Warehouse and Logistics News:
Changes to parcelforce’s delivery procedure in relation to signing for and receiving items in the UK
In order to protect both their people and customers as much as possible, Parcelforce will not be handing over their hand-held devices to customers to capture electronic signatures. Their drivers will instead log the first and last name of the person accepting the item, then put ‘XP1’ in the signature field, and then will record the geolocation of the delivery. This will apply to all deliveries that normally require a signature.
If recipients are unable to come to the door or are self-isolating, Parcelforce will post a customer contact card in the normal way, advising of other ways the recipient can arrange to get their item. For example, by getting a friend or family member (who is not resident with someone who is self-isolating) to collect the parcel from their local Parcelforce depot or Post Office branch, as specified on the card. They will need to bring along the card that was left and a form of ID in the name of the person the item is addressed to. Examples of suitable ID are specified on the card.
Suspension of UK service guarantee
Due to the current situation, there are significant impacts on Parcelforce’s ability to maintain all their usual service levels. They will continue offering their services, receiving and delivering parcels for their customers but there may be disruptions to some services under current conditions.
As a result, Parcelforce have now suspended their service guarantees but will seek to ensure ‘all reasonable endeavours’ to maintain service levels where they can.
The actions being taken are:
Same day ad hoc collections will be suspended, however you can still book an ad hoc collection for the next working day. Parcelforce asks that parcels are immediately ready for collection so that they can be collected as efficiently as possible.
Timed services will be reviewed and where possible maintained but you will be informed of restrictions. Changes may be staged as the situation evolves, keeping next working day morning services in place for now.
Contingency plans
In the event Parcelforce need to close one of their sites, this decision would be made in line with Public Health England guidance. Parcelforce Worldwide has many years’ experience of contingency planning for a number of different scenarios. Parcelforce will follow the Government’s advice and work closely with the relevant authorities. Not only that, but Parcelforce has extensive experience in being able to quickly deploy business contingency plans so they can continue to provide customers with access to their services.
