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SCMP Reporter

A new generation of bikers may soon descend on Hong Kong streets and neighbourhoods and, although speed is their wont, they will not be breaking laws or terrorising innocents.

Speedpost, the Hong Kong Post Office's international courier service, will run a pilot scheme this year for a fleet of motorcycle couriers.

'So it won't just be Pizza Hut out there on the roads now,' controller of posts (management control) Aubrey Au said.

'This year we are looking at a pilot scheme for motorcycle package collection.

'We hope it will give us more flexibility in meeting customers' demands and that it will be more cost-effective.' But do not expect a squadron of Speedpost couriers at every light change.

The pilot will begin with an inconspicuous two machines, one a larger motorcycle and the other a modified scooter, pitted against each other to determine which is more effective.

'We will begin with two, then progress to four and, if the pilot is successful, a fleet of perhaps 20 could be possible,' Ms Au said.

'The first two vehicles are currently being modified for use. The pilot will show us which one performs better.' The pilot scheme is one of several innovations from Speedpost this year.

Ms Au said from August 1 last year, Speedpost had operated as a trading fund, which gave it more financial autonomy and flexibility.

She said improvements made since then had included expanding the number of service counters in the territories from 37 to 49, and introducing a Speedpost pack which incorporated a customs declaration and required just one form, not several, to be filled in.

'A fax service is soon to be introduced, making service requests quicker and more convenient for businesses,' she said.

'We are also implementing a track and trace system, to be in place by May next year.' Speedpost's express service handled four million packages in the past 12 months making it the third largest post office courier service in the world, behind the United States and Japan.

'The proportion [of business] in relation to our entire operations is small, but Speedpost accounts for 17 per cent of our total revenue,' Ms Au said.

The Speedpost service started in the 1970s, providing a service only for Britain and the US.

It has now expanded to service 74 countries. Since last year the number of cities serviced in China has increased from 280 to 1,500.

'This was because our service network in China has expanded because we share the China Post network in co-operation with the China Post administration,' Ms Au said.

'We are responsible for the collection and posting and China Post handles the delivery.' Speedpost is the widest courier service network in China. Items for Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen and Fuzhou can be delivered as fast as the day after posting.

'We have services to Russia and smaller centres such as those in the Caribbean. We have an obligation to deliver to all destinations, not just the major countries,' Ms Au said.

'Our rates for most countries are cheaper than other operations and our prices are fixed, so no customers are at a disadvantage.

'We also offer a free pick-up service to people who register with us as Speedpost account customers. An initial deposit of $500 is required, plus a monthly administration fee of $200.' SERVICE UPGRADES Speedpost has expanded the number of service counters in the territory from 37 to 49.

Introduction of the Speedpost pack which includes a customs declaration form.

Fax service to be launched soon will help to expedite requests from customers.

An advanced track and trace system for all packages to be installed by May next year.



Speedpost shifts a gear