With inbound eCommerce parcel volumes set to soar higher than ever before, Jersey Post is urging customers to get ready for Christmas early.
Significant delays are expected due to the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on postal routes so far this year. Islanders planning to shop online and send parcels to family and friends this festive period are advised to start preparations as early as possible to ensure items arrive in time for Christmas.
Parcel volumes set to soar
So far this year Jersey Post has delivered over 3.5m parcels locally. Due to the pandemic, it also saw a 60% increase in parcel volumes during the period from April to July in comparison with 2019. It is predicted that during November and December, there will be a similar increase in volumes compared with last year.
Niall McClure, Jersey Post’s Managing Director for Postal and Logistics, said: “There is an unprecedented demand for home deliveries which has been fuelled by the impact of the pandemic. Given the large volumes of traffic we’ve experienced already this year, we as a business will be stretched to over full capacity but have measures in place to deal with the increase. For those customers choosing to order online this Christmas, we advise ordering sooner rather than later as online retailers and delivery agents are experiencing record peak volumes worldwide.”
Recommend last posting dates
Jersey Post continues to advise on the recommended last posting dates, which can be viewed here to ensure Islanders get all their letters and parcels posted on time.
Currently, individual countries have different levels of mail service regulations which present an even greater challenge in processing and delivering items during the peak period. It is recommended that Islanders send items at the earliest possible opportunity to allow items to have the best chance of being delivered in time for Christmas.
Post early and benefit from reduced posting rates
With many Islanders unable to travel due to restrictions, it has never been more important to stay connected with family and friends. To encourage Islanders to post early and to keep in touch with relatives overseas, Jersey Post is reducing its Christmas themed stamps from Monday 23rd November until Friday 4th December. The stamp prices can be viewed online here.
Stamps are available to purchase from any Island-wide post offices. Following Friday 4th December, normal postage rates apply. The reduced Christmas stamps can still be used, but customers are required to add additional postage to avoid surcharges and potential delays.
Avoid missing a delivery
In the early months of the pandemic, Jersey Post provided “keep our posties safe” cards to all households to ensure minimal contact between customers and postal operatives. With the Christmas peak imminent and online shopping orders on the rise, there is a higher requirement for proof of delivery from the senders and retailers, which means these cards can no longer be accepted as an adequate form of permission. To continue receiving parcels in this way, Jersey Post requires written consent and is encouraging customers to make the service official by signing up to its free SecureDrop service. In the same way that the “keep our posties safe” cards work, the free SecureDrop service allows customers to select a safe, waterproof location on their property grounds for larger parcels to be left and those that require a signature upon delivery. Customers will be sent a small waterproof barcode to affix to their safe place location, such as a shed or porch, which allows the postal operative to scan as proof of delivery.
Alternatively, Jersey Post’s free parcel lockers are a great way of keeping Christmas gifts secret from loved ones that live within the same household. Parcel lockers are ideal for customers who are often out during the day, but perhaps do not have a secure, convenient storage location at their property. They provide the added convenience of collecting parcels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any item, even those that usually require a signature, can be delivered straight into a secure 24/7 locker for customers to collect within a 48-hour window. With six different locations around the island, Islanders have the choice of picking a location that fits their lifestyle, this may include a location close to home, work or on the commute to and from work.
These free alternative delivery services ensure that customers receive their items on the first delivery attempt and avoid having to travel to collect from the parcel collection depot at Rue des Pres.
Shop local with Fetch.je
With the predicted inbound Christmas mail delays, Jersey Post is encouraging Islanders to consider shopping online for local produce and services using Fetch.je. The platform provides local residents with a safe method to shop at favourite local establishments during the ongoing pandemic challenges. Jersey Post has recently acquired Fetch.je to continue to support local businesses, whilst also encouraging other local retailers to adopt online trading.
Look out for the Christmas posting guide
Next week all households will be receiving Jersey Post’s free Christmas posting guide through their letterbox. This easy to read leaflet contains information on recommended last posting dates, the reduced Christmas posting rates, the extended opening times for Broad Street and Rue des Pres Post Office and the parcel collection counter, as well as other helpful information regarding Christmas postage.
