USPS and Hongkong Post launch e-commerce parcel service
E-commerce merchants in Hong Kong are to be offered a new trackable shipping service, following a bilateral agreement between Hongkong Post and the US Postal Service. The two posts are launching a new lightweight parcels shipping service called ePacket today, which is particularly aimed at internet-based retailers in Hong Kong selling to consumers in the United States.
The service covers packages up to 2kg (4.4 pounds) in weight, and features tracking and Delivery Confirmation.
The Postal Service said items would be shipped from Hong Kong using co-branded, barcoded shipping labels. On reaching the US, packages will join the First-Class Mail stream.
The service will offer in-process scanning information for tracing items through Hongkong Post’s tracking system, and through the USPS Track and Confirm services at its usps.com website.
USPS and Hongkong Post have jointly developed data-rich shipping labels that include barcoding technology readable by both of the posts, along with logistics planning and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) information exchanges.
Paul Vogel, president and chief marketing/sales officer at USPS, said: “This agreement offers visibility previously unavailable in the small packet segment between Hongkong Post and the Postal Service.
“It shows the Postal Service has the flexibility to develop service options to meet market demand from businesses around the world. Further, it solidifies our role as a key supplier in global commerce,” Vogel added.
The USPS and Hongkong Post are taking part in a ceremony today to formalize their agreement. Joining Vogel for the ceremony will be Eddie Mak, deputy postmaster general at Hongkong Post, and Jeff Liao, CEO, eBay Greater China, South East Asia and Japan.
