Unlike other post offices which refuse to adapt to information technology, Australia Post is instead riding on the online shopping trend to boost its income.

On Monday, Australia Post launched its Future Ready programme which offers parcel services linked with online shopping. According to Ahmed Fahour, managing director of Australia Post, the programme was rolled out in response to the 10.9 per cent hike in parcel delivery due to online shopping.

Under the programme, Australians would be able to pick up parcels at more convenient times from its Fyshwick site, while residents of Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney would be able to access secure parcel lockers 24 hours a day. The agency would inform them through text the arrival of their parcels.

The four sites are just pilot areas. Australia Post plans to expand the service to 24 locations throughout the country by end of November. The project is expected to benefit residents who could not visit an Australian Post office during office hours to pick up their deliveries.

It is also a support service to the online retail sector, particularly for large retailers which would want to be relieved of the task of delivering orders.

Delivery of parcel ordered online comprise 70 per cent of Australia Post's parcel volume which the agency wants to boost further as more online purchases overseas and domestically are made by Australians.

Residents who still want to have their goods delivered to their homes would get a notification card under the door from Australia Post delivery drivers instead of placing the note in their letterbox. That would ensure the residents at home would get their deliveries.

Australia Post earlier signed partnership agreements with eBay and PayPal to help promote online shopping, and at the same time boost its income. With the inclusion of PayPal, Australians could also pay their bills online through the Postbillpay service.

The shifting trend in communications in favor of technology has caused a drastic drop in traditional mailed matter. Less people are sending letters and greeting cards through traditional post, causing massive financial losses for post offices in the U.S., Canada and UK.

RELATED STORIES