Austrian Post launches alternative US shipping option
An alternative service has been launched by Austrian Post for parcels bound for the US.
The move comes in response to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extending restrictions on the transport of packages to the US until 10 March.
Originally, tighter security measures were put in place in December for goods that weighed more than 499 grams.
From today (10 February), Austrian Post is offering its customers the option to send parcels to the US via a “fast packet” service, the company said.
Parcels sent under this service will be sent via Frankfurt, Germany.
The cost sending a package of around 500 grams via “fast packet” is EUR 42.50. In comparison, this is a cheaper alternative to the Express Mail Service (EMS), which currently stands at more than EUR 100.
Austrian Post customers will also have the option to choose a slower yet cheaper alternative, sent by land and sea, costing EUR 27.50 for a 500 gram parcel.
An Austrian Post spokesman said that American security authorities have launched a consultation process with representatives of airlines and postal operators to assess the impact of security measures.
The aim is to give the postal operators the opportunity to offer customers a good service whilst still meeting safety requirements. The first results of this process are expected in about four weeks.
