POSTAL NEWS
No 61 -2019
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
Brazil’s postal workers announce strike beginning today. July 31, 2019.
Poste Italiane confirms 2019 outlook, introduces interim dividend. July 31, 2019.
Posti introduces new weight limits to domestic letters and changes pricing. July 30, 2019.
Deutsche Post DHL Group and Austrian Post further collaborate in parcel markets of Slovakia and Czech Republic. July 30, 2019.
Whose curb is it, anyway? July 26, 2019.
Brazil’s postal workers announce strike beginning today
July 31, 2019
Postal workers have announced a strike starting this Wednesday evening, July 31st. According to the National Federation of Workers of Mail and Telegraph Companies (FENTECT), the class held the last meeting planned in the calendar of negotiations with Brazil’s state-owned postal service Correios, in Brasília, on Tuesday morning, July 30th.
According to Fischer Moreira, FENTECT’s press secretary, the union is protesting against the “low salary readjustment and the removal of historical rights.” One of the changes proposed by the company is the exclusion of parents as dependents from the employees’ health plan and an increase in the co-participation in the plan, which today is about 30 percent. The proposed salary adjustment is 0.8 percent, which is considered an insignificant figure by the labor union federation.
The strike was announced to the president of the Correios, Floriano Peixoto, last Monday, July 29th. Despite the stoppage call, workers are not ruling out new negotiations. “Although there is a set date to strike, the command is still willing to negotiate. We understand the company’s current situation, but the workers’ side also needs to be considered,” says Moreira.
The Correios is a candidate for privatization, advocated by president Jair Bolsonaro. The government’s plans, for the time being, are to invest efforts in its welfare reform, while privatizations would be left for a later stage. Fischer Moreira claims that the government’s allied base in Congress, such as legislator Joice Hasselmann, discloses information on the company that “is not truthful.”
“Privatization will not necessarily lead to more affordable prices, including for remote regions, and the insecurity of services will be increased. We know that the ghost of privatization is here and we fight this prospect,” he says.
Correios spokespersons stated that they “continue to negotiate with employee delegations,” mediated by the Superior Labor Court, and that “it is not appropriate to negotiate a strike at this time.”
Source : https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil
Poste Italiane confirms 2019 outlook, introduces interim dividend
July 31, 2019
Italian post office Poste confirmed its 2019 outlook after reporting a higher-than-expected second-quarter operating profit thanks to the strength of its insurance business and improvements at its loss-making mail and parcel division.
The group - which comprises an insurance and a financial division, the traditional mail & parcel business and a digital payments unit - said it would introduce an interim dividend on 2019 results to be paid in the fourth quarter of this year.
Under its business plan to 2022, the state-controlled company is investing in logistics to boost its parcel delivery business to offset the fall in traditional mail activity.
Under this strategy, Poste has recently clinched deals with e-commerce operators, including an exclusive agreement with online fashion retailer Zalando and the strengthening of a partnership with Amazon.
Total revenue rose 5.3% in April-June to 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), with turnover at the insurance unit up 27% to 458 million euros.
Sales at the mail & parcel business rose 1.5% to 875 million euros. The digital payments division also contributed to revenue growth, while sales of financial services were flat.
Earnings before interest and tax rose 32.5% to 464 million euros in the period, beating an analyst consensus of 401 million euros provided by the company.
Solvency II ratio at Poste’s insurance division, a closely watched measure of financial strength, was 242% at the end of June, up from 214% at the end of March. ($1 = 0.8961 euros) (Reporting by Francesca Landini; Editing by Susan Fenton).
Source : https://www.reuters.com/article/poste-results
Posti introduces new weight limits to domestic letters and changes pricing
July 30, 2019
Posti is simplifying its price list for cash-paid domestic letters. As of the end of August, letters will be divided into four weight classes (in grams) instead of the six classes used earlier. At the same time, changes will be made to letter postage fees: price increases in some weight classes and decreases in others.
- Stamps are increasingly bought in sales points other than Posti’s shops, such as grocery stores, kiosks or Posti’s online shop. A clearer price list is a benefit of the update, says Tuija Åkerman from Posti’s Consumer Mail Business Unit.
Letter postage fees increase in some weight classes, decrease in others
- The Finnish consumer spends, on average, less than EUR 20 per year on letter postage fees. In relation to this, the new prices entail an increase of just over one euro, i.e. less than one domestic stamp (EUR 1.60), per year, Tuija Åkerman explains.
The price of a domestic card or letter weighing no more than 50 g will be EUR 1.60 as of August 30, 2019 (EUR +0.10). The price of a Priority class international card or letter weighing no more than 20 g will be EUR 1.70 as of August 30, 2019 (EUR +0.10). In weight classes heavier than 500 g, the prices of domestic letters will decrease; for example, the price of a domestic letter in the heaviest weight class (1,001–2,000 g) will be EUR 9.60 as of August 30, 2019 (EUR -5.40). The price of Christmas greetings will increase to EUR 1.10 (EUR + 0.05).
All domestic and international no-value indicator stamps purchased before the price increase will be accepted without additional stamps after the change. Old 1st and 2nd class no-value indicator stamps can still be used. Their value corresponds to the domestic no-value indicator stamp and will be EUR 1.60 as of August 30.
As of August 30, 2019, all weight classes will be priced in multiples of the no-value indicator stamp’s price. In the lightest class (1-50 g), the postage fee of a letter or postcard equals one no-value indicator stamp; in the next new weight class (51-250 g), the fee equals two no-value indicator stamps; and in the third weight class (251-1,000 g) the fee equals four no-value indicator stamps. In the heaviest weight class (up to 2 kg), the letter postage fee equals six no-value indicator stamps.
