POSTAL NEWS
No 76 -2018
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
An Post to eliminate carbon emissions within
a decade. September 17, 2018.
Accident At The Rennes Parcel Platform Le Rheu.
September 14, 2018.
CANADA POST Strike Likely This Month.
September 14, 2018.
Consumers Are Changing E-Commerce Preferences. September 13, 2018.
Wolfgang Eger appointed as Swiss Post’s new CIO.
September 12, 2018.
Japan weighs ending Saturday mail amid hiring slump. September 12, 2018.
An Post to eliminate carbon emissions within a decade
September 17, 2018
Sunday 16 September, 2018: An Post is pledging to eliminate carbon emissions from all its letter and parcels operations within a decade. In phase one of ‘An Post Eco Plan’, a new fleet of electric post vans and delivery tricycles will deliver zero carbon emissions in Dublin’s City Centre, between the Grand Canal on the city’s south side and the Royal canal on north side by the end of next year.
An Post announces ECO plan to eliminate carbon emissions
Electric vehicles to replace urban fleet
Zero carbon emissions in Dublin city centre (between the canals) by end of 2019
Zero emissions in other cities including Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Waterford by end 2020
Work ongoing to reduce emissions outside main urban areas and a major roll-out of electric charging points for the public at An Post sites
An Post Eco also pledges zero emission deliveries in other cities including Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Waterford by end-2020, and the provision of public electric vehicle charging points at An Post sites.
Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels says:
“An Post Eco is our plan to eliminate carbon emissions across our network and our operations over the next decade as we take real action around our responsibility to our communities and to our environment. We are working with Government and various agencies to be a leader towards zero emissions.
“Replacing our urban fleet with electric vans and delivery tricycles is the first step while we set about changing the way we do things to reach zero emissions. We will be extending the new fleet to other cities and looking at ways to drive down emissions outside urban areas.
“An Post is investing €250,000 and saving 100 tonnes of CO2 in this initial phase with staff using the latest electric vans and tricycles for delivering to customers at all 40,000 private and business addresses between Dublin’s canals.
Source : http://www.anpost.ie/AnPost/MainContent
Accident At The Rennes Parcel Platform Le Rheu
September 14, 2018
A dramatic event took place on the Colis Platform at Rheu (35) near Rennes.
A maintenance worker from an outside contractor had his legs crushed by a conveyor on which he was carrying out a maintenance operation.
In addition to the investigation that will be conducted by the CHSCT (Committee for Hygiene, Safety and Working Conditions) of the company in which this agent worked, the CHSCT of the establishment met in extraordinary session.
It should be remembered that in these cases, the CHSCT of the company in which the accident took place can notably take stock of the psychological support measures for the agents affected.
FO Com has a thought for the victim as well as for all coworkers shocked by this serious accident.
Source : http://www.focom-laposte.fr
CANADA POST Strike Likely This Month
September 14, 2018
Canadians could see disruptions to mail service before the end of the month reports ctv news, as Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers appear far apart on a new contract.
Although neither a strike or a lockout will be legally possible until Sept. 26 – and neither side has said it will take such action – some utility companies have started warning their customers that paper bills may not be delivered on-time.
CUPW has been holding strike mandate votes across the country over the past few weeks. The last of those votes took place Sunday and CUPW says results will be released Monday or Tuesday.
The two sides have been talking about new contracts since last November. Negotiations continued through the summer with a conciliator but without success.
A 21-day “cooling-off process” is now in effect. When it ends on Sept. 26, CUPW will be legally able to strike if its members give it a mandate to do so. Canada Post will also be legally able to lock out the workers, although it has not made any public signals that it plans to do so.
Union president Mike Palecek has said that CUPW “will do everything possible to achieve an agreement without a strike” but that workers “will have to be ready for some type of job action” if there is no deal by Sept. 26.
Canada Post presented the union with offers on Friday. In a statement, the agency told CTVNews.ca that the offers “reflect the recent growth in our parcels business and the contributions our employees have made” by increasing pay rates and benefits, and outlining plans to work with CUPW on other issues both sides have deemed important.
The union’s initial response to the offers appeared to be less than enthusiastic. On its website, CUPW describes the offer for urban employees as containing “rollbacks and Trojan horses” and the offer for rural and suburban employees as “unacceptable” and ignoring “many key issues.”
CUPW represents delivery agents and other employees of Canada Post. Its members were lockedout last in 2011-12. The federal government legislated them back to work, although a judge later ruled that the legislation was unconstitutional.
Source : https://postandparcel.info/98185/news
Consumers Are Changing E-Commerce Preferences
September 13, 2018
Two years ago, customers wanted quality packaging and fast delivery, but now a "brand’s opportunity to reach, retain and extend customers’ lifetime value lies in giving them what they want, how and when they want it.”
Consumers prioritize convenience, experience and quality when making online purchases, according to the annual eCommerce study conducted by 3PL provider Dotcom Distribution.
“With e-commerce now such an integral part of life, we sought to discover what factors impact where customers decide to spend money,” says Maria Haggerty, CEO of Dotcom Distribution. “Two years ago, it was quality packaging and fast delivery.
Today, while those factors are valued, a brand’s opportunity to reach, retain and extend customers’ lifetime value lies in giving them what they want, how and when they want it.”
For the third consecutive year, items purchased most online were clothing/apparel (77%), consumer electronics/technology (52%) and beauty products (41%). What consumers are purchasing online isn’t fluctuating; however, while clothing/apparel also topped the list of items respondents prefer to purchase in-store (58%), consumer electronics and beauty products dropped to eighth and sixth, respectively.
