Swiss Post to keep basic postal rates stable in 2012

Swiss Post has said prices for its basic letters and domestic parcels will remain unchanged in 2012, but will be making rate changes for some of its other mail services. Switzerland’s postal service said yesterday that it will be continuing the price for its A and B Mail standard letters that has been in place since 2004.

“Studies show that Swiss Post’s letter and parcel prices are low in comparison to other countries,” it said.

However, from April 1, 2012, prices will increase for some of its services, mostly within its competitve products.

Among the changes, Swiss Post will be standardising prices for its registered mail, personal delivery and return receipt services. Its cash on delivery service will see prices increased, and will be offered only for registered mail.

Swiss Post will be adding a new Track and Trace service option for domestic A Mail letters, for a premium CHF 3.50, which will incorporate liability for a value up to CHF 100. The service had previously been offered only for registered mail and parcels.

International parcels will be adjusted to reflect a simplification of zones, the operator said.

For domestic express deliveries and parcels for business customers, the signature service will see prices rise. However, businesses will see their international parcels and urgent courier delivery prices reduced.

Economy bulk mail delivery to Germany will also be “significantly” lower in price, Swiss Post said, “and thus more competitive”.

Swiss Post is also planning to reduce prices for its carbon neutral shipping services, and will be letting customers know the details of projects funded by carbon offsets in the spring of 2012.

For receivers of mail, Swiss Post said it was set to make available an online facility that will allow mail recipients to manage receipts, forwarding orders and PO boxes “around the clock”. Online services are likely to be lower in price than equivalent postal counter services.

Some prices for services like change-of-address forwarding will be increased in order to cover their costs.

Swiss Post said the adjustments to its prices was part of its overall strategy to simplify its services and align service income more closely to actual costs.

“Swiss Post thus embodies the principle, which is also enshrined in law, of providing its services cost-effectively,” the company said, adding that those price changes within its monopoly portfolio will have to be approved by the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC).