Here is a news from India Post sent to us by Mr. Prashant H. Pandya from Vadodara. Also see some recently issued covers by Army Postal Service. These scans were sent by Mr. Vinod Kumar Sabharwal of New Delhi. Our sincere thanks to Mr. Pandya and Mr. Sabharwal . Please send new information to share with others.

LAUNCH OF PROTECTIVE SPEED POST AND INSURED POST ENVELOPS

With the launch of customized protective envelop for Speed Post and Insured Post - a first in the country, India Post has moved a step further in providing customer convenience. These envelopes are made of an innovative material with product qualities like water, tear, and abrasion-resistance, soft and smooth texture for excellent printability, environment-friendly and light-weight, and with customized tamper-evident features. These offer enhanced security and protection to the contents enclosed. These envelopes will be available to the customers in various Post Offices and Speed Post Centres across the country.

It was in 1986, the Department had started Speed Post and today it has grown to be a major brand in the express industry. More than 1.7 crore articles are delivered every month, spanning every State and every District. Speed Post has been the market leader in the Express industry with a market share of 27.55%. There has been a very positive response from the customers in using Speed Post. During 2007-08, while the express industry growth is around 20%, Speed Post posted an impressive growth of 29.7% in terms of revenue and 38% in terms of volumes. During 2007-08, the revenue from Speed Post touched 583 crores, as against Rs.449 crores in the previous year. Recently, the Department had introduced Speed Post One India One Rate scheme. This is a novel and innovative scheme which provides customer convenience and ease. For articles weighing less than 50 grams, it costs just Rs.25 across the country and this includes service tax components also. For local delivery, it costs just Rs.12. Now, with the introduction of Speed Post envelopes, customers can buy these envelopes and send it across India under One India One Rate scheme. Each Speed Post envelope costs Rs 5.

During the last year, the Department had introduced the Rakhi envelopes and it became an instant hit. Realising its usefulness, the Department is introducing three more varieties of Rakhi envelopes for the current season. For sending secured consignments, Insured Post envelope is a very good option.

Recent Covers from Army Postal Service