Key findings:
Free Outranks Fast – 90% highly value free returns when making online purchases; 91% say free shipping influences future purchases. Giveaways also positively influence consumers’ future purchases. These factors outranked faster delivery times. Other findings:
● 62% would buy again from a brand offering free returns/exchanges
● 67% are likely to add items to cart to receive free shipping
Shipping Expectations Rise, But Not on Customers’ Dime – With 44% doing most of their online shopping on Amazon, same-day shipping’s popularity is unsurprising. But while trial rose 19% since 2017 (42% vs. 23%), consumers are more interested in free shipping and on-time delivery. Only 25% of 2018 respondents would pay extra for faster shipping—in sharp contrast to the 47% who’d have paid up to $9 more for faster delivery in 2016.
93% are greatly or somewhat impacted by shipping cost
77% said delayed order arrival would influence future purchase decisions with an e-tailer
What’s Inside Counts...If It’s of Value – In 2015 and 2016, unboxing was a key component in the e-commerce experience. Today, fancy ribbons and scented boxes take a back seat to value-added freebies; giveaways ranked third on the list of what would motivate respondents to recommend a brand; 23% are more likely than not (43%) to buy again from brands that included a free giveaway in their order.
Top amenities influencing shoppers to recommend a brand: Product quality (75%); Company incentive (37%); Surprise giveaway (23%)
Omni-channel is Omnipresent – Consumers buy more online now than ever, but a physical presence is still vital in the retail business model, and shoppers are drawing a stronger connection between the two. Thirty-two percent (32%) prefer buying online vs. in-store, yet 74% are more likely to make a purchase if they can return/exchange in-store. When asked how brands can to encourage future purchases, 31% said “buy online, return in store”—ranking fourth of 10 choices.
● +12% prefer to return in-store (41%) vs. mail (29%)
Age Dictates Expectations and Preferences – 2018 data suggests e-commerce expectations depend on age. Younger buyers prioritize convenience (flexibility of returning in-store; faster delivery). Older consumers want value (low-cost or free shipping; free returns).
● Gen Z: 36% named same-day delivery a top influence in future purchase decisions—highest of all groups; 87% are more likely to make online purchases if they can return in-store; 75% are more likely to purchase from retailer again if online order came with free giveaway.
Millennials: 76% would add items to online carts to qualify for free shipping; 36% prefer buying online—both highest of all groups; 79% are less likely to buy from e-tailer again if delivery is delayed; 60% are more likely to purchase from e-tailer again if online order came with free giveaway
● Baby Boomers: <1% expect one-day delivery—lowest of all groups; 95% of purchase decisions are “somewhat” or “greatly” influenced by shipping costs—highest of all groups.
Source : https://www.mhlnews.com/technology-automation/consumers-are-changing-e-commerce-preferences
Wolfgang Eger appointed as Swiss Post’s new CIO
September 12, 2018
Swiss Post’s ONR Board of Directors’ Committee has appointed Wolfgang Eger as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Wolfgang Eger currently holds the position of Head of Operations and Engineering at Swisscom Ltd. He will take up his position at Swiss Post no later than by March 2019.
Wolfgang Eger has held various management functions in IT and telecommunications at Swisscom Ltd since 2003. The 52-year-old has also previously worked for Lufthansa, EDS Information Business GmbH and McKinsey & Company and possesses many years of experience in the management and development of ICT organizations.
Wolfgang Eger is married, the father of twins and holds dual Swiss and German citizenship. He studied mathematics and IT at the universities of Mannheim and Karlsruhe and has obtained various additional qualifications, including from the Harvard Business School in Boston.
As the new CIO of Swiss Post, Wolfgang Eger will take over the overall functional management of the newly merged IT departments. Swiss Post decided to merge its IT operations in April 2018 as part of the development of ICT.
When he takes up his position as Swiss Post’s CIO, Wolfgang Eger will become a member of Swiss Post’s Extended Executive Management and will replace the interim head Markus Bacher.
Source : https://www.post.ch/en/about-us/company/media/press-releases/2018
Japan weighs ending Saturday mail amid hiring slump
September 12, 2018
Overstretched postal service struggles to heed call for shorter work hours
The Japanese government is leaning toward limiting mail delivery to weekdays in order to ease the burden on a postal service stretched by labor shortages.
Doing so would require amending the nation's postal law, which sets delivery at once a day, Monday to Saturday. The necessary legislation could go before the parliament as early as next year.
Ending Saturday mail could slash the postal service's labor costs by tens of billions of yen (10 billion yen equals $89 million), according to people familiar with the discussions. The move also looks likely to prompt a debate on adapting other public services to the nation's demographic changes.
Even after the change, Japan Post, part of state-owned Japan Post Holdings, would likely continue to handle special deliveries and registered mail every day.
Postal workers have two days off a week, but about 146,000 workers are out in force on Saturdays, according to Japan Post. More than half of them work evening or late-night shifts. Owing to a tight labor market, the postal service has been unable to secure enough new hires.
To ease the burden on workers, Japan Post has introduced machine sorters and other forms of automation. It is also experimenting with drones and self-driving technology, though these programs still have far to go.
The postal service told the ministry that reducing evening and Saturday deliveries is necessary to promote work reform -- a slogan for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, which has sought to increase flexibility in the labor market.
An advisory council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will consider giving postal workers weekends off. The ministry believes this would not result in a significant downgrade of service, since the volume of mail is shrinking.
