This article walks you step by step through handling the problem, working with Canadian domestic carriers to claim compensation and how we can repack goods at our Mississauga warehouse.

Step 1: Photograph the damage and keep the damaged packaging

As soon as a buyer tells you, or you receive a wet box yourself, the first thing to do is take photos and video immediately.

• Clearly photograph the shipping label with the Canadian domestic carrier’s tracking number to prove this is the parcel in question.
• Photograph the whole box, including dented, soaked or torn corners.
• Photograph the goods inside in detail to show how much damage there is (for example, smudged labels, soggy product boxes or completely ruined goods).
• Never throw away the old carton or outer padding. Canada Post or insurers may ask you to keep the original packaging so their staff can inspect it or compare it if needed.

Step 2: How to file a Canada Post claim for compensation

For domestic shipping in Canada, Canada Post states that the sender is the only party who can open a claim, unless the recipient has a special arrangement.

Create an online claim

Go to Canada Post’s website and log in to the business or personal account you used to create the shipping label. Find “Support” and choose “Create a claim”. Fill in:

• The tracking number.
• A detailed description of the rain damage.
• The photo evidence from Step 1.
• The purchase invoice or documents proving the actual value of the goods in the box.

Deadlines and compensation

The deadline to file a claim is usually within 90 days of the shipping date shown in the tracking system. Canada Post will investigate and respond within about 5 to 15 business days. If the problem is found to have happened during last-mile delivery (for example, the driver left the parcel out in the rain with no cover without ringing the bell), they will pay compensation up to the basic coverage included with the service or any extra coverage you bought.

Note that our domestic shipping service within Canada starts at just $35 per parcel. Customers are always encouraged to consider optional insurance for high-value shipments, because the standard coverage of domestic carriers usually caps the maximum compensation per incident.

Step 3: Professional repacking at the Mississauga warehouse

If your parcel is goods imported from Vietnam to Canada, or stock stored in our warehouse that was affected in transit before being handed to the domestic carrier, we activate an urgent handling process at the Mississauga warehouse (2446 Cawthra Road, B1U8, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5A 3K6).

Inspect and sort the products

Warehouse staff open the wet box under camera surveillance. We separate products that stayed intact thanks to their own plastic wrapping from those that got wet and need drying or disposal as the owner requests.

Repack with proper materials

For shipments within Canada and to the US, our service includes basic packing in a new, sturdy carton. We:

• Replace the damp old carton completely so bacteria and odours don’t spread to the products.
• Add waterproof shrink wrap outside the carton or crate if heavy rain or snow is forecast.
• For heavy, oversized or palletised goods, reinforce the frame so they are completely safe when handed back to the last-mile carrier.

Once repacked, we apply a new shipping label and push the order back into the system so it reaches the buyer on time.

How to reduce the risk of water damage from the start

To avoid waiting passively for compensation from domestic carriers, take these packing precautions:

• Use sealed ziplock or plastic bags: Before putting goods in the carton, wrap them in a plastic bag sealed with tape. Even if the outer box gets wet, the product inside stays completely dry.
• Use desiccant: Put a few desiccant packs in the corners of the box to absorb moisture caused by temperature changes as parcels move between Canada’s climate zones.
• Choose a reliable service: Use an all-in-one service from a provider with a physical warehouse in Canada, so problems can be dealt with on the spot.

If you have a damaged order or need advice on safe, affordable domestic shipping in Canada, contact us on +1 888-998-5199 or email the details to info@soleiltransportation.com, and our Mississauga warehouse team will help you quickly.