DUBAI — Emirates Post has registered a 45% growth in last mile delivery volumes since the beginning of 2020 compared to Q4 2019. Since Jan. 1, 2020, Emirates Post has delivered close to 2m shipments to customers on behalf of government and banking organisations as well as e-commerce retailers both locally and from around the world. E-commerce is the most significant contributor to the jump in last mile deliveries, accounting for one in every three deliveries so far in 2020. In line with the steady global rise of e-commerce over the past few years, Emirates Post has ramped up its last mile delivery capabilities to better support this fast-growing sector. It has implemented a series of innovative service solutions to support key players in the sector, such as Amazon, Landmark and Mumzworld. “We identified last-mile delivery as one of our key growth areas last year and have been bolstering our network to ensure that we have the reach and resources to cater to the demands of online retailers as well as government and business entities. This is the future of post and it is critical that our processes and systems have the agility to cater to local and international demand, whilst offering the best in pricing and efficiencies to our clients,” stated Abdulla Mohammed Al Ashram, acting group CEO of Emirates Post Group Company. Over the past 12 months, Emirates Post has rolled out simplified integration processes and cash-on-delivery, in addition to establishing a hyperlocal network and a sustainable capacity model to support the rapidly increasing volume demands. With this new model, it can onboard new clients and support delivery of essential and non-essential retail items in under a week. The combined effort has allowed Emirates Post to deploy 99.8% of the shipments on the delivery date promised on purchase, with its on-time delivery track record exceeding 96% in the UAE. The UAE’s last mile delivery system is also an essential aspect for Emirates Post’s fast growing International inbound e-Commerce & Parcel material. Having cost-effective and flexible last mile service options is key for all countries who have material bound for the UAE. With its proven network in the UAE, Emirates Post has been able to provide last-mile service for locally-based e-customers via the international postal express and premium service options that connects UAE to over 200 countries worldwide. Emirates Post has also built its last mile delivery volumes by supporting the banking and government sector, offering door delivery of essential documents. Working with entities including UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the RAK Municipality, Emirates Post has created digitized application processes for customers to register, book, process and receive essential government documents, without visiting government offices. As delivery volumes have increased during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Emirates Post has put in place more stringent health and safety measures. It increased the disinfection frequency of its facilities and vehicles, installed sanitization tunnels at its main distribution centers and branches, ensures all its couriers have their temperature checked daily and are equipped with the personal protective equipment needed to conduct contactless shipments. Since mid-March, it has made over 800,000 contactless deliveries to customers. — SG