Åkerman reminds us that the postage fee covers the costs of the delivery network, and price increases are required in order to secure Posti’s universal service throughout the country. Mail volumes have decreased by 50 percent over the past ten years due to digitalization. The fewer items carried by each deliverer on each round, the higher the delivery cost of each individual item.
On a normal delivery day, mail delivery covers a total of 320,000 kilometers in the whole country. At the same time, the amount of items to deliver keeps decreasing at an accelerating pace, thanks to the expansion of digital services.
The new fees of all Mail Services can be reviewed on Posti’s website at www.posti.fi. The changes will not affect the prices of Posti’s contract customers.
Stamps may be purchased at approximately 3,200 postal agency shops or via Posti’s online shop at www.posti.fi/goshopping.
Source : https://www.posti.com/en/media/media-news/2019
Deutsche Post DHL Group and Austrian Post further collaborate in parcel markets of Slovakia and Czech Republic
July 30, 2019
In order to create profitable growth in the booming cross-border e-commerce business, the companies will collaborate in last-mile parcel delivery in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world's leading provider of mail and logistics services, strengthens its cooperation with Austrian Post in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
In order to create profitable growth in the booming cross-border e-commerce business, the companies will collaborate in last-mile parcel delivery in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Under the agreement, In Time s.r.o., a subsidiary of Austrian Post, will deliver parcels sent by DHL customers to Slovakia, while Deutsche Post DHL Group's Czech subsidiary, PPL CZ s.r.o. will deliver parcels sent by Austrian Post customers to Czech Republic. Both relationships are expected to begin in September 2019.
"After the collaboration with Austrian Post in Austria both parties decided to further use each other's delivery network as described in Slovakia and Czech Republic. With e-commerce on the rise and growing parcel volumes high quality and best-in-class customer experience in last-mile-delivery becomes increasingly a key differentiator and with this cooperation we will lay the right foundation for this", said Petr Horak, Managing Director PPL CZ s.r.o. & DHL Parcel Slovensko.
Customers will benefit from high-quality parcel delivery services, including short delivery times for shipments. The collaboration will thus allow both parties to create further profitable growth and tap the potential of the growing cross-border e-commerce business.
This agreement has no impact on the business activities of DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight and DHL Supply Chain in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
"We look forward to expanding our strategic partnership with DHL. We are confident that we will be able to convince the DHL customers thanks to our quality in last-mile-delivery and are pleased to have found a professional partner in the Czech Republic for our growing cross-border e-commerce business", added Carsten Wallmann, Senior Vice President Turkey and Central, Eastern Europe Parcel, Austrian Post.
Source : https://www.dpdhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2019
Whose curb is it, anyway?
July 26, 2019
What if, instead of driving around looking for a space, delivery drivers could reserve one ahead of time? Would that kind of system work, logistically? Would it keep deliveries out of bike lanes and from blocking traffic?
A new pilot program in DC by a company called curbFlow is trying to find out. Starting in August, nine curbside locations around the District will be available to reserve for commercial deliveries, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) recently announced. Commercial operators can reserve them for short-term deliveries, and curbFlow “ambassadors” are tasked with keeping them free for reserved use, though they lack ticketing authority.
The District of Columbia is the first jurisdiction to pilot the system. DDOT hopes to use the data gathered to help figure out the best strategies for allocating curbside space to promote safety as well as to reduce misuse of travel lanes, no parking zones, and other areas.
Where will the zones be?
The locations are spread throughout DC, though notably only west of the Anacostia River, and not downtown. There will be zones in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, the Wharf/Southwest Waterfront, Navy Yard, Capitol Hill, and H Street NE.
1200 block of 1st Street SE
1200 block of H Street NE
400 block of 8th Street SE
1100 block of 4th Street SW
300 block of Tingey Street SE
200 block of 3rd Street SE
700 block of Maine Ave. SW
1400 block of 20th St NW
1000 Block of Wisconsin Ave NW near M Street NW
Who can use the zones?
Commercial drivers delivering parcels, goods and small freight, along with couriers and on-demand delivery drivers, will be able to sign up to reserve specific zones at specific times. Personal vehicles being used for commercial purposes are eligible.
Touted by the company as “air traffic control for the curb,” the pilot is designed to develop a better picture of what a comprehensive curbside delivery zone program could look like, and how it could be sustained and be attractive to service providers and all road users. During the pilot it’s free for companies and drivers to make the reservations. The platform is designed for drivers to use in real time (though other staff can use it).
Don’t curb your enthusiasm (sorry)
Curbside delivery services have significantly increased in recent years, from UPS to UberEats. It’s important that the District is able to respond to this increase in demand for the curbside in a way that promotes sustainability, safety and active transportation. Can this approach help achieve that?
DDOT’s Director Jeff Marootian thinks it could. “During this pilot, DDOT expects to gain data on what the commercial delivery landscape really looks like in the District, and build on our current efforts to make data-driven decisions that maximize efficiency at the curbside.”
The initiative’s managers from both the public and private sides will have to grapple with a few key issues. Firstly, will operators respect this system and use it as intended?
Ali Vahabzadeh, curbFlow’s CEO, acknowledges the need for a shift in local driver culture. “There will be a learning curve. That is why we hired curb ambassadors to educate drivers on how to use the technology at each curbFlow for the pilot, as well as register new operators on the spot. Once people get used to the platform, it will become second nature.”
