Czech Post to transform parcel services in 2012
Czech Post is promising something of a “revolution” in its parcel delivery services in the New Year. The operator said it is transforming its package operations to allow customers a better choice in how their packages are delivered, in order to reduce the number of missed deliveries.
Two main delivery options are being launched for standard parcels – customers could choose a Balik Na Postu (Package via post office) option to have packages collected at any of the 2,600 post offices in the Czech Republic, or select a Balik Do ruky (Package in Hand) option if they know the recipient will have time to accept a parcel in person at a workplace or home address.
The Balik Na Postu option will allow customers to select the most convenient post office at which to collect a parcel up to 30kg in weight, guaranteed on the next business day after shipment. Insurance
The Balik Do ruky option replaces Czech Post’s existing Commercial Parcel service, guaranteeing delivery of parcels up to 30kg in weight anywhere in the Czech Republic on the next business day.
Czech Post is also launching a Balik Expres (Parcel Express) service promising same-day delivery from 42 selected post offices to destinations in Prague and major cities, with packages shipped by 10am arriving on the same day as shipment.
Express
The Expres service will be offered for an “unbeatable” flat rate of CZK 250 ($12.67 USD) between different cities, CZK 150 ($7.60 USD) for items delivered within the destination city.
For the standard and express services, Czech Post said new alert services will inform a recipient that a delivery is imminent, with a text message or email the day before delivery.
For items above 30kg in weight, Czech Post will provide a Balik Nadrozmer (Above Dimension Parcels) service, catering to packages as heavy as 1,000 kilos, if it is less than 200×300 cm in dimension. Delivery would be made in two business days, with a suitable delivery time arranged by Czech Post via a telephone call with the recipient.
Czech Post said trials of the new system ran from August until the middle of November, achieving a first-time delivery success rate of more than 98%, working with customers including HP Tronic, Profizoo, Alza.cz, PEMIC Books and Avon Cosmetics.
Petr Zatloukal, the chief executive of Czech Post, said the “fundamental” change in service delivery had been in the works for a while, responding to demand from customers.
He said: “The new product portfolio provides customers with a completely unique type of service, in which clients have already expressed considerable interest following our pilot projects.
“Our standard business suite is being replaced by a much better package-in-hand option, while the package via post office option is a truly unique product on the market, making use of our extensive network of post offices.”
Commenting on the new Express service, Zatloukal said Czech Post was looking to provide a similar service to private-sector courier companies, but at a much lower price.
