Ensuring the universal service 

Rapid solutions in difficult situations

Devastating storms, mudslides, buried roads: the year 2024 presented Swiss Post with major challenges in some places. But thanks to precision logistics and the valiant efforts of employees, it was possible to maintain provision of the universal service to the public – sometimes calling for unconventional solutions.

Whatever may happen: in times of crisis, Swiss Post proves its ability to find effective solutions quickly. In the summer of 2024, with its numerous storms and heavy rain, such solutions were needed more than once.

Lourtier: mail from the heavens

In July 2024, when a deluge of water washed away the connecting road, the Valais village of Lourtier in Val de Bagnes was cut off from the outside world for over two weeks. Cheese, vegetables and much else was flown to the village by helicopter. As was the mail which the village’s mail carrier took delivery of in front of the branch in Lourtier. But how to distribute the letters and parcels? The mail carrier used her own car – and got her husband to help as well: with a Swiss Post sticker on the family pickup, the two of them together delivered the mail.

Reliable delivery in Brienz

In Brienz, due to heavy rainfall on 12 August, the ground floor of the delivery office was flooded. The staff took refuge on the first floor and couldn’t leave the until late in the evening. The counter area was under water, and rubble and debris were also washed up. Access to the vehicles was blocked. But Swiss Post proved able to take action: the consignments were diverted and the delivery staff made their rounds from a nearby delivery office that was not affected. One day after the disaster, letters were again being processed at the original office – although getting to the room used by the mail carriers from the stairwell, because the service entrance was still blocked by mud and washed-up cars.

Commitment in Baar

On 2 September, a severe storm caused significant flooding at the delivery office in Baar. The fire brigade responded quickly and pumped out the water, so the situation was kept under control. Thanks to efficient internal processes at Swiss Post, there was no significant interruption to operations and mail was delivered on schedule in the morning. But an extra effort was required, with staff working hand in hand to dry 50 to 80 soaked parcels.

Logistics planning put to the test

But it wasn’t only the delivery offices – logistics planning also faced challenges from natural disasters: in July, rounds that normally go over the San Bernardino had to be rerouted via the Gotthard at short notice because sections of the A13 were damaged. For other events, by contrast, longer-term planning was possible: for the high-profile Bürgenstock peace conference and the Road World Championships in Zurich, road closures meant that alternative routes and delivery strategies had to be developed. These situations also placed additional demands on logistics, calling for rapid adaptation to constantly changing conditions in order to ensure deliveries.