[VIC] Auspost - Long Transit Times...

rambutann on 19/09/2020 - 09:36
Last edited 19/09/2020 - 09:38

How bad have Auspost been lately???

I understand that they have a reduction of workforce relating to warehouse activities, but surely they could have seen coming.. surely they could have pivoted to deal with the influx of parcels in their network by now.. i feel like they are focusing on trying to make as much money out of this as opposed to spending a little extra to actually deliver parcels in a timely manner. If the news articles from a few weeks ago were correct, then they even asked their staff to volunteer their time to clear the backlog..

In the past couple of months, what has been the longest transit you've experienced that has actually shown up? Ive had:
3 weeks Adelaide to Melbourne
3 weeks Melbourne to Melbourne (twice…)
And 4 weeks Melbourne to Melbourne…

Yes I have had express post parcels delivered in a timely manner, but lets talk parcel post/letters.

Given that they are owned by the government, you'd think this would be treated as essential given the current situation in Victoria..

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Comments

  • 91rs on 20/09/2020 - 19:08
    +2

    It's been a mess, most recent was 6 business days for an express post item where I was charged $25 for express post, Melbourne to Melbourne (less than 40kms away) sent on a Monday, arrived the Monday after.
    I've had to send and receive quite a lot of documents, all express post in A4 envelopes, Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane (metro areas), the fastest was 4 business days longest 7.
    Another box that could fit in a 3kg express post prepaid bag (now nearly $20 each!) Melbourne to Sydney was 8 business days.

    I don't want to risk using regular parcel post if those are the express post times currently.

  • ratman on 20/09/2020 - 19:54
    +2

    I've had 3 weeks to neigbouring sydney suburb. Meanwhile FedEx are somehow vastly improved - consistently next business day from USA.

  • taoz on 20/09/2020 - 20:51
    +2

    you have fair points OP really.
    If you want a comparison. go to your local supermarket, Aldi, Coles or Woolies.
    Think about how many cases pass through there warehouses every day and into your local store. There volume has gone up plenty also, they have had short term closures on DCs also.
    transport providers are considered essential service.

    • rambutann on 20/09/2020 - 22:20
      +5

      Bang on. There are plenty of other parts of the economy that have had to react given the situation and they are dealing with the challenge. I feel like Auspost put in about a 10% effort to react to the challenge, then have just issued apologies and statistics from there in hopes that people will be okay with it all.

    • Jojo-Ma on 22/09/2020 - 00:11
      +2

      Don't know why/how AusPost manages to garner loyal fans who would still defend for their subpar services. They eerily and annoyingly feel like Wumao.

    • Poppin on 22/09/2020 - 16:30

      You can see how a wholesale distribution network is different to a letter and parcel network right? How many Coles, Woolworth's and Aldi locations are there combined versus the number of households, offices, post boxes?

      The thing is, Aus Post also delivers to every Coles, Woolworth's and Aldi store.

      • taoz on 22/09/2020 - 18:37

        No, it's all relative. The distribution networks are set up to do the same thing.
        Getting something from one point to another.
        Obviously the items are different but the methods are similar.
        Ie. Supermarket. Supplier - DC - sorted to store - delivered next distro point being the store - workers then deliver item to end point, being the shelf.
        Australia Post - mail box /office. Delivered every Arvo at minimum to DC, distribution point- sorted then delivered to next distro point, admin local depot..local depot then deliver to end point being house/business.

        There is sorting in between ordering etc, but the base mechanics are very similar. Getting from point to point with varying delivery methods. All of which need resource planning.
        Supermarket also has to make sure enough stock is taken in prior also, plus alot more I'm.sure.yoy can work out.

        Australia Post to me slowed there service in the last few years, when I would thought it would got better.
        We used to be able get letters and parcels delivered next day in same state.

        Each to there own views

  • mezje on 20/09/2020 - 20:54

    I am in St.Kilda, had a package go Port Melbourne > Middle Park > Sydney (1.5 weeks) > Me

    On the flipside a lot of businesses are now doing their own couriers, same day sometimes!

  • mirz on 20/09/2020 - 21:37
    +1

    It took them 6 weeks to deliver coffee machine from myer southland to Craigieburn (within Melbourne).

    and courier please isn’t better at all. 4 weeks to deliver a quilt from Tarneit to Craigieburn.

    God bless this country.

  • bmerigan on 20/09/2020 - 21:44

    I've been super impressed by how fast my packages have been arriving. Even on Saturdays.
    I've only had 2 international packages seriously delayed this year.

    Also, the staff asked to deliver parcels were not doing it for free. I'd have no problem dropping off some parcels on my way home if I got time-in-lieu for each one.

  • netjock on 20/09/2020 - 22:22

    Got a letter from the UK sent out 30 days ago. Not seen it yet. Another letter about 20 days ago not seen.

    2x Parcels from AliExpress that left China and Singapore 26th Aug and not seen them yet.

