Japan Post to simplify parcel rates

Japan Post is to bring its parcel delivery charges in line with those of private home delivery companies, sources said Monday.

The state-run parcel delivery service, founded in 1892, will drop its current weight-based pricing system in favor of a size-based system for its Yu Pack parcel delivery service.

By introducing a simplified rate structure as used by private companies such as Yamato Transport Co., which dominates the parcel delivery service industry, Japan Post hopes to win customers.

Japan Post also plans to increase the number of employees at sales sections and review its collection and delivery system.

Japan Post accepts parcels with a maximum combined length, width, and depth of 1.7 meters and weighing up to 30 kilograms. Under its current system, there are 12 weight divisions, with postage being determined by weight classification and distance. For example, the cost of sending an item weighing less than two kilograms from Osaka to Tokyo is 710 yen.

Yamato Transport classifies parcels into six sizes and calculates postage by weight and distance.