Australian carriers are announcing peak season preparations as the industry gears up for the busiest shipping period of the year.
Capacity Expansions
Carrier Announcements
- Australia Post: 4,000 additional casual workers
- StarTrack: Extended operating hours at major hubs
- Toll: Additional linehaul services on key routes
- Aramex: Pop-up distribution points in metropolitan areas
Fleet Additions
- Temporary vehicle leases increasing
- Contractor engagement expanded
- Alternative delivery partnerships
- Overflow warehouse arrangements
Surcharge Structures
Peak Pricing
Common approaches:
- Residential delivery surcharges: $2-5 per parcel
- Oversize item premiums: Increased during peak
- Remote area adjustments: Enhanced peak rates
- Saturday delivery premiums: Peak-specific rates
Timeline
- Early peak: 1 November - 30 November
- Peak period: 1 December - 24 December
- Extended peak: 25 December - 15 January
Shipper Guidance
Booking Recommendations
- Lock in capacity early
- Spread dispatch volumes where possible
- Communicate lead time changes to customers
- Plan for service level adjustments
Technology Requirements
- API cutoff times moving earlier
- Manifest deadline enforcement stricter
- Label accuracy critical for efficiency
The 2024 peak is expected to see continued e-commerce growth driving record parcel volumes.