Starting from 1 January, 2025, Ukrposhta will radically change its approach to tariffing domestic parcels. For the first time in the company’s history and in the Ukrainian postal market, the cost of a parcel will depend not on its weight but on the volume of the box it is packed in. The weight of the parcel will be used exclusively to control the safety of the parcel, as well as for operational processes related to the specifics of parcel sorting and transportation.

These changes became possible due to the modernization of the sorting system, which was fully automated in 2024.

Domestic parcels will be shipped under two tariff plans: “Basic” and “Priority”. Parcels under the "Priority” tariff will be processed with higher priority and delivered within the shortest possible time. The “Basic” tariff will be the most affordable on the postal market, especially for customers who send goods that are not expensive.

How will the cost of the postal item be determined?

The cost will depend on the volume of the box in which the parcel is packed. Ukrposhta will apply a single volume tariff regardless of the weight of the parcel. The maximum weight of a parcel should be up to 30 kg. Parcels over 30 kg are transported on pallets in accordance with the tariffs for palletised shipments.

The volume of the package is calculated in cubic centimetres by multiplying the length, width and height of the box.

What are the benefits for customers?

Simplicity and predictability. The new approach to tariffs is easy to understand and loyal to customers, as there is no need to calculate the cost of a shipment based on weight or dimensional weight, as in other companies on the market. This approach has long been used in many countries around the world, including market leaders such as FedEx and UPS.

Convenience. There is no more need to weigh the parcel accurately – it is enough to know its approximate weight. In addition, customers will be able to send more for the same price, as the tariff does not depend on weight. Simply put, no matter what you put in the box, the weight will not affect the cost of the parcel. And you can calculate the rate using a simple ruler.

Speed and reliability. Due to the automated sorting lines, parcels will be delivered faster, and the risks of losses or errors that are possible with manual sorting are minimised.

Honesty. Now, there is no need to pay for 10 kg when the parcel weighs only 3 kg, or for 30 kg when it weighs only 11 kg. Unlike other operators, Ukrposhta has eight levels of the tariff so that customers do not overpay.

Prices are less than the minimum. Ukrposhta’s tariffs remain the most optimal on the market, and the new approach to tariffication will make them even more profitable for customers. The lowest tariff will remain unchanged from 1 January, 2025. At the same time, to make shipping in our new packaging more pleasant, the packaging tariff is half that of competitors.

“At Ukrposhta, we call the new approach to determining the cost of shipments “weightless tariffs”. Why is that? Firstly, the tariffs literally no longer depend on weight. Our customers can now send as much as they can fit in a box and not think about every extra gram – one tariff, more options. Secondly, we will continue to provide the most favourable prices on the market so that everyone can enjoy quality delivery without overpayments. Check it out and see for yourself!” – said Igor Smelyansky, Director General of Ukrposhta.

Let us remind you that since November, Ukrposhta has updated the procedure for packaging and labelling postal items in connection with the transition to automated processing of most parcels.

If a customer brings a parcel that is not packaged according to the standard (for example, in a “garbage bag”, round package or box with protruding elements), the operator offers to pack the parcel additionally. For this purpose, we use packages or boxes at the lowest prices on the market and in some cases we offer them free of charge.

Non-standard packaging, such as “garbage bags”, can get stuck in the rollers of automated sorting lines, resulting in breakage. Round packages roll off the lines, disrupting the sorting process. Customers can still send parcels in a “garbage bag”, but they will be processed manually, which will increase the cost of the service by UAH 50 according to the tariff. Instead, Ukrposhta offers affordable packaging that can be purchased directly at the post office at the lowest prices on the market. For example, a 24×20×16 cm box costs UAH 5, a 69×42×39 cm box costs UAH 50 and packages measuring 24×19 cm, 32×24 cm, and 40×30 cm are provided free of charge.

The company offers two types of packaging:

• Standard: It is provided free of charge or at a discount for the parcel acceptance service. Standard packaging can also be purchased separately for a minimal price.
• Durable and environmentally friendly packaging: can be used with the parcel acceptance service or purchased separately.

These updates are aimed at ensuring the smooth operation of automated lines and customer convenience.