Getting started with eParcel

Accessing the eParcel System

You have 3 options for accessing the eParcel system depending on the size and nature of your business, and your preference:

Option 1: Using the Australia Post eParcel online freight management system

If you are sending smaller volumes of freight (1000-50 000 consignments per year) our eParcel online freight management system may be a preferred option.

With our system you can:

• produce barcoded labels, electronic and paper manifests
• access eParcel Returns service, Express Post eParcel and international services
• key in your consignments straight into the system or import data from other systems.

Option 2: Integrating your warehouse management or ordering system

If you have larger volumes of freight (typically more than 50,000), you may wish to use your own warehouse management or ordering systems to produce barcoded labels and manifest information. eParcel consignment data can then be sent to us via Secure FTP.

Option 3: Using eParcel with an off-the-shelf third party freight management system

You may already be using an off-the-shelf third party management system or a specialist system that integrates with, for example, one of the major online auction websites. Most leading freight management systems are compatible with eParcel.

How eParcel works

• You establish an eParcel Agreement with your Australia Post representative (including pricing).
• If you choose to use eParcel Online, our eParcel technical representative will give you a user ID and password which will enable you to access our online freight management system. We will also supply you with free despatch labels suitable for laser printers.
  • Enter your consignment details into the system. To save time, you also have the option of importing a consignment or consignee file from another system.
  • Barcoded despatch labels are generated and attached to your eParcels. Once you have prepared all of your consignments you despatch an 'end-of-day' data file (manifest) online and also print a paper copy of the manifest to send with your freight.
• If you choose to use your or another provider's eParcel-compatible system, you can use that system to print out suitable barcoded despatch labels and attach these to your parcels. You will also despatch an electronic freight data file and print an "end-of-day" manifest.
• Your freight is now ready for collection by Australia Post, or for you to drop it off at an Australia Post Business Centre or selected Australia Post retail outlet. The freight is then processed through Australia Post's distribution network to the appropriate delivery facility. Here, the parcels are scanned and transferred to the delivery person for final delivery.
• On final delivery, the barcodes are scanned and a signature is obtained. In the event that no one is there to receive the consignment, we will either follow your instructions to leave it in a safe place or leave a card advising the recipient which Australia Post retail outlet they can collect the consignment from.
• Any "carded" consignment is retained at the post office for 10 business days (with a reminder card issued half way through that time) before being returned to you if the addressee does not collect it.

Tracking your eParcels

Each article in your eParcel consignment bears a barcoded despatch label. This enables us to track your eParcels at a number of points in the Australia Post delivery network*.

Typically a track event will be generated when:

• the manifest is received
• the manifest is approved
• the article arrives at the relevant delivery facility
• the driver loads the article to their van
• the article is delivered

Additional track events are provided if no one is at home and the consignment is "carded" to a post office for collection by the addressee, as well as for a number of other key events.

If you have an eParcel consignment number or barcode number, you can track your items via our online tracking system.

Once you have an eParcel agreement, you can apply for login access to our tracking system and see a greater depth of tracking data for the freight you have despatched. This includes electronic proof of delivery signatures where provided.

You can also access tracking information by calling us on 13 POST (13 7678).

Need more help?

For more information on our eParcel system, visit eParcel Online which includes information on system requirements. Alternatively, please contact us.

* Tracking may be limited in some remote and rural areas.