post package directly from the shipper. The shipper gets to choose the reference number for tracking Canada Post packages. However, since the shipper gets to pick the reference number, there is a chance of creating duplicate numbers.
Canada Post advises entering a date range when searching for reference numbers to avoid duplicates. When the user enters the date range for Canada Post tracking, they effectively filter the packages sent within a specific time limit.
How To Track Canada Post Mailers Using Reference Numbers?
Once again, the process for tracking Canada Post mailers using the reference number remains somewhat the same. You enter the reference number in the online tracking tool and press the track button. However, there is one small addition here. You can select the approximate shipping date in the shipping date range section for tracking packages by reference number.
How To Track Canada Post Mailers Using Third-Party Tracking Services?
Suppose you are unable to track your mailers using the online tracking tool. In that case, you can always try using a third-party tracking service. Several third-party tracking services are available in the market, and you can choose any one of them. Business organizations that deal with customers and partners across the globe prefer a universal tracking tool for tracking Canada Post mailers.
Using a universal tracking tool has several additional benefits. For instance, you can use the same device to track your mailers even when using a different postal service provider. A reliable third-party tracking tool can provide you with your mailers’ real-time location and status.
In a way, an efficient tool for tracking Canada Post mailers is like Heimdall’s all-seeing eye. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But still, you get to view your mailers’ real-time location and status. So, let’s compromise and say a reliable tracking mail tool is the Heimdall of postal mail tracking.
The steps for tracking Canada Post mailers are essentially the same as using Canada Post’s online tracking tool. However, below you can find the steps you can take for tracking your mailers using a third-party tracking tool.
Step 1: Obtain The Tracking Number
The essential requirement for tracking Canada Post mailers is to have the necessary tracking numbers. While Canada Post provides several options for monitoring your mailers, third-party services often require the tracking number. Hence, make it a priority to securely save your tracking numbers if you wish to track the mailer later.
Step 2: Enter The Tracking Number Into The Third-Party Tracking Tool
The third-party tracking tools have a similar layout where there is a box for entering your Canada Post tracking number. Some third-party tracking services may require you to sign up/sign in to their web or app interface. In that case, you may have to provide basic details, such as your email address, name, etc.
It is also possible that the third-party tracking tool only allows you to track one Canada Post mailer simultaneously. But, if you use the Canada Post tracking tool, you can track up to 24 items in a single go. Hence, if your organization sends out bulk mail, choosing a third-party device capable of tracking multiple mailers is best.
Step 3: Obtain The Latest Location And Status Of Your Package
Once you enter the tracking number and press the “Track” button, you should ideally get the latest tracking details of the mail. The level of tracking detail you get can vary depending on your third-party tracking service.
It is also worth noting that third-party tracking may not be as accurate as Canada Post tracking and may lack details. With a reliable third-party solution, you should be able to access all necessary tracking information. It includes the latest location and status of your package.
How To Find The Tracking Number Of Your Business Mail?
The tracking number of your mail is like Iron Man’s Arc Reactor. Without it, your advanced Canada post tracking tool is nothing but a useless tin can. In other words, the tracking number is the arc core you need for tracking your business mailers.
Hence, you must understand what a Canada Post tracking number looks like. More importantly, you need to know where to find the tracking number on the package or receipt. Below, we provide you with a detailed guide for identifying or finding the tracking number for different types of Canada Post mailers.
Canada Post Tracking Number Example
The image above is an example of a Canada Post tracking number. You can find the tracking number on the shipping label that you can create online. Now, moving on to the identification of the tracking number, the main thing you need to know is the number of digits.
The Canada Post tracking number has 16 digits. It is an easy way to identify your mailer’s tracking number. The format of the tracking number on the Canada Post mailer is like this 0000 0000 0000 0000. And as you know, you can find the tracking number on the receipt or get it directly from the parcel.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Prepaid Envelope Customer Receipt
The Canada Post tracking number for prepaid envelopes differs slightly from the abovementioned example. The primary difference is that this one does not have a 16-digit tracking number. Instead of the 16-digit tracking number, here you get a 13-digit tracking number.
The format of the tracking number on a prepaid envelope is like this – AA 000 000 000 AA. You can find the Canada Post tracking number on your prepaid customer receipt. So, make sure you do not lose or misplace the prepaid customer receipt after sending the mailer.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Counter Shipping Label
Let’s consider the Canada Post tracking number on a counter-shipping label. The tracking number on a counter shipping label is not so different from the prepaid envelope customer receipt we discussed above.
