POSTAL NEWS
No 85 -2020
Formulated by UNI AproPost and Logistics Sector
1. National survey of posties show serious delivery bottle necks and vindicates regulation concerns. October 22, 2020.2. Canada Post urging early Christmas shopping as it gears up for online shopping rush. October 21, 2020.3. AliExpress ups cross-border capacity with new routes.October 20, 2020.
4. Poczta Polska supports field hospital construction.October 20, 2020.
5. The new Punto Poste Da Te lockers are coming for condominiums, companies and PA.October 19, 2020. |
1. National survey of posties show serious delivery bottle necks and vindicates regulation concerns
October 22, 2020
The union representing posties says that a new survey of over 1000 of its members, participating in Australia Post’s Alternate Day Delivery Model, gives a dire warning as posties are engaging in unsafe work practices in an attempt to clear delivery backlogs and postage delays that are still being experienced across the network.
The survey found:
§ 57% of traditional posties, delivering both letters and small parcels predominantly by motorcycle, said they left letters-based products behind at the delivery centre, or brought them back where they remained undelivered for more than one business day. Of those, the average number of letters were 201 per postie per response
§ 51% of posties said they left behind, or brought back, parcel products (including premium products such as Express Post) they were unable to deliver on their run, on the day the parcel was due for delivery. Of those, the average number of parcels undelivered on the day they were due was 44
§ 43% of posties admitted to not adhering to all footpath and nature strip speed limits whilst performing the delivery function of their role
§ 84% of posties said they were unable to complete their duties within their rostered hours. 34% of those said they considered the level of overtime required to complete their run to be unreasonable
§ 55% admitted to not taking all their applicable breaks in order to complete their duties
CEPU Communications Union National Secretary Greg Rayner said “These delivery backlogs are a direct result of Government changes allowing Australia Post to neglect their regulatory obligations by slowing the network down to second day deliveries.
“We’ve warned from the very beginning that reducing the frequency of deliveries in the middle of a global pandemic is a recipe for disaster.
“These survey results paint a seriously bleak picture of what’s happening behind the scenes on our postal network.
“Australians are relying on our postal service now more than ever – and they’re being let down by the Federal Government and Australia Post management.
“We will continue to engage with Australia Post to pursue a delivery model that provides job security for posties and provides the efficiencies the company requires to remain sustainable. However, our members’ health and safety and the quality of services expected by the public must be at the forefront of those considerations”
Source : http://www.cepu.org/2020/10/22
2. Canada Post urging early Christmas shopping as it gears up for online shopping rush
October 21, 2020
OTTAWA -- Canada Post is urging Canadians to shop early this holiday season to avoid the late arrival of gifts caused by a pandemic-induced shift to online shopping.
"We know how important these items are to you and we want to deliver," says Rod Hart, Canada Post's chief customer and marketing officer.
In a video to customers, he says many retailers are gearing up for early shopping.
"We're gearing up to help you and to help them have a great ending to a very challenging year. So this holiday season, please shop early."
The postal service is scaling up operations to handle an expected surge in parcel volumes by adding more than 4,000 seasonal employees, more than 1,000 vehicles and extra equipment.
Canada Post will also deliver on weekends in many communities, add more pickup locations and extend hours at many post offices.
It is improving its tracking technology so customers can follow the progress of their parcels and working with major customers to improve the flow of parcels.
The changes come as retailers in Canada and the U.S. launch their holiday season earlier in a bid to partially make up for store closures caused by COVID-19.
Hudson's Bay Co. launched its yuletide collection of clothing and decor six weeks early, Indigo added private shopping hours so customers can avoid crowds and Reitmans added seasonal outfits early as COVID upends shopping surges on Black Friday.
Michael LeBlanc, a senior adviser at the Retail Council of Canada, says consumers may have more spending money on hand after shelling out less on vacations, commutes and lunchtime cappuccinos.
"Our message to Canadians for the holidays is: shop early and shop often. This is not the year to wait. And retailers are telling me they're seeing signs of gift buying already," LeBlanc said.
Purolator, the courier service owned by Canada Post, is also rolling out low-speed electric vehicles in busy downtown areas of Toronto and Montreal, along with electric-cargo bikes (e-bikes) in Montreal.
It is also testing automated self-serve parcel lockers at a Montreal subway station.
"More than ever, we're committed to helping dense metropolitan cities operate more smoothly through new delivery methods that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Purolator CEO John Ferguson said.
Purolator said it has seen home deliveries rise about 50 per cent since the onset of the pandemic.
Source : https://www.ctvnews.ca/business
3. AliExpress ups cross-border capacity with new routes
October 20, 2020
Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress, part of the Alibaba Group, has been studying the macro-developments and changes in online shopping behaviour due to Covid-19 in a bid to introduce a variety of new services that will smooth cross-border e-commerce deliveries ahead of its Global Shopping Festival, due to be held in November.
For example, the group’s logistics arm Cainiao Smart Logistics Network has launched a new international air-freight route to speed up average delivery times between China and Europe by more than 30%.
Selected goods shipped through the new route can now reach consumers in the company’s key European markets such as Spain and France in 10 working days, with the aim to expand to more European markets in the near future.
Relying on the overseas warehouses in Europe serving AliExpress merchants, Cainiao notes that its intra-Europe trucking network taps advanced algorithms to generate the most-efficient loading plans and transportation routes for its fleet, as well as the optimal number of trucks to deploy, in real time.
The company claims that by leveraging this line-haul network and collaborating with local last-mile delivery providers, it is able to connect partner warehouses and transportation hubs in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, achieving three-day delivery in Spain, France and Poland, and five to seven days in other European countries.
Source : https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news/cross-border
4. Poczta Polska supports field hospital construction
October 20, 2020
This week, Poczta Polska (Polish Post) delivered 120 pallets with beds destined for the temporary hospital being prepared at the National Stadium in Warsaw.
Poland’s biggest stadium will be transformed into an emergency field hospital which should provide 500 emergency hospital beds as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise.
Poczta Polska is playing an important role in delivering hospital equipment across Poland. Last week it helped deliver respirators and cardiac monitors to hospitals across the country. Soon the Polish postal operator will deliver thousands more pallets, loaded with protective equipment – including masks and gloves.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Poczta Polska has completed over 1,500 transport orders as part of the fight against the coronavirus.
“Any time we can help with the projects necessary to fight the virus, we are available. In times of crisis, our company and its employees always rise to the occasion.” Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Poczta Polska Management Board.
The field hospital at the National Stadium will eventually be able to take 1000 patients. More field hospitals could be built across the country.
Source : http://www.thepostalhub.com/blog
5. The new Punto Poste Da Te lockers are coming for condominiums, companies and PA
October 19, 2020
Poste Italiane continues the installation of the new Punto Poste Da Te lockers, which offer self-service shipping and payment services in apartment buildings or in the headquarters of companies and public administrations. The lockers, which received the "Elected product of the year 2020" award, based exclusively on the vote of consumers, are installed by Poste on request and are active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The advantages of the proposal
The shipping services offered are
many: it is possible to collect parcels, make shipments of pre-franked Poste
Delivery Box packages that can be purchased at post offices. Customers
with a Spid digital identity can also collect signed mail including registered
and insured mail. In addition, the locker cells can be used for personal
deliveries / collections, or by couriers other than Poste Italiane. Thanks
to the integration of the Pos it is also possible to pay postal bills, top up
Postpay and telephone cards. To use the locker shipping and payment services,
simply download the Post Office app for free. For more information: https://www.poste.it/puntopostedate.html
Source : https://www.postenews.it/2020/10/19
POSTAL NEWS
No 86-2020
Formulated by UNI AproPost and Logistics Sector
1. Royal Mail to offer parcel pickup for first time.October 22, 2020.2. Online retailer surveysustainability in e-commerce.October 21, 2020.
3. SingPost furthers its strategic ambition in Australia. October 19, 2020.
4. Purolator rolls out alternative last-mile fleet. October 19, 2020.5. National APWU Encourages Continued COVID-19 Safety Diligence. October 16, 2020. |
1. Royal Mail to offer parcel pickup for first time
October 22, 2020
Royal Mail has announced the launch of a parcel pickup service across the UK in a shakeup of the daily post round. The new service – Parcel Collect – means postmen and postwomen will now be able to collect parcels as well as deliver them on their daily round. Royal Mail notes it is one of the biggest changes to the daily delivery since the launch of the postbox in 1852.
The post notes that, as well as offering greater convenience, the move means that online sellers and shoppers will no longer need to leave their homes if they want to mail or return a pre-paid item by post.
Under the initiative, postmen and postwomen will collect a parcel from the customer’s door or nominated safe place for £0.72 (€0.79) per parcel, in addition to postage costs. The service will also be available for pre-paid return items at a cost of £0.60 (€0.65) per item.
Royal Mail says it can collect up to five parcels per address. The service will be available six days per week and can be booked up to five days in advance and up to midnight the day before.
In order to use the service, customers simply need to ensure they have already paid the correct postage to send their item. If an item does not have pre-paid postage such as a return, customers are able to pay for their postage online or via the Royal Mail app.
The nationwide launch follows an initial roll-out of Parcel Collect in certain postcode (zip code) areas of West England. Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, commented, “Royal Mail Parcel Collect is a fantastic step forward for all of our customers. It makes it easier to use our services than ever before. The launch of Parcel Collect is part of our commitment to continuously make our services better and more convenient.”
Source :https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news/business-diversification
2. Online retailer surveysustainability in e-commerce
October 21, 2020
With the Online Retailer Survey 2020, Swiss Post and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have, for the first time, looked at sustainability in Swiss e-commerce from the point of view of the provider. Some 227 online shops took part in this B2B study.
The study primarily focused on social and environmental aspects along the various stages of the online shop value chain. Summarised below are the product, packaging and shipping highlights.
Products: at least half are produced sustainably, yet there is potential when it comes to labelling and retrievability
Social aspects are taken into account more often than environmental ones when we look at the product ranges: at least half of the products offered by online shops are described in the shops’ own terms as eco-friendly. However, at 77 percent, the share of products manufactured in fair working conditions is considerably higher.
In terms of retrievability, there is room for improvement when it comes to sustainable products as only a fraction of the online shops specifically promote these products as such (14 percent) or provide sustainability as a search filter (11 percent). Steps could certainly be taken to further accommodate the consumer here.
Packaging: more than just the product involved
Size-optimized packaging is already fairly widespread (72 percent), allowing transport capacities to be used more efficiently. Recycled material is a popular choice (56 percent). Around half of the online shops say they ship products in the original packaging (49 percent), while one third manage to avoid any use of plastic filler. Three out of ten online shops do not use any filler material at all.
Shipping: a sustainable route to the recipient?
Options that are more complex to implement, such as slower delivery (16 percent) or locally adapted logistics solutions (e. g. bicycle delivery services in combination with trains or even e-cargo bikes; 15 percent), as well as carbon-neutral shipping (without surcharge; 15 percent), are not offered as shipping options all that often. And yet customers are very much open to the idea of sustainable logistics solutions – e. g. in the last mile (75 percent).
What do the customers want? Findings from the mood barometer of the HWZ
Online retailers are meeting customer requirements to a certain extent. Customers consider it particularly important to ship goods in specifically adapted packaging (75 percent) and that the packaging and filling material from returns are recycled (73 percent). Reusable packaging presents a potential opportunity for online retailers (73 percent).
© 2020 Post CH Ltd | Sustainability in Swiss e-commerce 2020 & Swiss e-commerce trend indicator 2020
Today’s consumers are first and foremost interested in information about where the products come from (79 percent) and how they are made (65 percent). Over the next two years, online retailers are anticipating a greater interest in sustainable transport and shipping. Recognizing these consumer needs and being able to implement them cost-efficiently will give online retailers a significant edge and thus a competitive advantage.
Source : https://digital-commerce.post.ch/en/pages/blog/2020
3. SingPost furthers its strategic ambition in Australia
October 19, 2020
Singapore Post (SingPost) is looking to buy a 38 % stake in Freight Management Holdings (FMH), a fourth-party logistics (4PL) service company incorporated in Victoria, Australia for A$85 million (S$84.1 million) in cash.
SingPost’s wholly-owned subsidiary SingPost Logistics Holdings entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement on Oct 16 with existing shareholders of FMH, as well as a share subscription agreement with FMH for the stake purchase, SingPost said in a filing on Monday morning.
On completion of the acquisition, SingPost Logistics intends to set up a new holding company in Australia to hold its equity interest in FMH.
The company explained the investment in the filing: “Together with the SingPost Group’s other businesses in Australia – CouriersPlease as well as one of SingPost’s other Australian subsidiaries, Quantium Solutions Australia, an eCommerce logistics solutions provider – the SingPost Group is able to derive synergistic benefits, grow volumes and build scale.
The combination enables the SingPost Group to provide an end-to-end B2B2C logistics solution for customers serving both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) channels, and provide a seamless logistics service within Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
This provides a strong platform for the SingPost Group to drive revenue and earnings growth, as well as further its strategic ambition in Australia over the long term.”
Source : https://postandparcel.info/127994/news/freight
4. Purolator rolls out alternative last-mile fleet
October 19, 2020
TORONTO – Purolator is launching a fleet of alternative-power last mile delivery vehicles.
The new vehicles are helping the company address the ever-increasing growth in e-commerce.
It will be testing new fully electric low-speed vehicles to reduce noise and traffic congestion when delivering within busy downtown core areas of Toronto, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec. The compact size of low-speed vehicles make delivering on busy streets with limited parking more manageable, as they take up less than half the space of a traditional delivery truck.
It will also be expanding its fleet of electric-cargo bikes (e-bikes) in Montreal to maneuver through pedestrian-only and zero-emission zones and street closures. Additionally, the e-bikes can be parked on sidewalks for delivery within restricted-parking areas. The fleet of e-bikes is housed at Purolator’s first Canadian urban distribution centre, opened with the City of Montreal.
The company will also be piloting automated self-serve parcel lockers at Honoré-Beaugrand subway station in Montreal. This initiative, in partnership with Société de transport de Montréal and the City of Montreal, is one of the first public transit subway systems providing commuters a convenient self-serve option for picking up shipments.
“More than ever, we’re committed to helping dense metropolitan cities operate more smoothly through new delivery methods that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says John Ferguson, Purolator president and CEO.
Covid deliveries
Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Purolator has seen residential deliveries increase approximately 50 percent, including in areas designated as pedestrian-only or those with limited access for delivery trucks. Purolator’s low-speed vehicles and e-bikes offer quick service to these spots by providing a flexible alternative for delivery.
As regulations around transportation and city logistics continue to evolve, these alternative vehicles provide an agile solution with the ability to deliver the same number of packages as a standard-size delivery truck.
“Purolator has made important sustainability investments as part of our $1B delivering the future growth and innovation plan,” says Ferguson.
“We’ve consistently evolved over our 60-year history to stay one step ahead of change. Our goal is to continuously innovate, adapt intelligently and provide workable solutions for the unique challenges of urban growth, along with the growth in B2B, e-commerce and home deliveries, particularly as the economy navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The company has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. These new types vehicles complement Purolator’s existing fleet of 323 hybrid-electric vehicles.
Source : https://www.insidelogistics.ca/last-mile-delivery
5. National APWU Encourages Continued COVID-19 Safety Diligence
October 16, 2020
Over recent weeks, the United States has experienced a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country. According to the Washington Post, since Saturday, October 10, more than 20 states have recorded record highs in their seven-day average of reported case counts. Nationally, the country’s seven-day average of new cases rose above 50,000, for the first time since August.
“Postal Employees are testing positive every day and being quarantined on a regular basis,” said Industrial Relations Director Vance Zimmerman. “Your safety and health are paramount. Please continue to practice good hygiene, social distancing and wearing face coverings.”
APWU members should continue following all local and state ordinances mandating face coverings. The APWU encourages members to continue wearing face coverings even in areas without mandates, as face coverings are proven to reduce and slow the spread of coronavirus.
If you are experiencing issues getting supplies such as hand sanitizer, wipes, etc., please follow the protocol of reaching out to your local or state representatives.Flu season is also starting up. If you choose to, now is the time to get your flu shot.
The APWU Health Plan and all other FEHB plans fully cover the flu shot at no additional cost.
Source: https://apwu.org/news
POSTAL NEWS
No 87-2020
Formulated by UNI AproPost and Logistics Sector
|
1. Scotland’s largest distribution hub for sale. October 29, 2020.
2. Fish, fireworks and even human ashes -NZ Post reminds people what they cannot send through the post and courier networks.October 28, 2020.
3. Post Office to close 600 ATMs.October 27, 2020.
4. CWU backs call to review ex-Post Office boss Vennells’s NHS post. October 26, 2020.
5. The U.S. Postal Service issues new service performance report for the week of October 10. October 23, 2020. |
1. Scotland’s largest distribution hub for sale
October 29, 2020
ScarMuir Group are bringing to market Scotland’s largest distribution hub, Q1-500, at Queensferry One on the Rosyth Waterfront, Fife. Q1-500 offers 500,000 sq ft (46,451 m2) of distribution, logistics and office space.
Queensferry One is a 120 acre site situated at the Gateway to Fife, adjacent to Junction 1B of the M90 and Queensferry Crossing, where Scarborough and Muir are planning a £250m mixed use development including office, industrial, hotel and roadside type uses.
The project is being developed in partnership between Scarborough Group International, who have a number of major development projects across the UK, and leading Scottish developer and contractor, Muir Group.
Paul Kelly of Scarborough Group International said: ‘We are bringing Queensferry One to market at a time of a huge increase in demand for distribution and logistics space. The demand is being fuelled by online and traditional retailers changing and refining their business models in response the COVID pandemic and by the rapidly changing nature of consumers buying behaviour. ‘Queensferry One reflects Scarborough’s continued proactive approach to development and is part of a live portfolio of projects with a £2bn GDV.’
William McAlister, of Muir Group said: ‘We are expecting keen interest from the market. Q1-500 will provide the highest specification warehousing and logistics accommodation at a time when there is a huge increase in demand for large scale space in this sector. The site is located alongside the M90 and Queensferry Crossing offering easy access to the main Scottish cities, Northern England and the Port of Rosyth.’
Agents Ryden and JLL have been instructed by the JV to market the space.
Source : https://postandparcel.info/128342/news/e-commerce
2. Fish, fireworks and even human ashes -NZ Post reminds people what they cannot send through the post and courier networks
October 28, 2020
Live goldfish, dead fish, fireworks, and even human ashes – NZ Post is reminding Kiwis to be aware of what items are prohibited as the traditionally busiest time of the year approaches.
NZ Post Chief Operating Officer Brendon Main says it’s sometimes concerning what people try to send through the post or by courier, and that people might be surprised by what they can’t send.
“We’ve had cases of people trying to send fish, blood, fireworks, lighters shaped as grenades – all of which are prohibited and could cause damage and disruption to our network. We’re starting to head into what is traditionally the busiest time of the year at NZ Post, so we’re asking New Zealanders to check our website before they send something to see if it is prohibited.
“Some prohibited items might surprise people,” Brendon says, “such as magnets, perfume, birthday cakes and nail polish. “While these things in isolation may pose little risk, it’s the cumulative effect which could cause difficulty, such as magnets interfering with aircraft equipment and machinery, and perfume and nail polish which may be flammable. “Perishable items, such as birthday cakes, are prohibited unless they have an expiry date of more than 6 months and are commercially packaged, such as fruit cakes,” Brendon says.
Businesses that regularly send these types of prohibited items can set up business accounts with NZ Post, and use a specialised service to send them through the network safely. “So while you may be about to buy and receive some of these things, like nail polish, online through a business registered with us for that purpose, this reminder is really aimed at Kiwis using our services themselves".
This year has been one of unpredictable volumes and disruptions due to the COVID-19 response, so people are also being reminded to check Christmas cut off dates to avoid disappointment.
“We’ve learnt a lot from the huge volumes of parcels we received earlier this year during the COVID-19 response, and have been planning for and making changes to accommodate higher than normal volumes this Christmas. We’ve planned for a range of different scenarios and are bringing on three additional sites to manage surge in volumes, 200 more courier vans, 185 extra flights, 350 additional processing people and more than 1500 extra transport runs to deliver Christmas presents for New Zealanders.”
Source : https://www.nzpost.co.nz/about-us/media-centre/media-release
3. Post Office to close 600 ATMs
October 27, 2020
The UK's Post Office is set to shut 600 of its 2000 ATMs over the next 18 months as it takes ownership of a network of machines currently operated by Bank of Ireland.
Bank of Ireland currently owns and operates 2000 ATMs at Post Office branches throughout the UK but has decided to pull out of the business.
In response, the Post Office has joined the Link network and promised to invest £16 million over four years to maintain the network of free to use machines.
However, it will only operate 1400 commercially viable ATMs once the transfer is complete in March 2022. It will also keep almost 60 low transacting ATMs at locations where the next free to access ATM is a significant distance away.
By mid-2023, all 1400 ATMs will be replaced with new devices, with Cennox contracted for its software solution and managed services. Post Office will also use Vocalink to provide the transaction processing services for Link, Visa, MasterCard and Post Office Card Account transactions.
At sites where there is no longer an ATM, the Post Office says people can get cash over the counter.
Martin Kearsley, banking director, Post Office, says: "In the areas where we have been unable to sustainably operate the existing ATMs, customers can still withdraw cash over the counter free of charge and in a secure manner. Many of our branches are open long hours and at weekends, ensuring continued access to cash."
The UK's 2019 Access to Cash Review found that 17% of the UK population rely on cash, with vulnerable communities, including the poor and those in rural areas, at particular risk from reduced access to cash. The Covid-19 pandemic has further heightened the problem, with many high street businesses spurning cash payments in favour of contactless transactions.
Source : https://www.finextra.com/newsarticle/36826
4. CWU backs call to review ex-Post Office boss Vennells’s NHS post
October 26, 2020
CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey today spoke out strongly in support of efforts to review former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells’s position at one of the UK’s largest NHS Trusts.
The appointment of Ms Vennells as chair of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was made last year, soon after she left the Post Office, and was a highly controversial decision at the time.
Her departure from the CEO role came in the middle of the high-profile judgements against the company on behalf of over 500 postmaster victims who had been prosecuted, lost their livelihoods, fined – and in some cases even jailed – due to faults in the Horizon computer accounting system and the over-zealous actions of Post Office managers.
£58 million in compensation settlement has been secured, however the fight for full justice continues, with a less than adequate, albeit retired judge-led inquiry having been ordered by the Government into what has been widely described as “the worst miscarriage of justice for many years.”
But, despite Ms Vennells having been the Post Office’s most senior national figure during the height of the persecutions against Postmasters, she faced no sanction or action for her role in the Horizon scandal and was awarded a CBE and the lucrative chair’s post at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Computer Weekly’s Karl Flinders reported last week that the Trust is currently ‘seeking external legal advice in relation to the processes it went through’ when appointing Ms Vennells, in response to a referral made by ‘former consultant psychiatrist Minh Alexander to the Care Quality Commission (CQC)’.
Flinders explains that Mr Alexander has asked the CQC, in the case of Vennells’s appointment, to ‘exercise its powers under CQC Regulation 5 Fit and Proper Persons Requirement (FPPR)’.
Reacting to the latest Flinders exposé, CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey said today: “It’s absolutely right that Paula Vennells’s appointment to such an important public-sector role should be robustly reviewed in light of her leadership during this scandal.
“This is the person who told a previous Horizon Select Committee hearing that this system was working well and also that she was the person with ultimate responsibility for the actions of Post Office Limited. In our view, there’s no way she should have been rewarded with this appointment or indeed to have been awarded a CBE.
“Minh Alexander has taken the right course in making this CQC referral and also, once again, this union and the postmasters of our nation are heartily grateful for Karl Flinders’s dogged and persistent reporting of this scandal.”
Source : https://www.cwu.org/news
5. The U.S. Postal Service issues new service performance report for the week of October 10th
October 23, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Postal Service provided new service performance data this week to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for the week of Oct. 10 through Oct. 16, 2020.
For the week of Oct. 10, the Postal Service reported 85.58 percent of First-Class Mail was delivered on time and 97.81 percent was delivered within two days of the service standard. For Marketing Mail, 86.00 percent was delivered on time and 97.25 percent was delivered within two days of the service standard.
Total mail volume surpassed 3.1 billion mailpieces for the week of Oct. 10, representing an increase of 23 percent, or more than half a billion additional mailpieces, compared to the average volume in September 2020. The most significant impact on mail volume has been a strong Fall 2020 mailing season, including an increase in political campaign mail.
The Postal Service remains steadfast in its commitment to, and focus on, delivering the nation’s Election Mail and fulfilling its commitment to the American people. It will continue to take all necessary steps to expeditiously process and prioritize the delivery of ballots this Election season. Consistent with practices in past election cycles, the Postal Service has authorized and instructed the use of extraordinary measures, such as expedited handling, extra deliveries and special pickups, starting Oct. 26 through Nov. 24, 2020, to accelerate the delivery of ballots.
Key performance indicators for the week of Oct. 10 include:
· First-Class Mail: 85.58 percent of First-Class Mail was delivered on time, a 0.57 percent decrease from the week of Oct. 3
· Marketing Mail: 86.00 percent of Marketing Mail was delivered on time, a 3.17 percent decrease from the week of Oct. 3
· Periodicals: 77.43 percent of Periodicals were delivered on time, a 1.11 percent decrease from the week of Oct. 3
Service performance is defined by the Postal Service from acceptance of a mailpiece into our system through delivery, measured against published service standards. Mail volume is defined by the number of mailpieces entered into the U.S. Postal Service network.
The U.S. Postal Service’s general recommendation is that, as a common-sense measure, voters should mail their completed ballot before Election Day, and at least one week prior to their state’s deadline. Some states may recommend allowing even more time for mailing completed ballots.
Source: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2020
POSTAL NEWS
No 88-2020
Formulated by UNI AproPost and Logistics Sector
1. UPU Congress postponed. October 29, 2020.2. Partial unemployment at La Poste… FO acts at your side!October 29, 2020.3. Posti divests Posti Messaging in Sweden and Norway to Ropo Capital. October 28, 2020.
4. DHL Express expects historical peak season in global trade.October 26, 2020.
5. PostNord (Swedish &Denmark Post): Interim report third quarter 2020.October 23, 2020. |
1. UPU Congress postponed
October 29, 2020
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has postponed its 27th Universal Postal Congress until August 2021 when it will be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Commenting on the decision, director general of UPU, Bishar Hussein, said, “I am pleased that the spirit of consensus—the historic cornerstone of UPU’s global efforts—has enabled member countries to reach agreement on a new Congress date.”
He added that the Covid-19 pandemic had created exceptional circumstances for all international organizations, but the decision to hold the Congress in Abidjan in 2021 was the right one. The UPU head said the decision would allow the Côte d’Ivoire government—the original 2020 host—another opportunity to hold the high- profile event.
The decision was made at an exceptional meeting of the Council of Administration (CA) – the body supervising UPU’s work in the four-year period between Congresses – held on October 26-27. Representatives of the 41 member countries that sit on the CA could either physically or remotely attend the meeting, which was held at UPU’s headquarters in Bern, Switzerland.
During opening remarks, Hussein said, “I urge [the CA]to be guided by the global pandemic situation; the need to make important decisions to facilitate the continuity of the work of the Union; and the position of the host country, who has consistently confirmed their commitment to host the Congress as soon as conditions permit.”
Source : https://www.parcelandpostaltechnologyinternational.com/news/operations
2. Partial unemployment at La Poste… FO acts at your side!
This Thursday, October 29, a plenary meeting was organized by the La Poste Group for the renewal of the social agreement for partial activity related to COVID19. The previous agreement ends on October 31.
The government announcements last night did not allow La Poste to anticipate and consider all the health measures to be taken.
FO raised its demands, namely:
· The consideration of all vulnerable people such as those defined according to the decision of the Council of State of October 15. The latter suspended the provisions of the restrictive list of the decree of August 29, by limiting the vulnerability criteria. La Poste replied that a communication from head office was sent out by a memo applicable from October 26.
· Partial unemployment for carers, for staff with disabilities, for parents of disabled children regardless of age, for parents of children under 16 as soon as childcare facilities are closed, for parents whose children are "contact cases", for the postman who shares his home with a vulnerable relative.
· That this agreement cover the period until December 31, given the uncertainty regarding the evolution of the pandemic.
· New hires to face the peak period which is busier than other years. The Post has communicated widely in the media on this surplus activity to come.
We insisted on the situation of most of the group's entities in terms of staff shortages. Likewise, we have alerted to the increase in unemployment cases implying ill-being at work for our colleagues at the CSRH in Nancy. They find themselves powerless and in great difficulty in the face of the influx of unemployment files. They also feel powerless in the face of the precariousness caused by the delays in processing these files. The HR department of La Poste group seems to have taken our request into account.
We recalled the government instructions favoring teleworking and remote work to preserve the health of postal workers.
The Group is communicating with managers today. Following the 1 st Minister's press conference this evening, a new meeting will take place no later than Monday with the trade unions.
FO Com is vigilant on this agreement and will keep you informed.
Source : http://www.focom-laposte.fr/
3. Posti divests Posti Messaging in Sweden and Norway to Ropo Capital
October 28, 2020
Posti Group Corporation and Ropo Holding Sweden AB (“Ropo Capital”) have signed an agreement according to which Ropo Capital will acquire the entire share capital of Posti Messaging AB in Sweden and Posti Messaging AS in Norway (jointly “Posti Messaging Scandinavia”). The parties have agreed not to publish the transaction price.
The divestment of Posti Messaging Scandinavia is in line with Posti’s strategy that is currently been sharpened as part of the annual strategy process. According to this strategy, Posti continues its renewal and focuses on its core businesses. This transaction allows Posti to invest in its growth areas, which are especially the Parcel and eCommerce and Logistics businesses in the Nordic and Baltic Countries. Thanks to the acquisition of Aditro Logistics in spring 2020, Sweden will remain an important core market for Posti.
In Finland, Posti Messaging operations will continue as normal and are not part of this transaction. These operations have synergies with Posti’s other operations, especially with the distribution business, and they continue to form an important part of Posti’s comprehensive service portfolio in Finland.
Posti Messaging Scandinavia is a major provider of high-volume multichannel transaction flows in Sweden and Norway. Their customer base consists both of private companies and public organizations that want to have one supplier handling their invoice and communication flows. In 2019, Posti Messaging Scandinavia’s net sales were some EUR 38 million. It has around 80 employees in Sweden and 20 in Norway. The transaction has no impact on the employment contracts or existing customer relationships of Posti Messaging Scandinavia.
Ropo Capital is an invoice lifecycle services provider driven by strong technological platform. The company’s solutions cover the full value chain of invoicing lifecycle management services, from invoicing and sales ledger management to receivables financing and debt collection. Ropo Capital was established in 2008 and in 2019, company’s net sales were some EUR 57 million and it has over 10,000 customers from SMEs to the largest corporations. The Company employs some 270 professionals in Finland and Sweden.
“We offer our customers a unique service concept that covers the whole value chain of invoice lifecycle management,” says Rickard Westlund, CEO of Ropo Capital. “By combining Posti´s great experience in efficient information logistics with our leading technology and profound expertise in credit management, we renew two traditional industries to generate more value to our customers. We have a strong market position in Finland and a well-known business model. We now look forward to offer our customers similar solutions also in Sweden and Norway.”
The transaction is still subject to the approval of the Swedish competition authority and it is expected to close by the end of 2020.
The transaction is not expected to have an impact on Posti Group’s outlook for 2020.
Source : https://www.posti.com/en/media/media-news/2020
4. DHL Express expects historical peak season in global trade
October 26, 2020
Bonn - DHL Express expects unprecedented online shopping and shipping volumes during the upcoming peak season 2020. The continuing growing levels of globalization and digitalization result in strongly increasing number of merchants selling globally and online marketplaces, such as shopping apps via which customers can choose from offerings all around the world. As a consequence, cross border trade has continuously grown over the last years. Further, due to this year's predominating uncertainties coming with the pandemic, consumers are shifting their shopping activities to the online world like never before. This will particularly apply to the upcoming popular mega shopping days such as 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' as well as to the whole Christmas shopping season. As a result, DHL Express is expecting an all-time high in E-commerce trade around the globe. Having already experienced around 35% E-commerce volume growth in 2020 in its network, the upcoming peak season will further accelerate this and result in higher shipment quantities above 50 percent compared to last year's peak season.
"Megatrends such as globalization and digitalization have an enormous impact on global trade" explains John Pearson, CEO at DHL Express. "In recent decades, we have seen how globalization, increased trade and interaction have raised prosperity and choice, reduced poverty, cultivated diversity and enriched lives. At DHL Express it is our mission to enable global trade and support our customers during the most important days for their business. We make sure that goods are delivered as fast as possible - and Christmas gifts are being delivered to households all over the globe in time. We are proud of the strong commitment of our employees and couriers who are out there to fulfil our mission of connecting people and improving their lives. In times when the coronavirus hits both economy and private lives, their efforts are outstanding."
For its over 100.000 employees around the world in more than 220 countries and territories DHL Express has taken numerous precaution measures, not only at the level of providing face masks and disinfections, but also implementing elements like social distancing control mechanism and working from home for those departments where it is suitable. The company has also developed safe delivery procedures for receivers, without the need for customers to sign for their shipments. All of this secures the continuity of business for DHL's customers and for global trade.
Effects of Covid-19 on online shopping will result in higher volumes and an earlier peak season start
It comes as no surprise that e-commerce numbers are rising, as this trend has already been visible during the past years. However, due to COVID-19 the volume of shipments grew tremendously higher than has been expected. As DHL Express is operating around the world, the company is always able to pursue these developments in other regions and countries of the globe. Numbers from the most important shopping occasions from earlier this year have already shown an increase in online sales by at least 35 percent.
"Covid-19 and its impacts such as curfews or distancing led to massive changes in the retail sector all over the world", says Michiel Greeven, EVP Global Sales at DHL Express. "As a consequence, the buying behaviour of consumers, but also B2B Buyers, changed significantly and shifted more and more into the online world. From an e-commerce perspective some might even say that Covid-19 brought 2030 to 2020, with online shopping and the necessary shipping as the new normal. And this not only counts for B2C retailers but also in the light of B2B E-commerce. Particularly in current days of uncertainty many giant stores will be going online with their sales promotion. This will have its effect on peak season as well and shoppers will be mainly going online to get the best deals instead of going to physical stores. With the result of fast shipping needs as well."
DHL Express is prepared to provide fast and reliable services
Facing such increasing volumes, and in parallel Covid-19 spreading around the globe, the challenges for logistics providers are tremendous. In addition to the consistent observation of the situation and flexible management of precaution measures to keep employees safe, the unprecedented peak of shipments poses an additional challenge for logistics. To be prepared DHL Express globally hired more than 10.000 new employees. Thanks to its annual investments in infrastructure such as hubs and gateways, aircraft, vehicles and state-of-the-art technology the company was able to multiply the capacities of its operations significantly and manage therefore the upcoming volumes.
"Since many years we have seen a high demand from online merchants for our express services and therefore strong growing volumes in our global Express network", says Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express. "We annually invest approximately one billion Euros to meet our customers' requirements and ship their goods with the fastest possible transit times - all around the world. Thanks to the insane customer centricity of our people and our state-of-the-art operations, our growth is coming as a result of excellent quality and our network is prepared for the upcoming peak. Even in times of a second wave of the global pandemic we will ensure that our customer's businesses continue, and that global trade is secure."
To manage the high demands of E-commerce shipping and also of highly important protective and medical goods, a high additional number of cargo flights is necessary; also as most of passenger aircraft are still on the ground. To counter this, DHL Express has increased the number of its daily flights significantly. This year only the company already put four new wide body aircraft of the model B777 F in operations, two more units are expected in the next month. These six additional aircraft enable the company to carry out more than 3.000 additional intercontinental flights per year.
Source : https://www.dpdhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2020
5. PostNord (Swedish &Denmark Post): Interim report third quarter 2020
October 23, 2020
Third quarter 2020
· Net sales SEK 8,919m (9,026), + 2.9 % at fixed exchange rates for comparable units
· Operating income (EBIT) SEK 747m (57)
· Net income for the period SEK 580m (-51)
· Earnings per share SEK 0.29 (-0.03)
· Cash flow from operating activities SEK 1,342m (0)
Overview
The result improved significantly also in the third quarter of the year. The efficiency programs continued to perform well and combined with the high parcel volumes contributed to the improvement in income. Growth in e-commerce led to very high parcel volumes, while mail volumes continued to decline as a result to the ongoing trend of digitalization. Delivery quality in the parcels business was adversely affected by the corona pandemic, whereas delivery quality in the mail business remained high.
Comment from Annemarie Gardshol, President and Group CEO
The current pandemic is affecting us all in different ways. For PostNord’s part, growth in e-commerce has had great impact on our parcels business. As a result, we find today that we have reached levels that we had not expected to see for a couple of years.
Even so, the sharply higher volume of parcels has also brought challenges, but by working with our customers we have maintained our important mission: to deliver parcels and letters. With that, we help to make everyday life easier for everyone who lives and works in the Nordic region. I am proud of how well we have handled the transformation.
Like-for-like net sales increased slightly over the quarter, to SEK 8,919m for the Group as a whole. The relative shares of our various businesses continued to shift. Parcel volumes increased by ten percent. In all, we handled 46 million parcels, with an ever-increasing share being delivered to the home. The mail business accounts for a declining share of our business. In the quarter, mail volumes fell by ten percent. Operating income improved considerably, to SEK 747 (57) m. Changes in customer behavior and the uncertainty arising from the pandemic also mean challenges. During the quarter, we recorded parcel quality of 96 percent, which falls short of our level of ambition. We focus intensively at all times on ensuring that all parcels reach their recipient on time. Over the quarter, delivery quality for mail in Sweden was high (nearly 99 percent), exceeding the legal requirement in Sweden by a wide margin. In Denmark, we faced challenges with mail quality (approximately 94 percent). However, the result for the quarter was above the legal requirement in Denmark. The extra costs incurred through the pandemic for sickness compensation were offset by government compensation to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, as well as by high efficiency in handling the sharply higher volume of parcels. This, combined with progress in our internal efficiency programs, helped to bring about the improved result.
As mail volumes fall, we face an increasing need to adapt the mail business. In late September, we started off a pilot project in every other day letter deliveries in the Swedish market. The results of the trial have been encouraging, which bodes well for the future. On October 1, the Swedish government set out the terms of reference for an inquiry into how the universal postal service is to be financed. This is a complex subject, and I understand that the inquiry needs to take time. At the same time, the situation in society is moving fast, and if the Swedish mail business is not to start operating at a loss, regulatory relaxations need to be put into place in parallel.
In Denmark, dialogue with politicians concerning a long-term financially sustainable letter business continues. The DKK 112m approved by the Danish government to compensate for the extra costs associated with the universal postal service in the second half of 2020 is now up for approval by the EU Commission. In parallel with that decision, we are also looking forward to a new long-term agreement with the Danish government from the turn of the year.
As far as our ambition to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is concerned, I am proud to confirm that during the quarter we achieved our target of reducing the Group’s total emissions by 40 percent, from the 2009 level. This is a good starting-point for the work that we are now embarking on to achieve our ambition of operating fossil-free by 2030.
The future is still a great deal more uncertain than normal, but my view is that – with a clear strategy, high commitment and highly-skilled employees – we have good conditions for continuing our transformation into the favorite carrier of the Nordic region.
Source : https://www.postnord.com/media/postnord-press-releases/2020