General News
30 October, 2020
Postage deadlines for record-breaking Christmas
Australia Post is advising locals to send Christmas presents early as the organisation gears up to deliver the largest volume of parcels in its 210-year history.
The impact of COVID-19 saw demand for the business’s parcel post service surge as people turned to online shopping in droves.
Kirsty McCartney has owned Yorkeys Knob Post Office, with her partner David, for 11 years and said she has never experienced anything like it.
“Our parcel man normally has 100-150 deliveries a day and now he is dealing with 300-400 a day minimum,” Ms McCartney said.
“It’s been like Christmas every day since March so to add (actual) Christmas on top of that it’s going to be huge.” The organisation announced postage deadlines of December 12 for standard delivery and December 19 for express for those wanting to get gifts to loved ones before Christmas Day. Ms McCartney recommends people start sending gifts now, especially overseas parcels, due to delays caused by the current backlog.
“Overseas normally takes two weeks and it’s taking four to six weeks at present,” she said. “Normal mail normally takes two weeks so we recommended going express in Australia.” Australia Post is currently operating their sorting and delivery facilities six days a week with this expected to increase.
A nationwide hiring blitz including 1000 jobs in Queensland is also underway to handle the increased demand. Despite the record volumes, Ms McCartney said there were key things people could do to ensure parcels arrived on time.
“Have the correct address, include the postcode and unit number and check your online address forms like Ebay,” she said.
“A lot of times people’s old address shows up so the parcel gets delivered there.” People wanting more information can contact their local post office or the Australia Post website: auspost.com.au/christmas.
