Postal regulator wants couriers to register

The postal regulator has released draft regulations compelling all operators in the postal sector, including courier companies, to register, while reenforcing a cap on price increases for the SA Post Office.

The regulations, which emanate from the 1998 Postal Services Act, will help enforce the SA Post Office’s monopoly over all postal items weighing less than 1kg, which has long been flouted by other operators. An inspectorate is to be established to ensure the monopoly is adhered to and fines administered.
The regulations could, however, raise the ire of courier companies, which have long viewed the move towards registration with suspicion and have complained about the extent of the SA Post Office’s monopoly.

Mikie Kutta, acting chief director of the postal regulator, said yesterday that registration was an attempt to get a better understanding of the market and to implement a control mechanism.

“The Post Office has universal service obligations such as delivering addresses and building unprofitable post offices. Its monopoly must be protected.”

Kutta said many couriers had in the past been unaware that the SA Post Office’s monopoly included parcels of up to 1kg. Input from industry players on the regulations would be sought during a countrywide roadshow, which starts next week.

In terms of the price cap, postal tariffs may not increase by more than the consumer price index or by 12 whichever is the lower. This year, tariffs rose about 9% against a requested increase of 12% to 15%.

Relevant Directory Listings

Listing image

PasarEx

PasarEx is a Colombian company that provides international express transportation services for air cargo, packages and documents, and last mile services for electronic commerce platforms. PasarEx is positioned in the logistics market in Colombia due to its rapid response and personalized attention and the use […]

Find out more

Other Directory Listings

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What’s the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



MER Magazine


The Mail & Express Review (MER) Magazine is our quarterly print publication. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, MER is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

 

News Archive

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This