Does Australia Post deliver parcels on Saturday now?

[syrupsmummy]

I opened my front door 15 minutes ago and found a big parcel sitting there. It was from my supplier and sent via Registered Post.

I'm happy that the parcel arrived early but also a bit confused. I've never had parcels delivered on Saturday before. And I've never had Registered Post parcel dropped at door like that.

I checked tracking number and it says "in transit".

Does Australia Post deliver parcels on Saturday now?

Have you got Registered Post items dropped at door without getting your signature?

[go-tazz]

We have Saturday morning deliveries all year round,:-D

[lane-ends]

Our postie never gets a sig for registered, even if we are home. He just comes around the back even if we are not home and leaves it. Its pretty safe drop, but never asks for sig even if we are there and he hands it to us.

[lane-ends]

worst thing is if we have a stand in postie, who doesnt know to come around  the back, leaves it on front door step, which we never use, and we dont see it until a week later ! Just after I send the where is my item email ..doh..!

[tall_bearded]

What you have to understand is that all parcel deliveries are now done by contractors, and when the contracts were tended, the successful applicants weren’t those who were prepared to provide the highest level of service at a reasonable price.  Instead price only was the determining factor, with the contracts going to the lowest bidder.

The simple fact is, it costs the contractor time and money to card and return parcels to the post office, and this can and does have a significant impact on the already thin margins which the contractor receives for providing the service.  The solution, if the recipient isn’t home, sign it off and safe drop it, and if it goes missing, deny all liability as its been signed for.

Initially when this happened to me, either directly, or on receiving a complaint from one of my customers, I would lodge a complaint Australia Post, with the outcome being less than satisfactory.  Therefore, now, every time this happens I lodge my complaint direct with the Postal Industry Ombudsman  

[travelling_agoraphobic]

Thanks for the advice, TB.

It has taken me nearly 3 months to get compensation for a parcel that was apparently safe-dropped (and which the recipient never received), despite having delivery instructions to the contrary on the Click and Send address label.

Next time I'll take it straight to the PIO.

[syrupsmummy]

Thank you for all replies.

I appreciate Saturday parcel delivery. I thought it was only for letters. I‘m expecting some parcels I bought for Christmas gifts. I hope they will arrive soon safely.

It is surprising that Australia Post is not providing the service they charged for registered post though. I checked AP site this morning and tracking said "delivered". The delivery guy must have signed himself later. I‘m glad no one stole the parcel. It could have been a big hassle to claim it didn‘t arrive when tracking saying delivered.

And I‘m 100% sure that he isn‘t my usual delivery guy. My usual delivery guy won‘t safe drop the parcel even though the parcel is huge and heavy.

[lyndal1838]

It does not matter what the seller puts on the parcel....registered or Do Not Safe Drop....if the recipient of the parcel has a signed Authority to Leave lodged with the PO, the postman or contractor can and does leave the parcel.

[travelling_agoraphobic]

That's fine, assuming the recipient also takes responsibility for their ATL parcel going missing.

The recipient of the parcel I sent that went missing had no such arrangement in place.

[syrupsmummy]

I've never given a permission to AP for safe drop.

My usual delivery guy leaves a card when I'm not home. I've picked up big heavy parcels from Post Office many times. They let me use their trolley when they are too heavy to carry.

[lyndal1838]

That's fine, assuming the recipient also takes responsibility for their ATL parcel going missing.

The recipient of the parcel I sent that went missing had no such arrangement in place.

Yes, that is in the ATL....the recipient takes full responsibility and absolves Australia Post of all liability in the event of a missing parcel. 

I have had one problem with a missing parcel from overseas. As the seller could not prove that it had even left the UK, Royal Mail paid the claim.