Austrian POST
SPECIFIC INFORMATION AND SPECIAL FEATURES WHAT TO CONSIDER WITH THE SHIPPING SERVICE PROVIDER Austrian Post International
What do you do when shipping with Austrian Post should pay attention
Austrian Post is the leading shipping service provider in Austria and is one of the most important companies in the area of logistics and communication. It offers a wide range of services, ranging from the transport of letters, parcels and advertising mailings to comprehensive logistics solutions. With an extensive network of post offices, partner companies and innovative digital services, Austrian Post ensures reliable and efficient delivery both nationally and internationally.
The company attaches particular importance to sustainability and customer orientation and is constantly developing new solutions to meet changing needs in an increasingly digitalized world. Whether it's e-commerce solutions, flexible parcel collection points or climate-friendly delivery options — Austrian Post plays a central role in modern communication and shipping infrastructure.
general information
At the same time, sustainability is the focus of the corporate strategy. Austrian Post is pursuing the goal of making its delivery processes CO₂-neutral, using electric vehicles, green logistics solutions and renewable energy. Technological innovations such as the expansion of digital infrastructures and the use of data analyses to increase efficiency also play a central role.
SERVICES
Different shipping methods
Austrian Post's standard delivery service offers a reliable and cost-effective way to send letters and parcels. Shipments are delivered safely and punctually within the specified delivery times. This service is particularly suitable for daily shipping for private and business customers who value solid service at a fair price.
With express delivery from Austrian Post, customers receive fast and prioritized delivery, often as early as the next working day. The service includes additional services such as real-time shipment tracking, delivery confirmations and flexible delivery options. This delivery method is ideal for time-critical shipments that require the highest priority.
Austrian Post's national mail service ensures nationwide supply throughout Austria. With a dense network of post offices, partner companies and over 2,000 parcel collection points, letters and parcels are sent smoothly. Delivery is punctual and professional, even to remote regions. National shipping is a proven choice for anyone who relies on efficient and reliable delivery in Austria.
Austrian Post's international shipping service offers customers the option of sending letters and parcels to over 200 countries worldwide. Thanks to a strong global partner network, shipments are transported safely and quickly. Customers can choose between various shipping options, including standard or premium solutions, to meet individual speed and service requirements. Austrian Post's professional customs processing is a major advantage, particularly when sending goods and documents abroad, as it ensures smooth shipping across national borders. International shipping is complemented by helpful services such as shipment tracking and insurance options to make shipping even more secure. This is how Austrian Post connects Austria with the world — reliably and efficiently.
shipping information
When shipping with Austrian Post, it is important to comply with the permitted package sizes and weight limits, as these may vary depending on the shipping method and destination country. Austrian Post offers various package sizes and weight classes for sending parcels and letters within Germany and internationally.
- Eco letter S: up to a weight of 0.02 kg and a maximum dimension of 23.5 x 16.2 x 0.5 cm
- Eco letter M: up to a weight of 0.075 kg and a maximum dimension of 23.5 x 16.2 x 0.5 cm
- Eco pack S: up to a weight of 2kg and a maximum dimension of 35.3 x 25 x 3cm
- Eco pack M: up to a weight of 2kg The sum of the length, height and width may be a maximum of 90 cm and the longest side 50 cm
- Package: up to a weight of 31.5 kg and a maximum dimension of 100 x 60 x 60 cm
Austrian Post can send letters from just €0.95 nationally, from €1.40 internationally and from €2.10 worldwide. Packages can be shipped nationally from just €3.00, internationally from €8.20 and worldwide from €15. Austrian Post's shipping prices vary depending on package size, weight, shipping destination (national or international) and the service selected (e.g. standard or express delivery).
PACKAGING GUIDELINES
Austrian Post has clear packaging guidelines which are intended to ensure that shipments reach recipients undamaged and on time. Careful packaging is crucial to ensure the safety of the goods during transport. These guidelines concern the choice of packaging material, the correct sealing of the shipment and the identification of sensitive contents.
- choice of packaging material
Austrian Post recommends that you choose robust and sturdy outer packaging for every shipment. The packaging should be neither too big nor too small and sturdy enough to withstand loads during transport. For heavy or sensitive goods, it is recommended to use double-walled cardboard, which provides additional protection. Packaging that has already been used and shows signs of wear such as cracks or dents should be avoided as it is less stable and increases the risk of transport damage.
- Padding and protecting the content
The contents of the shipment should be protected from shocks using suitable cushioning materials — such as bubble wrap, foam or wrapping paper. Austrian Post recommends upholstery sensitive goods in such a way that they have no room for movement within the packaging. There should be a gap of at least five centimeters between the contents and the packaging wall to provide protection against shocks and pressure.