Asked if curbFlow will be able to successfully juggle potentially conflicting requests, Vahabzadeh responded: “Yes. Whomever requests the curbFlow first has priority, and local fleets have the same access to the booking system as major players like UPS. Keep in mind, deliveries of this nature are mostly very fast, so there will be a quick turnover of the space.”
What isn’t yet clear is what’s in it for the District if the pilot becomes a long-term arrangement—safer streets, more efficient traffic flows, or actual financial returns? After all, curbFlow is likely to gain reams of unique data from this initiative (and could of course decide to charge eventually). Can it be financially sustainable for the company, and for the District?
Weird science?
Getting the curbside right is tricky. Allocation of curb space determines the environment in which people make key choices, and those choices have downstream impacts. Where drivers can and do put their vehicles (officially sanctioned or not) changes the possibilities for people walking, using bikes, or riding buses—chiefly, what they feel safe doing.
Businesses’ access to deliveries is a key requirement for sustainable commercial districts. All these needs have to be considered and allocated priority in accordance with our values as a jurisdiction. But planners need large and rigorous data sets to make decisions that optimize that space, and that data has been historically scarce in the District as well as nationally.
Great planning can also help minimize conflicts between users. It should be super clear what spaces are for what purposes, and what the consequences are for misusing dedicated space. The pilot could yield some of the data and analysis required to implement changes that feel long overdue.
The taming of the curb
For a phrase that can induce a nap before you finish reading it, “curbside management” is a really effective way to change the nature of a city. A report published last month argued for more intentional allocation of curbside space in American cities, based on data in specific urban areas. It quoted “The Shared-Use City: Managing the Curb” in February 2018 as observing that most current knowledge about curbside demand is held by the private sector.
Our public sector needs to be better informed about where, when, and for which purposes our curbside spaces are being used, and to be in a position to compare that data to stated policy priorities, such as those expressed in Vision Zero and Sustainable DC.
The city’s leaders seem to be trying to embrace that potential. “This pilot project is another way that DDOT is working to explore innovative solutions to meet Mayor Bowser’s charge to address safety on our streets and reduce traffic congestion,” said DDOT’s Marootian.
No one really benefits from the “Wild West” default scenario of delivery trucks and couriers parking wherever, and authorities at times turning a blind eye because, well, we just haven’t figured out where these vehicles are supposed to go, even as they become ubiquitous. There are signs of a focused effort to strategize curbside use, with initiatives like the pick-up/drop-off (PUDO) zones and installment of more on-street Capital Bikeshare stations.
So it’s worth watching closely to see what information DDOT gets out of this experiment, and how it informs decisions about the use of this prime urban public space going forward.
Source : https://ggwash.org/view/73157
POSTAL NEWS
No 62 -2019
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
OMNIVA to service parcel lockers multiple times a day. August 01, 2019.
Le groupe La poste revenues up, but profits down.
July 31, 2019.
UPS forms subsidiary and applies for FAA certification to operate drone delivery unit. July 30 ,2019.
Accidentology at work affects the postmen more!
July 30, 2019.
Nicky Morgan MP Unveils Royal Mail’s First Parcel Postbox In Loughborough. July 29, 2019.
OMNIVA to service parcel lockers multiple times a day
August 1, 2019
Omniva will soon start servicing parcel locker installations several times a day.From 1 August, parcels will be delivered (and uncollected parcels taken away) from most parcel lockers more frequently. The most popular machines in Tallinn will also get an extra third serving round to provide even faster parcel service.
“With the new service logic, we will be able to issue about 20% more parcels via the parcel lockers in 24 hours,” - Omniva Parcel Machine Network Manager Evert Rööpson
Omniva’s parcel volumes have grown consistently over recent years. Parcel lockers have played an important part in dealing with the rising volumes - a significant portion of Omniva’s parcel deliveries go to its 250 parcel lockers across Estonia. It also operates a network of over 500 lockers in the Baltic states.
In addition to investments in last mile locker technology, Omniva has constructed a new logistics centre.
To allow for multiple fillings of parcel lockers, customers must collect their parcels quickly. There is no economy of scale in delivering only one or two parcels to a bank of lockers.
“This makes sense for Omniva’s customers who are less likely to experience an ‘APT full’ message… and will potentially have parcels delivered faster if an earlier collection allows their parcel to catch a cut-off time. Other parcel locker companies such as InPost also have multiple waves of APT visits, for the same reason.” - Marek Różycki, Managing Partner, Last Mile Experts
From August, the Omniva website will display only the times when the parcel machines are emptied. “We will start monitoring the level of use of each parcel machine and if we notice that any parcel machine is extra popular, then we will empty and fill it even several times a day,” Rööpson said.
Source : http://www.thepostalhub.com/blog
Le groupe La poste revenues up, but profits down
July 31, 2019
France’s Le Groupe La Poste has reported that its operating revenue for the first half of 2019 was up 4.5% on last year at €12,795 million, but operating profit was down by a third at €572 million.
In a statement issued today (31 July), the company said: “Our financial profits have been impacted by the continued fall in mail volumes and persistently low interest rates.
“At the same time, over the half year the Group has taken major steps forward in its strategic plan, with the creation of the large public financial unit, the consolidation of Asendia and a majority stake1 acquired in BRT, the leading Italian express parcel operator, announced today.
“The Group is also pursuing its investment programme to promote diversification and the development of all its business lines.”
Revenue for the Services-Mail-Parcels business unit totalled €6,122 million, up €351 million or +6.1% (-1.3% at constant scope and exchange rates).
