Australia Post is promising a more reliable, but not necessarily faster, parcel service this Christmas.

Multi-million dollar upgrades to sites in Sydney and Melbourne will more than double the capacity to process parcels.

“We can now handle around 1.3 million items through these facilities per day, up from 520,000,” Australia Post MD, Ahmad Fahour, said.

Fahour says parcel tracking and redirection will also be improved as a result.

“Each and every parcel that enters our network in NSW and Victoria will benefit from the extensive upgrade,” he said.

“Last year we processed record parcel volumes over Christmas and we expect to do so again this year as more Australians shop online.”

AAP