    1x small parcel from China that arrived within 14 days.

    More misses than hits.

    Not even going to debate why it is so stuffed.

    Strange is 6 weeks of stage 4 why is everyone going ballistic ordering online. Oh they forgot it would flood the system and they won't get it until the lock down ends.

    • netsurfer on 21/09/2020 - 08:59
      +2

      from AliExpress that left China and Singapore

      Let me guess, shipped by AliExpress Standard Shipping?

      I just finished a dispute with AliExpress. There is a lot people don't know about AliExpress shipping. We often tend to pick the cheapest.

      • China Post Registered: One of the senders provides it as default (a fairly expensive item). Arrived in 2 weeks + 1 day.
      • Proper China Post based service (with tracking) is trackable here.
      • Do not assume AusPost is the last mile carrier if you used any other service - that includes AliExpress Standard Shipping (which can be quite horrible at the moment).
      • AliExpress Standard Shipping is nowhere close to fulfilled by Amazon (AliExpress Standard Shipping actually can be one of the worst right now). A lot of their China -> Singapore -> Australia delivery service right now is horrible and can take 3 months.
      • AliExpress default info tends to indicate handed over to airline too quickly. I've had a number of parcels which haven't actually left China yet but AliExpress indicated handed over to airline. What happen was it was an attempt to handover to airline (but doesn't imply it's successful). One of them had been rejected in that attempt and being re-routed elsewhere.

      Right now, I am avoiding any postage that goes through Singapore. I simply refuse to buy any AliExpress items where the seller uses a service that go via Singapore. Cheap AliExpress Standard Postage right now is in my blacklist. You could end up having a dispute with AliExpress and AliExpress is the judge. The case I had, AliExpress extended the ruling time so eventually the item arrived. Strangely enough, after I raised the case, the last mile carrier appeared to get its act together all of the sudden.

      • netjock on 21/09/2020 - 10:53
        +1

        Do not assume AusPost is the last mile carrier if you used any other service - that includes AliExpress Standard Shipping (which can be quite horrible at the moment).

        Do you know who is?

        I have another AliExpress package that bounced around within China sorting centres for a month and I raised it with AliExpress and got my money back.

        Still doesn't explain my two letters from the UK that is nowhere to be seen right now.

        Right now plans are flying in with like few as 50 passengers what else they doing with rest of the space?

        • netsurfer on 21/09/2020 - 13:13

          I don't. I've been trying to ask AliExpress CSR to give me that information. Unfortunately, as much as they would like to help, they know very little about AliExpress Standard Shipping.

          There is a lot more cheap options for postage from China. However, in a time like this, other than proper China Post based shipping, any of other providers could lead to additional delays. Even for China Post, there are different levels of services. Obviously China Post Registered is expensive, but you get what you paid for.

          Planes, honestly, the flight companies aren't given discounts. Also, some of those alternative shipping companies can and will do a lot of package passing. I do question whether most of cheaper shipping from China are actually done via ship. For example, the AliExpress Standard Shipping which took 3 months had the China to Singapore leg took more than 1 months. What kind of flight takes 1 month?

          You cannot expect to pay super cheap shipping and get quality service.

          • netjock on 21/09/2020 - 13:37

            @netsurfer: I've read about why China post is so cheap due to some UN convention

            It is interesting some of what you've come across.

  • clint-008 on 20/09/2020 - 22:59
    +1

    Been surprised by recent orders.
    Auspost to Mudgee roughly 300 km west of Sydney. NSW orders seem to be arriving quicker than normal. Orders from Vic have taken about a week but it has always been that way.

    Express post
    Adelaide - Mudgee (via Sydney)
    4 - 6 Aug (2 days)

    Canberra - Mudgee (via Sydney)
    15-16 Sept (1 day)

    Standard post
    Melbourne - Mudgee (via Sydney)
    26 Aug - 3 Sept (8 days)

    Sydney - Mudgee
    11 Sept - 14 Sept ( Friday to Monday)

    Have another order sent on the 15 th from Melbourne is currently in Strathfield should arrive Tomorrow. (6 days ?)

    Toll
    Melbourne - Mudgee
    3-8 Sept (5 days)

    Fastway
    Another one from Melbourne
    15-23 Jul (8 days)

  • Cleremy on 20/09/2020 - 23:44
    +3

    Everything I see indicates that Australia Post is planned to be sold off, how long that takes and how they go about it remains to be seen.

    Destroying the standard of service then citing that as the need to hand it over to the private sector should pass muster with the MSM-consuming public.

    • netjock on 21/09/2020 - 10:55
      +3

      Look at UK's Royal Mail. Sold off and now a value trap for shareholders.

      Problem with government ownership of any enterprise is everyone works there like they are doing charity but actually it is the reverse. Taking people's money for substandard service.