The company added: “Operating profit for the Services-Mail-Parcels business unit decreased by 24.0% to €289 million (down 26.2% at constant scope and exchange rates), due to the fall in traditional mail, which was not offset by the Parcels operating profit nor by the positive contribution of new activities and acquisitions.”
Revenue for the GeoPost10 business unit increased by €252 million to €3,730 million. However, GeoPost’s operating profit was down 7.5% to €193 million. According to the Le Groupe La Poste: “This change is primarily due to a European backdrop characterised by Brexit and pressures on subcontracting costs in certain countries.”
Looking to the future, the French postal group expects to moderate growth and targeted savings: “Against the backdrop of a difficult macroeconomic environment, Le Groupe La Poste expects moderate organic growth of its revenue over the year. In the second half of 2019 and in 2020 it will seek to shore up its economic and financial results and maintain its investment capacity by rolling out a cross-entity Group savings programme for €300 million that will primarily target head office and Structures costs. It will also target reinforced investment prioritising (with -€100 million impact).”
Source : https://postandparcel.info/110179/news/parcel
UPS forms subsidiary and applies for FAA certification to operate drone delivery unit
July 30 ,2019
UPS has applied to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Part 135 certification to operate commercial drone flights in the UPS network under a subsidiary business called UPS Flight Forward Inc.
The new subsidiary is a recently incorporated business that could receive Part 135 certification as early as this year, putting UPS on track to have one of the first fully certified revenue-generating drone operations in the USA. This certification lays the foundation for drone flights beyond an operator’s visual line of sight and for flights occurring day or night. Such flights are highly restricted in the USA and approved only by exception.
“UPS is committed to using technology to transform the way we do business,” said Scott Price, UPS chief transformation and strategy officer. “UPS’s formation of a drone delivery company and application to begin regular operations under this level of certification is historic for UPS and for the drone and logistics industries In contrast to more-limited FAA certifications for drone flights for other companies, overall.”
, UPS Flight Forward would operate under the FAA’s full Part 135 certification, which conveys a legal designation to a company as a certified Air Carrier and Operator.
Currently, UPS is operating drone healthcare deliveries under a specific use-case under FAA Part 107 rules. In March, UPS initiated the first FAA-sanctioned use of a drone for routine revenue flights involving the transportation of a product under a contractual delivery agreement in the USA at WakeMed’s flagship hospital and campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this program, the company delivers medical samples via unmanned drones, supplementing a ground courier service. UPS has said it intends to expand its drone delivery service to other hospitals or campus settings.
Source : https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news
Accidentology at work affects the postmen more!
July 30, 2019
According to the figures published by La Poste in the 2018 social report, the number of accidents at work has dropped significantly between 2017 and 2018 by almost 1,000 accidents.
Although the figure of 8,434 accidents at work is decreasing, the percentage remains high in view of the steady decline in the workforce at La Poste. It should not be overlooked that these accidents are often related to, among other things, the hazardous working conditions in certain trades: sorting, distribution, delivery ... and particularly concerns handling, falls, traffic.
FO notes that women are the most affected by work-related accidents (5,056 against 3,378 for men) Note that they are more often partially or permanently incapacitated following a commuting accident (46 in 2018 for women and 27 for men, an increase of 22 for women and 5 for men.) The stress related to working conditions and the lack of personnel generate a work overload often responsible for these accidents. of the professional life on the personal life if it is not the major cause remains one of the causes of the accidentology.
Too often the imposed security measures appear inappropriate to the reality on the ground. Fortunately, representatives of the CHSCT (Health, Safety and Working Conditions Committee) regularly visit the sites to trace the real needs of agents. That's why FO condemns the planned suppression of CHSCTs in private and in the public!
FO advises all postal workers to alert activists and local representatives of any problems encountered with regard to health and safety at work and to note them on the health and safety handbook made available in all establishments. Activists and staff representatives will accompany you to improve your conditions in line with the reality of the field.
Source : http://www.focom-laposte.fr/
Nicky Morgan MP Unveils Royal Mail’s First Parcel Postbox In Loughborough
July 29, 2019
Nicky Morgan MP has unveiled one of Leicestershire’s first parcel postboxes on Prince William Road, Loughborough LU11 5GU, following the announcement earlier this year that Royal Mail is introducing the UK’s first ever parcel postboxes in locations across the UK.
The launch of parcels postboxes across the UK will see Royal Mail convert existing meter boxes (c.1,400 in total) to accept parcels posted in the same way that letters are today. The postboxes include a wider aperture and secure design. The initiative follows a successful trial of the boxes in 2018.
This is the first time parcel postboxes have been widely introduced in the UK, and the launch represents the first major change of use for the postbox since it was introduced 160 years ago. The launch of parcel postboxes is also one of the biggest innovations in parcels since the launch of Parcel Post in 1883.
The change means that small businesses and marketplace sellers can post pre-paid* parcels through securely designed parcel postboxes, in the same way that they currently post a letter. Customers will also be able to post some return parcels** at any time, seven days a week.
Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, Member of Parliament for Loughborough said “Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy and, given the changing way we shop and do business, with the rise of the internet and e-commerce, I welcome Royal Mail’s commitment to enable small businesses and marketplace sellers to post pre-paid parcels in the same way they currently post letters.”
Mark Street, Head of Campaigns at Royal Mail said: “The introduction of the first parcel postboxes in Loughborough means that customers can now send parcels with pre-paid postage and their returns in the same way that they do letters. The new parcel postboxes provide added flexibility to online sellers who might be running a business in their spare time and not keeping regular office hours.”
Source : https://www.royalmailgroup.com/en/press-centre/press-releases
No 61 -2019
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
Brazil’s postal workers announce strike beginning today. July 31, 2019.
