26-12-2017
The sorting systems at Swiss Post have been running at near full capacity in the run-up to Christmas: Swiss Post processed more than 18 million parcels in December alone – even though there was one fewer sorting day before Christmas than in previous years. Sorting center and delivery staff worked extra shifts to achieve this result. Since 24 December, the “2 x Christmas” campaign, which supports those in need in Switzerland and abroad, has also been running for the twenty-first time.
Between 1 and 23 December 2017, Swiss Post employees processed more than 18 million parcels, despite the fact that the calendar left one fewer day for sorting this year than in previous years. On peak days in December, over one million parcels a day passed through the systems at the sorting centers in Frauenfeld (TG), Härkingen (SO) and Daillens (VD). On 19 December, Swiss Post set a new record: the three centers processed more than 1.3 million parcels, more than ever before on a single day. To be able to handle these kinds of peak loads more efficiently, Swiss Post has upgraded its parcel centers with additional high-performance sorting systems, increasing capacity by 25 percent over the past few years. The construction of three additional regional parcel centers in Cadenazzo (TI), Untervaz (GR) and Vétroz (VS) has already been planned. This will enable punctual processing of parcel volumes, which are growing each year – thanks in particular to mail order business.
During the pre-Christmas period, Swiss Post’s mail carriers delivered up to 18 million consignments (letters, promotional mailings and newspapers) on peak days. Despite declining volumes, Swiss Post processed a total of around two billion addressed letters in 2017.
Swiss Post staff show great commitment before and after Christmas
To keep things running smoothly during the Christmas rush, Swiss Post employees undertook additional assignments on several occasions, with all available staff reporting for work and the machines in the letter centers running almost round the clock, including weekends. Staff at the three big parcel centers reported for work on two Saturdays before Christmas to sort the enormous volume of parcels, ensuring that the parcels reached their recipients’ homes on time. Delivery staff also worked an extra shift on Saturday, 23 December 2017, to deliver additional parcels in time for Christmas Eve. The rush at Swiss Post’s parcel centers does not end once Christmas is over, however. Online retail continues to boom even beyond the festive season.
“2 x Christmas” with more focus
Swiss Post has been committed to the “2 x Christmas” solidarity campaign for 21 years now, working together with the Swiss Red Cross (SRC), the broadcaster SRG SSR and retailer Coop. Donated goods parcels containing non-perishable food (e.g. rice, oil, coffee or tinned goods) and hygiene products and toiletries (e.g. soap, toothpaste or cotton wool) can still be handed in free of charge at all branches until 6 January 2018. Those who wish to donate can visit www.swisspost.ch/2xchristmas to have parcels collected free of charge from their homes or from another address with pick@home. Donations in kind will this year benefit people in need in Switzerland. The Red Cross will use online parcels donated via www.2xchristmas.ch to purchase goods which are needed urgently in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova and Kyrgyzstan. These will be purchased in the countries themselves and distributed to people in need.
Source: Swiss Post