Introduced to civilization
Mobile branches – a necessity for rural areas
Mobile branch (MPO) is a fully functional branch that visits small villages and hamlets with a population of up to 1200 residents. Mobile branches are needed so that people in even the most remote and smallest settlements in Ukraine can access all the postal, logistical, and financial services they need.
Why is this needed in the village?
Ukrposhta — the only national postal operator with 100% coverage. For residents of villages, towns, and hamlets, the post is the place where you can get all services. Because of the low population density, there is no basic infrastructure there: pharmacies, banks, stores, and other amenities of civilization. Ukrposhta has taken as its goal to significantly impact the level of development of villages, and therefore transformed stationary mail into a new format, thanks to which it is possible to receive 100% modern services right at home.
The mobile unit delivers medicines, periodicals and packages, accepts payment for utility bills and more. Thanks to mobile units, small business is developing in villages — you can ship your goods by mail anywhere in the country and abroad.
Successful experience in Ukraine
Since 2018, the project has been successfully operating in the Chernihiv, Kyiv, Kherson, Odesa, Zakarpattia, Cherkasy, and Chernivtsi regions. Services are provided at designated locations as well as near the homes of residents in villages and settlements. Ukrposhta offers full-time employment, the use of a modern vehicle for travel, and the opportunity to earn bonuses through incentive programs.
100% modern services will be available even in the most remote corners of the country
Logistics Services
- Receiving and delivering letters, parcels, and international shipments up to 30 kg.
Financial services
- Payment for utilities.
- Pension and social assistance payments.
- Cell phone bill payment.
- Credit account payments.
- Accepting and disbursing postal transfers.
- Insurance and other payments.
Additional services
- Sale of postal products (envelopes, stamps, packaging).
- Prepayment and delivery of periodicals.
- Delivery of bills, advertisements, and/or informational products.
- Delivery of medications.
- Sale of goods (groceries, household chemicals, clothing, etc.).
Both clients and employees are satisfied with the format.
Nina Korniievska
Mail carrier of the PVPZ-70 team, Chernihiv branch
«At first, it was very scary. But, to my surprise, everything worked out well. The people we serve are very open and friendly. The changes were initially received unwillingly, but later we got used to them and now we only receive positive feedback at our address, because we try to strictly adhere to the schedule and deliver everything on time.
"Previously, I had to carry everything by hand and walk tens of kilometers a day; now, it’s much more convenient—a vehicle takes me wherever I need to go in comfort. Furthermore, I can sell more goods—after all, you can’t carry much by hand, so I used to take only what had been pre-ordered. Now, I load up everything that fits in the vehicle, including extra stock beyond the specific orders. People show interest and make purchases. Naturally, this is reflected in my pay: the more I sell, the higher the bonus I receive. Overall, since the switch to the mobile service model, my earnings have increased by about 1.5 times."
Olha Kominа
Mail carrier of the village PVPZ 75, Chernihiv branch
"In 2018, when the rollout of mobile post offices began, I was offered the position of village mail carrier as part of mobile unit 75. I enjoy the work, so I accepted without hesitation—I’m not afraid of responsibility or hard work. Moreover, I appreciate the sense of being part of something new and knowing that I am making a difference for people."
Is it difficult to work at a mobile post office branch? Any job is difficult if you perform it to a high standard. There is no place for slackers at the post office. Personally, I put my heart and soul into my work, and the clients reward me tenfold by actively using our company’s services. As a result, our mobile branch meets its targets, and we receive bonuses and recognition. For instance, last year I was named the best postal carrier in the region for retail sales. On average, I generate 14,000–20,000 UAH in sales per month. For this, I received a commendation and a bicycle as a gift. It is gratifying to know that one’s work and contributions are valued. I also meet the targets for subscription sales.
"I am welcomed with joy in every courtyard; for instance, someone might need help figuring out how to use a blood-pressure monitor—or ordering a new one if the old one breaks—while someone else might need to make an urgent payment or purchase an item. One should embrace changes positively and look toward the future with optimism, as negative thoughts and attitudes only harm both one’s endeavors and one’s health."
Valentyna Ivanivna
Resident of the village Tikhonovychi, Chernihiv region
"Before the mail started arriving by vehicle, we were served by two mail carriers. Now, our pensions and all other necessities are brought to us by car. Both the staff members and the driver provide services, and there are no queues. When they arrive, they stop in the center of the village, near the shop, where many people are already waiting for them. One of the staff members goes inside the building, while the others provide services outdoors. Afterward, they travel around the village to deliver mail to those who are no longer able to walk. They have been serving us this way for over a year now, and there hasn't been a single delay. They run like clockwork—everything arrives right on time, even in bad weather. We are very satisfied."
Nadiya Vasilivna
Resident of the village Sahutivka, Chernihiv region
"I couldn’t ask for a better driver or mail carrier. They are always friendly, attentive, and polite. When they arrive, they stop by the shop, then drive through the village to deliver mail to those who are no longer able to get around on their own. We are very satisfied. They run like clockwork—even in bad weather, everything arrives right on time. There hasn’t been a single delay."
142 postal services around the world have used and continue to use this format.
Mobile branches are indispensable in areas where there are no shopping centers, pharmacies, banks, or stores with a wide selection of products. “Ukrposhta on wheels” literally connects residents of small villages and hamlets with the outside world. And most importantly, our customers are grateful to Ukrposhta for this.
According to the Universal Postal Union, 142 postal administrations worldwide have used—and continue to use—mobile post offices, including vehicles for rural delivery. These include the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Austria, the United States, the Baltic states, Hungary, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Switzerland, and others.
Great Britain
Post Office of the United Kingdom – this is 11 500 postal departments of different formats, including mobile ones.
Australia
Has 2 types of mobile postal departments
FAQ
A "point of presence" is a facility—either owned by Ukrposhta or made available to it for use or lease—located in a village, where the manager of a mobile post office branch can provide customers with all postal and financial services according to a schedule established for that locality.
A base location is a district center from which the necessary number of routes originate to provide prompt, high-quality service to clients within that district. Depending on the region, there may be 10 or more such base locations.
If a settlement has a facility for providing Ukrposhta services, the branch manager will work there on the days the mobile branch arrives and will also provide services. In settlements where the mobile branch’s operating hours are insufficient, a permanent local postal worker will be on duty—even on days when the Ukrposhta vehicle does not arrive.