Poste Italiane confirms 2019 outlook, introduces interim dividend. July 31, 2019.
Posti introduces new weight limits to domestic letters and changes pricing. July 30, 2019.
Deutsche Post DHL Group and Austrian Post further collaborate in parcel markets of Slovakia and Czech Republic. July 30, 2019.
Whose curb is it, anyway? July 26, 2019.
Brazil’s postal workers announce strike beginning today
July 31, 2019
Postal workers have announced a strike starting this Wednesday evening, July 31st. According to the National Federation of Workers of Mail and Telegraph Companies (FENTECT), the class held the last meeting planned in the calendar of negotiations with Brazil’s state-owned postal service Correios, in Brasília, on Tuesday morning, July 30th.
According to Fischer Moreira, FENTECT’s press secretary, the union is protesting against the “low salary readjustment and the removal of historical rights.” One of the changes proposed by the company is the exclusion of parents as dependents from the employees’ health plan and an increase in the co-participation in the plan, which today is about 30 percent. The proposed salary adjustment is 0.8 percent, which is considered an insignificant figure by the labor union federation.
The strike was announced to the president of the Correios, Floriano Peixoto, last Monday, July 29th. Despite the stoppage call, workers are not ruling out new negotiations. “Although there is a set date to strike, the command is still willing to negotiate. We understand the company’s current situation, but the workers’ side also needs to be considered,” says Moreira.
The Correios is a candidate for privatization, advocated by president Jair Bolsonaro. The government’s plans, for the time being, are to invest efforts in its welfare reform, while privatizations would be left for a later stage. Fischer Moreira claims that the government’s allied base in Congress, such as legislator Joice Hasselmann, discloses information on the company that “is not truthful.”
“Privatization will not necessarily lead to more affordable prices, including for remote regions, and the insecurity of services will be increased. We know that the ghost of privatization is here and we fight this prospect,” he says.
Correios spokespersons stated that they “continue to negotiate with employee delegations,” mediated by the Superior Labor Court, and that “it is not appropriate to negotiate a strike at this time.”
Source : https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/brazil
Poste Italiane confirms 2019 outlook, introduces interim dividend
July 31, 2019
Italian post office Poste confirmed its 2019 outlook after reporting a higher-than-expected second-quarter operating profit thanks to the strength of its insurance business and improvements at its loss-making mail and parcel division.
The group - which comprises an insurance and a financial division, the traditional mail & parcel business and a digital payments unit - said it would introduce an interim dividend on 2019 results to be paid in the fourth quarter of this year.
Under its business plan to 2022, the state-controlled company is investing in logistics to boost its parcel delivery business to offset the fall in traditional mail activity.
Under this strategy, Poste has recently clinched deals with e-commerce operators, including an exclusive agreement with online fashion retailer Zalando and the strengthening of a partnership with Amazon.
Total revenue rose 5.3% in April-June to 2.7 billion euros ($3 billion), with turnover at the insurance unit up 27% to 458 million euros.
Sales at the mail & parcel business rose 1.5% to 875 million euros. The digital payments division also contributed to revenue growth, while sales of financial services were flat.
Earnings before interest and tax rose 32.5% to 464 million euros in the period, beating an analyst consensus of 401 million euros provided by the company.
Solvency II ratio at Poste’s insurance division, a closely watched measure of financial strength, was 242% at the end of June, up from 214% at the end of March. ($1 = 0.8961 euros) (Reporting by Francesca Landini; Editing by Susan Fenton).
Source : https://www.reuters.com/article/poste-results
Posti introduces new weight limits to domestic letters and changes pricing
July 30, 2019
Posti is simplifying its price list for cash-paid domestic letters. As of the end of August, letters will be divided into four weight classes (in grams) instead of the six classes used earlier. At the same time, changes will be made to letter postage fees: price increases in some weight classes and decreases in others.
- Stamps are increasingly bought in sales points other than Posti’s shops, such as grocery stores, kiosks or Posti’s online shop. A clearer price list is a benefit of the update, says Tuija Åkerman from Posti’s Consumer Mail Business Unit.
Letter postage fees increase in some weight classes, decrease in others
- The Finnish consumer spends, on average, less than EUR 20 per year on letter postage fees. In relation to this, the new prices entail an increase of just over one euro, i.e. less than one domestic stamp (EUR 1.60), per year, Tuija Åkerman explains.
The price of a domestic card or letter weighing no more than 50 g will be EUR 1.60 as of August 30, 2019 (EUR +0.10). The price of a Priority class international card or letter weighing no more than 20 g will be EUR 1.70 as of August 30, 2019 (EUR +0.10). In weight classes heavier than 500 g, the prices of domestic letters will decrease; for example, the price of a domestic letter in the heaviest weight class (1,001–2,000 g) will be EUR 9.60 as of August 30, 2019 (EUR -5.40). The price of Christmas greetings will increase to EUR 1.10 (EUR + 0.05).
All domestic and international no-value indicator stamps purchased before the price increase will be accepted without additional stamps after the change. Old 1st and 2nd class no-value indicator stamps can still be used. Their value corresponds to the domestic no-value indicator stamp and will be EUR 1.60 as of August 30.
As of August 30, 2019, all weight classes will be priced in multiples of the no-value indicator stamp’s price. In the lightest class (1-50 g), the postage fee of a letter or postcard equals one no-value indicator stamp; in the next new weight class (51-250 g), the fee equals two no-value indicator stamps; and in the third weight class (251-1,000 g) the fee equals four no-value indicator stamps. In the heaviest weight class (up to 2 kg), the letter postage fee equals six no-value indicator stamps.
