Austrian Post is enhancing its parcel delivery service with newly introduced deliverynotifications vis SMS and e-mail, and has introduced its first electric vehicles as part of its
environmental activities.In the “Aviso-SMS” trial project launched this month in Vienna and Linz, recipients of parcelsfrom different shippers are now being notified that their shipments have been delivered to the postoffice or local postman.
“We are starting this project with key retailers in the field of distance-trading. If a customerindicates his or her mobile phone number or e-mail address, he or she will be informed about theshipment status,” explained Peter Umundum, responsible for the parcel business.
In the current trial areas in Vienna and Linz, recipients are informed two times about theshipment status. The first notification comes as soon as the parcel had been handed over toAustrian Post and the second one follows after it has been taken over by the postman. This way, therecipient can prepare for the upcoming delivery.
In a further pilot project launched at the same time, the postmen are equipped with a mobilephone enabling them to contact the recipient in case of absence so they can decide on analternative delivery appointment.
“We acknowledge the delivery is an important part in the supply chain of distance-trading. Thebetter it functions, the higher is the number of the repeated orders. Therefore, we want to offerour partners in distance-trading a better service in the future,” Umumdum added.
The trial operations for both projects run until 1 November with the next steps to be plannedafterwards.
Separately, the Austrian postal operator is further promoting CO2-neutral delivery with thelaunch of 18 dual e-trucks across Austria this year. The first eight electrically powered CitroenBerlingo vehicles have already arrived with further ten Renault Kangoo trucks to arriveshortly, along with 100 E-bicycles and 75 E-mopeds.
By the end of this year, Austran Post will thus count a total of 265 E-vehicles placing it atthe forefront of E-moblity. The investment will be supported by the Austrian Life Ministry’s ‘klima:aktiv mobil’ programme. By 2015, Austrian Post plans to integrate over 1,000 E-vehicles inits fleet.
This is in line with all Austrian shipments being delivered in a CO2-neutral way from this yearonwards.