      Went to interview at Australia Post (corporate) and it is all ex banking people (ANZ, NAB etc)

  • zaido on 21/09/2020 - 00:03
    +2

    Bought a dock from Carrum Downs, VIC and had to be delivered to Chadstone, VIC. Agreed with the seller that we can't meetup because of restrictions and he was happy to ship the item from 15$ (not the actual price). The tracking went stale for 1.5 days then on the 2nd day afternoon an update came up saying its now in Sydney; I then asked the seller the next day for confirmation on the tracking so that I could lodge an inquiry properly. However the seller lodge an inquiry voluntarily. The seller was kind enough to do what I was going to do which was awesome, I thanked him and told him how I appreciate it. The inquiry reflected on the tracking but it didn't help, the item didn't move for a week after the inquiry. When it did it took 2 working days for it to get delivered which was more frustrating as it had weekends in between.

    I hear your frustration, even before the current situation AusPost has had their share of distrust. However I think right now the best to do is not assume things that could ignite the flame even further. From how I see it some posties doesn't want to delivery because of the diseases, or some really can't or some are not taking the risk because of personal issues.

    The best thing to do right now is initiate the right thing to do, like how the seller handled our situation. He initiated lodging an inquiry which kind of calmed the frustration I had with auspost. Was baffled from his reaction as I won't be doing that as a seller, the moment I ship the item and give the tracking to the buyer I think to myself "thank you, I'm hands off".

    We should be more positive within the the negative sea. The moment all of this is over, I feel like sending feedbacks to auspost like bombard them so that they listen. Send messages to the media, social and news.

    Lastly, don't use Fastway or Aramex. The guy on their new site is creepy.

    • netjock on 21/09/2020 - 11:01
      +1

      Lastly, don't use Fastway or Aramex.

      I checked it out on your creepy comment. For everyone Aramex bought Fastway (poor clowns)

      The guy on their new site is creepy.

      Does he know your address?

      • zaido on 21/09/2020 - 17:52

        Does he know your address?

        I hope not, I'm just a little creeped out with the red cap, the smile and the eyes staring. gives me the jeebie-jeebies

  • netsurfer on 21/09/2020 - 08:46
    +1

    OP, first of all, the parcel volume since Covid-19 is at a record level. Higher than last year's pre-Christmas period (which tends to be the busiest) by a large margin.

    Melbourne is at stage-4 lockdown. That actually means less staff available and less time allowed for those people to work. In case you haven't noticed, the sorting centre(s) used to do a lot work after business hours. Also, express post has higher priority and Amazon Prime + other similar ones would have higher priority. Then there is international equivalent of express post.

    Also, please do not assume AusPost delivery staff are immune to Covid-19. You might feel Melbourne is actually okay now, but people in other states may not be keen to go to Melbourne.

    We, OZBers are not helping as we continue to buy more toys.

    • netjock on 21/09/2020 - 10:57

      We, OZBers are not helping as we continue to buy more toys.

      Need to hand their saver badges back.

    • [Deactivated] on 21/09/2020 - 16:40

      Well said

  • RocketSwitch on 21/09/2020 - 09:21

    It's like advertising. Many companies are using the Express option which pushes normal delivery out. So, that's what happens.

  • cbastien on 21/09/2020 - 09:36

    Also don t forget that on ebay lot of people fake their location as Melbourne when in fact they are much further away… which was working ok before covid… but not anymore…

  • cunningdrew on 21/09/2020 - 10:26
    +1

    What if I buy something with a 12 month warranty and I don't receive it in time and it's dead on arrival? Then What? :P

    In all honesty, I've had 3-4 weeks of late. And it's rather frustrating. My last Inglewood 'fresh' coffee beans took 3 weeks. First world problem though that delivery.

    I am only ordering now for items which can ship via Sendle. Otherwise, not buying unless it's absolutely necessary. The network doesn't need more congestion from crap I don't really need.

  • mincemeat on 21/09/2020 - 11:03

    Back in April it took over a month for a Melbourne parcel to get to me in Sydney. I haven't online shopped much since and especially not from Melb.

  • BadHorse on 21/09/2020 - 11:18
    +1

    I had a small parcel (<400g) take 32 days to travel the 14km from the senders post office to my letter box. At the same time another parcel got sent to the countryside ~140km away in about 6 days!

  • DingoBilly on 21/09/2020 - 11:28
    +1

    It sucks.. but mate come on. They have super reduced staffing levels, but significantly more volume of parcels. What do you expect? This seems like another one of those weird entitled posters that OzBargain seems to attract.

    We have bigger issues in Victoria then whether you got that new video game or cool new t-shirt delivered. I'm sure there are some valid essential deliveries there but even as you mentioned - if it's essential, you get it express and it should be ok. If you're ordering much needed medication as slow mail then… that's on you.

    • rambutann on 21/09/2020 - 11:45
      -1

      I expect them to exhibit delays - no doubt.
      I get that there would be major delays in the beginning.
      I get that there would still be delays given the current situation in Victoria.

      But to be literally months into this and there be no reduction in those delays. I'm not expecting regular transits, but I would expect transit times to improve on what they have been.

      Edit: just to be clear, im happy to be proven wrong as to why Auspost should be continually exhibiting these delays and that there's some kind of continual exponential increase of parcels, but I am assuming demand has plateaued at a high level, and that they have stopped trying to improve until demand reduces.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/09/2020 - 16:42

        It's a perfect storm of unprecedented crisis meeting unprecedented demand. Workforce planning is complex, and complicated further than a more difficult environment to conduct internal business couple with an uncertain timeframe for the future.

      • lgacb08 on 21/09/2020 - 20:08
        +2

        Mate, given the situation, befor the pandemic their warehouses can comfortably process 1000 orders a day, all the sudden now you got 1000 extra everyday going for months, how're you gonna clear the backlog? If it is a one-off thing then a weekend shift would solve it. You will need to have another warehouse up and running with that same capacity and that doesn't take a day or a month. And by the time you get it up running you will have to clear the backlog. But then that doesn't happen, instead government restrictions mean your current warehouse and the new one will have to run at reduced capacity, so you're back to square one. Don't forget the number of order went up too.

    • Jojo-Ma on 22/09/2020 - 00:21
      -1

      "If you're ordering much needed medication as slow mail then… that's on you." This has to be the most "thoughtful" comment of 2020. Shame on you.

  • popsiee on 21/09/2020 - 11:57

    I am assuming demand has plateaued at a high level, and that they have stopped trying to improve until demand reduces

    How can they improve with Andrews Covid 4 restrictions stopping adequate staffing levels coming into place ?
    Logical staff from most companies have been working on reduced levels .
    Really just another no clue posting !

    • rambutann on 21/09/2020 - 12:04

      … not at all…

      As I have said, I acknowledge delays, I acknowledge that an efficient way to keep up to date with sorting is to send stock to other states, what I don't understand is how parcels are still taking 2-3 weeks to be sorted in Sydney prior to being returned to Melbourne.

      Even if the time it took to sort stock was reduced to 1 week in Sydney (bearing in mind this process usually takes a couple of hours and occurs every night of the year), transits should in theory reduce to 2 weeks.

  • CheeryCheapskate on 21/09/2020 - 12:11
    +1

    Victoria has been hit hardest of course due to the tightest restrictions and Australia Post complying by the rules of law. I'm in the same boat where I have things out in post but I do feel for the posties during this time.

    Here's an insight of Australia Post (VIC) presented by ABC News (1st September report):
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0gU9mR0__w

    • rambutann on 21/09/2020 - 12:48

      Interesting, 21 seconds into the video they acknowledge this is the new norm.
      65% of ecommerce orders are out of Victoria.

      That was an great video - thanks for sharing!

      As a whole it sounds like they need to focus on increasing overall capacity in the long term, but they need to increase it in the short term (aka before christmas).
      Kinda explains the delays, no point investing in the short term if the issue can be improved in the short term with long term investments, but if this were true we would start to see transit times normalise in the coming months, and they should be able to deal a lot better if this situation were to occur again. If it didn't improve in the coming months and demand remained the same, then they probably should have focused on those inefficient short term gains to keep them afloat.

      • netsurfer on 21/09/2020 - 13:34
        +3

        The stage-4 restriction is a big issue. Do you expect AusPost sorting centre people to work after 9PM (or previously 8PM) as in pre-Covid-19? They used to do a significant amount of work after 8PM. Also, do you expect social distancing to have zero impact on AusPost?

        It's unrealistic to expect AusPost not being impacted by Stage-4 restriction. As a seller, I've been informed by my LPO to lodge items early (before 1PM) instead of pre-Covid-19's 4PM if I want the items actually picked up and sent to the sorting centre that day. Also, with interstate deliveries without Express Post, DO NOT expect AusPost to send them every day (that wasn't the case pre-Covid-19). Any delay in sorting centre would amplify the delay further for interstate deliveries. That's just part of life. As such, I do try to send using Express Post to my customers if possible (but obviously, I cannot do that for cheap items).

        Going through the tracking events, I can see AusPost having less time to process items in Victoria each day, especially since Stage-4 restriction. Compared to other states, there is a big difference.

        A bit more understanding and realise that it is actually tougher for AusPost to fulfil their SLAs in Victoria right now.

        People who are affected or have relatives affected by Covid-19 can easily have their work impacted by several weeks. There is a reason why the Covid-19 fight is still ongoing. If you need something quick, pay for Express Post. Otherwise, just at least double your expected time to get the item.

  • lufee on 21/09/2020 - 12:28

    Sold phone by ebay on 31 August from Brisbane and it arrived at Melbourne last Friday 19th September.
    My initial though was maybe tracking wasn't updated or lost but seriously almost 3 weeks.
    I even get thing from Amazon US faster,

  • Gnostikos on 21/09/2020 - 13:48

    On the contrary, out here in the sticks (by that I mean Western Australia) I've been getting stuff delivered on time, every single time for the past dozen orders or so, including several orders which came from sellers/vendors in VIC/NSW and others which came from the US/UK.

    I've been expecting the worst with each order but have been pleasantly surprised each time, the most delay I've seen is 1-2 days beyond the ETA.

  • glassyan on 21/09/2020 - 13:50
    +1

    Right now delivery to VIC is luck dependent, I recently received a parcel from Auspost within a week, yet I am still waiting for another parcel from Auspost that was sent last month.

  • b-t on 21/09/2020 - 13:59
    +2

    I sent a letter from Forest Hill, VIC to Chadstone, VIC to a friend to wish him a happy birthday.

    (For those outside of VIC/Melbourne, that's about a 30 minute drive).

    It arrived 3 weeks after I sent it (and subsequently, 3 week after his birthday).

    I almost thought it went missing…

  • akashra on 21/09/2020 - 14:00
    +1

    A week prior to Fathers day, I shipped 20 packages containing chocolate, that has about a 3-to-5-week shelf life. This was sent prior to the warning that in order to arrive by fathers day, they must be shipped by Friday/Monday for express.

    Two of those packages have sat at the Roxburgh Park sorting center since September 12, and only need to be delivered a few km down the road to Pascoe Vale and the other to the other side of the city. I've had to tell the recipients to just turf them when they arrive.

  • kewlaz on 21/09/2020 - 14:41

    Since January I have had approx 35 to 40 parcels delivered by Australia Post, some taking longer than others but overall I am happy with the delivery times. I did have one parcel sit at a Sydney depot for approx 3 weeks before I logged a ticket with them, then within a few days I had the parcel. I had waited the three weeks as I had a similar experience getting something from the USA, it sat at JFK for 3 weeks then another two weeks in Perth. But that is OK I know they are busy.

  • Justbenice on 21/09/2020 - 14:51
    +1

    I'm still waiting for a package from Pharmacy Online (QLD), that I ordered for delivery to VIC 5 weeks ago. Glad it doesn't contain any insulin or Prozac. I agree with the OP, yes, we all expect delays, but by now systems should be in place. They were already facing delays with the fires and floods that occurred earlier this year, surely they could have set up off site depots or similar and hired more people for sorting packages in state, rather than sending them to other states for processing. I've never worked for Auspost, but surely it can't be that hard to set up other processing depots?

  • iTaco on 21/09/2020 - 18:44
    +1

    Took 5 days for something from America to arrive.
    Took 7 days for something from Melbourne to go an hour down the road.

    • netsurfer on 21/09/2020 - 22:52

      Took 5 days for something from America to arrive.

      Fedex or DHL?

      Took 7 days for something from Melbourne to go an hour down the road.

      What kind of postage? Not Express Post right?

      I've posted something using Fedex recently. It was fast, but the cost of postage is more than the cost of the item posted.

      • iTaco on 22/09/2020 - 17:22

        It wasn't express. It was Amazon something, but the postage was definitely not expensive.

        Edit. DHL

  • Castcore on 21/09/2020 - 20:17
    +1

    Received an item from Amazon US in 4 days…

    Sent a return item to Amazon US via AusPost, has been sitting in Melbourne sorting facility for 22 days…

  • ribze1 on 21/09/2020 - 22:07

    I bought something from Amazon on Saturday night, had it in my hands at 10am this morning (Monday), incredible.

  • sombody on 21/09/2020 - 23:01

    It doesn't help when you have posties starting at 2 different times, one early and one later. Things aren't going to get out and delivered in time. The "restructuring" of delviery models is absolutely rubbish. How are parcels and letters supposed to be get out efficiently every second day? An influx of parcels? How about putting your staff on and not reduce their workhours. The amount of product being left behind in delivery facilities is atrocious.

    edit: here are some, lets say satirical but not satirical videos:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJiLeXKMoX9sv1fuuuDj7g/vid…

  • MarcusJones on 22/09/2020 - 08:32
    +1

    Service is horrible….

    I had a parcel take 11 days to travel 970m (the local shop didn’t allow click and collect).

    Just for the record, the average garden snail could have done that trip in less than 24 hours. So even in a pandemic, Auspost being 11 times slower than a snail is frustrating… especially for those who are trying to run a business from home and need stuff delivered in a reasonable timeframe.

    • King Steuart on 22/09/2020 - 11:14
      +2

      How long does a snail take to travel to sydney and back though

      • Roney on 22/09/2020 - 13:16
        +2

        It depends on which snails. The one with "Express Post" sticker on its shell slithers to Melb first

  • CrazyBargainCatcher on 22/09/2020 - 08:34

    3 weeks and counting from Bayswater to Ferntree Fully. It's apparently lost but can't get money back because Spotlight CS is closed

  • khomeini on 22/09/2020 - 10:06
    +2

    Disclaimer - both my parents, until very recently worked at AusPost in the distribution centre. They really enjoyed working there but I'm glad they're retired.