- Seal the package correctly
Securely closing the package is another important point. It is advisable to secure the package connections with strong adhesive tape, especially at the edges and openings of the box. For heavy packages, wide, reinforced adhesive tape is recommended, which provides additional stability and prevents the shipment from being opened unintentionally. An “H” closure, which covers both the edges and the central surfaces, ensures optimum safety.
- Correct labeling
If the shipment contains sensitive or fragile content, this should be clearly visible on the outside with an appropriate sticker (“Be careful with glass” or “fragile”). Austrian Post points out that although such information encourages careful handling, it does not guarantee particularly gentle transport. Good padding is therefore still essential. Unwieldy packages or packages that are not rectangular (e.g. rolls or very large items) are treated as bulky goods at Austrian Post and cost extra. Such packages should be securely packaged and marked so that they can be handled correctly in the depot.
- packaging for special requirements
Austrian post also offers special packaging solutions for special requirements, for example for shipping electronics, liquids or other sensitive goods. Customers can also purchase mailing bags, shipping boxes and boxes directly from Austrian Post that comply with the guidelines and are optimally designed for transport.
- Place the address label clearly
Place the address label in a prominent place and make sure that it is completely legible and not damaged. Remove old mailing labels or other labels to avoid confusion.
Customs & import regulations
Austrian Post offers comprehensive services in the area of customs processing and import regulations for international shipments. When goods are shipped from abroad to Austria or other countries, the correct customs declaration and compliance with the respective import regulations are crucial to avoid delays or additional costs. Austrian Post takes care of customs processing for its customers in order to make the dispatch of international shipments as smooth as possible. When sending parcels abroad, both the customs value and a customs declaration must be stated. Austrian Post provides support with various forms and helps to fill out the required documents correctly. It also informs its customers about specific import regulations in the destination country, such as quantity restrictions, prohibited goods or special taxes. In simple terms, there are no customs duties for shipments sent to the European Union (EU) if the goods come from an EU country. For imports from non-EU countries, on the other hand, customs duties and VAT must generally be paid, depending on the value and type of the goods. Austrian Post ensures fast processing through efficient customs clearance, which makes it possible to deliver shipments to their destination without unnecessary delays. Import regulations vary from country to country. It is therefore important to find out in advance about the specific requirements of the destination country.
Insurance and liability
Austrian Post offers its customers various insurance and liability options when sending shipments to ensure safe and smooth transportation. It is possible to take out additional insurance for the shipment of parcels, in particular valuable or fragile goods. Austrian Post is generally liable for shipments up to 510€. In the event of loss, damage or theft during transport, this insurance covers the value of the shipment, although the amount of the insured sum varies depending on the type of shipment and the service selected. Austrian Post is only liable for standard packages without additional insurance in certain cases and up to a specified maximum liability amount, which depends on the value and scope of service. In general, Austrian Post only assumes liability if a shipment is demonstrably lost or damaged as a result of errors or oversights on the part of the company. In the event of loss or damage to an insured shipment, the value of the goods will be reimbursed up to the agreed insurance sum, although in some cases there may also be a deductible. It is important that the sender checks the value of the shipment and the desired insurance options before shipping and, if necessary, adds insurance to ensure the desired protection. There are also different liability regulations for international shipments, which may vary depending on the destination country and the service selected.
Shipping & delivery service
Delivery times at Austrian Post vary depending on the type of shipment and the destination of the shipment. For national shipments within Austria, delivery times are usually very fast. Standard parcels are usually delivered within 1 to 2 working days, depending on the region. With express delivery options, delivery is in many cases even on the same day or no later than the next working day, which is particularly important for urgent shipments. For international shipments, the delivery time depends on the respective destination country. In Europe, delivery is usually possible within 2 to 5 working days, while shipping to more distant countries outside Europe can take longer, usually between 5 and 10 working days. Austrian Post also offers shipment tracking, which allows customers to view the current status of their shipment at any time in order to know exactly when it will arrive.The exact delivery time can also be influenced by other factors, such as customs processing for international shipments or unforeseen delays in the transport network
Austrian Post's shipment tracking enables customers to track the status of their shipments in real time. With the help of a unique shipment number, which is provided when the package or letter is dropped off, senders and recipients can view the current location and delivery history at any time. This applies to both national and international shipments. Shipment tracking offers the advantage that users know exactly when their shipment is expected to arrive and whether there may be delays. As soon as the package leaves the warehouse, it can be followed on its journey and the customer receives information about every station the shipment passes through. In the case of international shipments that are transported by different logistics partners, shipment tracking ensures transparency and helps to keep track of things.
