Canada Post Positioned For Growing E-Commerce Business
Pacific Processing Centre at Vancouver International Airport a vital gateway for e-commerce via country's largest delivery network
The Hon. Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), and Canada Post President and CEO Deepak Chopra today revealed the strategic role a $200-million processing plant now under construction will play as the gateway for e-commerce shipments from Pacific Rim economies entering Canada's largest home delivery and retail network.
By 2014, the 700,000-square-foot Canada Post Pacific Processing Centre at the Vancouver International Airport will connect e-commerce merchants and consumers, the fastest-growing sector of the delivery business.
"Our government's top priority is jobs, growth and long term prosperity, that's why we have invested in the Asia-Pacific Gateway to strengthen Canada's competitive position and international commerce," says The Hon. Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport). "With e-commerce in Canada growing rapidly, creating new businesses and jobs, it is important for Canada Post to effectively serve this growing market and the economic engine within Canada.
This strategic investment is part of Canada Post's $2-billion, multi-year modernization program to build a postal system for the 21st century. A future-ready postal system will help ensure that all Canadians can continue to access the postal and delivery services they need—today and tomorrow—by capitalizing on growth opportunities as the company's core business, Lettermail delivery, gradually declines.
Vancouver is one of Canada Post's three international access points for parcels, packets and letters, and the centre of the company's western operations. The company is investing $200 million in the new multi-purpose processing centre and related equipment.
"With the growth of e-commerce, we are positioning ourselves as a strong and reliable link between Canada and the Far East. Our unrivalled delivery, transportation and retail networks already make us the leading provider of business-to-consumer home delivery in Canada," says Mr. Chopra. "We will ensure Canada Post remains relevant in an increasingly digital economy, with more packages and fewer letters."
According to a study by eMarketer published in 2011, Canadians are set to spend almost $31 billion online by 2015, doubling the current rate. Within Canada Post, volumes from our roughly 20 largest e-commerce customers grew by more than 20 per cent in 2011.
About Canada Post
With 69,000 employees and about 6,500 post offices, the Canada Post Group of Companies—including affiliates Purolator, SCI Group and Innovapost—maintains the largest retail and transportation network in the country. Canada Post delivered 10.6 billion pieces in 2010 to 15 million addresses across Canada, posting $7.5 billion in revenue. Canada Post provides innovative physical and electronic delivery solutions, creating value for our customers, employees and Canadians. Website: canadapost.ca.