Postal Digest – News from Brazil Post, USPS, Deutsche Post, Latvian Post
Some more of the latest news from around the global postal industry, including expanding retail access at USPS, and thousands of new vehicles for Brazil Post.
Brazil Post takes delivery of 5,700 new vehicles
Brazil Post is taking on 5,700 additional vehicles by the end of this month, as it makes a R$40m investment in its fleet.
The company will take on 3,988 motorbikes, 1,323 trail bikes and 358 commercial vans to improve productivity and the quality of delivery services, it said yesterday.
“The investment in the fleet is part of the revitalisation process the company started in 2011,” Brazil Post explained. “More than 14,000 vehicles have now been purchased, and the company plans to buy 9,100 more in the first quarter of 2013.”
USPS opens 100th “Village Post Office”
The US Postal Service has now opened 100 of its new “Village Post Office” retail outlets within the United States.
Village Post Offices are partner-run postal outlets, where postal services are made available at existing retail businesses like convenience stores and filling stations. The concept was launched by USPS back in July 2011 as a way to increase retail access to postal products and services, particularly in rural areas.
The 100th Village Post Office opened yesterday in Linden, Indiana, a rural community about 50 miles outside Indianapolis. “The Village Post Office is a terrific way for businesses in rural America to provide their customers with convenient access to postal products and services,” said US Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.
Deutsche Post mulls entering long-distance bus market
Deutsche Post is talking to the German Automobile Association (ADAC) about the possibility of jointly developing a new nationwide long-distance bus network.
The move comes two months after the German government decided to liberalise the nation’s long-distance bus market, which takes effect next month. Previously, privately-operated long-distance buses could only operate on routes not covered by public transport. Deutsche Post said its joint market launch could take place as early as 2014.
Jürgen Gerdes, the Deutsche Post DHL board member responsible for Mail, said: “Like no other company in Germany, Deutsche Post stands for nationwide presence and reliability. We also bring our know-how in transportation and fleet management. This is an extremely strong base for success in the long-distance bus market.”
Latvian Post pilots parcel pick-up alternative
Latvian Post has introduced a pilot project allowing customers to divert small packages to the mail centre in central Riga during the Christmas period.
The service comes with a LVL 0.50 forwarding fee, but allows Latvians to collect domestic, international or express mail parcels from the Sakta mail centre until 3rd January, with the centre offering extended opening hours.
Consumers providing their email address or mobile phone will receive an email or text message alert when their package has arrived at the mail centre. Latvian Post said its mail volumes increase by 43% during the run-up to Christmas.
