Swiss Post CH tracking

What is Swiss Post?

Swiss Post, also called La Poste Suisse, is the national postal operator of the Swiss Confederation. This public limited company, headquartered in Berne, is entirely owned by the Swiss Confederation. Holding the monopoly on letters up to 50 grams, Swiss Post has established itself as an essential player in the country's logistics and financial landscape, offering a comprehensive range of services from traditional mail to banking solutions and passenger transport.

The history of Swiss Post dates back to the creation of the modern federal state. The 1848 Federal Constitution established the centralization of the postal system as a mission of the Confederation, ending the multiple cantonal postal administrations that existed previously. On January 1, 1849, 17 regional postal administrations were merged to create a single national entity. At that time, Swiss Post already had 1,500 offices and 2,803 employees with federal civil servant status. The federal postal service became fully operational in 1850, with profits returned to the cantons until the 1874 constitutional revision.

Over the decades, the company underwent profound transformations. Telegraphy was integrated in 1851, followed by telephony in 1880. In 1927, the postal and telegraph administrations officially merged to form the PTT, the Posts, Telephones and Telegraphs. Before their dissolution, the PTT employed nearly 60,000 employees, making it the largest employer in the country, with approximately 3,600 post offices. On January 1, 1998, a major restructuring divided the PTT into two separate entities: Swiss Post, responsible for mail distribution, financial services and postal bus operations, and Swisscom, dedicated to telecommunications.

• Date of creation: January 1, 1849, following the centralization of cantonal postal services by the 1848 Federal Constitution
• Legal status: Public limited company owned 100% by the Swiss Confederation
• Headquarters: Berne, Switzerland
• Workforce: Approximately 45,000 to 54,000 employees depending on calculation parameters, distributed across all linguistic regions and cantons
• Annual volume: Nearly 200 million parcels and more than 1.5 billion letters processed each year
• Network: More than 700 PickPost points, thousands of post offices and partner agencies throughout Switzerland

Swiss Post is today organized into several complementary business sectors. PostMail provides universal postal service including letter shipments, direct mail and marketing services. PostLogistics manages parcel and goods logistics with modern infrastructure including several automated sorting centers. PostFinance, the financial services division, provides payment, savings, pension and financing solutions to individuals and Swiss businesses. CarPostal operates Switzerland's largest regional and school bus network, with approximately 10,450 kilometers of routes and over 105 million passengers transported annually. The company also has international subsidiaries such as Swiss Post Solutions, specialized in business process outsourcing and present in around fifteen countries.

The Universal Postal Union, headquartered in Berne since its founding in 1874, has regularly ranked Swiss Post among the world's best postal services, testifying to the quality of its services and its exemplary integration into the global postal network. This international recognition reflects the company's constant commitment to operational excellence and logistics innovation.

To which countries does Swiss Post deliver?

Swiss Post ensures particularly extensive geographic coverage, both on national territory and at the international level. In mainland Switzerland, the carrier serves all municipalities without exception, from major agglomerations such as Zurich, Geneva or Basel to the most isolated Alpine villages. This distribution takes place six days a week, Monday to Saturday, thus guaranteeing universal access to postal services for the entire Swiss population.

The geographic particularity of Switzerland, with its mountainous regions and enclosed valleys, has led Swiss Post to develop innovative logistics solutions to maintain service quality in hard-to-reach areas. The carrier uses a combination of transport methods including electric vehicles in urban areas, traditional trucks for long distances, and even drone delivery tests for the most remote regions. This multimodal approach ensures reliable distribution across the entire territory, regardless of topography.

Internationally, Swiss Post offers shipping services to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, provided that the postal service in the destination country is not interrupted by particular circumstances such as armed conflicts, natural disasters or lack of transport options. The Priority Express service reaches these destinations with tracking included and transit times between 24 and 72 hours for the most urgent shipments.

• Switzerland: Complete coverage of Swiss territory, including Monaco and Liechtenstein for certain services
• Neighboring countries: France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein with possible delivery from the next day following deposit via Swiss Post GLS
• Europe: All countries of the European Union and European Economic Area with standard delivery times of 2 to 5 business days
• International: More than 220 countries and territories served worldwide, with delivery times varying from 2 to 15 days for Europe and up to 30 days for the most distant destinations

It is important to note certain territorial particularities. Campione d'Italia and Büsingen-am-Hochrhein, although geographically enclosed in Swiss territory, belong respectively to Italy and Germany. Shipments to these destinations are therefore routed through the national postal services of these countries, namely Poste Italiane and Deutsche Post. Swiss Post maintains close partnerships with these operators to ensure smooth parcel transfers at borders.

Swiss Post's integration into the global postal network is strengthened by its active participation in the Universal Postal Union headquartered in Berne. This international cooperation ensures cross-border mail and parcel routing based on multilateral agreements and bilateral partnerships with the national postal operators of each destination country. Information systems are adapted to facilitate customs clearance and international traceability, thus offering complete visibility on the route of shipments.

What are the Swiss Post delivery services and timeframes?

Swiss Post offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to all needs, whether for individuals or professionals. This diversity allows shippers to choose the most appropriate option based on their delivery time, budget and security constraints. Each service has its own characteristics in terms of shipping speed, guarantees and additional options.

The PostPac Priority service is the flagship offering for domestic shipments requiring fast delivery. This service guarantees delivery the next business day for parcels up to 30 kilograms deposited before the acceptance deadline. PostPac Priority parcels benefit from complete insurance coverage up to 50,000 Swiss francs, making it a particularly suitable solution for valuable shipments. Distribution takes place Monday to Friday, with Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays not covered by this service.

For shippers with more flexibility on delivery times, the PostPac Economy service represents an interesting economical alternative. Delivery generally takes place within two to three business days following deposit. Economy parcels deposited on Saturday are distributed the following Wednesday, which helps optimize shipping costs while maintaining reasonable delivery times. This service is particularly suitable for non-urgent shipments or regular merchandise shipments.

• PostPac Priority: Guaranteed delivery the next business day in Switzerland for parcels up to 30 kg, with insurance up to CHF 50,000
• PostPac Economy: Delivery in 2 to 3 business days, economical solution for non-urgent shipments
• Swiss-Express Moon: Premium express service with guaranteed delivery the next business day before 9:00 AM, available Monday to Saturday
• Swiss-Express: Delivery options in the morning before 12:00 PM, at noon before 2:00 PM, or end of day depending on needs
• PostPac International: Shipping service abroad with delivery times of 2 to 15 days for Europe and up to 30 days for the rest of the world
• Registered shipments: Full tracking with signature on delivery, ideal for important documents and shipments requiring proof of receipt

For the most urgent shipments, Swiss-Express Moon represents the premium service par excellence. This option guarantees delivery the next business day before 9:00 AM, Monday to Saturday inclusive. This service is particularly popular with companies having production constraints or strict contractual commitments regarding delivery times. Swiss-Express also offers variants with morning delivery, noon delivery or end-of-day delivery, allowing the reception slot to be adapted to the recipient's availability.

Internationally, delivery times naturally vary depending on the destination and service chosen. For European countries, Swiss Post announces delivery times of 2 to 15 business days, while more distant destinations may require up to 30 days. These estimates may be extended by a few additional days depending on international customs procedures and security controls. The Priority Express service to more than 220 countries offers reduced delivery times of 24 to 72 hours with tracking included.

It should be noted that Swiss Post, in accordance with its general terms and conditions, assumes no contractual responsibility for delivery delays. In exceptional cases such as difficult weather conditions, strikes or infrastructure overload, delivery times may be extended without this opening the right to compensation. This standard clause in the postal industry encourages shippers to anticipate their shipments for important occasions.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Swiss Post?

Swiss Post applies a pricing structure based on weight, dimensions and service chosen. Rates are regularly adjusted to reflect the evolution of operating costs and universal service constraints. It is recommended to consult the Swiss Post official website to find out current rates.

For domestic parcels, Swiss Post offers services at different price levels depending on delivery urgency. The faster PostPac Priority service is naturally more expensive than the PostPac Economy service. As an indication, an Economy parcel up to 2 kilograms costs approximately 9 Swiss francs. Swiss Post strives to maintain affordable rates while ensuring the quality of its services.

International shipping rates vary depending on the destination zone and shipment weight. For example, a shipment up to 100 grams to Europe costs a few Swiss francs, while more distant destinations entail higher rates.

• Standard PostPac parcels: Maximum dimensions of 60 x 60 x 100 cm with a maximum weight of 30 kg
• Recommended minimum dimensions: Thickness of 1 cm, minimum weight of 100 g, A6 format or 10.5 x 14.8 cm
• Oversized shipments: Up to 250 cm length and 400 cm girth, not exceeding 30 kg
• PostPac International: Weight up to 30 kg depending on destinations, some countries limited to 20 kg or 10 kg
• Oversize surcharges: CHF 100 excluding VAT for parcels up to 40 kg, CHF 135 excluding VAT over 40 kg

Swiss Post encourages the use of its online services by offering attractive discounts. When creating parcel labels via the online service, the Post-App application or My Post 24 terminals, a discount of approximately 1.50 to 2 Swiss francs applies depending on the service type chosen. These discounts encourage customers to favor digital channels, which allows Swiss Post to optimize its logistics processes.

