Shipping Guidelines

Everything you need to know about preparing, packing, and labelling shipments with Velogix. Aligned with Canada Post standards and federal transportation regulations.

Last updated: July 2026Jurisdiction: Ontario, CanadaMandatory reading for all shippers

What to Ship

Acceptable categories for Velogix delivery services

General Goods

  • Documents, envelopes, and small parcels
  • Retail and e-commerce products
  • Non-perishable consumer goods
  • Books, printed materials, and media

Alcohol (Controlled)

  • Licensed shippers only (AGCO)
  • Receiver must be 19+ (Ontario)
  • Signature required on delivery
  • Subject to provincial excise rules

Temperature-Controlled

  • Pharmaceuticals and biologics
  • Perishable food items
  • Cold-chain and refrigerated freight
  • Must maintain documented temperature logs

High-Value Items

  • Electronics, jewellery, and collectibles
  • Declared value must be stated at booking
  • Insurance recommended above $500 CAD
  • Signature and photo proof required

Proper Boxing & Packaging

Canada Post-aligned standards to protect your goods in transit

Box Selection

  • • Use corrugated cardboard boxes rated for the shipment weight (ECT-32 or Bursting Strength 200 lbs minimum for parcels over 5 kg).
  • • Choose a box slightly larger than the contents to allow for cushioning (min. 5 cm clearance on all sides).
  • • Never reuse a box that has visible tears, water damage, or weakened corners.
  • • Double-wall corrugated boxes are required for items over 16 kg.

Cushioning & Void Fill

  • Bubble wrap for fragile items (min. 3 layers)
  • Packing peanuts or kraft paper for voids
  • Foam inserts for electronics
  • Fill all empty space — no movement when shaken

Sealing & Waterproofing

  • Use pressure-sensitive packing tape (min. 48mm wide)
  • Apply H-tape method on top and bottom seams
  • Seal all flaps completely — no exposed edges
  • Waterproof bag for moisture-sensitive goods

Weight Limits

Maximum parcel weight: 30 kg (66 lbs) per package for single-driver handling. Items exceeding 30 kg require palletized freight or tailgate service and must be declared at booking.

Labelling Requirements

Ensure accurate, scannable labels for seamless tracking

Label Content

  • Sender full name, phone, and return address
  • Recipient full name, phone, and delivery address
  • Order number from Velogix booking confirmation
  • Postal codes must be valid Canadian format (A1A 1A1)

Placement & Format

  • Place label flat on the largest surface — no seams
  • Use white background, black text, min. font size 10pt
  • Barcode must be printed at 300 DPI or higher
  • Apply a transparent tape overlay to protect from moisture

Special Handling Labels

FRAGILE

Breakable contents

THIS WAY UP

Orientation arrows

PERISHABLE

Time-sensitive goods

KEEP REFRIGERATED

Cold-chain required

HANDLE WITH CARE

Sensitive electronics

DO NOT X-RAY

Photosensitive items

FLAMMABLE

Regulated materials

SIGNATURE REQUIRED

Adult or verified drop-off

Shipping Do's

Best practices for reliable, compliant shipments

Do verify the recipient's full address including unit number and postal code before booking.

Do use new or like-new corrugated boxes appropriate for the shipment weight.

Do wrap fragile items individually with at least 3 layers of bubble wrap.

Do seal all box seams using the H-tape method with packing tape (48mm+).

Do print labels at 300+ DPI on white paper and protect with clear tape.

Do declare the accurate value of goods for insurance coverage.

Do remove or cross out old shipping labels and barcodes from reused boxes.

Do include a packing slip or invoice inside the box for reference.

Do book temperature-controlled transport for perishables and pharmaceuticals.

Do ensure someone is available at the destination during the delivery window.

Shipping Don'ts

Common mistakes that cause damage, delay, or rejection

Don't use string, twine, or masking tape to seal packages — they break in transit.

Don't exceed 30 kg in a single parcel without prior freight arrangement.

Don't ship prohibited items (explosives, illegal drugs, weapons, live animals).

Don't reuse damaged, wet, or over-printed boxes from prior shipments.

Don't place labels over box seams, flaps, or tape edges.

Don't leave empty space inside the box — contents will shift and break.

Don't ship alcohol without an AGCO license and age verification protocol.

Don't use handwritten labels for parcels — print them clearly.

Don't ship lithium batteries without proper UN documentation and packaging.

Don't conceal the declared value to avoid insurance — it voids coverage.

Don't wrap boxes in wrapping paper — it tears in automated sorting.

Don't ship perishables without cold-chain booking in summer months.

Restricted & Prohibited Items

Items regulated under federal and provincial law

Strictly Prohibited

  • Explosives and ammunition
  • Illegal drugs and controlled substances
  • Firearms and replica weapons
  • Live animals and animal remains
  • Counterfeit goods and currency
  • Hazardous waste

Regulated (Conditional)

  • Lithium batteries (UN3480/UN3481)
  • Aerosols and pressurized containers
  • Nail polish and flammable cosmetics
  • Alcohol (AGCO-licensed only)
  • Dry ice (limited quantity)
  • Medical samples (Category B)

Requires Documentation

  • Controlled pharmaceuticals
  • Precious metals and stones
  • Artwork and antiques (over $1,000)
  • Tobacco and cannabis products
  • Wildlife and plant products (CITES)
  • Food requiring CFIA inspection

Carrier & Shipper Responsibilities

Who is responsible for what

Shipper Responsibilities

  • • Accurately declare contents, weight, and declared value
  • • Package items to withstand normal transit conditions
  • • Provide complete and correct delivery address
  • • Disclose any restricted or regulated contents at booking
  • • Ensure age-restricted shipments are clearly labelled
  • • Maintain records of shipment for warranty/insurance claims

Carrier Responsibilities (Velogix)

  • • Transport shipments within agreed service-level timeframes
  • • Maintain chain-of-custody for regulated and high-value items
  • • Provide real-time tracking and delivery confirmation
  • • Verify age for restricted deliveries (alcohol, pharma)
  • • Refuse shipments containing prohibited items
  • • Report damage or loss within 48 hours of delivery

Questions about your shipment?

Our dispatch team is available 7 days a week to help you package and ship compliantly.