The digital revolution has drastically reduced the volume of mail being sent. About 17.2 billion pieces of mail were delivered in fiscal 2017, down 35% from the fiscal 2001 peak of 26.2 billion pieces.
Meanwhile, the rise of single-person households has expanded the number of addresses. The average daily count of mail being delivered to a single location has hovered below one piece since fiscal 2011. The Information and Communications Council will hold hearings with individuals and businesses on the proposed changes.
The postal service has struggled to turn a profit. Labor costs eat up over 60% of revenue, and the domestic mail segment logged operating losses in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2016.
The earning structure at the Japan Post group suggests an overhaul of the postal services is inevitable. Group pretax profit climbed 15% to 916.1 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March, but nearly all of it was earned by units Japan Post Bank and Japan Post Insurance. Although both companies are doing well, low interest rates and a declining population pose threats to earnings.
Neither rain nor snow halts Saturday mail deliveries in Japan, but a labor shortage might.
Source : https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy
POSTAL NEWS
No 77 -2018
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
ups Launches Later Pick – Up Times for the UK and Europe.
September 20, 2018.
Singpost Links Up With Axa Insurance.
September 18, 2018.
PostNord and Palletways strengthen their collaboration. September 17, 2018.
Deutsche Post DHL Group focuses PeP division on German Post and Parcel business and creates DHL eCommerce Solutions division to drive global growth sector. September 17, 2018.
All four postal unions to participate in a National Day of Action on October 8. September 17, 2018.
Post Office profits rise as it benefits from bank branch closures. September 13 , 2018.
ups Launches Later Pick – Up Times for the UK and Europe.
September 20, 2018
UPS has announced the launch of later pick-up times for customers in nearly 52,000 postal codes in Europe, with pick-up times extending to 8pm for some.
The company has also improved its UPS Standard service in London and areas of southeast England, reducing shipping times to one day. In-country transit times have also been reduced in nearly 8,000 postal codes across Europe.
“Flexibility is key for small businesses in Europe and they need to make sure that their customers get their orders when they need them,” said Lou Rivieccio, president, UPS Europe. “Extending our pick-up times by up to eight hours not only gives small businesses more production and order fulfilment time, but also allows them to focus on their passion and grow their business.”
The move comes after the 2017 UPS Europe Pulse of the Online Shopper study suggested that 52% of online shoppers in Europe will abandon their cart if they feel the delivery time is too long.
The move is part of a wider $2 billion investment by UPS in its European network and infrastructure through 2019. Recent investments as part of this programme include the announcement of a €130 million facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, the opening of a £120 million hub London, and the construction of a $100 million hub in Paris.
Source : https://edelivery.net/2018/09/ups-launches-later-pick-times-uk-europe
Singpost Links Up With Axa Insurance
September 18, 2018
AXA Insurance and Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) have announced the launch of a pilot for AXA@POST Virtual Assist, a digital sales advisory service that virtually connects SingPost customers with AXA Financial Consultants who can provide high quality advice and services. This is the first advisory service in Singapore that provides financial advice to customers remotely, coupled with the ease and convenience of online application for insurance solutions for their car, home, family, travel, business, savings, health, and life protection and investment needs.
With AXA@POST Virtual Assist, SingPost customers will receive end-to-end sales advisory services via a live, interactive video feed – from having their financial needs and goals ascertained, to receiving advice on insurance solutions based on suitability, and completing the entire insurance application online in one sitting. Onsite SingPost Financial Services Ambassadors (FSAs) will guide customers to the AXA@POST Virtual Assist booth, where they will begin their discussion with an AXA Financial Consultant via a video interface.
Source : https://postandparcel.info/98201/news/innovation
PostNord and Palletways strengthen their collaboration
September 17, 2018
PostNord and UK pallet delivery company Palletways have signed a new agreement regarding distribution to Palletways’ European customers to and from the Nordic region.
Palletways is Europe’s largest pallet delivery network with over 400 depots strategically positioned across 20 countries. Since 2012, Palletways has been PostNord's distributor of pallets to and within Western Europe. PostNord also has strong partnerships with European players in groupage (CargoLine) and parcel (DPD) to bring customers a strong network when it comes to deliveries within Europe.
Palletways are now expanding its operations to the Nordic countries and sign an agreement with PostNord for the distribution of pallet shuttles between the Nordic region and the Eurozone. The agreement commences in October, 2018.
”Through Palletways, our customers have access to one of Europe's most established and competent pallet delivery networks. With the new agreement, we are able to prove that our network is the best choice for Palletways’ European customers in terms of deliveries to the Nordic region,” says Tim Jørnsen, Executive Vice President eCommerce & Logistics at PostNord Group.
“We are continuously looking for opportunities to expand and enhance our offer to our members and customers and this new coverage presents a very exciting moment for the business. The service is fully integrated with the existing network, meaning customers and members have a seamless connection to any point in the Nordics. There is a clear opportunity to support companies from across Europe moving pallets to their customers in the Nordic territories – for example the UK exports some £25 billion of goods to the Nordics annually,” says Luis Zubialde, Chief Operating Officer of Palletways Group.
