Australia Post announces service changes as it struggles with record parcel backlog
Australia Post is struggling to send out a record number of parcels, with hundreds of staff now in isolation due to Covid-19.
Australia Post will pause collections from retailers in NSW, the ACT and Victoria for three days in an effort to clear a record backlog of parcels with limited staff.
The mail company said the pause would apply to Parcel Post collections from online retailers from 7am on Saturday to 7am on Tuesday.
“Australia Post currently has 500 people in necessary self-isolation, placing increased pressure on our network, while we also manage flight restrictions, temporary facility closures and parcel volumes as high as our Christmas peak period,” it said in a statement.
“This temporary measure will allow us to responsibly clear record parcel volumes in parts of our network impacted by Covid-19.”
Australia Post recorded its busiest ever month in August, with lockdowns driving up online shopping and more parcels sent than over the Christmas period last year.
Post offices remain open, deliveries are continuing and post boxes will continue to be cleared.
Express Post, Premium and StarTrack Express services will not be affected.
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