Åkerman reminds us that the postage fee covers the costs of the delivery network, and price increases are required in order to secure Posti’s universal service throughout the country. Mail volumes have decreased by 50 percent over the past ten years due to digitalization. The fewer items carried by each deliverer on each round, the higher the delivery cost of each individual item.
On a normal delivery day, mail delivery covers a total of 320,000 kilometers in the whole country. At the same time, the amount of items to deliver keeps decreasing at an accelerating pace, thanks to the expansion of digital services.
The new fees of all Mail Services can be reviewed on Posti’s website at www.posti.fi. The changes will not affect the prices of Posti’s contract customers.
Stamps may be purchased at approximately 3,200 postal agency shops or via Posti’s online shop at www.posti.fi/goshopping.
Source : https://www.posti.com/en/media/media-news/2019
Deutsche Post DHL Group and Austrian Post further collaborate in parcel markets of Slovakia and Czech Republic
July 30, 2019
In order to create profitable growth in the booming cross-border e-commerce business, the companies will collaborate in last-mile parcel delivery in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world's leading provider of mail and logistics services, strengthens its cooperation with Austrian Post in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
In order to create profitable growth in the booming cross-border e-commerce business, the companies will collaborate in last-mile parcel delivery in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
Under the agreement, In Time s.r.o., a subsidiary of Austrian Post, will deliver parcels sent by DHL customers to Slovakia, while Deutsche Post DHL Group's Czech subsidiary, PPL CZ s.r.o. will deliver parcels sent by Austrian Post customers to Czech Republic. Both relationships are expected to begin in September 2019.
"After the collaboration with Austrian Post in Austria both parties decided to further use each other's delivery network as described in Slovakia and Czech Republic. With e-commerce on the rise and growing parcel volumes high quality and best-in-class customer experience in last-mile-delivery becomes increasingly a key differentiator and with this cooperation we will lay the right foundation for this", said Petr Horak, Managing Director PPL CZ s.r.o. & DHL Parcel Slovensko.
Customers will benefit from high-quality parcel delivery services, including short delivery times for shipments. The collaboration will thus allow both parties to create further profitable growth and tap the potential of the growing cross-border e-commerce business.
This agreement has no impact on the business activities of DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight and DHL Supply Chain in Slovakia and Czech Republic.
"We look forward to expanding our strategic partnership with DHL. We are confident that we will be able to convince the DHL customers thanks to our quality in last-mile-delivery and are pleased to have found a professional partner in the Czech Republic for our growing cross-border e-commerce business", added Carsten Wallmann, Senior Vice President Turkey and Central, Eastern Europe Parcel, Austrian Post.
Source : https://www.dpdhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2019
Whose curb is it, anyway?
July 26, 2019
What if, instead of driving around looking for a space, delivery drivers could reserve one ahead of time? Would that kind of system work, logistically? Would it keep deliveries out of bike lanes and from blocking traffic?
A new pilot program in DC by a company called curbFlow is trying to find out. Starting in August, nine curbside locations around the District will be available to reserve for commercial deliveries, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) recently announced. Commercial operators can reserve them for short-term deliveries, and curbFlow “ambassadors” are tasked with keeping them free for reserved use, though they lack ticketing authority.
The District of Columbia is the first jurisdiction to pilot the system. DDOT hopes to use the data gathered to help figure out the best strategies for allocating curbside space to promote safety as well as to reduce misuse of travel lanes, no parking zones, and other areas.
Where will the zones be?
The locations are spread throughout DC, though notably only west of the Anacostia River, and not downtown. There will be zones in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, the Wharf/Southwest Waterfront, Navy Yard, Capitol Hill, and H Street NE.
1200 block of 1st Street SE
1200 block of H Street NE
400 block of 8th Street SE
1100 block of 4th Street SW
300 block of Tingey Street SE
200 block of 3rd Street SE
700 block of Maine Ave. SW
1400 block of 20th St NW
1000 Block of Wisconsin Ave NW near M Street NW
Who can use the zones?
Commercial drivers delivering parcels, goods and small freight, along with couriers and on-demand delivery drivers, will be able to sign up to reserve specific zones at specific times. Personal vehicles being used for commercial purposes are eligible.
Touted by the company as “air traffic control for the curb,” the pilot is designed to develop a better picture of what a comprehensive curbside delivery zone program could look like, and how it could be sustained and be attractive to service providers and all road users. During the pilot it’s free for companies and drivers to make the reservations. The platform is designed for drivers to use in real time (though other staff can use it).
Don’t curb your enthusiasm (sorry)
Curbside delivery services have significantly increased in recent years, from UPS to UberEats. It’s important that the District is able to respond to this increase in demand for the curbside in a way that promotes sustainability, safety and active transportation. Can this approach help achieve that?
DDOT’s Director Jeff Marootian thinks it could. “During this pilot, DDOT expects to gain data on what the commercial delivery landscape really looks like in the District, and build on our current efforts to make data-driven decisions that maximize efficiency at the curbside.”
The initiative’s managers from both the public and private sides will have to grapple with a few key issues. Firstly, will operators respect this system and use it as intended?
Ali Vahabzadeh, curbFlow’s CEO, acknowledges the need for a shift in local driver culture. “There will be a learning curve. That is why we hired curb ambassadors to educate drivers on how to use the technology at each curbFlow for the pilot, as well as register new operators on the spot. Once people get used to the platform, it will become second nature.”
Asked if curbFlow will be able to successfully juggle potentially conflicting requests, Vahabzadeh responded: “Yes. Whomever requests the curbFlow first has priority, and local fleets have the same access to the booking system as major players like UPS. Keep in mind, deliveries of this nature are mostly very fast, so there will be a quick turnover of the space.”
What isn’t yet clear is what’s in it for the District if the pilot becomes a long-term arrangement—safer streets, more efficient traffic flows, or actual financial returns? After all, curbFlow is likely to gain reams of unique data from this initiative (and could of course decide to charge eventually). Can it be financially sustainable for the company, and for the District?
Weird science?
Getting the curbside right is tricky. Allocation of curb space determines the environment in which people make key choices, and those choices have downstream impacts. Where drivers can and do put their vehicles (officially sanctioned or not) changes the possibilities for people walking, using bikes, or riding buses—chiefly, what they feel safe doing.
Businesses’ access to deliveries is a key requirement for sustainable commercial districts. All these needs have to be considered and allocated priority in accordance with our values as a jurisdiction. But planners need large and rigorous data sets to make decisions that optimize that space, and that data has been historically scarce in the District as well as nationally.
Great planning can also help minimize conflicts between users. It should be super clear what spaces are for what purposes, and what the consequences are for misusing dedicated space. The pilot could yield some of the data and analysis required to implement changes that feel long overdue.
The taming of the curb
For a phrase that can induce a nap before you finish reading it, “curbside management” is a really effective way to change the nature of a city. A report published last month argued for more intentional allocation of curbside space in American cities, based on data in specific urban areas. It quoted “The Shared-Use City: Managing the Curb” in February 2018 as observing that most current knowledge about curbside demand is held by the private sector.
Our public sector needs to be better informed about where, when, and for which purposes our curbside spaces are being used, and to be in a position to compare that data to stated policy priorities, such as those expressed in Vision Zero and Sustainable DC.
The city’s leaders seem to be trying to embrace that potential. “This pilot project is another way that DDOT is working to explore innovative solutions to meet Mayor Bowser’s charge to address safety on our streets and reduce traffic congestion,” said DDOT’s Marootian.
No one really benefits from the “Wild West” default scenario of delivery trucks and couriers parking wherever, and authorities at times turning a blind eye because, well, we just haven’t figured out where these vehicles are supposed to go, even as they become ubiquitous. There are signs of a focused effort to strategize curbside use, with initiatives like the pick-up/drop-off (PUDO) zones and installment of more on-street Capital Bikeshare stations.
So it’s worth watching closely to see what information DDOT gets out of this experiment, and how it informs decisions about the use of this prime urban public space going forward.
Source : https://ggwash.org/view/73157
POSTAL NEWS
No 62 -2019
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
OMNIVA to service parcel lockers multiple times a day. August 01, 2019.
Le groupe La poste revenues up, but profits down.
July 31, 2019.
UPS forms subsidiary and applies for FAA certification to operate drone delivery unit. July 30 ,2019.
Accidentology at work affects the postmen more!
July 30, 2019.
Nicky Morgan MP Unveils Royal Mail’s First Parcel Postbox In Loughborough. July 29, 2019.
OMNIVA to service parcel lockers multiple times a day
August 1, 2019
Omniva will soon start servicing parcel locker installations several times a day.From 1 August, parcels will be delivered (and uncollected parcels taken away) from most parcel lockers more frequently. The most popular machines in Tallinn will also get an extra third serving round to provide even faster parcel service.
“With the new service logic, we will be able to issue about 20% more parcels via the parcel lockers in 24 hours,” - Omniva Parcel Machine Network Manager Evert Rööpson
Omniva’s parcel volumes have grown consistently over recent years. Parcel lockers have played an important part in dealing with the rising volumes - a significant portion of Omniva’s parcel deliveries go to its 250 parcel lockers across Estonia. It also operates a network of over 500 lockers in the Baltic states.
In addition to investments in last mile locker technology, Omniva has constructed a new logistics centre.
To allow for multiple fillings of parcel lockers, customers must collect their parcels quickly. There is no economy of scale in delivering only one or two parcels to a bank of lockers.
“This makes sense for Omniva’s customers who are less likely to experience an ‘APT full’ message… and will potentially have parcels delivered faster if an earlier collection allows their parcel to catch a cut-off time. Other parcel locker companies such as InPost also have multiple waves of APT visits, for the same reason.” - Marek Różycki, Managing Partner, Last Mile Experts
From August, the Omniva website will display only the times when the parcel machines are emptied. “We will start monitoring the level of use of each parcel machine and if we notice that any parcel machine is extra popular, then we will empty and fill it even several times a day,” Rööpson said.
Source : http://www.thepostalhub.com/blog
Le groupe La poste revenues up, but profits down
July 31, 2019
France’s Le Groupe La Poste has reported that its operating revenue for the first half of 2019 was up 4.5% on last year at €12,795 million, but operating profit was down by a third at €572 million.
In a statement issued today (31 July), the company said: “Our financial profits have been impacted by the continued fall in mail volumes and persistently low interest rates.
“At the same time, over the half year the Group has taken major steps forward in its strategic plan, with the creation of the large public financial unit, the consolidation of Asendia and a majority stake1 acquired in BRT, the leading Italian express parcel operator, announced today.
“The Group is also pursuing its investment programme to promote diversification and the development of all its business lines.”
Revenue for the Services-Mail-Parcels business unit totalled €6,122 million, up €351 million or +6.1% (-1.3% at constant scope and exchange rates).
The company added: “Operating profit for the Services-Mail-Parcels business unit decreased by 24.0% to €289 million (down 26.2% at constant scope and exchange rates), due to the fall in traditional mail, which was not offset by the Parcels operating profit nor by the positive contribution of new activities and acquisitions.”
Revenue for the GeoPost10 business unit increased by €252 million to €3,730 million. However, GeoPost’s operating profit was down 7.5% to €193 million. According to the Le Groupe La Poste: “This change is primarily due to a European backdrop characterised by Brexit and pressures on subcontracting costs in certain countries.”
Looking to the future, the French postal group expects to moderate growth and targeted savings: “Against the backdrop of a difficult macroeconomic environment, Le Groupe La Poste expects moderate organic growth of its revenue over the year. In the second half of 2019 and in 2020 it will seek to shore up its economic and financial results and maintain its investment capacity by rolling out a cross-entity Group savings programme for €300 million that will primarily target head office and Structures costs. It will also target reinforced investment prioritising (with -€100 million impact).”
Source : https://postandparcel.info/110179/news/parcel
UPS forms subsidiary and applies for FAA certification to operate drone delivery unit
July 30 ,2019
UPS has applied to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Part 135 certification to operate commercial drone flights in the UPS network under a subsidiary business called UPS Flight Forward Inc.
The new subsidiary is a recently incorporated business that could receive Part 135 certification as early as this year, putting UPS on track to have one of the first fully certified revenue-generating drone operations in the USA. This certification lays the foundation for drone flights beyond an operator’s visual line of sight and for flights occurring day or night. Such flights are highly restricted in the USA and approved only by exception.
“UPS is committed to using technology to transform the way we do business,” said Scott Price, UPS chief transformation and strategy officer. “UPS’s formation of a drone delivery company and application to begin regular operations under this level of certification is historic for UPS and for the drone and logistics industries In contrast to more-limited FAA certifications for drone flights for other companies, overall.”
, UPS Flight Forward would operate under the FAA’s full Part 135 certification, which conveys a legal designation to a company as a certified Air Carrier and Operator.
Currently, UPS is operating drone healthcare deliveries under a specific use-case under FAA Part 107 rules. In March, UPS initiated the first FAA-sanctioned use of a drone for routine revenue flights involving the transportation of a product under a contractual delivery agreement in the USA at WakeMed’s flagship hospital and campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this program, the company delivers medical samples via unmanned drones, supplementing a ground courier service. UPS has said it intends to expand its drone delivery service to other hospitals or campus settings.
Source : https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news
Accidentology at work affects the postmen more!
July 30, 2019
According to the figures published by La Poste in the 2018 social report, the number of accidents at work has dropped significantly between 2017 and 2018 by almost 1,000 accidents.
Although the figure of 8,434 accidents at work is decreasing, the percentage remains high in view of the steady decline in the workforce at La Poste. It should not be overlooked that these accidents are often related to, among other things, the hazardous working conditions in certain trades: sorting, distribution, delivery ... and particularly concerns handling, falls, traffic.
FO notes that women are the most affected by work-related accidents (5,056 against 3,378 for men) Note that they are more often partially or permanently incapacitated following a commuting accident (46 in 2018 for women and 27 for men, an increase of 22 for women and 5 for men.) The stress related to working conditions and the lack of personnel generate a work overload often responsible for these accidents. of the professional life on the personal life if it is not the major cause remains one of the causes of the accidentology.
Too often the imposed security measures appear inappropriate to the reality on the ground. Fortunately, representatives of the CHSCT (Health, Safety and Working Conditions Committee) regularly visit the sites to trace the real needs of agents. That's why FO condemns the planned suppression of CHSCTs in private and in the public!
FO advises all postal workers to alert activists and local representatives of any problems encountered with regard to health and safety at work and to note them on the health and safety handbook made available in all establishments. Activists and staff representatives will accompany you to improve your conditions in line with the reality of the field.
Source : http://www.focom-laposte.fr/
Nicky Morgan MP Unveils Royal Mail’s First Parcel Postbox In Loughborough
July 29, 2019
Nicky Morgan MP has unveiled one of Leicestershire’s first parcel postboxes on Prince William Road, Loughborough LU11 5GU, following the announcement earlier this year that Royal Mail is introducing the UK’s first ever parcel postboxes in locations across the UK.
The launch of parcels postboxes across the UK will see Royal Mail convert existing meter boxes (c.1,400 in total) to accept parcels posted in the same way that letters are today. The postboxes include a wider aperture and secure design. The initiative follows a successful trial of the boxes in 2018.
This is the first time parcel postboxes have been widely introduced in the UK, and the launch represents the first major change of use for the postbox since it was introduced 160 years ago. The launch of parcel postboxes is also one of the biggest innovations in parcels since the launch of Parcel Post in 1883.
The change means that small businesses and marketplace sellers can post pre-paid* parcels through securely designed parcel postboxes, in the same way that they currently post a letter. Customers will also be able to post some return parcels** at any time, seven days a week.
Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, Member of Parliament for Loughborough said “Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy and, given the changing way we shop and do business, with the rise of the internet and e-commerce, I welcome Royal Mail’s commitment to enable small businesses and marketplace sellers to post pre-paid parcels in the same way they currently post letters.”
Mark Street, Head of Campaigns at Royal Mail said: “The introduction of the first parcel postboxes in Loughborough means that customers can now send parcels with pre-paid postage and their returns in the same way that they do letters. The new parcel postboxes provide added flexibility to online sellers who might be running a business in their spare time and not keeping regular office hours.”
Source : https://www.royalmailgroup.com/en/press-centre/press-releases