Australia Post is set to trial extended parcel delivery hours during Christmas time in a bid to tighten procedures in the mail giant’s busiest period of the year.

The company says it will extend delivery hours across Australia’s capital cities from today, November 14 until December 23.

The service will be offered to selected metropolitan areas around Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, the extended hours deliveries expected to see parcels delivered between 7am and 8pm, Monday through Thursday.

With some one million parcels a day anticipated to be delivered across the country during the festive season, Australia Post says extended delivery periods will make it easier for commercial, retail and ordinary mail to be transported in time for Christmas.

[Related: Printing Industries grills Aus Post CEO]

"We know how frustrating it can be for customers to miss a parcel delivery because they were not home during the day, which is why we are excited to roll out extended hours parcel deliveries," says Australia Post CEO Ahmed Fahour.

"Customers can also expect extended trading hours at our Post Offices, with some stores in major shopping centres opening on Sundays. We'll also be providing our customers with greater choice and control when their parcel is on the way. When customers receive their delivery notification they can elect to have their parcel safe-dropped in a location of their choice or take advantage of a free redirection.”

The mail giant is also encouraging Australians to send out Christmas cards and letters this year, a strategic move after CEO Fahour revealed ordinary mail makes up only 3 per cent of its letter business.

"There's nothing more heart-warming than receiving a handwritten Christmas card, and with postage of seasonal greeting cards within Australia still 65 cents, there's never been a better time to spread the festive spirit," says Fahour. 

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