Swiss Post delivered more than 18 million parcels in the run-up to Christmas 2015, setting a new volume record for the fourth year running.
In 2013 and 2014, the Swiss postal operator reported totals of around 17 million and almost 18 million parcels respectively. This year’s number is the fourth consecutive record since 2012.
On some days during December, Swiss Post handled well over a million parcels. In order to ensure that all Christmas consignments were delivered on time, Swiss Post again sorted parcels on additional days during the month while mail carriers worked overtime on two Saturdays before Christmas in order to deliver parcels.
In the week leading up to Christmas 2015, over a million parcels again passed through the systems at the three sorting centres in Daillens (Vaud), Frauenfeld (Thurgau) and Härkingen (Solothurn) almost every day. This is around double the volume compared to a normal working day.
At the Frauenfeld and Härkingen parcel centers, new sorting systems made it possible to increase the sorting capacity by 25%. The Daillens parcel center will also be equipped with additional systems by the end of 2016. This will ensure that, even with increasing volumes, all parcels will still be delivered punctually, the company said.
Meanwhile, Swiss Post is supporting the “2 x Christmas” campaign for the nineteenth time. Donated goods parcels may be handed in at any post office or agency free of charge until 9 January 2016. And for the first time with pick@home, Swiss Post will also collect parcels for “2 x Christmas” free of charge from homes.
Swiss Post forward parcels to the Swiss Red Cross, who will distribute them to the needy in Switzerland and abroad. Donations that are particularly welcome include useful items such as non-perishable foods, toiletries, new (or “as new”) shoes, school materials and items for toddlers. Until the end of January 2016, virtual parcels can also be donated via the website www.2xweihnachten.ch. The Swiss Red Cross then purchases the corresponding items and distributes them in Eastern Europe.