    1. My 70yr old father was 2x the speed of most other workers at the package processing machines. Most are there just to lounge around/look at their phones and not bother with the actual work but get paid. Sad but true.

    2. There are no metrics to measure efficiency and it's like most things in govt/public sector workplaces - who you know and who you're friends with. So as an example, my dad processes 70 packages in an hour, someone else does 30 but if they're friends with the manager or simply can't go faster - thats okay. Most do the minimum and wait to get the overtime rates - again line managers help organise who gets overtime etc.

    3. I was told that there's heaps of packages waiting to be processed due to increase of online shopping and lack of staff (due to covid measures & distancing). So expect the speeds to be further decreased by 50%.

    [Controversial comment: There are groups based on country of birth/origin, not dissimilar to other warehouse workplaces I'd assume, who tend to stick together and slack together (as I said above, do the absolute minimum - if advised to do more they run off to their manager, also from that same group and nothing is achieved). I won't name or shame but it's truly shameful.]

    Personally I want the cheapest delivery and AusPost is okay and I can wait for the package. If I'm after something urgently then DHL works.

    I'm curious what other AusPost employee's who work at the distribution centres have to say about the above.

    • field1985 on 22/09/2020 - 21:03
      +2

      When I arrived from Germany in the early 70's and got my first job I worked like a German, as efficiently as possible. But before morning tea I was pulled aside and actually told to slow down. This was because "it would make the others look bad" and "they would finish on-time and not get paid for their overtime".

      This was a group of true blue Aussies, so it's pretty universal behavior and I don't think it's exclusive to any ethnic group or country, such corruption generally arises whenever members of a group receive a benefit (eg overtime) if they work together achieve it (or in this case exploit it).

      If AusPost were smart they would pay bonuses (the equivalent of overtime wages) for achieving performance targets on time. So workers are incentivised to work faster and not incentivised to waste their own time (working slow then doing overtime) just to benefit financially.

      • khomeini on 22/09/2020 - 21:52
        +1

        I'm from another country (thoroughly Aussie now though) as are my parents. So I'm not pinpointing minorities or ethic groups. I also understand work ethic by new migrants etc…

        However at AusPost there are groups who gravitate towards country of birth/origin (yes including Australia) who slack. Simple… And there's no penalties whatsoever. And the ones who slack also slack when they are given overtime… There is now than enough work present.

        The AusPost incentive and tracking of efficient workers is non existent. I find that to be their biggest failing.

        In general I agree with your above comments.

      • Jojo-Ma on 23/09/2020 - 12:30

        Amen, you're one of the few that actually threw in constructive criticisms and suggestions to help, instead of blindly supporting AusPost, defending them, or even worse speaking positively just because they didn't have any bad experience caused by AusPost.

        The AusPost media team is also a controversial one. When shit hits the fan, they say they didn't have enough workers.

        We don't usually see a nation complaining of not having enough masks during a pandemic. They GET IT SORTED because it is a pressing issue. Alas, we allow AusPost continue to become a prick for 10yrs+.

  • PleasureMe on 22/09/2020 - 11:22
    -2

    Aus Post suck balls!

  • OneTonneRodeo on 22/09/2020 - 11:29

    Like liquorice all sorts of late for me.

    One express post AusPost item took 10 days Melbourne to Melbourne, half hour drive away, albeit arrived on a Sunday.

    An Amazon item via AusPost Melbourne to Melbourne arrived inside 2 days.

    Sydney to Melbourne via Aramex about 7 days

    Perth to Melbourne via Aramex about 10 days

    Fedex/UPS/DHL in the last fortnight from the States arrived at my door in 3-5 days via Amazon (admittedly the picking time on Amazon's part took longer, but shipping was quick - didn't pay for the shipping either as the order was over $49 but they sent out each item separately)

  • antonthenet on 22/09/2020 - 11:41

    We had a 4 week delay of a standard letter being sent with blinds samples in it.

    They could corner the market with their network but instead seem to be flailing.

  • syme321 on 22/09/2020 - 13:28
    -1

    I've ordered heaps and generally it feels like it takes about the same time. Some items have taken a little longer, not sure why but it's definitely not consistently bad for me (in Melb Metro area)

  • FlatulentFrank on 22/09/2020 - 14:36
    +1

    They still have customer service, as opposed to giants like eBay that hide behind the pandemic to reduce costs.
    Australia Post is doing OK considering the circumstances. They have an archaic organisational structure that doesn't allow for instant shift in operations

  • umoddbro on 22/09/2020 - 15:21

    Maybe they should stop paying their CEO so much and spend that money on hiring more employees and upgrading their prehistoric systems. First world country with a third world postal system!

  • tekisei on 22/09/2020 - 15:31

    Same day Express Post lodgement from Sydney:

    Adelaide: 1 day.
    Melbourne: 7 days.

