Australia Post has implemented 11 new three-wheeled electric delivery vehicles (eDVs) and new parcel processing machinery to speed up parcel delivery in the Northern Territory.
According to the postal operator, the new eDVs can carry up to three times as many items as traditional motorcycles, and the new processing machinery reduces manual handling.
Australia Post’s general manager of deliveries in the Northern Territory, Angela Creedon, said the new upgrades are a timely addition in the lead up to an expected record-breaking Christmas.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our delivery experience. Our eDVs can carry over 100 small parcels and up to 1,200 letters, while our new parcel processing machinery allows us to deliver more mail quickly and more safely. In fact, customers in Darwin and Palmerston will now receive their items a day earlier,” Creedon said.
The new eDVs are part of a deployment of 1961 across the country. Creedon said that along with added capacity, the vehicles come with extra safety features, meaning more protection for postal workers.
“These vehicles are more visible, more stable, have increased rider protection and lower on-road speeds, all of which makes our posties safer,” she explained.
With over 150 eDVs already out delivering, Australia Post expects the next lot of 961 vehicles to be wheeled out around the country by February 2020.