Austrian Post's delivery options offer customers a high level of flexibility to receive their shipments according to their individual needs. In addition to standard delivery, Austrian Post offers various additional options that make receiving parcels and letters more convenient and secure. A particularly popular option is custom delivery, which allows recipients to set the time and place of delivery themselves. This allows delivery to be scheduled for a specific day or a preferred period of time, which increases the probability that the recipient is at home. For even more secure delivery, Austrian Post also offers the option of receiving parcels against signature. In this case, the package is only handed over to the recipient or an authorized person who confirms delivery with their signature. This ensures that the shipment actually reaches the right recipient. Another practical delivery option is the delivery notification, which informs the recipient in advance via SMS or email of the expected delivery time. In the event that the recipient is not at home when the delivery is made, picking it up at the post office provides a convenient alternative. Customers can pick up their items at a nearby post office if delivery was not possible. With these various delivery options, Austrian Post offers its customers numerous options to receive their shipments according to their wishes while ensuring secure and flexible delivery.
Austrian Post's return and return options offer a convenient solution for customers who need to return parcels or goods. Especially in the e-commerce sector, where returns occur frequently, Austrian Post ensures that returns can be processed easily and cost-effectively. Customers can process their returns directly via the post office or via specially set up return labels, which make the shipping process easier. The return costs can often be paid in advance or paid when the package is dropped off, which makes the process even more convenient. One advantage of Austrian Post's return option is the ability to submit returns quickly and easily at local post offices or packing stations. In addition, the sending of returns, particularly for online retailers, is optimized through special return solutions, in which the postal company takes over the entire return process. The customer receives either a full or partial refund of the purchase price, depending on the seller's return conditions. The ease of use and flexibility of Austrian Post's return and return options enable customers to process returns quickly and securely without having to deal with complex processes. By integrating shipment tracking and delivery notification, customers have control and overview of the status of their return at any time.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Shipping costs for prohibited or restricted items
If prohibited or restricted items are shipped via Austrian Post, the shipment cannot be transported further. In such cases, Austrian Post can arrange for the shipment to be returned to the sender or for the shipment to be disposed of. This results in additional costs, which must be borne by the sender. These costs include processing fees, return transport costs, which depend on the weight and size of the shipment, and disposal costs if the return is not possible. Customers should therefore check the guidelines for allowed items before shipping to avoid these costs.
Prohibited or undeclared restricted items may be confiscated and destroyed by Deutsche Post or relevant authorities. The costs of destroying the shipment may be charged to the sender. These depend on the costs of disposal and can be significant, especially for dangerous goods or special materials.
The sender is fully responsible for compliance with Austrian Post's shipping guidelines. If the shipment of prohibited items causes damage, such as to other shipments, the sender is liable for this damage. Austrian Post may charge the sender for the costs incurred, including the repair or replacement of damaged goods. This underlines how important it is to learn about the applicable regulations before shipping to avoid additional financial burdens.
Shipping dangerous or illegal items not only entails additional costs, but also legal consequences. Such items may include, for example, weapons, explosives, or prohibited chemicals. In addition to confiscating the shipment, fines or even criminal proceedings may follow. In addition, the authorities may charge the sender for the costs of examining and processing the shipment. This makes it clear how important it is to comply with shipping policies to avoid legal issues.
contact
Telephone customer service
Austrian Post's customer service hotline is the first point of contact for many issues. Customers can get assistance by calling +43 800 010 100 on weekdays from 07:00 to 20:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00. The hotline is ideal for general questions, information about products or tracking shipments. This service is particularly helpful for urgent issues that need to be resolved quickly.
Online contact:
The online contact form offers a convenient way to submit concerns in writing. Customers can use it directly via the Austrian Post website and select their specific concerns, such as questions about shipments or complaints. This method is particularly suitable if you want to explain your concerns in detail or if you are unable to contact us directly by telephone. For written inquiries, email support is available at kundenservice@post.at. Here, customers can describe more comprehensive concerns, such as complaints, the attachment of documents or inquiries about special services. E-mail communication enables written documentation of the entire process and is ideal for more complex topics.
Austrian Post is also present on social media and offers customers the opportunity to get in touch via platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Customers can easily ask general questions or find out about current topics via channels such as @oesterreichischepost (Facebook) or @post_at (Twitter). This option is particularly useful for quick answers or queries about public information.
Customers who would like personal advice can visit one of the many post offices in Austria. There, concerns can be resolved directly, whether it is the dispatch of parcels, the filing of complaints or other personal concerns. Using the location finder on the Austrian Post website, customers can quickly find the nearest branch and its opening hours.