  • FW190 on 22/09/2020 - 18:25

    my recent experience (based in Newcastle)

    from Melbourne - sent on 16th, arrived on 21st

    from Sydney - ordered on 15th (sent date unknow), arrived on 22nd

    from Sydney - ordered on 15th, still hasn't arrived

    just regular parcel/envelope post, not express.

  • serpserpserp on 22/09/2020 - 20:25

    Strange that people have complained. I have to say that my household gets something delivered every day from AusPost at the moment. Nothing is every over a week in transit domestically. I think they are doing a great job!

    • ATangk on 22/09/2020 - 20:56

      Thats because youre not in Melb. I sent a few things to SA and VIC and theyve taken over a week, most of the time sittting in Sydney for a week before moving on. Other times its delivered to SA next day. Sydney deliveries are always fast intercity.

      • serpserpserp on 22/09/2020 - 21:12

        Thats because youre not in Melb

        I do live in Melbourne. cbf updating my profile.

        • ATangk on 22/09/2020 - 21:25

          Huh. Interesting. Even in Sydney I'm getting delays but it just so happens that its all things coming out of Vic.

  • imnotgoingtopayrrp on 22/09/2020 - 20:44

    I think all the Auspost resources are being diverted to NSW. Ordered two cases of VB and Calton and got them in one day.

    • serpserpserp on 22/09/2020 - 21:13
      +1

      I think they just prioritize critical deliveries such as these.

  • field1985 on 22/09/2020 - 20:47
    -2

    Considering the workloads and reduced capacity they been placed under (under no fault of their) they have performed amazingly well.

    I've seen my postie delivering on saturday and sundays. Packages take time, but they still arrive.

    As a kid, my father had to rely on an the airlift to get food when the russians blockaded Berlin..

    So I think I can manage waiting a week or two for some plastic from China.

    • serpserpserp on 22/09/2020 - 21:15

      As a kid, my father had to rely on an the airlift to get food when the russians blockaded Berlin..

      What was the postage on that? Did they deliver on weekends? Drone deliveries must have been so good back in the steampunk era.

      • field1985 on 23/09/2020 - 23:17

        1. Well 39 British and 31 Americans died trying to support the 2.2 million Berlin citizens.

        2. It continued 24 hours a day (including weekends) for 18 months at a total cost of $224 million.

        3. No drones just real men, who did what was required instead of whinging.

        The US Air Force and the RAF made deliveries totalling 2.3 million tonnes on 280,000 flights to Berlin. So yeah deliveries were pretty good back then compared to the minor issues people complain about today.

        • serpserpserp on 24/09/2020 - 17:46

          2 to 3 million a week? I'd definitely complain to the ombudsman about that one.

  • virhlpool on 22/09/2020 - 20:52
    +1

    One issue is the delay itself and another is the posties leaving a notification card in the mailbox to collect the parcel from post office instead of delivering the item at the door. AusPost said they were working to fix it when the issue was hyped up in media a few months back but I don't see any change in the behavior of posties.

  • Twelveeyes on 22/09/2020 - 21:42

    I haven't had that many Auspost parcels delivered but it's been quite variable here in metro Melb.

    Early August when they started saying there would be delays it was all fine…seemed to hit a rough patch mid August with parcels from NSW taking a while. Spotlight: one parcel (from Lismore) 2 weeks, another 4 (Dubbo). Solidteknics - Sydney: 2 weeks

    Melbourne originating parcels have also been variable. My Inglewood Coffee (sent 27 August) got sent to Sydney for sorting and took 2 weeks to arrive, but a Mount Zero Olives order (placed around the same time but sent on 31 August) took 2 days to arrive!

    Amazon orders seem to also originate from Melbourne but arrive super quick in comparison even with standard shipping.

    Can't really work it out but there might be different shipping tiers even within "regular" service?

    Our parcel dude is really good at actually knocking/ringing the doorbell even for parcels we don't need to sign for. Sendle couriers on the other hand are really variable in where they drop the package (we live in a block of units with letterboxes out the front with space for junk mail/small parcels) and also if you get a delivery notification.

  • SomeGuyOnOzB on 23/09/2020 - 05:40

    6+ weeks into Melb, with current response to wait another week before they start investigating.

    The worst thing is it now looks like the executives will now take a pay rise (from the abc somewhere).

    This given there should be a big drop in the package numbers as job keeper gets reduced and more retrenchments hit in the coming quarter and year

    (Speed of different packages has varied; several required a query on location after 3 weeks missing; many track as received by auspost but have no package location and show no movement till the day they are delivered)

    • netsurfer on 24/09/2020 - 01:00

      With Stage-4 restriction, a lot of things are in a mess in Melbourne. Don't assume AusPost staff are exempted from curfew requirements. They have less hours to work. While they now pick up parcels earlier than pre-Covid-19 cutoff, it means more delay for parcels lodged late arvo. Also, Amazon probably won't allow AusPost to change the daily cutoff time so AusPost will still be flooded with Amazon's packages (with a lot of them Amazon Prime ones) after hours. Those have SLA requirement and can jump the queue (just like Express Post).

      given there should be a big drop in the package numbers

      No, quite the opposite. The parcel volume is significantly higher since Covid-19 every month. We are talking volume much HIGHER than pre-Christmas 2019 (normally the busiest, but now, AusPost is dealing with more than that every single month). It's actually worse for Melbourne as there should be MORE online purchases since Stage-4 is introduced.