Source : https://www.postnord.com/en/media/press-releases
Deutsche Post DHL Group focuses PeP division on German Post and Parcel business and creates DHL eCommerce Solutions division to drive global growth sector
September 17, 2018
Post - eCommerce - Parcel (PeP) to be separated into German and international divisions under dedicated Board of Management leadership
Post - eCommerce - Parcel (PeP) will be renamed as Post & Paket Deutschland, focusing on post and parcel business in Germany
Ken Allen takes over responsibility as CEO and Board Member for new DHL eCommerce Solutions division
John Pearson appointed as new Board Member and CEO for DHL Express
In order to allow for a dedicated focus on the Post and Parcel business in Germany and to leverage the tremendous growth opportunities in the e-commerce sector, the Group has decided to refocus the Post - eCommerce - Parcel (PeP) division on the post and parcel business in Germany. This business will be renamed Post & Paket Deutschland and will remain under the interim leadership of Group CEO Frank Appel. The international parcel and e-commerce businesses - previously DHL Parcel Europe and DHL eCommerce - will be established as a standalone division, DHL eCommerce Solutions, under the leadership of Corporate Board Member Ken Allen.
Having one operating division of the Group fully dedicated to the German post and parcel business will ensure even more stringent execution of the previously announced PeP turnaround plan. This plan includes improved yield management, indirect cost reduction and productivity improvement measures. At the same time, by creating the DHL eCommerce Solutions division, the Group will be better positioned to leverage opportunities within the booming e-commerce logistics sector in Europe and around the world.
The Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post AG today named Ken Allen (63) as the Board member for DHL eCommerce Solutions and extended his contract to the Corporate Board of Management until 2022. Ken Allen's new mandate will include the Parcel Europe and eCommerce businesses which are currently within the existing PeP division. He will keep the responsibility for Customer Solutions & Innovation (CSI), and will lead the further development of the overall e-commerce strategy for the Group.
"Ken Allen has successfully shaped the Express strategy and has led the division on an unparalleled growth trajectory by unlocking its revenue and profit potential. With his relentless focus on the core principles of customer centricity, employee engagement and profitable growth, Ken established truly world-class processes within the Express division, making it the most profitable division of Deutsche Post DHL Group," said Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post DHL Group, Dr. Nikolaus von Bomhard. "I have no doubt that the DHL eCommerce Solutions division will greatly benefit from Ken's ability to deliver exceptional performance and value for DHL customers, using his significant experience in building networks and leading people with an inspirational style."
John Pearson (55) will take over the Board mandate for DHL Express. He joined DHL Express in 1986, and served the company as CEO in Asia Pacific, EEMEA and Europe, as well as leading the global sales, marketing and customer service functions of the DHL Express division as Global Commercial Head. "We are pleased to have John Pearson join our Corporate Board. He has a proven track record, along with a deep understanding of the Express business. Not only does he have extensive operational and business experience of the Express division but John has been a key member of the leadership team running the Express division along with Ken. I'm confident John's experience will prove immediately valuable to the Board, and that he will take DHL Express to new and greater heights in the years to come," said Deutsche Post DHL Group CEO Frank Appel.
Source : https://www.dpdhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2018
All four postal unions to participate in a National Day of Action on October 8.
The U.S. Mail: Not for Sale!!
September 17, 2018
APWU: Privatizers – those who want to sell the public postal service to private corporations – are hard at work. Together we can stop them in their tracks.
Get ready to hit the streets with our sister postal unions, family, friends, and community allies to Save Our Service. Rallies will take place at many Congressional offices throughout the country. Check with your local and state leaders for more details and for the exact time and location in your area.
NRLCA: The NRLCA, along with the other three postal unions, have scheduled a rally against postal privatization for Monday, October 8, 2018. The rallies will be held in each congressional district throughout the country at specific locations, and NRLCA members are encouraged to participate. More information about the location of the rallies will be available shortly. Please continue to check the NRLCA website as additional details become available.
Source : https://www.postaltimes.com/postalnews
Post Office profits rise as it benefits from bank branch closures
September 13, 2018
The Post Office has notched up its second consecutive year of profits as it continues to benefit from bank branch closures.
Trading profits at the network more than doubled from £13 million to £35 million in 2017/18, while turnover nudged up from £957 million to £961 million.
The performance was driven by its financial services, telecoms and insurance arms.
Its high street banking arm processed over 125 million withdrawals from UK bank accounts in the period and customer cash deposits grew 28%.
An influx of small business customers and individuals using the service while the likes of RBS and Lloyds shut hundreds of branches was behind the growth, the Post Office said.
We need to speed up how we do business, and reduce our costs further, so we can work more efficiently to meet the demands of every single one of our customers
Paula Vennells, CEO
Boss Paula Vennells added: “Millions of people and businesses rely on our services, especially as more and more banking customers are turning to our branches to undertake everyday banking services. We have made good progress in our transformation and there is more to do.
“We have set ourselves a target of £100 million trading profit within the next three years. We need to be able to invest in the future and respond effectively to the challenges which remain.”
However, the Post Office’s retail arm had a difficult time, with mail, lottery, government services and payment services recording negative or flat growth.
It blamed increasing competition in the letters market and a decline in stamp sales for the lacklustre performance in its mail division.
It also saw foreign exchange turnover decline by £3 million as currency fluctuations resulted in lower volumes and fewer workers sending money home following “uncertainty over Brexit”.
Last year the Post Office secured £370 million of Government funding to help protect village branches and modernise others.
The firm said on Thursday that more than 7,500 branches have been transformed, offering customers 200,000 extra opening hours and 4,000 branches open on Sundays.
Ms Vennells added: “We need to speed up how we do business, and reduce our costs further, so we can work more efficiently to meet the demands of every single one of our customers – whether they require physical or digital services.”