Like the previous tracking number format discussed above, you also get a 13-digits tracking number. The form for the Canada Post tracking number on a counter shipping label is as follows – AA 000 000 000 AA.
As you can see, there is practically no difference between the tracking number and its format from the previous case. Furthermore, you can also find the details for tracking Canada Post mailers on your mailing receipt or placed over the parcel/package.
As you can guess, the counter shipping label is available for every Canada Post mailing service. The counter shipping label with the Canada post tracking number is available for the following types of mailers.
- Canada Post Priority Mail
- Canada Post Xpresspost
- Canada Post Expedited Parcel
- Canada Post Regular Parcel
The positioning of the Canada Post tracking number on the counter shipping label is the same regardless of the service. You can find the tracking number on the left side of the shipping label and towards the center. It is easily noticeable once you know the format and, of course, where to look.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Commercial Shipping Label (Without Address)
A shipping label is essentially a type of label for identification. It helps you specify or describe the content of your Canada Post mailer.
You can use commercial shipping labels to monitor Canada Post’s Unaddressed Mail service.
And look at the Canada Post tracking number on commercial shipping labels. You will again see a familiar tracking number format. You also get the same 13-digits tracking number from the commercial shipping label.
There is nothing too surprising about the number for tracking Canada Post mailers in the commercial shipping label. It has the same 13-digit number format as we discussed in the cases above and looks something like this – AA 000 000 000 AA.
Of course, you can always check your receipt or obtain it directly from the package to find the Canada Post tracking number. Business organizations often use commercial shipping for sending marketing or advertising materials.
Similar to the last case we discussed, here also, Canada Post tracking is available for different classes of Canada Post mailing services, including
- Canada Post Priority Mail
- Canada Post Xpresspost
- Canada Post Expedited Parcel
- Canada Post Regular Parcel
Canada Post Tracking Number On Commercial Shipping Label (With Address)
Not all commercial mail is unaddressed like the type we discussed in the above section. For instance, you can send marketing materials like flyers, brochures, leaflets, etc., to the target audience without an address or personalization. But, if you send documents like invoices, statements, etc., you must address the mail and personalize them.
Of course, Canada Post tracking is essential for both addressed and unaddressed mail. However, sending personalized letters is significantly more challenging for business communication. Hence, most businesses use a direct mail automation tool like PostGrid to send their mail. PostGrid lets you personalize your bulk mail by integrating its API with your CRM solution. As a result, the delivery time for bulk mail decreases significantly.
We recently helped a leading healthcare organization with its lead and revenue generation through direct mail. And one of their primary requirements is to enable them to assess the campaign progress through live tracking & data analysis. Not only did we accomplish this, but PostGrid for healthcare ensured the safety of sensitive customer data.
Here is an extract of what our experts told the client when they were unsure about PostGrid’s tracking and analytic capabilities.
“Advanced tools like PostGrid can also help you with CanadaPost tracking. PostGrid already comes equipped with advanced tracking and analytics capability that you need for optimizing your mail communication. In other words, it gives you a complete direct mail solution from which you can manage all your marketing and communication efforts.”
Coming back to the Canada Post tracking number on commercial shipping labels, you can expect the same 13-digit tracking number. You will find a familiar tracking number format like the ones we discussed on the commercial shipping labels with an address. The standard format for the tracking number in the commercial shipping label with the address is like this – AA 000 000 000 AA.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Bill Of Lading
You may not be familiar with the term bill of lading. It is a document issued by a carrier acknowledging that it received a cargo for shipping. Originally the term bill of lading referred to shipments that go via the sea. But today, a bill of lading is apt for any goods carrier and a common term in Canada Post tracking.
The bill of lading from Canada Post does look different in appearance. However, the tracking number itself is not unique or different from the rest. It has a standard 13-digit Canada Post tracking number, and the format is the same. You can find the tracking number of the mailer on the receipt or obtain it directly from the package.
The bill of lading is available for several Canada Post mailing services or classes, including the following
- Canada Post Priority Mail
- Canada Post Xpresspost
- Canada Post Expedited Parcel
- Canada Post Regular Parcel
As you can guess, the bill of lading has the same format for all of the services above. It also means that you can quickly go about tracking Canada Post mailers once you know where the tracking number is on the bill. There is a giant barcode near the center of the bill of lading. You can find the tracking number on top of this barcode.
