ParcelHero: Australia Post facing severe disruption during the pandemic

The Australian parcel delivery specialist ParcelHero warns that the grounding of Australian passenger aircraft is having a significant impact on some services shipping mail Down Under.

Sending parcels and goods to Australia, even during the current coronavirus epidemic, remains straightforward, says the Australian parcel delivery specialist ParcelHero . However, it cautions there are serious delays to some traditional postal services in Australia, and a number of international couriers have had to axe economy services to Australia as costs mount.

ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks MILT, explains: “The choice of UK parcel courier pick-up services to Australia remains reassuringly wide; but some traditional low-cost international mail services to Australia have upped their prices, and those using Australia Post for final delivery face significant delays. In addition, a number of global couriers have temporarily axed their economy services, until at least May 3. This is because the limited capacity of flights inside Australia has meant that costs have risen.

“The main concern is that 45-50% of the world’s air cargo is usually transported in the belly of passenger aircraft; but the majority of Australian passenger services, both international and domestic, have been suspended. Australia Post is warning of delays of up to a week for deliveries to North Queensland, for example, and any UK mailings using Australia Post for final delivery will be impacted. That’s because Australia Post is tied to the country’s national airline, Qantas, under a new $1 billion 7-year deal and the majority of Qantas’ passenger services have been grounded. Qantas Freight continues to operate a number of aircraft for Australia Post, but that reportedly still left a shortfall of 100 tonnes a day. This week, due to support from the Australian government, domestic flights were increased from a skeleton service of 105 to 164 a week. “These flights will also provide critical freight capacity, which has fallen significantly as commercial air networks have shrunk. Much of the bellyspace on these flights will be used for mail and other urgent shipments, including medical equipment,” says Qantas.

“Shipping to Australia remains simple. All the international couriers appearing on ParcelHero’s comparison site come to your door to pick up your parcel. However, if you are expecting items from Australia, there may be some significant delays. Australia Post says it expects delays to the UK of up to 2 weeks using its services, due to flight cancellations and government restrictions because of COVID-19, and it warns that Express items will be given priority over Standard items during this time.

“There are also significant new restrictions on a number of coronavirus-related items being exported from Australia to all destinations throughout the world. Under a new law, Australia has banned the export of disposable face masks, gloves, gowns, alcohol wipes, hand sanitisers and protective eye wear such as goggles, glasses or visors.”