Source : https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/09/13
No 76 -2018
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
An Post to eliminate carbon emissions within
a decade. September 17, 2018.
Accident At The Rennes Parcel Platform Le Rheu.
September 14, 2018.
CANADA POST Strike Likely This Month.
September 14, 2018.
Consumers Are Changing E-Commerce Preferences. September 13, 2018.
Wolfgang Eger appointed as Swiss Post’s new CIO.
September 12, 2018.
Japan weighs ending Saturday mail amid hiring slump. September 12, 2018.
An Post to eliminate carbon emissions within a decade
September 17, 2018
Sunday 16 September, 2018: An Post is pledging to eliminate carbon emissions from all its letter and parcels operations within a decade. In phase one of ‘An Post Eco Plan’, a new fleet of electric post vans and delivery tricycles will deliver zero carbon emissions in Dublin’s City Centre, between the Grand Canal on the city’s south side and the Royal canal on north side by the end of next year.
An Post announces ECO plan to eliminate carbon emissions
Electric vehicles to replace urban fleet
Zero carbon emissions in Dublin city centre (between the canals) by end of 2019
Zero emissions in other cities including Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Waterford by end 2020
Work ongoing to reduce emissions outside main urban areas and a major roll-out of electric charging points for the public at An Post sites
An Post Eco also pledges zero emission deliveries in other cities including Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Waterford by end-2020, and the provision of public electric vehicle charging points at An Post sites.
Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels says:
“An Post Eco is our plan to eliminate carbon emissions across our network and our operations over the next decade as we take real action around our responsibility to our communities and to our environment. We are working with Government and various agencies to be a leader towards zero emissions.
“Replacing our urban fleet with electric vans and delivery tricycles is the first step while we set about changing the way we do things to reach zero emissions. We will be extending the new fleet to other cities and looking at ways to drive down emissions outside urban areas.
“An Post is investing €250,000 and saving 100 tonnes of CO2 in this initial phase with staff using the latest electric vans and tricycles for delivering to customers at all 40,000 private and business addresses between Dublin’s canals.
Source : http://www.anpost.ie/AnPost/MainContent
Accident At The Rennes Parcel Platform Le Rheu
September 14, 2018
A dramatic event took place on the Colis Platform at Rheu (35) near Rennes.
A maintenance worker from an outside contractor had his legs crushed by a conveyor on which he was carrying out a maintenance operation.
In addition to the investigation that will be conducted by the CHSCT (Committee for Hygiene, Safety and Working Conditions) of the company in which this agent worked, the CHSCT of the establishment met in extraordinary session.
It should be remembered that in these cases, the CHSCT of the company in which the accident took place can notably take stock of the psychological support measures for the agents affected.
FO Com has a thought for the victim as well as for all coworkers shocked by this serious accident.
Source : http://www.focom-laposte.fr
CANADA POST Strike Likely This Month
September 14, 2018
Canadians could see disruptions to mail service before the end of the month reports ctv news, as Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers appear far apart on a new contract.
Although neither a strike or a lockout will be legally possible until Sept. 26 – and neither side has said it will take such action – some utility companies have started warning their customers that paper bills may not be delivered on-time.
CUPW has been holding strike mandate votes across the country over the past few weeks. The last of those votes took place Sunday and CUPW says results will be released Monday or Tuesday.
The two sides have been talking about new contracts since last November. Negotiations continued through the summer with a conciliator but without success.
A 21-day “cooling-off process” is now in effect. When it ends on Sept. 26, CUPW will be legally able to strike if its members give it a mandate to do so. Canada Post will also be legally able to lock out the workers, although it has not made any public signals that it plans to do so.
Union president Mike Palecek has said that CUPW “will do everything possible to achieve an agreement without a strike” but that workers “will have to be ready for some type of job action” if there is no deal by Sept. 26.
Canada Post presented the union with offers on Friday. In a statement, the agency told CTVNews.ca that the offers “reflect the recent growth in our parcels business and the contributions our employees have made” by increasing pay rates and benefits, and outlining plans to work with CUPW on other issues both sides have deemed important.
The union’s initial response to the offers appeared to be less than enthusiastic. On its website, CUPW describes the offer for urban employees as containing “rollbacks and Trojan horses” and the offer for rural and suburban employees as “unacceptable” and ignoring “many key issues.”
CUPW represents delivery agents and other employees of Canada Post. Its members were lockedout last in 2011-12. The federal government legislated them back to work, although a judge later ruled that the legislation was unconstitutional.
Source : https://postandparcel.info/98185/news
Consumers Are Changing E-Commerce Preferences
September 13, 2018
Two years ago, customers wanted quality packaging and fast delivery, but now a "brand’s opportunity to reach, retain and extend customers’ lifetime value lies in giving them what they want, how and when they want it.”
Consumers prioritize convenience, experience and quality when making online purchases, according to the annual eCommerce study conducted by 3PL provider Dotcom Distribution.
“With e-commerce now such an integral part of life, we sought to discover what factors impact where customers decide to spend money,” says Maria Haggerty, CEO of Dotcom Distribution. “Two years ago, it was quality packaging and fast delivery.
Today, while those factors are valued, a brand’s opportunity to reach, retain and extend customers’ lifetime value lies in giving them what they want, how and when they want it.”
For the third consecutive year, items purchased most online were clothing/apparel (77%), consumer electronics/technology (52%) and beauty products (41%). What consumers are purchasing online isn’t fluctuating; however, while clothing/apparel also topped the list of items respondents prefer to purchase in-store (58%), consumer electronics and beauty products dropped to eighth and sixth, respectively.
