Redefining Jamaica’s postal service in a globally competitive logistics space

Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica’s Post and Telecommunications Department is stepping up its modernisation thrust under a new renovation and maintenance strategy.

This will see the postal service, which is marketed as Jamaica Post, continuing to modernise its locations across the country, including painting jobs and other cosmetic repairs. The move is one of nine strategic objectives adopted by the organisation to “redefine how Jamaica Post operates in a globally competitive logistics space”.

Herbert Fletcher, senior director of corporate services, gave an update on the modernisations being undertaken at locations while speaking at the recent launch of the Jamaica 60 Independence commemorative stamps.

“These works will better position or align the entity with its vision of becoming an icon of excellence for quality logistics solutions,” he stated.

RENOVATIONS TAKING PLACE

Several flagship Jamaica Post locations have been targeted to benefit from the modernisation efforts. Work has already started at the Half-Way Tree, Cross Roads and Spur Tree post offices, with several more locations to come.

The Central Sorting Office’s customer service hall is also undergoing major renovation.

“The completed space signals the commitment of Jamaica Post to upgrade the quality of its offices to provide a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment to work and transact business.”

Jamaica Post is also seeking to increase its revenue through diversifying the offerings of the postal service. The Jamaican Postal Service is observing growth in its premium services, notably in its Zip Mail service.

FREIGHT-FORWARDING SERVICE GROWS EXPONENTIALLY

This local next-business-day delivery solution has increased its drop-off locations to 73, up from 49, and now packages can be collected from 104 post offices islandwide. Fletcher indicated that, “based on market demands, these locations will be increased to 100 and 125 respectively by the end of this financial year”.

During the 2021-2022 financial year, Klick N’ Ship, a freight-forwarding service that facilitates online shopping grew exponentially. It recorded a 100 per cent increase in pick-up points.

Now, there are 46 post offices that offer collection for items shipped using this service.