Swiss Post regularly offers promotional offers and advantages to retain its customer base. Individuals who frank their parcels via the application or online may benefit from credits on their customer account or free home collection services. SMEs also have preferential rates for parcels franked online. It is advisable to consult the official website to find out about current promotions.

Regarding dimensions, parcels exceeding the standard format of 60 x 60 x 100 cm are considered oversized and subject to specific pricing. Also classified as oversized are shipments over 100 cm in length, those with two dimensions exceeding 60 cm, shipments with floating address labels and unpackaged shipments. These particularities allow Swiss Post to handle shipments of very varied sizes while adapting its logistics to handling constraints.

What are the Swiss Post delivery options?

Swiss Post has developed a comprehensive range of delivery options to adapt to contemporary lifestyles and professional constraints of its customers. This flexibility is a major asset for the carrier, allowing recipients to receive their parcels according to their preferences and availability, without being forced to stay home to receive a shipment.

Home delivery remains the traditional and most widespread option. The postman delivers the parcel directly to the indicated address, either hand-delivered to the recipient, or in the mailbox if dimensions permit, or in a previously defined secure location. If absent, a delivery notice is left and the parcel is made available at the nearest post office or forwarded to an alternative pickup point according to the recipient's stated preferences.

The PickPost network is a particularly popular alternative for active people. With more than 700 PickPost points spread throughout post offices, CFF stations and partner service stations, recipients can choose to have their parcels delivered to the address that suits them best. This service is free and allows you to pick up your shipments during the opening hours of the access points, often more extended than those of traditional post offices.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution to the recipient's address, Monday to Friday, with possibility of deposit in a safe place
• PickPost points: More than 700 pickup points at CFF stations, post offices and service stations throughout Switzerland
• My Post 24 lockers: Automatic parcel lockers accessible 24/7 for depositing and retrieving parcels independently
• My Shipments service: Online management of delivery preferences, free redirection to another pickup point
• Pick@home: Home collection service for pre-franked parcels, free for shipments franked online
• Reordering delivery: Ability to agree on a time slot or second attempt via the application

My Post 24 lockers represent the most flexible solution for recipients with busy schedules. These automatic parcel lockers allow you to deposit and retrieve parcels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, independently. To use this service, simply create a customer account on the My Post portal of Swiss Post and verify your address with a code received within three business days. As soon as a parcel arrives in the locker, the recipient receives an email or SMS containing a QR code to scan on the terminal to automatically open the compartment.

My Post 24 compartments exist in different sizes, up to the XL format measuring 74.5 x 44 x 61 cm for screen terminals and 83 x 44 x 55 cm for terminals without screens. Shipments exceeding these dimensions are automatically redirected to the nearest pickup point, usually a post office. This service is exclusively reserved for individuals residing in Switzerland.

The My Shipments service allows you to manage all your delivery preferences from a single interface. Recipients can decide when and how their parcels and registered shipments are delivered to them, choose to receive them at a PickPost address or in a My Post 24 locker, and receive electronic notifications at each stage of routing. Redirection of shipments and collection at different points are entirely free, offering maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

The Post-App application completes this ecosystem by allowing you to track, manage and frank letters and parcels in just a few clicks. It facilitates in particular the use of Pick@home and My Post 24 services and provides an overview of all ongoing postal transactions. This digitalization of services meets the expectations of modern consumers accustomed to managing their purchases and deliveries from their smartphone.

What should I do if my Swiss Post parcel is lost or damaged?

Despite Swiss Post's high quality standards, it can happen that a parcel is damaged during transport or never arrives at its destination. In these situations, the carrier has implemented complaint procedures allowing shippers and recipients to obtain explanations and, if necessary, compensation. The speed and accuracy with which you report the problem directly influence the chances of a favorable resolution.

In case of suspected loss of a shipment, the first step is to check the tracking status online on the post.ch website or via the Post-App application. If no movement has been recorded for several days and the expected delivery time is exceeded by more than two days, you can initiate an investigation request. This is possible for domestic shipments with barcodes up to one year after the shipment date. For international shipments, keep your proof of deposit which will be necessary to build your file.

For damaged parcels, it is crucial to keep the original packaging as well as the damaged contents. These elements constitute essential evidence for examination of your complaint by Swiss Post services. Report the damage immediately, ideally within days of receipt, by photographing the condition of the parcel and its contents before any complete unpacking.