Key findings:
Free Outranks Fast – 90% highly value free returns when making online purchases; 91% say free shipping influences future purchases. Giveaways also positively influence consumers’ future purchases. These factors outranked faster delivery times. Other findings:
● 62% would buy again from a brand offering free returns/exchanges
● 67% are likely to add items to cart to receive free shipping
Shipping Expectations Rise, But Not on Customers’ Dime – With 44% doing most of their online shopping on Amazon, same-day shipping’s popularity is unsurprising. But while trial rose 19% since 2017 (42% vs. 23%), consumers are more interested in free shipping and on-time delivery. Only 25% of 2018 respondents would pay extra for faster shipping—in sharp contrast to the 47% who’d have paid up to $9 more for faster delivery in 2016.
93% are greatly or somewhat impacted by shipping cost
77% said delayed order arrival would influence future purchase decisions with an e-tailer
What’s Inside Counts...If It’s of Value – In 2015 and 2016, unboxing was a key component in the e-commerce experience. Today, fancy ribbons and scented boxes take a back seat to value-added freebies; giveaways ranked third on the list of what would motivate respondents to recommend a brand; 23% are more likely than not (43%) to buy again from brands that included a free giveaway in their order.
Top amenities influencing shoppers to recommend a brand: Product quality (75%); Company incentive (37%); Surprise giveaway (23%)
Omni-channel is Omnipresent – Consumers buy more online now than ever, but a physical presence is still vital in the retail business model, and shoppers are drawing a stronger connection between the two. Thirty-two percent (32%) prefer buying online vs. in-store, yet 74% are more likely to make a purchase if they can return/exchange in-store. When asked how brands can to encourage future purchases, 31% said “buy online, return in store”—ranking fourth of 10 choices.
● +12% prefer to return in-store (41%) vs. mail (29%)
Age Dictates Expectations and Preferences – 2018 data suggests e-commerce expectations depend on age. Younger buyers prioritize convenience (flexibility of returning in-store; faster delivery). Older consumers want value (low-cost or free shipping; free returns).
● Gen Z: 36% named same-day delivery a top influence in future purchase decisions—highest of all groups; 87% are more likely to make online purchases if they can return in-store; 75% are more likely to purchase from retailer again if online order came with free giveaway.
Millennials: 76% would add items to online carts to qualify for free shipping; 36% prefer buying online—both highest of all groups; 79% are less likely to buy from e-tailer again if delivery is delayed; 60% are more likely to purchase from e-tailer again if online order came with free giveaway
● Baby Boomers: <1% expect one-day delivery—lowest of all groups; 95% of purchase decisions are “somewhat” or “greatly” influenced by shipping costs—highest of all groups.
Source : https://www.mhlnews.com/technology-automation/consumers-are-changing-e-commerce-preferences
Wolfgang Eger appointed as Swiss Post’s new CIO
September 12, 2018
Swiss Post’s ONR Board of Directors’ Committee has appointed Wolfgang Eger as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Wolfgang Eger currently holds the position of Head of Operations and Engineering at Swisscom Ltd. He will take up his position at Swiss Post no later than by March 2019.
Wolfgang Eger has held various management functions in IT and telecommunications at Swisscom Ltd since 2003. The 52-year-old has also previously worked for Lufthansa, EDS Information Business GmbH and McKinsey & Company and possesses many years of experience in the management and development of ICT organizations.
Wolfgang Eger is married, the father of twins and holds dual Swiss and German citizenship. He studied mathematics and IT at the universities of Mannheim and Karlsruhe and has obtained various additional qualifications, including from the Harvard Business School in Boston.
As the new CIO of Swiss Post, Wolfgang Eger will take over the overall functional management of the newly merged IT departments. Swiss Post decided to merge its IT operations in April 2018 as part of the development of ICT.
When he takes up his position as Swiss Post’s CIO, Wolfgang Eger will become a member of Swiss Post’s Extended Executive Management and will replace the interim head Markus Bacher.
Source : https://www.post.ch/en/about-us/company/media/press-releases/2018
Japan weighs ending Saturday mail amid hiring slump
September 12, 2018
Overstretched postal service struggles to heed call for shorter work hours
The Japanese government is leaning toward limiting mail delivery to weekdays in order to ease the burden on a postal service stretched by labor shortages.
Doing so would require amending the nation's postal law, which sets delivery at once a day, Monday to Saturday. The necessary legislation could go before the parliament as early as next year.
Ending Saturday mail could slash the postal service's labor costs by tens of billions of yen (10 billion yen equals $89 million), according to people familiar with the discussions. The move also looks likely to prompt a debate on adapting other public services to the nation's demographic changes.
Even after the change, Japan Post, part of state-owned Japan Post Holdings, would likely continue to handle special deliveries and registered mail every day.
Postal workers have two days off a week, but about 146,000 workers are out in force on Saturdays, according to Japan Post. More than half of them work evening or late-night shifts. Owing to a tight labor market, the postal service has been unable to secure enough new hires.
To ease the burden on workers, Japan Post has introduced machine sorters and other forms of automation. It is also experimenting with drones and self-driving technology, though these programs still have far to go.
The postal service told the ministry that reducing evening and Saturday deliveries is necessary to promote work reform -- a slogan for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, which has sought to increase flexibility in the labor market.
An advisory council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will consider giving postal workers weekends off. The ministry believes this would not result in a significant downgrade of service, since the volume of mail is shrinking.
The digital revolution has drastically reduced the volume of mail being sent. About 17.2 billion pieces of mail were delivered in fiscal 2017, down 35% from the fiscal 2001 peak of 26.2 billion pieces.
Meanwhile, the rise of single-person households has expanded the number of addresses. The average daily count of mail being delivered to a single location has hovered below one piece since fiscal 2011. The Information and Communications Council will hold hearings with individuals and businesses on the proposed changes.
The postal service has struggled to turn a profit. Labor costs eat up over 60% of revenue, and the domestic mail segment logged operating losses in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2016.
The earning structure at the Japan Post group suggests an overhaul of the postal services is inevitable. Group pretax profit climbed 15% to 916.1 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March, but nearly all of it was earned by units Japan Post Bank and Japan Post Insurance. Although both companies are doing well, low interest rates and a declining population pose threats to earnings.
Neither rain nor snow halts Saturday mail deliveries in Japan, but a labor shortage might.
Source : https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy
POSTAL NEWS
No 77 -2018
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
ups Launches Later Pick – Up Times for the UK and Europe.
September 20, 2018.
Singpost Links Up With Axa Insurance.
September 18, 2018.
PostNord and Palletways strengthen their collaboration. September 17, 2018.
Deutsche Post DHL Group focuses PeP division on German Post and Parcel business and creates DHL eCommerce Solutions division to drive global growth sector. September 17, 2018.
All four postal unions to participate in a National Day of Action on October 8. September 17, 2018.
Post Office profits rise as it benefits from bank branch closures. September 13 , 2018.
ups Launches Later Pick – Up Times for the UK and Europe.
September 20, 2018
UPS has announced the launch of later pick-up times for customers in nearly 52,000 postal codes in Europe, with pick-up times extending to 8pm for some.
The company has also improved its UPS Standard service in London and areas of southeast England, reducing shipping times to one day. In-country transit times have also been reduced in nearly 8,000 postal codes across Europe.
“Flexibility is key for small businesses in Europe and they need to make sure that their customers get their orders when they need them,” said Lou Rivieccio, president, UPS Europe. “Extending our pick-up times by up to eight hours not only gives small businesses more production and order fulfilment time, but also allows them to focus on their passion and grow their business.”
The move comes after the 2017 UPS Europe Pulse of the Online Shopper study suggested that 52% of online shoppers in Europe will abandon their cart if they feel the delivery time is too long.
The move is part of a wider $2 billion investment by UPS in its European network and infrastructure through 2019. Recent investments as part of this programme include the announcement of a €130 million facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, the opening of a £120 million hub London, and the construction of a $100 million hub in Paris.
Source : https://edelivery.net/2018/09/ups-launches-later-pick-times-uk-europe
Singpost Links Up With Axa Insurance
September 18, 2018
AXA Insurance and Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) have announced the launch of a pilot for AXA@POST Virtual Assist, a digital sales advisory service that virtually connects SingPost customers with AXA Financial Consultants who can provide high quality advice and services. This is the first advisory service in Singapore that provides financial advice to customers remotely, coupled with the ease and convenience of online application for insurance solutions for their car, home, family, travel, business, savings, health, and life protection and investment needs.
With AXA@POST Virtual Assist, SingPost customers will receive end-to-end sales advisory services via a live, interactive video feed – from having their financial needs and goals ascertained, to receiving advice on insurance solutions based on suitability, and completing the entire insurance application online in one sitting. Onsite SingPost Financial Services Ambassadors (FSAs) will guide customers to the AXA@POST Virtual Assist booth, where they will begin their discussion with an AXA Financial Consultant via a video interface.
Source : https://postandparcel.info/98201/news/innovation
PostNord and Palletways strengthen their collaboration
September 17, 2018
PostNord and UK pallet delivery company Palletways have signed a new agreement regarding distribution to Palletways’ European customers to and from the Nordic region.
Palletways is Europe’s largest pallet delivery network with over 400 depots strategically positioned across 20 countries. Since 2012, Palletways has been PostNord's distributor of pallets to and within Western Europe. PostNord also has strong partnerships with European players in groupage (CargoLine) and parcel (DPD) to bring customers a strong network when it comes to deliveries within Europe.
Palletways are now expanding its operations to the Nordic countries and sign an agreement with PostNord for the distribution of pallet shuttles between the Nordic region and the Eurozone. The agreement commences in October, 2018.
”Through Palletways, our customers have access to one of Europe's most established and competent pallet delivery networks. With the new agreement, we are able to prove that our network is the best choice for Palletways’ European customers in terms of deliveries to the Nordic region,” says Tim Jørnsen, Executive Vice President eCommerce & Logistics at PostNord Group.
“We are continuously looking for opportunities to expand and enhance our offer to our members and customers and this new coverage presents a very exciting moment for the business. The service is fully integrated with the existing network, meaning customers and members have a seamless connection to any point in the Nordics. There is a clear opportunity to support companies from across Europe moving pallets to their customers in the Nordic territories – for example the UK exports some £25 billion of goods to the Nordics annually,” says Luis Zubialde, Chief Operating Officer of Palletways Group.
