Parcelforce builds additional capacity to handle larger parcels

When CityLink went bust on Christmas Day a couple of years ago they left a hole in the courier market which has never really been filled. CityLink were one of the few couriers with whom it was possible to negotiate decent rates for what’s known in the industry as “dirty” freight. That is the parcels which are oversized, heavy or just plain awkward shapes – anything that’s not a cuboid and didn’t meet the shoe box or mailing bag profile that couriers love because they’re relatively easy to process.

Now the Royal Mail owned courier, Parcelforce Worldwide have announced that they’re stepping up to the mark to meet demand for awkward and oversize parcels. they are building significant additional capacity to handle and deliver larger parcels.

The move is in response to customer feedback that shows increasing demand for carriers who are able to handle larger parcels; and some delivery operators reducing the maximum size they will accept into their network. The feedback also showed that a lack of suitable carriers has led to some retailers restricting the products they sell online, as they struggle to find a carrier to deliver larger items. Quality of service across the sector was also thought to be below expectation for larger parcels than for standard sized parcels.

With confidence in e-commerce fuelling demand for larger items, the additional capacity means that businesses can benefit from having a one-stop solution without the need to use multiple carriers, saving time, money and improving efficiency.

Research carried out by Parcelforce found that price was the main reason why businesses would choose to use a single carrier for their deliveries. Nearly half, (47%) said they would choose a single provider because of the cost savings. Other reasons include good service (20%) and convenience (17%).

You’ll still get Parcelforce’s tracking and interactive delivery notification service as items are scanned from collection through to delivery. Customers will also have the option to reschedule a delivery or opt for the parcel to be left with a neighbour.

Parcelforce Worldwide say that they are committed to being a responsive business that develops services to meet the changing demands of its customers.

We haven’t seen pricing yet or had an indication of when the service will launch but it could be welcomed by many sellers who have seen couriers reject oversize or awkwardly shaped parcels in the past.