Australia Post delivery workers have begun trialling a new electric delivery vehicle in Brisbane that will allow them to deliver more small parcels than ever before.
Developed by Swiss manufacturer Kyburz, the three-wheel delivery vehicle can carry up to 100 small parcels and 1,200 letters at a time, three times more than the current delivery bicycle. The new vehicle will service Coorparoo, Woolloongabba and East Brisbane over an eight-week period.
Angela Creedon, Queensland state manager, Australia Post, said, “We know that residents in Brisbane love online shopping. In fact, the yearly growth rate in the area is over 8%. Fashion, books, health and beauty products and recreational goods are the most popular purchases among local residents.
“Our parcels business generates over 70% of our total revenue. Ten years ago parcels contributed less than 25% of our revenue. As our business transforms, so too are the jobs that our workforce are doing. A few years ago we equipped our posties so they can deliver small parcels and this latest initiative will allow them to deliver even more helping to ensure their roles remain meaningful well into the future.
“While letter volumes have nearly halved, this is another example of how Australia Post is looking at ways to keep our posties delivering for Australians.”
The e-vehicles are already successfully used in Germany and Switzerland, with international postal authorities seeing benefits including greater carrying capacity, improved rider safety and lower vehicle emissions.
To view a video of the three-wheeler in action, click here.
June 13, 2017