Difference Between Parcel Post and Express Post

Parcel Post vs Express Post | Australia Post

One difference between parcel post and express post is the time that takes to deliver a parcel. As you know, Australia Post provides many options to people when it comes to sending letters, envelopes, and parcels from one place to another. Australia being a huge country, it is normal for post to take a few days to reach its destination. However, one way to guarantee faster arrival is to send the packet through parcel post or express post. These two are similar services with many common features, which is why many remain confused as they cannot make out the differences between the two. This article tries to find out differences between express post and parcel post to enable people to choose the service that is better suited to their requirements.

What is Express Post?

Express post is a premium next day delivery mail service that assures of delivery within 24 hours, if the address belongs to the street addresses or post office boxes within the network. This network is known as the Express Post Network. So, you have to first check whether the place you want to deliver is within that network area. However, this guarantee is valid only when the packet has been posted on one of the five business days and follows all rules and regulations as required. Also, when you want to post something using express post, you have to post it using a yellow street post box or hand it over the counter at a post office.

What is Parcel Post?

However, if it is not that urgent and delivery can wait for 4-5 days, it is better to send the mail through parcel post, which ensures delivery within 5 days. They promise to deliver your items within two days or more. Parcel post is cheaper than Express post and allows one to send the item in a parcel made at home as long as it complies with regulations specified by Australia post. This means that you can send material even in a shoe box that you got when you bought shoes from the market. You can post an item using parcel post to anywhere in Australia. It is not restricted as express post.

What is the difference between Parcel Post and Express Post of Australia Post?

It is clear now that parcel post and express post are two types of options available in Australia postal service for those who live in Australia. They provide the service of delivering your parcels to the places you want. There are conditions. However, they are very safe and efficient ways to send a parcel to a loved one. Apart from the normal guidelines that you follow when sending a parcel using either parcel post or express post, there are some extra features that you can add to either, if you want to. These include extra cover, signature on delivery, and email track advice. Apart from these facilities, you should also remember that both parcel post and express post come with size and weight limits. Both should not exceed the dimensions of 105 cm or 0.25 m³. At the same time, both parcel post and express post packages should not exceed the weight of 22 kg.

• Type of Mail Service:

• Express post is a premium mailing service.

• Parcel post is an ordinary mail service.

• Price Range:

Express post is more expensive than parcel post.

• An express post small 500g prepaid satchel that can be used to pack your item costs $ 10.55 (2015).

• A parcel post small 500g prepaid satchel costs $ 8.25.

• Duration:

• Express post guarantees delivery within 24 hours. That is, they promise to deliver your item by the next business day.

• Parcel post promises to deliver your item within 2 or more business days.

• Posting Method:

• Express post means your item is shipped through airplane.

• In the case of parcel post, it is shipped in truck.

• Destination:

• Express post only delivers to destinations within the Express Post Network.

• Parcel post delivers items to any destination as long as that item is within Australia.

Now that you know the difference between parcel post and express post you can decide which to choose for posting your next parcel.

Images Courtesy:  Australia Post van and Express (yellow) and normal (red) street posting boxes via Wikicommons (Public Domain)