Shanghai residents may encounter fewer delays in shipments for online purchases next month, especially around the so-called Singles' Day on November 11, because courier companies have added staff for the peak shopping period, companies said yesterday.

SF Express promised that a parcel will be delivered to consumers in two days within the city while it will take five days between different cities.

FedEx said yesterday that it has hired more delivery men to handle the expected surge in e-commerce volume starting next month.