The free My Post 24 service will allow customers to collect, hand in or return parcels around the clock – 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Swiss Post said it is currently investing in the e-commerce growth market through a series of measures. With its new My Post 24 automated parcel terminals, the Swiss national postal service said it is keeping abreast of changing customer needs.

The company is planning to install 40 automated parcel terminals by the end of 2014. It intends to build up a nationwide network over the next few years.

The first My Post 24 automated parcel terminals are expected to be up and running in the Zurich and Berne regions in autumn 2013.

When choosing sites for its parcel terminals, the company said it gives priority to central locations in cities. The focus is on busy shopping centres, train stations, universities or modern housing estates that are easy for customers to reach.

Swiss Post is on the lookout for suitable locations in large and medium-sized cities all over Switzerland.

“Parcels can now be collected and handed in on a flexible basis at any time. Ordering, paying for and collecting a parcel have never been easier. For each individual parcel, customers will be able to choose delivery to a compartment of a My Post 24 automated parcel terminal or as before to their home, place of work or to one of over 700 PickPost points at post office counters, SBB train stations and filling stations,” the company explained.

At the time of order, the recipient specifies the chosen automated parcel terminal as the delivery address for the sender. As soon as the parcel arrives, the recipient is informed by SMS or e-mail. Users register free of charge to use the 24 hour service.

Cross-border, returns

In future, Swiss Post said it will be possible for parcels posted from abroad to be delivered to automated parcel terminals. The relevant customs duties can be paid directly at the parcel terminal via cashless payment using all major credit cards or the PostFinance Card.

As well as collecting parcels, customers will be able to hand in parcels and return mail order deliveries easily and conveniently at the parcel terminals. After an initial start-up phase, the range of services offered by My Post 24 automated parcel terminals will gradually be extended, the company said.

My Post 24 is the first in a series of investments in the parcel market to be made by Swiss Post, the company said.

The parcel market is currently recording annual growth of four to five percent, due mainly to the rise in online shopping. Swiss Post is expanding its e-commerce services along the entire value added chain.

“Private customers are not the only ones who can benefit from flexible, tailor-made services. Swiss Post also offers comprehensive service packages for business customers: storage, picking, ordering, packaging, shipping and returns are quick and easy thanks to Swiss Post’s electronic solutions – in addition to web solutions and payment processing,” the company said.

Source: Swiss Post

Tags: B2C parcels, E-Commerce, parcel terminals, Swiss Post, Switzerland