Australia Post (AusPost) is offering weekend deliveries temporarily in the lead-up to Christmas.
The company’s general manager Gary Starr says this delivery service will ensure parcels arrive on time for the festive season. “We’ve been preparing for another big sales and festive season, including recruiting thousands of additional team members, and giving customers more convenient delivery options, such as the opportunity to collect missed deliveries from free 24/7 Australia Post Parcel Lockers instead of the Post Office,” he says.
Earlier this month, AusPost launched a free 24/7 parcel locker for missed deliveries. Now a missed delivery parcel will be placed in a free 24/7 parcel locker within one kilometre of the customer’s address.
Parcel arrival
AusPost is expecting large parcel volumes this year. “As the sales events ramp up and online shopping surges in the lead-up to Christmas, our temporary Saturday and Sunday service is just another way we are supporting our customers at the busiest time of the year,” says Starr.
Need to make sure your parcel arrives on time for Christmas? AusPost recommends parcels should be sent by Monday December 18 for most destinations within Australia, or if sent via Express Post by Thursday December 21. People sending to or from Western Australia and Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.
Global courier festive season schedule
Check to see when a courier’s ‘last posting date’ will be. This will give you peace of mind knowing your parcel will arrive on time. Courier giant DHL has posted its ‘last posting date’ schedule. “The last posting date is when your parcel is collected from your home or dropped off at your local depot or Service Point (not when the order is placed),” DHL advises.
How to ship gifts on time
The festive season is drawing near. Here are some tips to help you send your loved one’s gifts on time this year:
• Start your Christmas shopping early to avoid the rush. If you started shopping in October or November, you’re ahead in the game.
• Ensure you have the correct packaging to avoid a last-minute disaster.
• Keep an eye on shipping deadlines.
• Use online tools and resources to track your parcel shipment. An online shipment calculator will also show you how long the package may take to arrive.
• Check customs rules and regulations regarding your package to avoid delays.
• Use a new box to ship your item. An older box may be damaged easily.
• Consider a gift card if you’re struggling for gift ideas or running out of time to purchase gifts.
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