Canada Post Tracking Number On COD (Collect on Delivery) Mailers
COD or Collect on Delivery or Cash on Delivery is a postal service from Canada Post. As it is clear from the name, it allows the sender to collect money from the person receiving the delivery. ECommerce companies often employ it. And you don’t need us to tell you how vital is tracking Canada Post in this case.
The COD mailers are a game changer for businesses like eCommerce and even for certain small-scale companies. Furthermore, COD mailers can come in two types, including residential and commercial delivery. You must know this for tracking Canada Post COD mailers because the bill for both can look slightly different.
Coming to the Canada Post tracking number, you will see a standard 13-digit number in a familiar format. The tracking number will look something like this – AA 000 000 000 AA, and you can easily find it on the receipt or the parcel.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Xpresspost (International)
Canada Post pitches its Xpresspost International serves as a quick and affordable shipping service around the world. The service provider offers advanced Canada Post tracking capabilities with the service. Besides the tracking features, Xpresspost includes delivery confirmation with the recipient’s signature.
If that’s not impressive enough, Canada Post even provides on-time delivery guarantees to more than 70 countries! But despite all the added capabilities or offerings, tracking Canada Post Xpresspost mailers remains the same. You can find the same 13-digit standard tracking number for the Xpresspost International mailers.
The standard tracking number format for tracking Canada Post Xpresspost International looks like this – AA 000 000 000 AA. Looks familiar? Well, if it does, that’s because the tracking number format for international mail is not so different.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Xpresspost (USA)
Canada Post Xpresspost USA is a unique international mailing service for US mailers. In most ways, Xpresspost USA and International are pretty similar. But with Xpresspost USA, you get guaranteed delivery of your mailers in 2 to 3 days.
However, this usually applies to only essential centers in the two countries. Despite the short delivery time, you still need to get Canada Post tracking for your US mailers. Here also, you get the standard 13-digit tracking number, and the format for it is – AA 000 000 000 AA. Just like every other tracking number, you can obtain this one from the receipt or the parcel itself.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Priority Worldwide
As the name suggests, the Priority Worldwide service from Canada Post is for sending your time-sensitive documents globally. It even comes equipped with add-ons like signature collection and on-demand pickup. You would want to know how to track the Canada Post Priority Worldwide package since the document you send is time-sensitive.
You may assume the Canada Post tracking number for the Priority Worldwide package includes the standard 13-digits. Well, you would be wrong if you did because when it comes to Priority Worldwide, the tracking number is only 12 digits long. The standard tracking number format, in this case, is – 0000 0000 0000. And you can find the number on your receipt or the package.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Expedited Parcel – USA
The Canada Post Expedited Parcel (USA) service is another popular service used by business organizations. It allows you to send non-time-sensitive parcels weighing less than 30 kg to any address in the US. With this service, tracking Canada Post mailers is no different from the others we discussed.
Here, we are again back to the 13-digits Canada Post tracking number. As you can guess, the standard format for the tracking number here is AA 000 000 000 AA. And as always, you can find the tracking number on the receipt or directly on the package.
Canada Post Tracking Number On Registered Mail (Counter Label)
As you know, the Canada Post Registered Mail is a secure way to send crucial business documents. The Registered Mail service is available for addresses inside and outside the country. You get a counter label as soon as you post your Registered Mail, from which you can obtain the number for tracking Canada Post mailers.
Moving on to the Canada Post tracking number, you get the standard 13-digits tracking number for your domestic and international mail. You can find that the tracking number format for domestic and international Registered Mail is – AA 000 000 000 AA. And as always, you can find the tracking number on your receipt or the parcel.
Conclusion
Tracking your domestic and international mail is not as easy as you imagine. Monitoring a single or even a dozen mailers is relatively easy with Canada Post’s online tracking tool. But things get much more complicated when you try Canada Post tracking for your bulk mail campaigns.
Even finding the tracking number for your mailers can become a complicated task. It is, therefore, ideal for business organizations to opt for an automated direct mail solution for sending and tracking their business mailers. PostGrid offers one of the best direct mail automation solutions with advanced tracking and analytics capability.
Hence, systems like PostGrid can quickly help you in tracking Canada Post mailers. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. PostGrid’s direct mail automation tool can personalize, print, and deliver your mail directly to your audience. In other words, it offers you a perfect marketing and communication solution for your business.