      So, less hours to work with and more parcels in and out of Melbourne. It's somewhat good Amazon has a NSW warehouse as well.

      If every service is getting slower after Stage-4 restriction in Melbourne, don't expect parcel service to be better. A relative is waiting for coffee to be delivered. The coffee store has only 1 staff right now (many staff let go due to Stage-4, i.e. shops are closed) and there is a huge backlog of orders. Store is yet to ship the coffee.

      There are quite a few things I want to sell, but I currently don't want to add more to the already busy network. Also, if I were to sell them now, there is a good chance I will send using Express Post. Yes, I want them to have queue jumping capability over cheaper postage. Why do you think eBay Plus is offering free Express Post upgrade now?

      • SomeGuyOnOzB on 24/09/2020 - 08:15

        I know there are difficulties now and around December there is an annual increase in packages.

        But as the economy suffers, in the near future, with rounds of job losses, pay cuts and economic uncertainty, there should be a large reduction in the number of packages AusPost handles next year (and less income).

        Also, as Victorian restrictions ease, that should bring down some of the packages people were forced to buy, instead of picking up at the shop or buying in store.

        So, with difficult times coming, the possibility that some AusPost staff may lose their jobs in the next few years, the ABC reports that the executives at AusPost may give themselves a payrise.
        (Despite earlier being adamant they wouldn't give themselves a payrise)

  • Vote for Pedro on 23/09/2020 - 08:31

    Somebody should do something about that.

    • umoddbro on 23/09/2020 - 13:46
      +1

      Hmmm maybe their CEO who is set to get another million dollar bonus.

    • sombody on 28/09/2020 - 07:36

      What shall I do?

      • Vote for Pedro on 28/09/2020 - 07:49

        Well played member since 21 September

  • iNeed2Pee on 24/09/2020 - 11:02
    +1

    I have one parcel sitting there since the 4th of September…

    I agree with rambutann, Aus Post couldn't even handle the heat before this virus, if one business is finally being exposed its Aus Post.

    Credit goes to the drivers and those really pushing it out but management and those in charge should seriously have a good look at themselves for how they have reacted to this pandemic.

    They will still manage to get their bonuses though.
    Some things never change in that regard!

  • Ozzie15 on 25/09/2020 - 09:21

    I ordered a slickwrap from US on 4th of April they dispatched after a couple of days via USPS.
    I just received in my letter box yesterday. I didn't even remember ordering it.
    That's approx 170 days/24 weeks from US to AUS

  • CheeryCheapskate on 25/09/2020 - 14:28

    Hello again! Just wanted to share another video that hits this topic:
    "Furious customers demand answers over missing parcels: A Current Affair"
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfiQ2ZkMPLM

    Victoria will have announcements this Sunday regarding restrictions; let's hope things will ease to speed up the postal process. Anyway, stay awesome and don't stalk those posties too much! (I think I've been watching the posties in hope of a delivery more than my neighbours' pet dogs!)

    • rambutann on 25/09/2020 - 16:27
      +1

      Tablet and a robot vaccum cleaner worth $5k.
      My son is special needs, could have spent the money on therapy, spent it on a vaccum cleaner and a tablet.

      ACA kills me hahahahaha god please don't assimilate me with this far out

  • rambutann on 29/09/2020 - 09:32
    +1

    Deakin University marketing and retail expert Michael Callaghan slammed Australia Post’s “short sighted” response to the pandemic, saying small businesses have been let down >by service cuts, delivery delays, and the firm’s failure to sufficiently ramp up its operations in response to surging demand.

    “The increased demand was unprecedented, however it was entirely predictable,” Dr Callaghan said.

    Australia Post’s senior management has shown “a complete lack of strategic direction in terms of developing plans and policies to harness the opportunity” presented by the >pandemic surge in e-commerce, he said.

    Sums it up - https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/consumer/2020/09/25/austr…

  • SomeGuyOnOzB on 05/10/2020 - 14:20
    +1

    A friend is experiencing extremely bad service.

    1. An item's been missing for weeks. She contacted AusPost about it over a week ago. Now she gets a long letter saying AusPost can't find the package; not even in the damaged items list; they still won't pay her for the item; contact the seller (who is a big customer for AusPost) and ask them to initiate the process with AusPost; possibly the seller will have a fund to pay you (so AusPost doesn't have to)

    2. Another item missing for weeks; reported. A week later she got a response, saying "We haven't done anything with your query yet; wait again"

    :|

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