Australia Post vs. courier services: what small businesses need to know
For most Australian small and medium businesses, the question isn't whether Australia Post is good — it's whether a dedicated courier suits how you actually ship. The two models differ most in how parcels are collected, how pricing works, and who you reach when there's a problem.
Network and coverage
Australia Post has the largest delivery footprint in the country and a Post Office in almost every suburb. Courier networks are smaller but focused. MailPlus operates franchised territories across all metro areas and selected regional areas, with approximately 300 vehicles across 120+ franchises Australia-wide. Through partnerships with leading overnight carriers, MailPlus delivers 1–2 business days Australia-wide.
Pickup and collection
This is the clearest difference. With the Post Office model you generally drop parcels at a counter or depot. A courier with local drivers collects from you. MailPlus offers same-day collection through a local owner-operator — and uniquely, it also bridges the two: through its Post Office collect & lodge service, MailPlus picks up and lodges your Australia Post mail and parcels for you, so you skip the queue entirely.
How does MailPlus compare to Australia Post?
| Australia Post | MailPlus | |
|---|---|---|
| Network & coverage | Largest footprint; a Post Office in almost every suburb | Franchised territories across all metro & selected regional areas; ~300 vehicles across 120+ franchises, plus partnerships with leading overnight carriers |
| Pickup | You drop parcels at a counter or depot | Same-day collection from a local owner-operator |
| Post Office lodgement | You queue and lodge yourself | MailPlus collects & lodges your Australia Post mail and parcels for you |
| Pricing | Varies by weight and zone, with possible surcharges | Flat-rate up to 5kg (heavier items up to 20kg) |
| Delivery speed | Varies by service | 1–2 business days Australia-wide, 95% overnight |
| Support | General customer service | Named local owner-operator + local head-office team, no bots |
Support and accountability
With a large network you typically get general customer service. MailPlus pairs you with a local owner-operator who knows your business, backed by a local head-office support team with fast, real-person responses — no long hold times and no bots.
Skip the Post Office queue
MailPlus collects and lodges your Australia Post mail and parcels for you — with same-day collection from a local owner-operator.
Explore Post Office collect & lodge →