Preparations for the pre-Christmas onslaught of shoppers start everywhere practically right after Christmas is over. Already in September, carriers recorded the first increase in the number of shipments. “The significant growth of transport in connection with Christmas begins every year at the turn of October and November. However, already now, in September, we are seeing the number of shipments transported gradually growing. On Monday, September 7, for the first time this year, we transported more than 200,000 shipments in a single day, “said Simona Kijonková, CEO of the Packeta holding, for TN.cz.
These days, the Czech Post will not be idle either. She is already securing a workforce that will help her with delivery during the Christmas holidays. “There is a recruitment campaign for part-time workers for pre-Christmas and Christmas operations. Last year there was a demand for about 5,000 part-time workers, we assume that this year we will need roughly the same number, “said Ivo Vysoudil, a spokesman for the post office, for TN.cz.
Currently, they also need more employees in PPL. “Seasonal drivers are being recruited, which we need hundreds more. In terms of auxiliary forces, we are halving the total number of staff at the central transhipment point. At the depots, there is an increase of ten percent. Most of these extra capacities are handled by temporary part-time positions, “described Milan Loidl, PPL’s marketing director, for TN.cz.
In the pre-Christmas rush hour, companies transport hundreds of thousands of shipments a day. For example, the Czech Post will transport about half a million items in a single day. Other carriers are waiting for record breaking this year. “Last year was a record day on December 18, when we transported 379 thousand shipments, this year we will probably surpass another magical limit of our ten-year history in the Czech Republic before Christmas, namely 500 thousand shipments in a single day,” said Simona Kijonková from Packeta.
As for the date when the carrier will still deliver the ordered package to you, it pays to follow the old familiar rule. “If people decide to use e-shops to buy gifts, it’s always good not to leave everything to the last minute,” the post office spokesman emphasized.
This year’s delivery of Christmas gifts will be marked by increased hygiene requirements. Drivers are equipped. “When it comes to handing over shipments, our drivers are equipped with disposable gloves, drapes or respirators, disinfectant gels and sprays for payment terminals and scanners. We prefer contactless delivery, and therefore we encourage recipients to pay cash on delivery in advance, or by card. Ideally, the driver will leave the already paid package on the doorstep, ring the bell and walk to a safe distance, “concluded PPL Director Loidl.
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