Impatient customers and retailers and carriers trying to satisfy them. It’s the continual battle of wills between retailer and carrier as they seek to get the balance right and it’s a theme of the newsletter once again this week.
First, we have Waitrose & Partners launching a same-day delivery service with a curated grocery range for customers in selected areas of London. On the carrier side is the news that UPS is extending its pick-up times for the UK and Europe. The move will see an additional eight hours of pick-up times for some areas, which the company says should make a particular difference to small businesses. It’s part of a wider infrastructure and expansion project for UPS in its European network.
As it seeks to manage its planned growth parcel delivery company DPD has opened its largest distribution centre to date. The new DC has opened at EuroCentral near Glasgow and is capable of processing more than 45,000 parcels a day. It’s the 31st purpose built depot since 2012.
Of course everyone wanting more goods, faster puts pressure on the driver network too. This week Hermes UK has announced a 12-month apprentice programme to train up LGV drivers as it seeks to solve driver shortages within the sector and better manage its growth.
Finally, such growth isn’t just confined to the UK and Europe with news that by the end of this year Blue Dart, a subsidiary of Deutsche Post DHL Group will have the reach to deliver to all homes in India following rising demand for deliveries in lower-tier towns in India.
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