local letterbox strikes logistics partnership ahead of launch

Parcel delivery service local letterbox has struck a partnership with a logistics company to support its network of parcel shops and parcelpods when it launches later this year.

Norbert Dentressangle will work with local letterbox as it develops both its transport and sorting operations.

Local letterbox’s drop off points develop a theme already established by a range of locker bank companies, from ByBox to InPost. But they will also add changing rooms, which shoppers can use to try on purchases before returning them straightaway if necessary, and trained staff who can advise on collections, returns and deliveries.

Peter Strang from Norbert Dentressangle said it saw local letterbox’s operations filling a gap in the online retailing market.

“With its own delivery logistics partner, local letterbox will be open to everyone regardless of where they choose to shop online and there will be no additional charge to the customer over and above the retailers’ own P&P charges for them to use the parcel shops and parcelpods,” he said.

Local letterbox has said it will open at least 500 parcelpods across the UK this year in locations from supermarkets and gyms to railway stations and universities. It has also unveiled the first details of its pricing, a flat rate £2.99 for all parcels up to 20kgs.

Zoë Ombler, of local letterbox, said: “Customers will be able to pick up and return parcels via local letterbox at no extra cost. If the retailer offers them free delivery and returns, they will get free delivery and returns with us too.”