Australia Post has officially opened a new International Commercial Facility at Sky Road, Melbourne Airport, aimed at enhancing the automation and efficiency of its inbound international parcel operations.
Covering 2,500 square metres, the facility is equipped with advanced automated technology capable of sorting up to 6,000 parcels per hour, as revealed in a news release.
According to Australia Post, the site is the first of its kind in Victoria and is designed to streamline the clearance of parcels arriving from overseas.
The new facility replaces a previous site that relied on manual sorting, increasing parcel processing capacity by more than 50 per cent.
It is expected to better support Australia Post’s expanding international merchant customer base.
In addition to improving operational efficiency, Australia Post said the facility has been developed with a focus on sustainability.
The design incorporates optimised linehaul and transport routing to help reduce carbon emissions, and enhanced waste management systems to improve recycling of materials such as cardboard and plastic.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services, Gary Starr, said the investment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of international customers.
“This upgrade is a key investment in our future operations and how we serve our international customers,” Starr said.
“With brand new automated sorting machines processing up to 6,000 parcels per hour, we’re able to handle more parcels, reduce touch points and manual handling, improve safety, increase customer package visibility and get packages to customers faster.”
Starr added that the facility would play a key role in supporting the future of global e-commerce and delivering a high standard of service.
The Melbourne facility is the second site in Australia Post’s network to feature a fully automated international commercial delivery system, following a similar installation at the Sydney Gateway Facility in October 2023.
Australia Post confirmed that the new site will also include a dedicated area for parcel inspection, to be used by Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