Source : https://www.postnord.com/en/media/press-releases
Deutsche Post DHL Group focuses PeP division on German Post and Parcel business and creates DHL eCommerce Solutions division to drive global growth sector
September 17, 2018
Post - eCommerce - Parcel (PeP) to be separated into German and international divisions under dedicated Board of Management leadership
Post - eCommerce - Parcel (PeP) will be renamed as Post & Paket Deutschland, focusing on post and parcel business in Germany
Ken Allen takes over responsibility as CEO and Board Member for new DHL eCommerce Solutions division
John Pearson appointed as new Board Member and CEO for DHL Express
In order to allow for a dedicated focus on the Post and Parcel business in Germany and to leverage the tremendous growth opportunities in the e-commerce sector, the Group has decided to refocus the Post - eCommerce - Parcel (PeP) division on the post and parcel business in Germany. This business will be renamed Post & Paket Deutschland and will remain under the interim leadership of Group CEO Frank Appel. The international parcel and e-commerce businesses - previously DHL Parcel Europe and DHL eCommerce - will be established as a standalone division, DHL eCommerce Solutions, under the leadership of Corporate Board Member Ken Allen.
Having one operating division of the Group fully dedicated to the German post and parcel business will ensure even more stringent execution of the previously announced PeP turnaround plan. This plan includes improved yield management, indirect cost reduction and productivity improvement measures. At the same time, by creating the DHL eCommerce Solutions division, the Group will be better positioned to leverage opportunities within the booming e-commerce logistics sector in Europe and around the world.
The Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post AG today named Ken Allen (63) as the Board member for DHL eCommerce Solutions and extended his contract to the Corporate Board of Management until 2022. Ken Allen's new mandate will include the Parcel Europe and eCommerce businesses which are currently within the existing PeP division. He will keep the responsibility for Customer Solutions & Innovation (CSI), and will lead the further development of the overall e-commerce strategy for the Group.
"Ken Allen has successfully shaped the Express strategy and has led the division on an unparalleled growth trajectory by unlocking its revenue and profit potential. With his relentless focus on the core principles of customer centricity, employee engagement and profitable growth, Ken established truly world-class processes within the Express division, making it the most profitable division of Deutsche Post DHL Group," said Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post DHL Group, Dr. Nikolaus von Bomhard. "I have no doubt that the DHL eCommerce Solutions division will greatly benefit from Ken's ability to deliver exceptional performance and value for DHL customers, using his significant experience in building networks and leading people with an inspirational style."
John Pearson (55) will take over the Board mandate for DHL Express. He joined DHL Express in 1986, and served the company as CEO in Asia Pacific, EEMEA and Europe, as well as leading the global sales, marketing and customer service functions of the DHL Express division as Global Commercial Head. "We are pleased to have John Pearson join our Corporate Board. He has a proven track record, along with a deep understanding of the Express business. Not only does he have extensive operational and business experience of the Express division but John has been a key member of the leadership team running the Express division along with Ken. I'm confident John's experience will prove immediately valuable to the Board, and that he will take DHL Express to new and greater heights in the years to come," said Deutsche Post DHL Group CEO Frank Appel.
Source : https://www.dpdhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2018
All four postal unions to participate in a National Day of Action on October 8.
The U.S. Mail: Not for Sale!!
September 17, 2018
APWU: Privatizers – those who want to sell the public postal service to private corporations – are hard at work. Together we can stop them in their tracks.
Get ready to hit the streets with our sister postal unions, family, friends, and community allies to Save Our Service. Rallies will take place at many Congressional offices throughout the country. Check with your local and state leaders for more details and for the exact time and location in your area.
NRLCA: The NRLCA, along with the other three postal unions, have scheduled a rally against postal privatization for Monday, October 8, 2018. The rallies will be held in each congressional district throughout the country at specific locations, and NRLCA members are encouraged to participate. More information about the location of the rallies will be available shortly. Please continue to check the NRLCA website as additional details become available.
Source : https://www.postaltimes.com/postalnews
Post Office profits rise as it benefits from bank branch closures
September 13, 2018
The Post Office has notched up its second consecutive year of profits as it continues to benefit from bank branch closures.
Trading profits at the network more than doubled from £13 million to £35 million in 2017/18, while turnover nudged up from £957 million to £961 million.
The performance was driven by its financial services, telecoms and insurance arms.
Its high street banking arm processed over 125 million withdrawals from UK bank accounts in the period and customer cash deposits grew 28%.
An influx of small business customers and individuals using the service while the likes of RBS and Lloyds shut hundreds of branches was behind the growth, the Post Office said.
We need to speed up how we do business, and reduce our costs further, so we can work more efficiently to meet the demands of every single one of our customers
Paula Vennells, CEO
Boss Paula Vennells added: “Millions of people and businesses rely on our services, especially as more and more banking customers are turning to our branches to undertake everyday banking services. We have made good progress in our transformation and there is more to do.
“We have set ourselves a target of £100 million trading profit within the next three years. We need to be able to invest in the future and respond effectively to the challenges which remain.”
However, the Post Office’s retail arm had a difficult time, with mail, lottery, government services and payment services recording negative or flat growth.
It blamed increasing competition in the letters market and a decline in stamp sales for the lacklustre performance in its mail division.
It also saw foreign exchange turnover decline by £3 million as currency fluctuations resulted in lower volumes and fewer workers sending money home following “uncertainty over Brexit”.
Last year the Post Office secured £370 million of Government funding to help protect village branches and modernise others.
The firm said on Thursday that more than 7,500 branches have been transformed, offering customers 200,000 extra opening hours and 4,000 branches open on Sundays.
Ms Vennells added: “We need to speed up how we do business, and reduce our costs further, so we can work more efficiently to meet the demands of every single one of our customers – whether they require physical or digital services.”
Source : https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2018/09/13