• Deadline for filing a complaint: Up to 6 months after shipment for standard investigations, 12 months maximum for loss or theft cases
• Required documents: Tracking number, proof of deposit for international shipments, photos of damaged parcel and packaging
• Standard parcel compensation: Up to CHF 500 for ordinary parcels
• Signed parcel compensation: Up to CHF 1,500
• International shipments under 2 kg: Optional insurance up to CHF 150
• International shipments over 2 kg: Automatic insurance up to CHF 1,000
• Professional customers: Optional insurance up to CHF 3,000

The complaint procedure can be carried out in several ways. You can contact your usual contact at Swiss Post if you are a professional customer, visit the nearest post office with all necessary information, or fill out the online complaint form on the Swiss Post website. The Contact Center is also reachable by phone at +41 848 888 888, Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Once the complaint is filed, Swiss Post conducts a thorough investigation. For a loss, the carrier performs a search throughout its entire logistics network. If the parcel is found, it is delivered to the recipient. If not, compensation is offered according to the declared value of the contents and applicable transport terms and conditions. For damage, Swiss Post proposes depending on the extent of the damage a repair, replacement or financial compensation.

Professional customers have access to a dedicated online service called Investigation Summary which allows real-time monitoring of the status of all complaints submitted. Access to this service requires a professional customer login and provides complete visibility of pending cases, decisions made and compensation paid. This transparency facilitates administrative management of disputes for companies shipping large volumes.

It is important to note that certain goods are not insurable by Swiss Post, in particular electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. For these high-value items, it is recommended to take out additional insurance with a third-party insurer or choose a specialized transport service offering extended guarantees.

Does Swiss Post handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Swiss Post offers a comprehensive range of solutions for international shipments, accompanied by an integrated customs clearance service that considerably simplifies administrative formalities for shippers and recipients. Since Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, commercial exchanges with neighboring countries and the rest of the world are subject to customs controls that Swiss Post helps navigate effectively.

For shipments abroad, Swiss Post offers several levels of service adapted to different needs. The PostPac International service allows shipping parcels up to 30 kilograms to most destinations worldwide, with some countries limited to 20 kg or 10 kg depending on local regulations. This service automatically includes signature on receipt and liability coverage up to 500 Swiss francs in case of loss or damage. For small merchandise shipments up to 2 kg, specific options exist with total dimensions not exceeding 90 cm.

Customs declaration is a mandatory step for any international shipment. For parcels, customs information must be attached to the outside of the package in the form of form CN22 or CN23 depending on the value of goods, or in the form of a commercial invoice. Form CN23 is required for all shipments with a commodity value exceeding 1,000 Swiss francs. These documents must detail precisely the contents, their value and origin to allow customs authorities to apply appropriate duties and taxes.

• CN22 declaration: For low-value shipments, simplified form indicating contents and value
• CN23 declaration: Mandatory for shipments valued over CHF 1,000, detailed declaration with merchandise description
• Commercial invoice: Additional document required for commercial shipments, certifying the value of goods
• EU customs clearance fees: CHF 13 for clearance service plus 3% surcharge on merchandise value
• Customs clearance fees other countries: CHF 16 for clearance service plus 3% surcharge on merchandise value
• VAT exemption threshold: Tax amounts up to 5 Swiss francs not collected, i.e. a tax base of approximately CHF 62 at the normal rate of 8.1%

Swiss Post charges service fees for processing customs on incoming shipments. For parcels from European Union countries and their overseas territories, these fees amount to 13 Swiss francs to which is added a 3% surcharge calculated on the value of goods. For shipments from other countries, the base fee increases to 16 francs, with the 3% surcharge remaining the same. Additional fees of 20 francs may apply if the information provided by the shipper is incomplete and requires inspection or value assessment by Swiss Post.

Swiss VAT is due at the time of importation for goods exceeding the exemption threshold. The normal rate is 8.1% while a reduced rate of 2.6% applies to certain product categories. Payment can be made in cash (Swiss francs or euros) or by credit card, unless the recipient has a VAT account opened with the Federal Customs Administration.

An important development marked Swiss international trade on January 1, 2024 with the elimination of import duties on industrial products, regardless of merchandise origin. This measure simplifies commercial exchanges and reduces costs for manufacturers importing goods, with only VAT remaining due according to usual rules.

Gifts between individuals may benefit from complete exemption from duties and taxes under certain strict conditions: the sender abroad and the recipient in Switzerland must both be individuals, the value of goods must not exceed 100 francs excluding shipping costs, the article must be clearly identified as a gift, and the parcel must not contain alcohol or tobacco. For any questions regarding customs clearance, the Swiss Post International customer service is reachable at +41 848 639 639 or by email at [email protected].

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Swiss Post parcel online, different statuses may appear during shipping. These indications allow you to know precisely the position of your shipment in the logistics chain and anticipate its delivery date. Here are the main statuses and their meanings: