POSTAL NEWS No 56- 2022
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
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1. Locky (CTT) parcel lockers in Galp filling stations
July 15, 2022
Parcel locker network Locky has signed a deal to install around 90 lockers at Galp filling stations across Portugal.
The parcel lockers installed at Galp filling
stations will be accessible
to the general public, 24 hours a
day.
Locky is the joint venture between CTT and YunExpress, with CTT holding a 66% stake. All CTT lockers are now under the Locky brand, which already boasts over 350 lockers located in retail chains, supermarkets,
shopping centres, university campuses, car parks, hospitals and more.
Galp is implementing a new store concept with a renewed offer of services and products. Installing parcel lockers fits in with this new strategy.
Locky aims to install 1,000 lockers across the Iberian peninsula by the end of this year. Source : http://www.thepostalhub.com/blog/ctt-locky-galp-parcel-lockers-filling-stations
2. NPMHU and USPS reach agreement on pilot program to return THS work to the mail handler craft
July 14, 2022
The 2019 National Agreement includes a MOU on subcontracting, part of which states the following: “Under the 2019 National Agreement, the parties commit to re- establishing their Subcontracting Committee and continuing their discussions about the possibility of returning mail handler work from the Surface Transportation Centers (STC), Mail Transport Equipment Service Centers (MTESC) and the bedloading project.
The Committee will consider all relevant factors when discussing the issue outlined above, to include cost, operational efficiency, availability of equipment, and qualification of employees. In addition, any MHA employees utilized as referenced in paragraph 1 will not count against existing non-career caps.”
Based on this MOU, the parties at the National level have been engaged in ongoing discussions about these subjects as well as other subcontracted work. Most recently, discussions have been focused on the Terminal Handling Services which has been subcontracted in most locations since 2001.
We are pleased to announce that the National parties have reached their first agreement on insourcing or returning some of the terminal handling service work to the mail handler craft starting with a one-year pilot program in certain postal facilities. The first installation where the THS work will be returned to postal operations at the West Valley P&DC in Phoenix, AZ. The details of this pilot program is outlined on the attached Memorandum of Understanding.
Although much of the information obtained and being discussed by the NPMHU is subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, should you have any questions on these matters, please do not hesitate to contact the National CAD.
Source : https://www.npmhu.org/media/news/npmhu-usps-reach-agreement-on-returning-ths- work-to-the-mail-handler-craft
3. The power of packaging: Canada Post takes the lead in circularity
July 13, 2022
Online shoppers are more focused than ever on not only the products they buy, but also the environmental impacts of the packaging in which they come. That’s why Canada Post has taken several steps to support businesses in their efforts to improve packaging practices. The post created a packaging guide for merchants and teamed with Nespresso Canada to support its coffee capsule recycling programme.
“Savvy merchants
who understand the power of packaging know the value of learning
how to optimize it, learning they can apply straight to their bottom line,” the post said in its guide called Mastering Your E-Commerce Operations.
The guide shares with merchants valuable
information on shipping costs and materials, as well as tools for optimizing e-commerce packaging, focusing on sustainability, and improving customer experience.
Packaging choices can keep shipping costs in check, protect products, improve delivery speed, build customer loyalty, and help acquire new business, the post says.
“However, the opposite is also true,” the guide explains. “Failing to pay attention to packaging can yield consequences no merchant wants to face. It can add costs, jeopardize operations, and turn away customers.”
The guide helps merchants choose packaging materials and best practices with pros and cons of various methods. It also provides tips for branding and information on environmental impact, such as offering clear recycling instructions for customers and the benefits of using less multi-material packaging, which is harder to recycle.
The focus on sustainability can translate to customer loyalty, according to results from a Canada Post survey that gauged online shoppers’ attitudes toward packaging and the environment.
It revealed that 41 percent of shoppers will shop more from retailers who promote an environmental cause, and 53 percent say they will shop more from retailers who try to reduce shipping packaging.
Excessive shipping packaging is a top source of environmental waste, according to Canada Post, and shoppers are taking note.
“The environment is becoming an increasingly important concern for customers, and merchants that take proactive steps to address that concern are positioning themselves well for the future,” the post said.
Companies such as Nespresso Canada have taken this to heart. Nespresso has partnered with Canada Post in a coffee capsule recycling programme.
In certain regions of Canada, customers can return used aluminium capsules in a free, recyclable bag that can be dropped off at Canada Post offices or post boxes.
Both the coffee grounds and aluminium capsules are then recycled at no cost to customers. The coffee grounds are used in compost for farming, and the aluminium capsules, which are infinitely recyclable, are repurposed, the company said in a press release about the programme.
"We are delighted to partner with Nespresso Canada and to help it achieve its goals," said Canada Post's Vice-President, Parcels and International Business. "We take great pride in helping Canadian businesses grow, and in offering more convenience to busy Canadians."
Source : https://www.upu.int/en/News/2022/6/The-power-of-packaging-Canada-Post-takes- the-lead-in-circularity
4. CitySprint to recruit more than 500 new couriers
July 13, 2022
Same day distribution company CitySprint has announced that it will hire 550 additional couriers across the UK, with the company focussing primarily on those with small and large vans.
The new couriers will be added to the pool of over 3,500 vans, bikes and cars, as CitySprint continues to grow its business and win new clients. They will provide support across all areas of the business, with a focus on the high-growth healthcare sector.
The demand for couriers comes as a rise in e-commerce orders outweighs delivery capacity.
Mark Footman, Chief Operating Officer at CitySprint said: “As a business, we have enjoyed another year of considerable growth — winning new clients and, most recently, acquiring Manchester-based same day courier company, EcoSpeed.
“We are committed to providing our 14,000+ clients with the best possible service all year round, which is why we’re bolstering the fleet to ensure we are prepared to face anything that comes our way over the busy summer months. We look forward to welcoming new suppliers on board, to help us deliver on these promises and stay ahead of our competitors.”
Source : https://www.logisticsmanager.com/citysprint-to-recruit-more-than-500-new-couriers/
5. PHLPost commits to digital transformation with new partnership
July 11, 2022
The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) has partnered with UBX, the open finance platform in the Philippines, to launch “Kasama Lahat”, a capacity development project which will transform the country’s premier postal agency into a modern hub that offers financial and data services for everyone in the community.
Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio and UBX President John Januzczak signed the agreement that will transform each post office outlet as community financial centers, promoting financial inclusion, especially in far-flung areas of the country.
“The Post Office Digital Innovation signifies the commitment and support of the Post Office especially under the new administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in serving the public who deserve no less than the best postal service by global standards’, Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said.
Under the partnership, UBX will provide
the necessary technical
knowledge in digital finance and open finance to hasten the Post Office’s
digital transformation journey. With its ubiquity and reach, the Post Office is well-positioned to provide
the customers necessary
financial services, through
its network in cities and municipalities nationwide.
Through the Bangko sa Barangay Service of UBX, the Post Office will be able to transform thousands of its outlets nationwide into financial hubs, offering various types of services such as disbursements, fund transfers, cash withdrawals, loan applications, payments, insurance, and collections, among others.
The Philippine Post Office has approximately over 1,300 outlets across the country.
“This groundbreaking partnership with the Post Office reflects our strong commitment to include everyone into the country’s financial system. With its reach and data, the Post Office
has the power to drive financial and social inclusion through its digital transformation initiative,” UBX President John Januzczak said.
Aside from transforming each postal outlet as community financial centers, the partnership will also empower postmen or letter carriers to become cash agents. They will be trained to provide guidance on how to apply for financial products and services, as well as to supervise the provision of these services.
In the long term, Kasama Lahat aims to establish the Post Office as Open Finance Hubs, which can process data transactions as well, such as validation of customer information for loan applications, asset validation, and even collection or debt restructuring services.
Since it was established in 2019, i2i, an open finance and payments platform, has been connecting institutions, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the country’s financial ecosystems. Now with thousands of agents and hundreds of financial institutions, it provides fund transfers, bills payments, mobile ATM, insurance, and loan services which anyone can access in various banks and merchant locations nationwide.
Millions of Filipinos have been integrated into digital finance through i2i, paving the way forward to the future of open finance. Its Bangko sa Barangay service, which was launched in July of last year, turned branch networks and agent pools to become financial service providers in their communities capable of providing financial and data transactions.
These services, under Kasama Lahat, aim to transform the Post Office by putting customers to the fore by creating and innovating products and services to meet their demands, shifting the agency to a sustainable business culture, reviewing, and proposing amendments to the Post Office Charter (RA 7354), and overall contributing to social inclusion in the Philippines.
With this partnership, the Post Office will also be able to establish a product line which will establish its financial independence from the budget provisioned by the government, giving the postal agency a more sustainable business culture. The profit margins will also allow it to continue its vision of modernization.
“Our digital transformation journey, powered by UBX, allows us to diversify our services beyond the Filipino people’s postal needs. With our network of over 1,300 outlets and more than 3,500 postmen, we are in a unique position to provide financial services that promote both financial and social inclusion in the country,” Post Office Postmaster General Normal Fulgencio said.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows that 47 percent of Filipino adults are still unbanked. The government aims to include at least 70 percent of Filipino adults to the country’s financial system by 2023.
“The challenge for both the public and private sectors to drive financial inclusion is daunting and it requires a strong sense of commitment and partnership to achieve this. Our partnership with the Post Office is just an example of meaningful ways to bring financial services closer to Filipinos,” Januszczak said.
Source: https://postandparcel.info/149057/news/e-commerce/phlpost-commits-to-digital- transformation-with-new-partnership/
Click here to read Archive June 2022
POSTAL NEWS No 55- 2022
Formulated by UNI Apro Post and Logistics Sector
|
1. USPS “simplifies product offerings”
July 15, 2022
The US Postal Service has filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) certain classification
changes designed to enhance and expand the First-Class Package Service (FCPS) product. This will simplify three
of the USPS ground shipping options into one.
USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground will be incorporated into
one enhanced FCPS product.
“We are improving service and simplifying product offerings for our customers,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “By upgrading the customer experience and optimizing our package processing and surface transportation networks, we are becoming the best option in the industry.”
The changes are in keeping with the Delivering for America 10-year plan to achieve financial stability and service
excellence, defined as meeting or exceeding 95 percent on-time delivery across all product categories.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.
Source : https://postandparcel.info/149115/news/e-commerce/usps-simplifies-product- offerings/
2. Postmen now deliver coffee with the newspaper
July 14, 2022
From this month Nespresso drinkers can count on bpost to deliver their coffee capsules and take away their used capsules.
Nespresso has entered into a partnership with bpost
for the delivery and pick-up of
capsules at end customers. The two companies were attracted by each other’s
concern for the environment. Nespresso aims to take back and recycle every used capsule. In the logistics industry bpost wants to take a leading role in terms of sustainability. “We are the go-to company for customers when it comes to creating
eco-friendly personalized logistical solutions. So we are delighted
to be able to
offer this service to Nespresso customers,” says Dirk Tirez, CEO bpost.
Coffee drinkers can pop their used capsules into green recycling bags and hand them to the postman or drop them off at their nearest post office. Customers receive these recycling bags when they order new capsules. This new bpost service is good news for Nespresso coffee drinkers, as they no longer need to go to the Nespresso store or wait for their next order to be delivered to hand over their used capsules. This saves consumers time and improves the circular flow of capsules. bpost takes responsibility for picking up the capsules and taking them to the recycling company.
As well as picking up capsules, the postmen also deliver Nespresso orders (including capsules, machines and cleaning products) to homes from Monday to Saturday. Orders that are placed before 23:00 are delivered next day. Deliveries can be made during the day and between 18:00 and 22:00.
Says Oliver Perquy, CEO Nespresso Belgium: “Nespresso is constantly looking for solutions and partners that meet the expectations of customers and match the quality of our services. As a B Corp company we aim to be a force for good for the planet and the communities in which we are active. This partnership with bpost offers our customers a new environmentally friendly delivery option. Nespresso capsules will now be delivered to our customers’ homes by a familiar face. Our customers can also opt for delivery to one of the 2500 bpost pick-up points or bpost parcel locker locations, which are open 24/7. That enables us to cut carbon emissions by around 30% compared with home delivery. Furthermore, our customers can now have their parcel delivered according to their preferences if they are not home.
Source : https://press.bpost.be/mail-carriers-now-deliver-coffee-with-the-newspaper
3. GeoPost/DPDgroup unveils net-zero targets
July 13, 2022
Parcel delivery firm DPD UK has welcomed plans by its parent GeoPost/DPDgroup for net-zero targets.
GeoPost/DPDgroup has submitted both a near-term decarbonization and a long-term net-zero target for approval by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). The group aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 and has committed to reduce its Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 43% by 2030 and 90% by 2040 from a 2020 baseline.
SBTi provides companies with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. GeoPost/DPDgroup expects to achieve SBTi approval in early 2023.
In the UK, DPD is focusing on the rapid decarbonization of its delivery fleet with 3,000 electric vehicles on the road this year and plans for 5,000 by the end of 2023. By the end of next year, DPD will be carrying out electric-vehicle-only delivery to 30 major towns and cities in the UK.
DPD will also be announcing major decarbonization initiatives this year on lorry fleet and company cars. In addition, DPD UK is powered by 100% renewable energy – only buying electricity from renewable sources – and DPD’s largest sortation facilities now run fully on solar power during the day.
Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, commented, “We welcome
this announcement from DPDgroup and are very proud to be part of a Europe-wide, verified
commitment to net-zero.
This is a key step on that road and demonstrates GeoPost/DPDgroup’s ambition to lead on
net-zero emissions in the global
parcel delivery market.
“Our aim is to be the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK and we are delighted to confirm the pathway that we are taking to ensure we achieve that, while also fully supporting the group-wide net-zero initiative. We are confident that we are well on the way to a net-zero future in the UK.”
Source:https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news/sustainability/geopost- dpdgroup-unveils-net-zero-targets.html
4. Royal Mail commits to global science-based standards for emissions reduction targets
July 12, 2022
Royal Mail has made a formal commitment to global science-based emissions reduction targets as it builds on its position as the greenest parcel delivery company in the UK*.
As part of its drive to minimise its impact on the environment and cut emissions, Royal Mail has signed up to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) - the internationally recognised standard in independently assessed corporate emissions reporting.
The SBTi will help Royal Mail set a robust evidence-backed path to achieve its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, bringing its CO2 emissions reduction targets in line with the UN Paris Climate Agreement and the need to limit global warning to 1.5°C.
Royal Mail is already the greenest option for delivering parcels, based on competitors’ reported emissions*. With its ‘feet on the street’ network, the business’s 90,000 posties walk over a billion steps a day, delivering to 31 million addresses across the country.
Through its ambitious Steps to Zero plan, Royal Mail has pledged to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025/26 and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, from a 2020/1 base year.
The business has set a
long-term target to reduce its average emissions
per parcel from 205gCO2e today to 50gCO2e – about the same
as making a cup of tea with
milk.
Greg Sage, Deputy Director Corporate Affairs and ESG, Royal Mail, said: “We have a clear plan in place to limit our environmental impact – from electrifying our fleet and upgrading our buildings to increasing our use of rail and reducing reliance on domestic flights - but we want to go further and faster.
“Our commitment to rigorous, globally recognised science-based targets will support us on our journey to become net zero by 2040, as we transform Royal Mail to provide a more sustainable service for the customers and communities we serve.”
Source : https://www.royalmailgroup.com/en/press-centre/press-releases/royal-mail- group/royal-mail-commits-to-global-science-based-standards-for-emissions- reduction-targets/
5. ‘Most solid strike yet’ by Crown Post Office workers
July 11, 2022
CWU representatives around the UK report strengthening support for the union’s fair pay fight, with Crown Offices shut for the day and ‘good luck’ messages to pickets from the public.
Picket lines appeared at Post Offices across the UK today, as fed-up counter staff took their third day of strike action in their ongoing struggle to ensure they and their families get a fair reward for their hard work and dedication to the public, as well as a financial recognition of the harsh effects of the sharp rise in the cost of living. CWU News spoke with some of our CWU representatives from different parts of the country as they looked back on another day of industrial action.
“Today’s gone even better than I’d expected,” said Neil Barry, North West & North Wales Area rep for Post Office workers, after a morning’s picketing at Prestwich Post Office in Manchester. “Across my patch, although the Post Office have been using more managers to try to keep some offices open, there have actually been more staff on strike this time than the previous strike days.
“But even the offices where managers have been sent to, many of them have only managed to open for a limited time today – so the action is becoming more effective. Here at Prestwich, members of the public came up to the picket and stood chatting with striking staff saying they agreed with the action and that the management’s attitude was ‘just ridiculous’, which is very good for members’ morale.
“Massive appreciation to all our members on strike and for their support – we’re going to keep sticking together and fighting for a fair deal and now is the time for the Post Office to seriously sit down and negotiate properly with the CWU.”
Over in Leeds, North East Area rep Richard Titterington reported that “although we’ve had managers going in and doing our members’ work in some places, support for the strike among CWU grades is holding up very well across the Crowns in this Area and the determination to win a decent pay settlement is stronger now than when we started. So, a big thank you to members who’ve taken action.”
Richard also talked about the support from members of the public, saying that “people we spoke to understood what we are doing and why. There seems to be quite a general feeling that people are having to stand up and fight for a living really. Locally, we’ve had a three- week bus strike and so there is an increase in disputes and people are becoming affected by them and of the reasons for it.
“It’s good that people are coming together and showing solidarity – the cost-of-living crisis affects us all and members of the public have been positive and supportive towards us.”
London CWU Post Office reps Garrie Bond
(West & Central) and Clive Tickner (North & East) also reported managers
being drafted in to keep something of a skeleton service
going at a minority of Crowns,
in response to the solid walkouts by our members.
“I’ve been massively impressed by today and we’re keeping up the pressure in our fight for a fair deal,” said Garrie, who spent the morning at central London’s Eccleston Street Crown. The majority of Crowns within his Area closed today, while some were kept open for just a few hours. Clive led the picket at Kingsland High Street over on the other side of town, and his impression of today was that “the strike has held up very well – our members have been fantastic and all credit to them.”
Midlands Region secretary Mark Harper attended this morning’s picket at Matlock in Derbyshire, from where he told CWU News: “It was 100 per cent on strike today and it was great to show our solidarity with the striking staff up here in The Peaks,” while up in Scotland, there were “around 40 people at the Edinburgh City picket,” according to CWU Scotland No2 Branch secretary Gary Clarke.
“We had solidarity from other trade unionists and the office was 100 per cent closed for the day,” Gary added. And from Wales, CWU assistant regional secretary Mark Williams reported that Port Talbot Crown Office was “fully shut” by the action.
“Members’ morale is still high, they’re up for the fight and there’s overwhelming support from the public,” said Mark.
Our union’s national officer for Post Office workers Andy Furey said: “There’s been massive solidarity and unity today right across the country and I want to add my thanks and my admiration for the strength, courage and fortitude of our magnificent members.
“This has been the third strike in the past couple of months and there’s more action on the way this Thursday, when our CViT and Admin members will be walking out.”
Andy continued: “Fundamentally, Post Office needs to respect the needs of its employees who, as key workers, are estranged from the senior management. In essence, Nick Read CEO has lost the dressing room. The way back is to get around the negotiating table and thrash out a deal that our members can get behind.”
Source : https://www.cwu.org/news/most-solid-strike-yet-by-crown-post-office-workers/